{"id":2050234,"date":"2026-07-17T18:45:09","date_gmt":"2026-07-17T15:45:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2050234"},"modified":"2026-07-17T18:45:09","modified_gmt":"2026-07-17T15:45:09","slug":"when-hes-good-we-know-how-good-he-is-derek-gee-west-backs-teammate-juan-ayuso-to-make-an-impact-in-the-gc-battle-on-tour-de-france-mountain-stages","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2050234","title":{"rendered":"&#8216;When he&#8217;s good, we know how good he is&#8217; &#8211; Derek Gee-West backs teammate Juan Ayuso to make an impact in the GC battle on Tour de France mountain stages"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sxgP8QCrSgajuMqMiZLyjX-2000-80.jpg&#8221;]<\/p>\n<article class=\"m-0 box-border flex flex-row items-center pr-2.5 gap-[15px] w-[278px] h-20 flex-none upnext-article-divider\" role=\"listitem\" aria-label=\"Recommended article 1 of 3\">\n<div class=\"relative flex-none w-20 h-20\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5wbYcDhxbQvkdFcVyDeQhj-160-80.png.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5wbYcDhxbQvkdFcVyDeQhj-80-80.png.webp 80w\" sizes=\"80px\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex items-center justify-center absolute w-4 h-6 left-0 top-0 bg-white\/90 flex-none z-[1]\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"font-normal text-base leading-[17px] tracking-[1.3px] uppercase text-black flex-none\">1<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex flex-col items-center justify-center gap-1.5 w-[173px] h-20 flex-none\">\n<p class=\"font-article-heading font-medium text-base leading-[21px] text-gray-800 w-[173px] line-clamp-3 group-hover:underline\">\n                                    I can&#8217;t understand why UAE Team Emirates-XRG are riding so much, but Poga\u010dar is so good that he will correct any mistakes in the Alps &#8211; Sean Kelly&#8217;s Tour column\n                                <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"m-0 box-border flex flex-row items-center pr-2.5 gap-[15px] w-[278px] h-20 flex-none upnext-article-divider\" role=\"listitem\" aria-label=\"Recommended article 2 of 3\">\n<div class=\"relative flex-none w-20 h-20\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CYPGxQTakxaJUTn9ufEBUE-160-80.png.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CYPGxQTakxaJUTn9ufEBUE-80-80.png.webp 80w\" sizes=\"80px\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex items-center justify-center absolute w-[18px] h-6 left-0 top-0 bg-white\/90 flex-none z-[1]\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"font-normal text-base leading-[17px] tracking-[1.3px] uppercase text-black flex-none\">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                                    Don&#8217;t be surprised by Poga\u010dar&#8217;s early dominance, history shows it&#8217;s how every serial Tour de France winner succeeds &#8211; Philippa York analysis\n                                <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"m-0 box-border flex flex-row items-center pr-2.5 gap-[15px] w-[278px] h-20 flex-none\" 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\/gkHSxPwpz4uxLUS7YB8cpN-160-80.jpg.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gkHSxPwpz4uxLUS7YB8cpN-80-80.jpg.webp 80w\" sizes=\"80px\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex items-center justify-center absolute w-[18px] h-6 left-0 top-0 bg-white\/90 flex-none z-[1]\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"font-normal text-base leading-[17px] tracking-[1.3px] uppercase text-black flex-none\">3<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex flex-col items-center justify-center gap-1.5 w-[173px] h-20 flex-none\">\n<p class=\"font-article-heading font-medium text-base leading-[21px] text-gray-800 w-[173px] line-clamp-3 group-hover:underline\">\n                                    &#8216;I told him we\u2019ve got to tone it down a bit&#8217; \u2013 Luke Rowe explains why we&#8217;re seeing a more cautious and conservative Paul Seixas at the Tour de France\n                                <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"page-content-onecol flex-1\nnews-article article\n\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"widget-area-group widget-area-group-2col flex flex-wrap box-border\">\n<div id=\"widgetArea16\" class=\"widget-area basis-full md:basis-2\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-2-3 page-widget-area-16\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"hero\" id=\"hero\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-hero widget-hero widget-hero-hero widget-hero widget-hero-fter-news\">\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nTeams &amp; Riders\n<\/li>\n<li>\nLidl-Trek\n<\/li>\n<li>\nDerek Gee-West\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>&#8216;When he&#8217;s good, we know how good he is&#8217; &#8211; Derek Gee-West backs teammate Juan Ayuso to make an impact in the GC battle on Tour de France mountain stages<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"vds-byline-block flex flex-row flex-nowrap my-1.5 gap-2 text-left items-start justify-start\" data-component-name=\"Article:BylineBlock\">\n<p>News<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-auto vds-simple-byline\"><span class=\"inline-block vds-author\"><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nPatrick Fletcher <\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex gap-1 vds-byline-with-avatar__meta\"><span class=\"vds-date block font-normal tracking-normal normal-case text-xs\"><br \/>\nPublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-07-17T18:45:09Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n17 July 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Canadian TT champion in a climbing support role for Lidl-Trek co-leader<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"text-gray-700 flex items-center mx-0 my-5 p-0 justify-start text-left\" id=\"affiliate-disclaimer\" data-component-name=\"AffiliateDisclaimer\" data-hawk-message=\"Affiliate disclaimer removed because hawk deemed there are no affiliate links on this page\">\n<p class=\"text-[color:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--text-color,inherit)] mb-2 text-[length:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--font-size,0.75rem)] leading-[18px] md:text-[13px] [&amp;&gt;a]:text-inherit [&amp;&gt;a]:underline\">\nWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here\u2019s how it works.\n<\/p>\n<\/aside>\n<\/header>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-widget-type=\"contentparsed\" id=\"content\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-contentparsed widget-content widget-contentparsed-content widget-content-parsed widget-content-parsed-content_document \">\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<section class=\"content-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"box less-space hero-image-wrapper\">\n<figure class=\"mb-0\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sxgP8QCrSgajuMqMiZLyjX-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sxgP8QCrSgajuMqMiZLyjX-1600-80.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sxgP8QCrSgajuMqMiZLyjX-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sxgP8QCrSgajuMqMiZLyjX-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sxgP8QCrSgajuMqMiZLyjX-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sxgP8QCrSgajuMqMiZLyjX-750-80.jpg.webp 750w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sxgP8QCrSgajuMqMiZLyjX-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sxgP8QCrSgajuMqMiZLyjX-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sxgP8QCrSgajuMqMiZLyjX-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 600px, 100vw\" \/><figcaption class=\"font-article-copy text-(--image--text--color) font-article-copy mt-2\"><span class=\"caption-text font-article-copy\">Derek Gee-West and Juan Ayuso at the Tour de France 2026<\/span><span class=\"credit font-article-copy\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\"text-copy bodyCopy auto paywall-locker\">\n<div data-analytics-id=\"utility-bar\" id=\"utility-bar\" class=\"font-ui-heading flex justify-between items-center py-2 border-t border-b border-gray-300 border-solid mb-5 mx-auto\" data-component-name=\"UtilityBar\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"utility-bar\">\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div data-component-name=\"Social:Dropdown\" role=\"menu\" id=\"utilitybar__dropdown--share\" aria-labelledby=\"utilitybar__button--share\" class=\"absolute left-0 top-full w-44 bg-white rounded-md shadow-md border border-neutral-200 z-[9996] list-none m-0 py-2 px-3 border-solid\">\n<ul class=\"m-0!\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Facebook<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>X<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Pinterest<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Email<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-share-this-article\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nShare this article\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\"><span class=\"ml-1 inline-flex h-5 px-2 shrink-0 items-center justify-center self-center overflow-hidden whitespace-nowrap rounded-[10px] bg-primary-500 text-[11px] leading-none font-ui-heading font-semibold text-white\">0<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-join-the-conversation\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nJoin the conversation\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<p>Follow us<\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-add-us-as-a-preferred-source-on-google\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nAdd us as a preferred source on Google\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-subscribe-to-our-newsletter\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nSubscribe to our newsletter\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-2252b116-820d-11f1-853e-05aaf302c3f8\">Nearly 14 months have passed since Derek Gee-West and Juan Ayuso crossed swords for the first time and only time in a Grand Tour GC battle at the 2025 Giro d&#8217;Italia, but the Canadian still vividly recollects the impression Ayuso, now his teammate, had on him during that race.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;He was smoking me at the start,&#8221; the 28-year-old told <em>Cyclingnews<\/em> with a wry grin before stage 13 of the Tour de France, &#8220;but then he had bad luck. He got stung by that bee&#8221; &#8211; and then had to abandon.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-2252b116-820d-11f1-853e-05aaf302c3f8-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I actually haven&#8217;t had too many head-to-heads with him, maybe back in the Dauphin\u00e9 in 2024. But in the races he&#8217;s finished, I don&#8217;t think I ever beat him.&#8221;<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-6 w-full overflow-hidden rounded-[10px] lg:my-8\" data-component-name=\"JwPlayer:Carousel\" data-jwp-carousel data-jwp-carousel-payload=\"{&quot;ids&quot;:{&quot;playerID&quot;:&quot;jYDCcabO&quot;,&quot;searchPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;gwjdoYHD&quot;,&quot;divID&quot;:&quot;botr_gwjdoYHD_jYDCcabO_div&quot;,&quot;fallbackPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;gwjdoYHD&quot;,&quot;fallbackDivID&quot;:&quot;botr_gwjdoYHD_jYDCcabO_div&quot;,&quot;key&quot;:&quot;X9\/mXVGac0NphghLH9hZaqWA5d3dhAM\/Ih07grnEyMLjuO2E&quot;,&quot;tintLogo&quot;:true,&quot;useSearchPlaylist&quot;:false,&quot;enabled&quot;:true},&quot;signPostingEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;signPostingLinkEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;waitForAdLoad&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnDesktop&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnMobile&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnTablet&quot;:false}\">\n<div class=\"flex flex-nowrap items-center justify-between gap-3 bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-header>\n<div class=\"flex min-w-0 shrink items-center\"><span class=\"inline-flex items-center gap-1.5 text-sm font-article-heading capitalize leading-5 text-white whitespace-nowrap\"><span class=\"jwp-carousel-title-desktop\">Latest Videos From<\/span><span class=\"jwp-carousel-brand inline-flex items-center\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/flexiimages\/gmvwmhupgi1715762145.svg\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] block h-[18px] w-auto shrink-0 brightness-0 invert\"><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"aspect-video w-full min-h-[200px] lg:min-h-[330px] relative overflow-hidden bg-black\" data-jwp-carousel-container>\n<div class=\"absolute inset-0 size-full items-center justify-center bg-white\" data-jwp-carousel-fallback><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/flexiimages\/gmvwmhupgi1715762145.svg\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] max-h-12 w-auto\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"min-h-[44px] bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting><a class=\"invisible block truncate text-sm font-bold leading-5 text-white underline decoration-solid underline-offset-2\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting-link href target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span data-jwp-carousel-signposting-title>Watch full video here: <\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">In the Dauphin\u00e9 that year, Gee-West took a breakthrough third-place overall finish and a stage win, but Ayuso was involved in a bad crash on a waterlogged descent and had to abandon on stage 6.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Fast forward a couple of years and things have moved on considerably. The two are now teammates at Lidl-Trek, where Gee-West has been learning in this year&#8217;s Tour about how Ayuso works as a team leader, with the Canadian highlighting, amidst other talents, the Spaniard&#8217;s direct approach to communication.<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            You may like<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xTecPgyGSuZhkmDwTeHBDH-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xTecPgyGSuZhkmDwTeHBDH-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Derek Gee-West to remain Lidl-Trek GC leader despite trailing teammate Ciccone in Giro d&#8217;Italia<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/r4AYQJ2TyEpFrQQVzdiCkD-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/r4AYQJ2TyEpFrQQVzdiCkD-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;Bike racing isn&#8217;t on paper&#8217; \u2013 Even without ideal preparation, GC hope Derek Gee-West looks to thrive in the brutal attrition of the Giro d&#8217;Italia<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pqH29hahi2ZT59E57grYz4-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pqH29hahi2ZT59E57grYz4-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;Everything can change in the Tour de France on any day&#8217; \u2013 Ever-ambitious Juan Ayuso sets podium goal as Lidl-Trek balance leaders<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;He&#8217;s pretty clear; it actually makes the job quite easy. If he wants something, he lets you know,&#8221; Gee-West says. &#8220;From a helper&#8217;s perspective, that&#8217;s exactly what you want.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;He&#8217;s also really confident, which is super-nice to have in a team leader. So we&#8217;ll see how the rest of the race goes, but he&#8217;s a good guy to be backing.&#8221; He grins again when asked what single characteristic he&#8217;d like to take from Ayuso to add to his own set of cycling talents, saying &#8211; only half-jokingly &#8211; &#8220;his legs!&#8221;<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-WNC6Vi5M9wXxRnmWVeWE88\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-WNC6Vi5M9wXxRnmWVeWE88 slice-container-newsletterForm\">\n<div data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"newsletter-form__wrapper newsletter-form__wrapper--inbodyContent\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__container\">\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__top-bar\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__header\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__main-section\">\n<p class=\"newsletter-form__strapline\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<footer class=\"newsletter-form__footer \">By submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.<\/footer>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Regarding the upcoming high-mountain challenges, as a top-five Giro finisher himself, Gee-West says he&#8217;s only too aware of how complicated it can be to challenge the other rivals.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">But at the same time, a rider like Ayuso, currently fifth overall, leading the best young rider competition and lagging just 18 seconds behind Remco Evenepoel (Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe) in the virtual podium, is always gunning to be in the thick of the action.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It&#8217;s tough, having been in a GC position a lot of times, you just have to hope legs show up,&#8221; Gee-West says.<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            What to read next<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8at9rBhBqakWkZQDTrSr4d-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8at9rBhBqakWkZQDTrSr4d-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;I don&#8217;t think he&#8217;s going to wait and see&#8217; \u2013 Juan Ayuso expects fireworks from teenage debutant Paul Seixas at Tour de France as he takes aim at podium finish with Lidl-Trek<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/e6yhxF2kDHSqXB8v6KGDLM-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/e6yhxF2kDHSqXB8v6KGDLM-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;There&#8217;s still a lot of suffering to come&#8217; &#8211; Derek Gee-West climbs up the Giro d&#8217;Italia standings in Car\u00ed<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ifor7vdV3UqqGjkiHpjVDi-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ifor7vdV3UqqGjkiHpjVDi-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;He was just on another level&#8217; \u2013 Juan Ayuso satisfied with Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes podium after losing out in battle with former teammate Isaac del Toro<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;He&#8217;s had great legs so far, but this weekend&#8221; &#8211; in the Vosges and then the Alps &#8211; &#8220;will be super decisive.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Hopefully, the legs are there, and when Juan is good, we know how good he is. So hopefully he&#8217;ll come out of this weekend feeling even more confident for the third week.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The third week also holds a potential challenge for Gee-West, as the three-times National Time Trial Champion could &#8211; on paper- have a crack at Tuesday&#8217;s 26.1 kilometre TT test. But for now, he&#8217;s holding fire on whether he will or won&#8217;t make it a target: that, once again, comes down in part to Ayuso and how he and co-leader Mattias Skjelmose perform this crucial weekend in the Vosges and Alps.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I have no idea, we&#8217;ll see after that how the guys are sitting [on GC], if they need me to rest or take on the TT. Either one is fine by me. Another recovery day&#8221; &#8211; which is what the time trial stage would effectively become for Gee-West, if he opted not to challenge for it &#8211; &#8220;would not be too bad either.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;But so far, I&#8217;ve not even looked at the TT route &#8211; that&#8217;s a job for the rest day.&#8221; Before which, of course, Gee-West will have plenty to keep him occupied on some of the toughest climbs of eastern France.<\/p>\n<hr id=\"elk-8c8a5c3c-820d-11f1-be53-1f51889b20c7\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">\n<p id=\"elk-82c6e34e-820f-11f1-91e2-8b8542453a29\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><strong>The world\u2019s biggest bike race deserves world-class coverage. Subscribe to Cyclingnews for unlimited access to our unrivalled reporting of the 2026 Tour de France. From Barcelona through to Paris, our experienced team will bring you breaking news, expert insight, and in-depth coverage from every stage as the battle for the yellow jersey plays out. Plus, access the Cyclingnews app to follow the action on the go! <\/strong><u><strong>Find out more.<\/strong><\/u><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-WNC6Vi5M9wXxRnmWVeWE88\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-WNC6Vi5M9wXxRnmWVeWE88 slice-container-authorBio\">\n<div class=\"author author__default-layout author--separator author--collapsible\" data-hydrate=\"true\">\n<div class=\"author__header\">\n<div class=\"author__avatar-block\">\n<figure class=\"image-wrapped__wrapper\" data-bordeaux-image-check=\"false\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__widthsetter\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__aspect-padding\">\n<div><source class=\"author__avatar image-wrapped__image image__image\" type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2QoJgeVtEMbCKNujw2pLoH-140-80.jpg.webp 140w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2QoJgeVtEMbCKNujw2pLoH.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2QoJgeVtEMbCKNujw2pLoH.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2QoJgeVtEMbCKNujw2pLoH.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__heading\">\n<div class=\"author__name\">Patrick Fletcher<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__role\">Deputy Editor<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>Patrick is an NCTJ-accredited journalist with a bachelor\u2019s degree in modern languages (French and Spanish) and a decade\u2019s experience in digital sports media, largely within the world of cycling. He re-joined Cyclingnews as Deputy Editor in February 2026, having previously spent eight years on staff between 2015 and 2023. In between, he was Deputy Editor at GCN and spent 18 months working across the sports portfolio at Future before returning to the cycling press pack. Patrick works across Cyclingnews\u2019 wide-ranging output, assisting the Editor in global content strategy, with a particular focus on shaping CN&#8217;s news operation.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<div class=\"relative max-w-[1070px] viafoura-twig-component mt-6 mx-4 lg:mx-0\" data-component-name=\"Viafoura:Comments\" data-nosnippet data-community-guidelines-text=\"&lt;p class=&apos;vfcustom-community-guidelines&apos;&gt;Please follow our &lt;a href=&quot;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/about\/#section-community-guidelines&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;community guidelines&lt;\/a&gt;.&lt;\/p&gt;\" data-join-the-conversation-text=\"Join the Conversation\">\n<div class=\"absolute top-0 left-0 w-full h-full flex items-center justify-center z-50 bg-white\/90 border-1 rounded-b-[var(--comment-widget-border-radius,0)]\">\n<div class=\"p-2 text-center\">\n<p class=\"mb-3 text-lg!\">You must confirm your public display name before commenting<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-3 text-sm!\">Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<section class=\"mx-2 my-5 sm:mx-0\">\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-adviser:hybrid\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Read more<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xTecPgyGSuZhkmDwTeHBDH-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xTecPgyGSuZhkmDwTeHBDH-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xTecPgyGSuZhkmDwTeHBDH-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xTecPgyGSuZhkmDwTeHBDH-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xTecPgyGSuZhkmDwTeHBDH-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Derek Gee-West to remain Lidl-Trek GC leader despite trailing teammate Ciccone in Giro d&#8217;Italia<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/r4AYQJ2TyEpFrQQVzdiCkD-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/r4AYQJ2TyEpFrQQVzdiCkD-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/r4AYQJ2TyEpFrQQVzdiCkD-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/r4AYQJ2TyEpFrQQVzdiCkD-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/r4AYQJ2TyEpFrQQVzdiCkD-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Bike racing isn&#8217;t on paper&#8217; \u2013 Even without ideal preparation, GC hope Derek Gee-West looks to thrive in the brutal attrition of the Giro d&#8217;Italia<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pqH29hahi2ZT59E57grYz4-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pqH29hahi2ZT59E57grYz4-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pqH29hahi2ZT59E57grYz4-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pqH29hahi2ZT59E57grYz4-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pqH29hahi2ZT59E57grYz4-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Everything can change in the Tour de France on any day&#8217; \u2013 Ever-ambitious Juan Ayuso sets podium goal as Lidl-Trek balance leaders<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8at9rBhBqakWkZQDTrSr4d-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8at9rBhBqakWkZQDTrSr4d-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8at9rBhBqakWkZQDTrSr4d-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8at9rBhBqakWkZQDTrSr4d-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8at9rBhBqakWkZQDTrSr4d-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I don&#8217;t think he&#8217;s going to wait and see&#8217; \u2013 Juan Ayuso expects fireworks from teenage debutant Paul Seixas at Tour de France as he takes aim at podium finish with Lidl-Trek<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/e6yhxF2kDHSqXB8v6KGDLM-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/e6yhxF2kDHSqXB8v6KGDLM-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/e6yhxF2kDHSqXB8v6KGDLM-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/e6yhxF2kDHSqXB8v6KGDLM-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/e6yhxF2kDHSqXB8v6KGDLM-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;There&#8217;s still a lot of suffering to come&#8217; &#8211; Derek Gee-West climbs up the Giro d&#8217;Italia standings in Car\u00ed<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ifor7vdV3UqqGjkiHpjVDi-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ifor7vdV3UqqGjkiHpjVDi-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ifor7vdV3UqqGjkiHpjVDi-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ifor7vdV3UqqGjkiHpjVDi-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ifor7vdV3UqqGjkiHpjVDi-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;He was just on another level&#8217; \u2013 Juan Ayuso satisfied with Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes podium after losing out in battle with former teammate Isaac del Toro<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-category\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Teams &amp; Riders<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JjGkbwMqYUcLFPQ9mEKJJd-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JjGkbwMqYUcLFPQ9mEKJJd-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JjGkbwMqYUcLFPQ9mEKJJd-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JjGkbwMqYUcLFPQ9mEKJJd-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JjGkbwMqYUcLFPQ9mEKJJd-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Paul Seixas mania has begun&#8217; \u2013 Amid French fervour, the great home hope ignites his Tour de France<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/T2PvZYBCudu4S2T5TREjWe-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/T2PvZYBCudu4S2T5TREjWe-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/T2PvZYBCudu4S2T5TREjWe-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/T2PvZYBCudu4S2T5TREjWe-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/T2PvZYBCudu4S2T5TREjWe-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I suffered quite a bit from the rain&#8217; &#8211; tenacious Remco Evenepoel retains podium spot at Tour de France despite struggling on stage 14 final ascent<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ztVbKW9tW8iRhQ6y6w7gUX-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ztVbKW9tW8iRhQ6y6w7gUX-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ztVbKW9tW8iRhQ6y6w7gUX-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ztVbKW9tW8iRhQ6y6w7gUX-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ztVbKW9tW8iRhQ6y6w7gUX-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;It was certainly not a bad day&#8217; &#8211; Jonas Vingegaard remains upbeat despite latest time loss to Tadej Poga\u010dar on Tour de France stage 14<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xt2WtPiF4pUnB9xAW8nm6J-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xt2WtPiF4pUnB9xAW8nm6J-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xt2WtPiF4pUnB9xAW8nm6J-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xt2WtPiF4pUnB9xAW8nm6J-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xt2WtPiF4pUnB9xAW8nm6J-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Probably a mistake&#8217; \u2013 Tom Pidcock tumbles back down the Tour de France top 10 after more breakaway antics<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BNpoWK5Th2ne5xeE69DmBi-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BNpoWK5Th2ne5xeE69DmBi-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BNpoWK5Th2ne5xeE69DmBi-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BNpoWK5Th2ne5xeE69DmBi-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BNpoWK5Th2ne5xeE69DmBi-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;He&#8217;s becoming a bit dangerous&#8217; &#8211; Tadej Poga\u010dar&#8217;s team feeling the heat after Tom Pidcock&#8217;s Tour de France stage 13 raid<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uAm9Xw5Wx4k3pj4hUnqqJU-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uAm9Xw5Wx4k3pj4hUnqqJU-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uAm9Xw5Wx4k3pj4hUnqqJU-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uAm9Xw5Wx4k3pj4hUnqqJU-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uAm9Xw5Wx4k3pj4hUnqqJU-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Quizzed on Lance Armstrong&#8217;s Tour de France record comments and Prince of Monaco&#8217;s Vuelta claims, Tadej Poga\u010dar is deftly dealing with the curveballs<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-articletype\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in News<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JjGkbwMqYUcLFPQ9mEKJJd-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JjGkbwMqYUcLFPQ9mEKJJd-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JjGkbwMqYUcLFPQ9mEKJJd-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JjGkbwMqYUcLFPQ9mEKJJd-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JjGkbwMqYUcLFPQ9mEKJJd-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Paul Seixas mania has begun&#8217; \u2013 Amid French fervour, the great home hope ignites his Tour de France<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/T2PvZYBCudu4S2T5TREjWe-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/T2PvZYBCudu4S2T5TREjWe-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/T2PvZYBCudu4S2T5TREjWe-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/T2PvZYBCudu4S2T5TREjWe-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/T2PvZYBCudu4S2T5TREjWe-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I suffered quite a bit from the rain&#8217; &#8211; tenacious Remco Evenepoel retains podium spot at Tour de France despite struggling on stage 14 final ascent<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ztVbKW9tW8iRhQ6y6w7gUX-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ztVbKW9tW8iRhQ6y6w7gUX-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ztVbKW9tW8iRhQ6y6w7gUX-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ztVbKW9tW8iRhQ6y6w7gUX-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ztVbKW9tW8iRhQ6y6w7gUX-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;It was certainly not a bad day&#8217; &#8211; Jonas Vingegaard remains upbeat despite latest time loss to Tadej Poga\u010dar on Tour de France stage 14<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HPhXgCnsypVU2YA5UybHiZ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HPhXgCnsypVU2YA5UybHiZ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HPhXgCnsypVU2YA5UybHiZ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HPhXgCnsypVU2YA5UybHiZ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HPhXgCnsypVU2YA5UybHiZ-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;He\u2019s missing a little bit compared to other Tours&#8217; \u2013 Tadej Poga\u010dar observes Jonas Vingegaard&#8217;s weaknesses at Tour de France<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xt2WtPiF4pUnB9xAW8nm6J-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xt2WtPiF4pUnB9xAW8nm6J-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xt2WtPiF4pUnB9xAW8nm6J-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xt2WtPiF4pUnB9xAW8nm6J-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xt2WtPiF4pUnB9xAW8nm6J-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Probably a mistake&#8217; \u2013 Tom Pidcock tumbles back down the Tour de France top 10 after more breakaway antics<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BNpoWK5Th2ne5xeE69DmBi-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BNpoWK5Th2ne5xeE69DmBi-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BNpoWK5Th2ne5xeE69DmBi-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BNpoWK5Th2ne5xeE69DmBi-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BNpoWK5Th2ne5xeE69DmBi-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;He&#8217;s becoming a bit dangerous&#8217; &#8211; Tadej Poga\u010dar&#8217;s team feeling the heat after Tom Pidcock&#8217;s Tour de France stage 13 raid<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"widgetArea17\" class=\"widget-area md:basis-1\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-1-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-1-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-1-3 page-widget-area-17\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"dynamic\" id=\"popular-data\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-dynamic widget-popular-data widget-dynamic-popular-data widget-dynamic-fter-popular-box\">\n<div class=\"wdn-fte-pb pos-relative space-t20\n\"><\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-popularBox\" class=\"slice-container popular-box-slice popularBox slice-container-popularBox\">\n<section data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"popular-box\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label__tab popular-box__label__tab--active\" role=\"heading\">LATEST ARTICLES<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<ol class=\"popular-box__articles-list popular-box__articles-list--active\">\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__image-wrapper\">\n<div><source class=\"popular-box__article-list__image image__image\" type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JjGkbwMqYUcLFPQ9mEKJJd-320-80.jpg.webp 320w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JjGkbwMqYUcLFPQ9mEKJJd-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JjGkbwMqYUcLFPQ9mEKJJd-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JjGkbwMqYUcLFPQ9mEKJJd-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JjGkbwMqYUcLFPQ9mEKJJd.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JjGkbwMqYUcLFPQ9mEKJJd.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JjGkbwMqYUcLFPQ9mEKJJd.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">1<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">&#8216;Paul Seixas mania has begun&#8217; \u2013 Amid French fervour, the great home hope ignites his 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\">&#8216;I suffered quite a bit from the rain&#8217; &#8211; tenacious Remco Evenepoel retains podium spot at Tour de France despite struggling on stage 14 final ascent<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">3<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">&#8216;It was certainly not a bad day&#8217; &#8211; Jonas Vingegaard remains upbeat despite latest time loss to Tadej Poga\u010dar on Tour de France stage 14<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">4<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">&#8216;He\u2019s missing a little bit compared to other Tours&#8217; \u2013 Tadej Poga\u010dar observes Jonas Vingegaard&#8217;s weaknesses at Tour de France<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">5<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">Baloise Ladies Tour: Nienke Veenhoven sprints to second stage win on stage 3b in Maaseik<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"page-content-onecol flex-1\nnews-article article\n\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"widget-area-group widget-area-group-2col flex flex-wrap box-border\">\n<div id=\"widgetArea16\" class=\"widget-area basis-full md:basis-2\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-2-3 page-widget-area-16\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"hero\" id=\"hero\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-hero widget-hero widget-hero-hero widget-hero widget-hero-fter-news\">\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nTeams &amp; Riders\n<\/li>\n<li>\nLidl-Trek\n<\/li>\n<li>\nDerek Gee-West\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>&#8216;When he&#8217;s good, we know how good he is&#8217; &#8211; Derek Gee-West backs teammate Juan Ayuso to make an impact in the GC battle on Tour de France mountain stages<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"vds-byline-block flex flex-row flex-nowrap my-1.5 gap-2 text-left items-start justify-start\" data-component-name=\"Article:BylineBlock\">\n<p>News<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-auto vds-simple-byline\"><span class=\"inline-block vds-author\"><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nPatrick Fletcher <\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex gap-1 vds-byline-with-avatar__meta\"><span class=\"vds-date block font-normal tracking-normal normal-case text-xs\"><br \/>\nPublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-07-17T18:45:09Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n17 July 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Canadian TT champion in a climbing support role for Lidl-Trek co-leader<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"text-gray-700 flex items-center mx-0 my-5 p-0 justify-start text-left\" id=\"affiliate-disclaimer\" data-component-name=\"AffiliateDisclaimer\" data-hawk-message=\"Affiliate disclaimer removed because hawk deemed there are no affiliate links on this page\">\n<p class=\"text-[color:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--text-color,inherit)] mb-2 text-[length:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--font-size,0.75rem)] leading-[18px] md:text-[13px] [&amp;&gt;a]:text-inherit [&amp;&gt;a]:underline\">\nWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here\u2019s how it works.\n<\/p>\n<\/aside>\n<\/header>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-widget-type=\"contentparsed\" id=\"content\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-contentparsed widget-content widget-contentparsed-content widget-content-parsed widget-content-parsed-content_document \">\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<section class=\"content-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"box less-space hero-image-wrapper\">\n<figure class=\"mb-0\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sxgP8QCrSgajuMqMiZLyjX-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sxgP8QCrSgajuMqMiZLyjX-1600-80.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sxgP8QCrSgajuMqMiZLyjX-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sxgP8QCrSgajuMqMiZLyjX-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sxgP8QCrSgajuMqMiZLyjX-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sxgP8QCrSgajuMqMiZLyjX-750-80.jpg.webp 750w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sxgP8QCrSgajuMqMiZLyjX-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sxgP8QCrSgajuMqMiZLyjX-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sxgP8QCrSgajuMqMiZLyjX-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 600px, 100vw\" \/><figcaption class=\"font-article-copy text-(--image--text--color) font-article-copy mt-2\"><span class=\"caption-text font-article-copy\">Derek Gee-West and Juan Ayuso at the Tour de France 2026<\/span><span class=\"credit font-article-copy\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\"text-copy bodyCopy auto paywall-locker\">\n<div data-analytics-id=\"utility-bar\" id=\"utility-bar\" class=\"font-ui-heading flex justify-between items-center py-2 border-t border-b border-gray-300 border-solid mb-5 mx-auto\" data-component-name=\"UtilityBar\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"utility-bar\">\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div data-component-name=\"Social:Dropdown\" role=\"menu\" id=\"utilitybar__dropdown--share\" aria-labelledby=\"utilitybar__button--share\" class=\"absolute left-0 top-full w-44 bg-white rounded-md shadow-md border border-neutral-200 z-[9996] list-none m-0 py-2 px-3 border-solid\">\n<ul class=\"m-0!\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Facebook<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>X<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Pinterest<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Email<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-share-this-article\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nShare this article\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\"><span class=\"ml-1 inline-flex h-5 px-2 shrink-0 items-center justify-center self-center overflow-hidden whitespace-nowrap rounded-[10px] bg-primary-500 text-[11px] leading-none font-ui-heading font-semibold text-white\">0<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-join-the-conversation\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nJoin the conversation\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<p>Follow us<\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-add-us-as-a-preferred-source-on-google\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nAdd us as a preferred source on Google\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-subscribe-to-our-newsletter\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nSubscribe to our newsletter\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-2252b116-820d-11f1-853e-05aaf302c3f8\">Nearly 14 months have passed since Derek Gee-West and Juan Ayuso crossed swords for the first time and only time in a Grand Tour GC battle at the 2025 Giro d&#8217;Italia, but the Canadian still vividly recollects the impression Ayuso, now his teammate, had on him during that race.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;He was smoking me at the start,&#8221; the 28-year-old told <em>Cyclingnews<\/em> with a wry grin before stage 13 of the Tour de France, &#8220;but then he had bad luck. He got stung by that bee&#8221; &#8211; and then had to abandon.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-2252b116-820d-11f1-853e-05aaf302c3f8-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I actually haven&#8217;t had too many head-to-heads with him, maybe back in the Dauphin\u00e9 in 2024. But in the races he&#8217;s finished, I don&#8217;t think I ever beat him.&#8221;<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-6 w-full overflow-hidden rounded-[10px] lg:my-8\" data-component-name=\"JwPlayer:Carousel\" data-jwp-carousel data-jwp-carousel-payload=\"{&quot;ids&quot;:{&quot;playerID&quot;:&quot;jYDCcabO&quot;,&quot;searchPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;gwjdoYHD&quot;,&quot;divID&quot;:&quot;botr_gwjdoYHD_jYDCcabO_div&quot;,&quot;fallbackPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;gwjdoYHD&quot;,&quot;fallbackDivID&quot;:&quot;botr_gwjdoYHD_jYDCcabO_div&quot;,&quot;key&quot;:&quot;X9\/mXVGac0NphghLH9hZaqWA5d3dhAM\/Ih07grnEyMLjuO2E&quot;,&quot;tintLogo&quot;:true,&quot;useSearchPlaylist&quot;:false,&quot;enabled&quot;:true},&quot;signPostingEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;signPostingLinkEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;waitForAdLoad&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnDesktop&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnMobile&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnTablet&quot;:false}\">\n<div class=\"flex flex-nowrap items-center justify-between gap-3 bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-header>\n<div class=\"flex min-w-0 shrink items-center\"><span class=\"inline-flex items-center gap-1.5 text-sm font-article-heading capitalize leading-5 text-white whitespace-nowrap\"><span class=\"jwp-carousel-title-desktop\">Latest Videos From<\/span><span class=\"jwp-carousel-brand inline-flex items-center\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/flexiimages\/gmvwmhupgi1715762145.svg\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] block h-[18px] w-auto shrink-0 brightness-0 invert\"><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"aspect-video w-full min-h-[200px] lg:min-h-[330px] relative overflow-hidden bg-black\" data-jwp-carousel-container>\n<div class=\"absolute inset-0 size-full items-center justify-center bg-white\" data-jwp-carousel-fallback><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/flexiimages\/gmvwmhupgi1715762145.svg\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] max-h-12 w-auto\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"min-h-[44px] bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting><a class=\"invisible block truncate text-sm font-bold leading-5 text-white underline decoration-solid underline-offset-2\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting-link href target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span data-jwp-carousel-signposting-title>Watch full video here: <\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">In the Dauphin\u00e9 that year, Gee-West took a breakthrough third-place overall finish and a stage win, but Ayuso was involved in a bad crash on a waterlogged descent and had to abandon on stage 6.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Fast forward a couple of years and things have moved on considerably. The two are now teammates at Lidl-Trek, where Gee-West has been learning in this year&#8217;s Tour about how Ayuso works as a team leader, with the Canadian highlighting, amidst other talents, the Spaniard&#8217;s direct approach to communication.<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            You may like<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xTecPgyGSuZhkmDwTeHBDH-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xTecPgyGSuZhkmDwTeHBDH-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Derek Gee-West to remain Lidl-Trek GC leader despite trailing teammate Ciccone in Giro d&#8217;Italia<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/r4AYQJ2TyEpFrQQVzdiCkD-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/r4AYQJ2TyEpFrQQVzdiCkD-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;Bike racing isn&#8217;t on paper&#8217; \u2013 Even without ideal preparation, GC hope Derek Gee-West looks to thrive in the brutal attrition of the Giro d&#8217;Italia<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pqH29hahi2ZT59E57grYz4-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pqH29hahi2ZT59E57grYz4-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;Everything can change in the Tour de France on any day&#8217; \u2013 Ever-ambitious Juan Ayuso sets podium goal as Lidl-Trek balance leaders<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;He&#8217;s pretty clear; it actually makes the job quite easy. If he wants something, he lets you know,&#8221; Gee-West says. &#8220;From a helper&#8217;s perspective, that&#8217;s exactly what you want.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;He&#8217;s also really confident, which is super-nice to have in a team leader. So we&#8217;ll see how the rest of the race goes, but he&#8217;s a good guy to be backing.&#8221; He grins again when asked what single characteristic he&#8217;d like to take from Ayuso to add to his own set of cycling talents, saying &#8211; only half-jokingly &#8211; &#8220;his legs!&#8221;<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-WNC6Vi5M9wXxRnmWVeWE88\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-WNC6Vi5M9wXxRnmWVeWE88 slice-container-newsletterForm\">\n<div data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"newsletter-form__wrapper newsletter-form__wrapper--inbodyContent\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__container\">\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__top-bar\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__header\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__main-section\">\n<p class=\"newsletter-form__strapline\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<footer class=\"newsletter-form__footer \">By submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.<\/footer>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Regarding the upcoming high-mountain challenges, as a top-five Giro finisher himself, Gee-West says he&#8217;s only too aware of how complicated it can be to challenge the other rivals.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">But at the same time, a rider like Ayuso, currently fifth overall, leading the best young rider competition and lagging just 18 seconds behind Remco Evenepoel (Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe) in the virtual podium, is always gunning to be in the thick of the action.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It&#8217;s tough, having been in a GC position a lot of times, you just have to hope legs show up,&#8221; Gee-West says.<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            What to read next<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8at9rBhBqakWkZQDTrSr4d-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8at9rBhBqakWkZQDTrSr4d-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;I don&#8217;t think he&#8217;s going to wait and see&#8217; \u2013 Juan Ayuso expects fireworks from teenage debutant Paul Seixas at Tour de France as he takes aim at podium finish with Lidl-Trek<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/e6yhxF2kDHSqXB8v6KGDLM-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/e6yhxF2kDHSqXB8v6KGDLM-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;There&#8217;s still a lot of suffering to come&#8217; &#8211; Derek Gee-West climbs up the Giro d&#8217;Italia standings in Car\u00ed<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ifor7vdV3UqqGjkiHpjVDi-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ifor7vdV3UqqGjkiHpjVDi-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;He was just on another level&#8217; \u2013 Juan Ayuso satisfied with Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes podium after losing out in battle with former teammate Isaac del Toro<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;He&#8217;s had great legs so far, but this weekend&#8221; &#8211; in the Vosges and then the Alps &#8211; &#8220;will be super decisive.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Hopefully, the legs are there, and when Juan is good, we know how good he is. So hopefully he&#8217;ll come out of this weekend feeling even more confident for the third week.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The third week also holds a potential challenge for Gee-West, as the three-times National Time Trial Champion could &#8211; on paper- have a crack at Tuesday&#8217;s 26.1 kilometre TT test. But for now, he&#8217;s holding fire on whether he will or won&#8217;t make it a target: that, once again, comes down in part to Ayuso and how he and co-leader Mattias Skjelmose perform this crucial weekend in the Vosges and Alps.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I have no idea, we&#8217;ll see after that how the guys are sitting [on GC], if they need me to rest or take on the TT. Either one is fine by me. Another recovery day&#8221; &#8211; which is what the time trial stage would effectively become for Gee-West, if he opted not to challenge for it &#8211; &#8220;would not be too bad either.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;But so far, I&#8217;ve not even looked at the TT route &#8211; that&#8217;s a job for the rest day.&#8221; Before which, of course, Gee-West will have plenty to keep him occupied on some of the toughest climbs of eastern France.<\/p>\n<hr id=\"elk-8c8a5c3c-820d-11f1-be53-1f51889b20c7\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">\n<p id=\"elk-82c6e34e-820f-11f1-91e2-8b8542453a29\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><strong>The world\u2019s biggest bike race deserves world-class coverage. Subscribe to Cyclingnews for unlimited access to our unrivalled reporting of the 2026 Tour de France. From Barcelona through to Paris, our experienced team will bring you breaking news, expert insight, and in-depth coverage from every stage as the battle for the yellow jersey plays out. Plus, access the Cyclingnews app to follow the action on the go! <\/strong><u><strong>Find out more.<\/strong><\/u><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-WNC6Vi5M9wXxRnmWVeWE88\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-WNC6Vi5M9wXxRnmWVeWE88 slice-container-authorBio\">\n<div class=\"author author__default-layout author--separator author--collapsible\" data-hydrate=\"true\">\n<div class=\"author__header\">\n<div class=\"author__avatar-block\">\n<figure class=\"image-wrapped__wrapper\" data-bordeaux-image-check=\"false\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__widthsetter\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__aspect-padding\">\n<div><source class=\"author__avatar image-wrapped__image image__image\" type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2QoJgeVtEMbCKNujw2pLoH-140-80.jpg.webp 140w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2QoJgeVtEMbCKNujw2pLoH.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2QoJgeVtEMbCKNujw2pLoH.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2QoJgeVtEMbCKNujw2pLoH.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__heading\">\n<div class=\"author__name\">Patrick Fletcher<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__role\">Deputy Editor<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>Patrick is an NCTJ-accredited journalist with a bachelor\u2019s degree in modern languages (French and Spanish) and a decade\u2019s experience in digital sports media, largely within the world of cycling. He re-joined Cyclingnews as Deputy Editor in February 2026, having previously spent eight years on staff between 2015 and 2023. In between, he was Deputy Editor at GCN and spent 18 months working across the sports portfolio at Future before returning to the cycling press pack. Patrick works across Cyclingnews\u2019 wide-ranging output, assisting the Editor in global content strategy, with a particular focus on shaping CN&#8217;s news operation.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<div class=\"relative max-w-[1070px] viafoura-twig-component mt-6 mx-4 lg:mx-0\" data-component-name=\"Viafoura:Comments\" data-nosnippet data-community-guidelines-text=\"&lt;p class=&apos;vfcustom-community-guidelines&apos;&gt;Please follow our &lt;a href=&quot;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/about\/#section-community-guidelines&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;community guidelines&lt;\/a&gt;.&lt;\/p&gt;\" data-join-the-conversation-text=\"Join the Conversation\">\n<div class=\"absolute top-0 left-0 w-full h-full flex items-center justify-center z-50 bg-white\/90 border-1 rounded-b-[var(--comment-widget-border-radius,0)]\">\n<div class=\"p-2 text-center\">\n<p class=\"mb-3 text-lg!\">You must confirm your public display name before commenting<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-3 text-sm!\">Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<section class=\"mx-2 my-5 sm:mx-0\">\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-adviser:hybrid\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Read more<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xTecPgyGSuZhkmDwTeHBDH-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xTecPgyGSuZhkmDwTeHBDH-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xTecPgyGSuZhkmDwTeHBDH-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xTecPgyGSuZhkmDwTeHBDH-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xTecPgyGSuZhkmDwTeHBDH-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Derek Gee-West to remain Lidl-Trek GC leader despite trailing teammate Ciccone in Giro d&#8217;Italia<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/r4AYQJ2TyEpFrQQVzdiCkD-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/r4AYQJ2TyEpFrQQVzdiCkD-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/r4AYQJ2TyEpFrQQVzdiCkD-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/r4AYQJ2TyEpFrQQVzdiCkD-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/r4AYQJ2TyEpFrQQVzdiCkD-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Bike racing isn&#8217;t on paper&#8217; \u2013 Even without ideal preparation, GC hope Derek Gee-West looks to thrive in the brutal attrition of the Giro d&#8217;Italia<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pqH29hahi2ZT59E57grYz4-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pqH29hahi2ZT59E57grYz4-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pqH29hahi2ZT59E57grYz4-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pqH29hahi2ZT59E57grYz4-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pqH29hahi2ZT59E57grYz4-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Everything can change in the Tour de France on any day&#8217; \u2013 Ever-ambitious Juan Ayuso sets podium goal as Lidl-Trek balance leaders<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8at9rBhBqakWkZQDTrSr4d-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8at9rBhBqakWkZQDTrSr4d-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8at9rBhBqakWkZQDTrSr4d-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8at9rBhBqakWkZQDTrSr4d-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8at9rBhBqakWkZQDTrSr4d-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I don&#8217;t think he&#8217;s going to wait and see&#8217; \u2013 Juan Ayuso expects fireworks from teenage debutant Paul Seixas at Tour de France as he takes aim at podium finish with Lidl-Trek<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/e6yhxF2kDHSqXB8v6KGDLM-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/e6yhxF2kDHSqXB8v6KGDLM-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/e6yhxF2kDHSqXB8v6KGDLM-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/e6yhxF2kDHSqXB8v6KGDLM-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/e6yhxF2kDHSqXB8v6KGDLM-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;There&#8217;s still a lot of suffering to come&#8217; &#8211; Derek Gee-West climbs up the Giro d&#8217;Italia standings in Car\u00ed<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ifor7vdV3UqqGjkiHpjVDi-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ifor7vdV3UqqGjkiHpjVDi-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ifor7vdV3UqqGjkiHpjVDi-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ifor7vdV3UqqGjkiHpjVDi-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ifor7vdV3UqqGjkiHpjVDi-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;He was just on another level&#8217; \u2013 Juan Ayuso satisfied with Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes podium after losing out in battle with former teammate Isaac del Toro<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-category\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Teams &amp; Riders<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JjGkbwMqYUcLFPQ9mEKJJd-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JjGkbwMqYUcLFPQ9mEKJJd-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JjGkbwMqYUcLFPQ9mEKJJd-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JjGkbwMqYUcLFPQ9mEKJJd-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JjGkbwMqYUcLFPQ9mEKJJd-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Paul Seixas mania has begun&#8217; \u2013 Amid French fervour, the great home hope ignites his Tour de France<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/T2PvZYBCudu4S2T5TREjWe-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/T2PvZYBCudu4S2T5TREjWe-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/T2PvZYBCudu4S2T5TREjWe-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/T2PvZYBCudu4S2T5TREjWe-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/T2PvZYBCudu4S2T5TREjWe-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I suffered quite a bit from the rain&#8217; &#8211; tenacious Remco Evenepoel retains podium spot at Tour de France despite struggling on stage 14 final ascent<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ztVbKW9tW8iRhQ6y6w7gUX-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ztVbKW9tW8iRhQ6y6w7gUX-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ztVbKW9tW8iRhQ6y6w7gUX-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ztVbKW9tW8iRhQ6y6w7gUX-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ztVbKW9tW8iRhQ6y6w7gUX-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;It was certainly not a bad day&#8217; &#8211; Jonas Vingegaard remains upbeat despite latest time loss to Tadej Poga\u010dar on Tour de France stage 14<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xt2WtPiF4pUnB9xAW8nm6J-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xt2WtPiF4pUnB9xAW8nm6J-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xt2WtPiF4pUnB9xAW8nm6J-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xt2WtPiF4pUnB9xAW8nm6J-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xt2WtPiF4pUnB9xAW8nm6J-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Probably a mistake&#8217; \u2013 Tom Pidcock tumbles back down the Tour de France top 10 after more breakaway antics<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BNpoWK5Th2ne5xeE69DmBi-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BNpoWK5Th2ne5xeE69DmBi-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BNpoWK5Th2ne5xeE69DmBi-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BNpoWK5Th2ne5xeE69DmBi-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BNpoWK5Th2ne5xeE69DmBi-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;He&#8217;s becoming a bit dangerous&#8217; &#8211; Tadej Poga\u010dar&#8217;s team feeling the heat after Tom Pidcock&#8217;s Tour de France stage 13 raid<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uAm9Xw5Wx4k3pj4hUnqqJU-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uAm9Xw5Wx4k3pj4hUnqqJU-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uAm9Xw5Wx4k3pj4hUnqqJU-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uAm9Xw5Wx4k3pj4hUnqqJU-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uAm9Xw5Wx4k3pj4hUnqqJU-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Quizzed on Lance Armstrong&#8217;s Tour de France record comments and Prince of Monaco&#8217;s Vuelta claims, Tadej Poga\u010dar is deftly dealing with the curveballs<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-articletype\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in News<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JjGkbwMqYUcLFPQ9mEKJJd-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JjGkbwMqYUcLFPQ9mEKJJd-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JjGkbwMqYUcLFPQ9mEKJJd-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JjGkbwMqYUcLFPQ9mEKJJd-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JjGkbwMqYUcLFPQ9mEKJJd-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Paul Seixas mania has begun&#8217; \u2013 Amid French fervour, the great home hope ignites his Tour de France<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/T2PvZYBCudu4S2T5TREjWe-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/T2PvZYBCudu4S2T5TREjWe-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/T2PvZYBCudu4S2T5TREjWe-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/T2PvZYBCudu4S2T5TREjWe-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/T2PvZYBCudu4S2T5TREjWe-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I suffered quite a bit from the rain&#8217; &#8211; tenacious Remco Evenepoel retains podium spot at Tour de France despite struggling on stage 14 final ascent<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ztVbKW9tW8iRhQ6y6w7gUX-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ztVbKW9tW8iRhQ6y6w7gUX-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ztVbKW9tW8iRhQ6y6w7gUX-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ztVbKW9tW8iRhQ6y6w7gUX-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ztVbKW9tW8iRhQ6y6w7gUX-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;It was certainly not a bad day&#8217; &#8211; Jonas Vingegaard remains upbeat despite latest time loss to Tadej Poga\u010dar on Tour de France stage 14<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HPhXgCnsypVU2YA5UybHiZ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HPhXgCnsypVU2YA5UybHiZ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HPhXgCnsypVU2YA5UybHiZ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HPhXgCnsypVU2YA5UybHiZ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HPhXgCnsypVU2YA5UybHiZ-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;He\u2019s missing a little bit compared to other Tours&#8217; \u2013 Tadej Poga\u010dar observes Jonas Vingegaard&#8217;s weaknesses at Tour de France<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xt2WtPiF4pUnB9xAW8nm6J-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xt2WtPiF4pUnB9xAW8nm6J-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xt2WtPiF4pUnB9xAW8nm6J-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xt2WtPiF4pUnB9xAW8nm6J-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xt2WtPiF4pUnB9xAW8nm6J-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Probably a mistake&#8217; \u2013 Tom Pidcock tumbles back down the Tour de France top 10 after more breakaway antics<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BNpoWK5Th2ne5xeE69DmBi-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BNpoWK5Th2ne5xeE69DmBi-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BNpoWK5Th2ne5xeE69DmBi-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BNpoWK5Th2ne5xeE69DmBi-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BNpoWK5Th2ne5xeE69DmBi-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;He&#8217;s becoming a bit dangerous&#8217; &#8211; Tadej Poga\u010dar&#8217;s team feeling the heat after Tom Pidcock&#8217;s Tour de France stage 13 raid<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"widgetArea17\" class=\"widget-area md:basis-1\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-1-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-1-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-1-3 page-widget-area-17\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"dynamic\" id=\"popular-data\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-dynamic widget-popular-data widget-dynamic-popular-data widget-dynamic-fter-popular-box\">\n<div class=\"wdn-fte-pb pos-relative space-t20\n\"><\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-popularBox\" class=\"slice-container popular-box-slice popularBox slice-container-popularBox\">\n<section data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"popular-box\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label__tab popular-box__label__tab--active\" role=\"heading\">LATEST ARTICLES<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<ol class=\"popular-box__articles-list popular-box__articles-list--active\">\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__image-wrapper\">\n<div><source class=\"popular-box__article-list__image image__image\" type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JjGkbwMqYUcLFPQ9mEKJJd-320-80.jpg.webp 320w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JjGkbwMqYUcLFPQ9mEKJJd-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JjGkbwMqYUcLFPQ9mEKJJd-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JjGkbwMqYUcLFPQ9mEKJJd-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JjGkbwMqYUcLFPQ9mEKJJd.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JjGkbwMqYUcLFPQ9mEKJJd.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JjGkbwMqYUcLFPQ9mEKJJd.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">1<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">&#8216;Paul Seixas mania has begun&#8217; \u2013 Amid French fervour, the great home hope ignites his 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\">&#8216;I suffered quite a bit from the rain&#8217; &#8211; tenacious Remco Evenepoel retains podium spot at Tour de France despite struggling on stage 14 final ascent<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">3<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">&#8216;It was certainly not a bad day&#8217; &#8211; Jonas Vingegaard remains upbeat despite latest time loss to Tadej Poga\u010dar on Tour de France stage 14<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">4<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">&#8216;He\u2019s missing a little bit compared to other Tours&#8217; \u2013 Tadej Poga\u010dar observes Jonas Vingegaard&#8217;s weaknesses at Tour de France<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">5<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">Baloise Ladies Tour: Nienke Veenhoven sprints to second stage win on stage 3b in Maaseik<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nTeams &amp; Riders\n<\/li>\n<li>\nLidl-Trek\n<\/li>\n<li>\nDerek Gee-West\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>&#8216;When he&#8217;s good, we know how good he is&#8217; &#8211; Derek Gee-West backs teammate Juan Ayuso to make an impact in the GC battle on Tour de France mountain stages<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"vds-byline-block flex flex-row flex-nowrap my-1.5 gap-2 text-left items-start justify-start\" data-component-name=\"Article:BylineBlock\">\n<p>News<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-auto vds-simple-byline\"><span class=\"inline-block vds-author\"><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nPatrick Fletcher <\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex gap-1 vds-byline-with-avatar__meta\"><span class=\"vds-date block font-normal tracking-normal normal-case text-xs\"><br \/>\nPublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-07-17T18:45:09Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n17 July 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Canadian TT champion in a climbing support role for Lidl-Trek co-leader<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"text-gray-700 flex items-center mx-0 my-5 p-0 justify-start text-left\" id=\"affiliate-disclaimer\" data-component-name=\"AffiliateDisclaimer\" data-hawk-message=\"Affiliate disclaimer removed because hawk deemed there are no affiliate links on this page\">\n<p class=\"text-[color:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--text-color,inherit)] mb-2 text-[length:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--font-size,0.75rem)] leading-[18px] md:text-[13px] [&amp;&gt;a]:text-inherit [&amp;&gt;a]:underline\">\nWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here\u2019s how it works.\n<\/p>\n<\/aside>\n<\/header>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\"text-copy bodyCopy auto paywall-locker\">\n<div data-analytics-id=\"utility-bar\" id=\"utility-bar\" class=\"font-ui-heading flex justify-between items-center py-2 border-t border-b border-gray-300 border-solid mb-5 mx-auto\" data-component-name=\"UtilityBar\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"utility-bar\">\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div data-component-name=\"Social:Dropdown\" role=\"menu\" id=\"utilitybar__dropdown--share\" aria-labelledby=\"utilitybar__button--share\" class=\"absolute left-0 top-full w-44 bg-white rounded-md shadow-md border border-neutral-200 z-[9996] list-none m-0 py-2 px-3 border-solid\">\n<ul class=\"m-0!\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Facebook<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>X<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Pinterest<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Email<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-share-this-article\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nShare this article\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\"><span class=\"ml-1 inline-flex h-5 px-2 shrink-0 items-center justify-center self-center overflow-hidden whitespace-nowrap rounded-[10px] bg-primary-500 text-[11px] leading-none font-ui-heading font-semibold text-white\">0<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-join-the-conversation\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nJoin the conversation\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<p>Follow us<\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-add-us-as-a-preferred-source-on-google\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nAdd us as a preferred source on Google\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-subscribe-to-our-newsletter\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nSubscribe to our newsletter\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-2252b116-820d-11f1-853e-05aaf302c3f8\">Nearly 14 months have passed since Derek Gee-West and Juan Ayuso crossed swords for the first time and only time in a Grand Tour GC battle at the 2025 Giro d&#8217;Italia, but the Canadian still vividly recollects the impression Ayuso, now his teammate, had on him during that race.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;He was smoking me at the start,&#8221; the 28-year-old told <em>Cyclingnews<\/em> with a wry grin before stage 13 of the Tour de France, &#8220;but then he had bad luck. He got stung by that bee&#8221; &#8211; and then had to abandon.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-2252b116-820d-11f1-853e-05aaf302c3f8-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I actually haven&#8217;t had too many head-to-heads with him, maybe back in the Dauphin\u00e9 in 2024. But in the races he&#8217;s finished, I don&#8217;t think I ever beat him.&#8221;<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-6 w-full overflow-hidden rounded-[10px] lg:my-8\" data-component-name=\"JwPlayer:Carousel\" data-jwp-carousel data-jwp-carousel-payload=\"{&quot;ids&quot;:{&quot;playerID&quot;:&quot;jYDCcabO&quot;,&quot;searchPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;gwjdoYHD&quot;,&quot;divID&quot;:&quot;botr_gwjdoYHD_jYDCcabO_div&quot;,&quot;fallbackPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;gwjdoYHD&quot;,&quot;fallbackDivID&quot;:&quot;botr_gwjdoYHD_jYDCcabO_div&quot;,&quot;key&quot;:&quot;X9\/mXVGac0NphghLH9hZaqWA5d3dhAM\/Ih07grnEyMLjuO2E&quot;,&quot;tintLogo&quot;:true,&quot;useSearchPlaylist&quot;:false,&quot;enabled&quot;:true},&quot;signPostingEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;signPostingLinkEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;waitForAdLoad&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnDesktop&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnMobile&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnTablet&quot;:false}\">\n<div class=\"flex flex-nowrap items-center justify-between gap-3 bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-header>\n<div class=\"flex min-w-0 shrink items-center\"><span class=\"inline-flex items-center gap-1.5 text-sm font-article-heading capitalize leading-5 text-white whitespace-nowrap\"><span class=\"jwp-carousel-title-desktop\">Latest Videos From<\/span><span class=\"jwp-carousel-brand inline-flex items-center\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/flexiimages\/gmvwmhupgi1715762145.svg\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] block h-[18px] w-auto shrink-0 brightness-0 invert\"><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"aspect-video w-full min-h-[200px] lg:min-h-[330px] relative overflow-hidden bg-black\" data-jwp-carousel-container>\n<div class=\"absolute inset-0 size-full items-center justify-center bg-white\" data-jwp-carousel-fallback><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/flexiimages\/gmvwmhupgi1715762145.svg\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] max-h-12 w-auto\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"min-h-[44px] bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting><a class=\"invisible block truncate text-sm font-bold leading-5 text-white underline decoration-solid underline-offset-2\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting-link href target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span data-jwp-carousel-signposting-title>Watch full video here: <\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">In the Dauphin\u00e9 that year, Gee-West took a breakthrough third-place overall finish and a stage win, but Ayuso was involved in a bad crash on a waterlogged descent and had to abandon on stage 6.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Fast forward a couple of years and things have moved on considerably. The two are now teammates at Lidl-Trek, where Gee-West has been learning in this year&#8217;s Tour about how Ayuso works as a team leader, with the Canadian highlighting, amidst other talents, the Spaniard&#8217;s direct approach to communication.<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            You may like<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xTecPgyGSuZhkmDwTeHBDH-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xTecPgyGSuZhkmDwTeHBDH-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Derek Gee-West to remain Lidl-Trek GC leader despite trailing teammate Ciccone in Giro d&#8217;Italia<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/r4AYQJ2TyEpFrQQVzdiCkD-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/r4AYQJ2TyEpFrQQVzdiCkD-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;Bike racing isn&#8217;t on paper&#8217; \u2013 Even without ideal preparation, GC hope Derek Gee-West looks to thrive in the brutal attrition of the Giro d&#8217;Italia<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pqH29hahi2ZT59E57grYz4-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pqH29hahi2ZT59E57grYz4-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;Everything can change in the Tour de France on any day&#8217; \u2013 Ever-ambitious Juan Ayuso sets podium goal as Lidl-Trek balance leaders<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;He&#8217;s pretty clear; it actually makes the job quite easy. If he wants something, he lets you know,&#8221; Gee-West says. &#8220;From a helper&#8217;s perspective, that&#8217;s exactly what you want.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;He&#8217;s also really confident, which is super-nice to have in a team leader. So we&#8217;ll see how the rest of the race goes, but he&#8217;s a good guy to be backing.&#8221; He grins again when asked what single characteristic he&#8217;d like to take from Ayuso to add to his own set of cycling talents, saying &#8211; only half-jokingly &#8211; &#8220;his legs!&#8221;<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-WNC6Vi5M9wXxRnmWVeWE88\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-WNC6Vi5M9wXxRnmWVeWE88 slice-container-newsletterForm\">\n<div data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"newsletter-form__wrapper newsletter-form__wrapper--inbodyContent\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__container\">\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__top-bar\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__header\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__main-section\">\n<p class=\"newsletter-form__strapline\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<footer class=\"newsletter-form__footer \">By submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.<\/footer>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Regarding the upcoming high-mountain challenges, as a top-five Giro finisher himself, Gee-West says he&#8217;s only too aware of how complicated it can be to challenge the other rivals.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">But at the same time, a rider like Ayuso, currently fifth overall, leading the best young rider competition and lagging just 18 seconds behind Remco Evenepoel (Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe) in the virtual podium, is always gunning to be in the thick of the action.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It&#8217;s tough, having been in a GC position a lot of times, you just have to hope legs show up,&#8221; Gee-West says.<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            What to read next<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8at9rBhBqakWkZQDTrSr4d-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8at9rBhBqakWkZQDTrSr4d-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;I don&#8217;t think he&#8217;s going to wait and see&#8217; \u2013 Juan Ayuso expects fireworks from teenage debutant Paul Seixas at Tour de France as he takes aim at podium finish with Lidl-Trek<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/e6yhxF2kDHSqXB8v6KGDLM-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/e6yhxF2kDHSqXB8v6KGDLM-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;There&#8217;s still a lot of suffering to come&#8217; &#8211; Derek Gee-West climbs up the Giro d&#8217;Italia standings in Car\u00ed<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ifor7vdV3UqqGjkiHpjVDi-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ifor7vdV3UqqGjkiHpjVDi-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;He was just on another level&#8217; \u2013 Juan Ayuso satisfied with Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes podium after losing out in battle with former teammate Isaac del Toro<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;He&#8217;s had great legs so far, but this weekend&#8221; &#8211; in the Vosges and then the Alps &#8211; &#8220;will be super decisive.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Hopefully, the legs are there, and when Juan is good, we know how good he is. So hopefully he&#8217;ll come out of this weekend feeling even more confident for the third week.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The third week also holds a potential challenge for Gee-West, as the three-times National Time Trial Champion could &#8211; on paper- have a crack at Tuesday&#8217;s 26.1 kilometre TT test. But for now, he&#8217;s holding fire on whether he will or won&#8217;t make it a target: that, once again, comes down in part to Ayuso and how he and co-leader Mattias Skjelmose perform this crucial weekend in the Vosges and Alps.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I have no idea, we&#8217;ll see after that how the guys are sitting [on GC], if they need me to rest or take on the TT. Either one is fine by me. Another recovery day&#8221; &#8211; which is what the time trial stage would effectively become for Gee-West, if he opted not to challenge for it &#8211; &#8220;would not be too bad either.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;But so far, I&#8217;ve not even looked at the TT route &#8211; that&#8217;s a job for the rest day.&#8221; Before which, of course, Gee-West will have plenty to keep him occupied on some of the toughest climbs of eastern France.<\/p>\n<hr id=\"elk-8c8a5c3c-820d-11f1-be53-1f51889b20c7\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">\n<p id=\"elk-82c6e34e-820f-11f1-91e2-8b8542453a29\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><strong>The world\u2019s biggest bike race deserves world-class coverage. Subscribe to Cyclingnews for unlimited access to our unrivalled reporting of the 2026 Tour de France. From Barcelona through to Paris, our experienced team will bring you breaking news, expert insight, and in-depth coverage from every stage as the battle for the yellow jersey plays out. Plus, access the Cyclingnews app to follow the action on the go! <\/strong><u><strong>Find out more.<\/strong><\/u><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/teams-riders\/when-hes-good-we-know-how-good-he-is-derek-gee-west-backs-teammate-juan-ayuso-to-make-an-impact-in-the-gc-battle-on-tour-de-france-mountain-stages\/&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sxgP8QCrSgajuMqMiZLyjX-2000-80.jpg&#8221;] 1 I can&#8217;t understand why UAE Team Emirates-XRG are riding so much, but Poga\u010dar is so good that he will correct any mistakes in the Alps &#8211; Sean Kelly&#8217;s Tour column 2 Don&#8217;t be surprised by Poga\u010dar&#8217;s early dominance, history shows it&#8217;s how every serial Tour de France winner succeeds &#8211; Philippa [&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-2050234","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\/2050234","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=2050234"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2050234\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2050234"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=2050234"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=2050234"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}