{"id":2051632,"date":"2026-07-19T08:57:53","date_gmt":"2026-07-19T05:57:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2051632"},"modified":"2026-07-19T08:57:53","modified_gmt":"2026-07-19T05:57:53","slug":"its-tough-to-improve-geraint-thomas-uncertain-if-jonas-vingegaard-will-get-better-in-third-week-of-tour-de-france","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2051632","title":{"rendered":"&#8216;It&#8217;s tough to improve&#8217; \u2013 Geraint Thomas uncertain if Jonas Vingegaard will get better in third week of Tour de France"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SfSMpYZWFA4FTvDtWy39xE-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\/r9fHLJ4q3CUrcC2mEGwsbf-160-80.jpg.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/r9fHLJ4q3CUrcC2mEGwsbf-80-80.jpg.webp 80w\" sizes=\"80px\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex items-center justify-center absolute w-4 h-6 left-0 top-0 bg-white\/90 flex-none z-[1]\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"font-normal text-base leading-[17px] tracking-[1.3px] uppercase text-black flex-none\">1<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex flex-col items-center justify-center gap-1.5 w-[173px] h-20 flex-none\">\n<p class=\"font-article-heading font-medium text-base leading-[21px] text-gray-800 w-[173px] line-clamp-3 group-hover:underline\">\n                                    Peerless Poga\u010dar drains tension out of the Tour de France as Jonas Vingegaard&#8217;s losing battle brings podium scramble into focus \u2013 GC analysis\n                                <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"m-0 box-border flex flex-row items-center pr-2.5 gap-[15px] w-[278px] h-20 flex-none upnext-article-divider\" role=\"listitem\" aria-label=\"Recommended article 2 of 3\">\n<div class=\"relative flex-none w-20 h-20\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JckirvnjsQA8uGQFxTWeb7-160-80.jpg.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JckirvnjsQA8uGQFxTWeb7-80-80.jpg.webp 80w\" sizes=\"80px\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex items-center justify-center absolute w-[18px] h-6 left-0 top-0 bg-white\/90 flex-none z-[1]\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"font-normal text-base leading-[17px] tracking-[1.3px] uppercase text-black flex-none\">2<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex flex-col items-center justify-center gap-1.5 w-[173px] h-20 flex-none\">\n<p class=\"font-article-heading font-medium text-base leading-[21px] text-gray-800 w-[173px] line-clamp-3 group-hover:underline\">\n                                    &#8216;It could be a lot worse&#8217; \u2013 Jonas Vingegaard sheds another 54 seconds to Tadej Poga\u010dar on stage 10 as Tour de France lead gets further away\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\/uE3fMfenEq6QVQ3TsmzPWF-160-80.jpg.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uE3fMfenEq6QVQ3TsmzPWF-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;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\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<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>&#8216;It&#8217;s tough to improve&#8217; \u2013 Geraint Thomas uncertain if Jonas Vingegaard will get better in third week of Tour de France<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"vds-byline-block flex flex-row flex-nowrap my-1.5 gap-2 text-left items-start justify-start\" data-component-name=\"Article:BylineBlock\">\n<p>News<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-auto vds-simple-byline\"><span class=\"inline-block vds-author\"><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nAlasdair Fotheringham <\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex gap-1 vds-byline-with-avatar__meta\"><span class=\"vds-date block font-normal tracking-normal normal-case text-xs\"><br \/>\nPublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-07-19T08:57:53Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n19 July 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">No specific GC target for Egan Bernal, Netcompany Ineos&#8217; best-placed overall rider, Thomas says<\/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\/SfSMpYZWFA4FTvDtWy39xE-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SfSMpYZWFA4FTvDtWy39xE-1600-80.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SfSMpYZWFA4FTvDtWy39xE-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SfSMpYZWFA4FTvDtWy39xE-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SfSMpYZWFA4FTvDtWy39xE-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SfSMpYZWFA4FTvDtWy39xE-750-80.jpg.webp 750w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SfSMpYZWFA4FTvDtWy39xE-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SfSMpYZWFA4FTvDtWy39xE-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SfSMpYZWFA4FTvDtWy39xE-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\">Jonas Vingegaard (Visma-Lease a Bike) on stage 14<\/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-c53f5e68-8345-11f1-9ce7-c1179378b62e\">Former Tour de France winner Geraint Thomas has said he has a hard time seeing how multiple runner-up and double outright champion Jonas Vingegaard can find his best condition in the third week of this year&#8217;s race.<\/p>\n<p>The Netcompany Ineos director of racing, who retired at the end of 2025, pointed to the very hard first week of the Tour, with its double incursion into the Pyrenees, as one factor that could cause the Visma-Lease a Bike rider to fail to find late form.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-c53f5e68-8345-11f1-9ce7-c1179378b62e-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">After winning the opening TTT and leading for two days, Vingegaard is currently lying second, 4:30 back, after 14 stages, and has multiple riders snapping at his heels on GC, Remco Evenepoel (Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe) being the closest at 34 seconds behind, and another four are at less than 90 seconds back.<\/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\">Visma-Lease a Bike have repeatedly said that Vingegaard is always best in the final week of racing of a Grand Tour and are hoping that the double Tour winner will turn things around when the end is almost within sight.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">But, speaking before stage 14 where Vingegaard was his strongest yet in the race but still was left reeling when Poga\u010dar attacked on the Col du Haag, Thomas believes it will be complicated.<\/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\/h8phZgFHjgUFxNMuaqMrVA-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/h8phZgFHjgUFxNMuaqMrVA-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;We have to be ready to capitalise on anything &#8211; Thymen Arensman puts Netcompany Ineos back in the Grand Tour GC game<\/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\/nrv5QvMBr5RHf9PosL9saa-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nrv5QvMBr5RHf9PosL9saa-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;You can&#8217;t wallow in what could have been&#8217; \u2013 Geraint Thomas says Netcompany Ineos ready to pivot from Tour de France GC to stage hunting<\/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\/KLc9fStTJgMQARuzur3GNd-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KLc9fStTJgMQARuzur3GNd-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\">Geraint Thomas warns of potential GC headache on tricky Giro d&#8217;Italia stage 2 finale after Netcompany Ineos escape hectic opener unscathed<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;They know him better in his team but I struggle to see how that happens to be honest. I know he was in control in the Giro, but the Tour is the Tour, the start of this race has been so hard,&#8221; Thomas \u2013 third in the 2022 Tour de France behind Poga\u010dar and the Danish rider \u2013 told reporters.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Maybe he will come good, we&#8217;ll see, time will tell, but for me, it&#8217;s tough to improve.&#8221;<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-CPpVCuwv4cxpkYB2HJKV7d\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-CPpVCuwv4cxpkYB2HJKV7d slice-container-newsletterForm\">\n<div data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"newsletter-form__wrapper newsletter-form__wrapper--inbodyContent\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__container\">\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__top-bar\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__header\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__main-section\">\n<p class=\"newsletter-form__strapline\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<footer class=\"newsletter-form__footer \">By submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.<\/footer>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;But they [Visma] know him a lot better than me. For our boys, it&#8217;s just about trying to be on the front foot and seeing how we can go.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Like Vingegaard, Netcompany Ineos have three riders in the Tour de France who completed the 2026 Giro \u2013 Egan Bernal, Thymen Arensman, fourth overall in Italy, and Filippo Ganna. Their goals are mainly stage wins, although Bernal, who had expected to race the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a until teammate Oscar Onley was badly injured in the Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f2ne-Alpes, is currently doing the best on GC in eleventh.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Egan&#8217;s been riding well, Thymen has been suffering a bit, but I think we need to look at what he did last year. He did the Giro and then he came here and won two days at the back end of the race,&#8221; Thomas pointed out.<\/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\/sx6BPVBk3f4UEsno63jjMM-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sx6BPVBk3f4UEsno63jjMM-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\">Netcompany Ineos say &#8216;nothing has changed&#8217; in Egan Bernal&#8217;s GC hunt at Giro d&#8217;Italia despite several setbacks in opening week<\/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\/3apG6cpsfmPoVs5ikJZ8mB-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3apG6cpsfmPoVs5ikJZ8mB-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;Vingegaard has to fight more to stay second than he does to win&#8217; \u2013 Brian Holm sees tough battle ahead for Dane to maintain best of the rest status in Tour de France<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-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\/iKEtsNL6vrmUeDMVC64HFE-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iKEtsNL6vrmUeDMVC64HFE-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;We could have easily been on the left and it would have been us&#8217; \u2013 Netcompany Ineos benefit from Giro d&#8217;Italia crash chaos as Egan Bernal moves up to third on GC<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;We just need to stick to the process, keep doing the right things and stay positive, and we&#8217;ll see.&#8221;<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-bc0bcc3e-834d-11f1-b85a-7935102deb59\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JVXPGBnYk4nPny6XA85CAM-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JVXPGBnYk4nPny6XA85CAM-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JVXPGBnYk4nPny6XA85CAM-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JVXPGBnYk4nPny6XA85CAM-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JVXPGBnYk4nPny6XA85CAM-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JVXPGBnYk4nPny6XA85CAM-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Egan Bernal (Netcompany Ineos) among the riders climbing through the throng of fans on stage 14 <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-ba621282-8346-11f1-bf36-c5f16106be1c\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Thomas said that personally he always found the combination of two Grand Tours in a single year \u2013 something he did four times in his lengthy career, in 2015, 2017, 2023 and 2024 \u2013 was never an easy ask. However, he argued that both Bernal and Arensman were &#8220;more natural GC guys&#8221;.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It is tough, especially when the Tour is the second of the two Grand Tours because it&#8217;s the hardest. We&#8217;ll see in the next week, that&#8217;s where the Tour starts, you could say. There are some really tough GC stages coming up now.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I did the Giro-Tour once [in 2024, although he was also a DNF in both in 2017 &#8211; Ed.] and it wasn&#8217;t pretty. I didn&#8217;t necessarily enjoy the Tour after that, but I was in a different stage of my career. I was 38 and third in the Giro [in 2024] took it out of me, by the Tour I was just out.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">For me, it&#8217;s as much the mental side as the physical, and so as long as the boys are up for it, can go deep and suffer, then we&#8217;ll see.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Of the Ineos riders who rode the Giro, Bernal&#8217;s performance is perhaps the most surprising, given his switch into the Tour team was so unexpected. According to Thomas, looking at how well the 2019 Tour winner finished the Giro, there was always a good chance he&#8217;d come around in July. That said, to be fighting for a top ten finish was a pleasant surprise.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Who knows?&#8221; Thomas told <em>Cyclingnews<\/em>. &#8220;With everything that happened to Oscar, it felt like Egan&#8217;s experience and leadership was key to the group to come here. The fact that he finished the Giro in no pain and feeling strong, that was the main reason [for taking him to the Tour]. As for the first two weeks here \u2013 he&#8217;s done pretty well.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Thomas is not putting a number on where they want to see Bernal, who is currently eleventh at 15:55 on race leader Tadej Poga\u010dar (UAE Team Emirates-XRG). Rather, there are other priorities.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;He has been pain-free for the majority of the year, and that&#8217;s the most important thing, it&#8217;s sounds like a bit of a cop-out, but it&#8217;s about giving everything he can every day and where he ends up is where he ends up.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;After the Giro&#8221; \u2013 where Bernal finished tenth \u2013 &#8220;and coming here, it&#8217;d be a bit unfair to say to him &#8216;look, you&#8217;ve got to be top ten&#8217; or whatever.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;But we&#8217;ll see how the race goes. He&#8217;s a fighter, he loves racing, gets stuck in, and that&#8217;s all you can ask for.&#8221;<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-1f7bd836-834e-11f1-8ba5-0b887645e635\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZpEP8tmHYGPGqgersoVV64-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZpEP8tmHYGPGqgersoVV64-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZpEP8tmHYGPGqgersoVV64-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZpEP8tmHYGPGqgersoVV64-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZpEP8tmHYGPGqgersoVV64-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZpEP8tmHYGPGqgersoVV64-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Filippo Ganna during the stage 1 team time trial <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-ba62130e-8346-11f1-a9bd-2f4e58177412\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The third member of Netcompany&#8217;s 2026 Giro-Tour group is Filippo Ganna, already a stage winner in his home Grand Tour this May and in sterling form during the Tour&#8217;s team time trial as well. A natural objective for a time trial specialist like the former world time trial champion is the 26.1 km stage 16 race against the clock on Tuesday, although the inclusion of a Cat. 2 climb, the C\u00f4te de Larringes early on, could make for a rather atypical route.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It&#8217;ll be tough with that climb, a few of the numbers guys [amongst the team&#8217;s trainers] are to me, slightly cautious,&#8221; Thomas, who won the opening prologue of the Tour in 2017, said of Ganna&#8217;s chances.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;But as I see it, we didn&#8217;t expect him to be as strong as he was on the first day, or on stage 9, where we didn&#8217;t expect him to be as good as he felt in the last 50ks,&#8221; where Ganna was in the break with stage winner Mathieu van der Poel (Alpecin-Premier Tech).<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;You&#8217;ve got be in it to win it, anything can happen to Remco or Pog&#8217;. We&#8217;ll see how the next couple of days go, and take it from there.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-a78b271a-834c-11f1-9b24-5b75fc6fb314\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><em><strong>The world\u2019s biggest bike race deserves world-class coverage. Subscribe to Cyclingnews for unlimited access to our unrivalled reporting of the 2026 Tour de France. From Barcelona through to Paris, our experienced team will bring you breaking news, expert insight, and in-depth coverage from every stage as the battle for the yellow jersey plays out. Plus, access the Cyclingnews app to follow the action on the go! <\/strong><\/em><u><em><strong>Find out more.<\/strong><\/em><\/u><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"block mb-5\" id=\"articleTag\" data-component-name=\"PostArticleLinks\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"post-article-links\">\n<div class=\"border-b border-b-black border-solid py-2.5 text-black font-bold uppercase\">TOPICS<\/div>\n<nav class=\"py-2.5 flex gap-2.5 flex-wrap\" data-analytics-id=\"article-tag\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-tag\">\n<p>Road<\/p>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-CPpVCuwv4cxpkYB2HJKV7d\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-CPpVCuwv4cxpkYB2HJKV7d slice-container-authorBio\">\n<div class=\"author author__default-layout author--separator author--collapsible\" data-hydrate=\"true\">\n<div class=\"author__header\">\n<div class=\"author__avatar-block\">\n<figure class=\"image-wrapped__wrapper\" data-bordeaux-image-check=\"false\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__widthsetter\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__aspect-padding\">\n<div><source class=\"author__avatar image-wrapped__image image__image\" type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5QLhaPay9asJvmaNsCjFVZ-140-80.jpg.webp 140w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5QLhaPay9asJvmaNsCjFVZ.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5QLhaPay9asJvmaNsCjFVZ.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5QLhaPay9asJvmaNsCjFVZ.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__heading\">\n<div class=\"author__name\">Alasdair Fotheringham<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__social\">\n<nav class=\"button-social-group author__social-buttons\" aria-labelledby=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">\n<div id=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">Social Links Navigation<\/div>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>Alasdair Fotheringham has been reporting on cycling since 1991. He has covered every Tour de France since 1992 bar one, as well as numerous other bike races of all shapes and sizes, ranging from the Olympic Games in 2008 to the now sadly defunct Subida a Urkiola hill climb in Spain. As well as working for <em>Cyclingnews<\/em>, he has also written for <em>The Independent<\/em>,\u00a0 <em>The Guardian<\/em>,\u00a0 <em>ProCycling<\/em>, <em>The Express<\/em> and <em>Reuters<\/em>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<div class=\"relative max-w-[1070px] viafoura-twig-component mt-6 mx-4 lg:mx-0\" data-component-name=\"Viafoura:Comments\" data-nosnippet data-community-guidelines-text=\"&lt;p class=&apos;vfcustom-community-guidelines&apos;&gt;Please follow our &lt;a href=&quot;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/about\/#section-community-guidelines&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;community guidelines&lt;\/a&gt;.&lt;\/p&gt;\" data-join-the-conversation-text=\"Join the Conversation\">\n<div class=\"absolute top-0 left-0 w-full h-full flex items-center justify-center z-50 bg-white\/90 border-1 rounded-b-[var(--comment-widget-border-radius,0)]\">\n<div class=\"p-2 text-center\">\n<p class=\"mb-3 text-lg!\">You must confirm your public display name before commenting<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-3 text-sm!\">Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<section class=\"mx-2 my-5 sm:mx-0\">\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-adviser:hybrid\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Read more<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/h8phZgFHjgUFxNMuaqMrVA-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/h8phZgFHjgUFxNMuaqMrVA-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/h8phZgFHjgUFxNMuaqMrVA-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/h8phZgFHjgUFxNMuaqMrVA-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/h8phZgFHjgUFxNMuaqMrVA-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;We have to be ready to capitalise on anything &#8211; Thymen Arensman puts Netcompany Ineos back in the Grand Tour GC game<\/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\/nrv5QvMBr5RHf9PosL9saa-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nrv5QvMBr5RHf9PosL9saa-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nrv5QvMBr5RHf9PosL9saa-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nrv5QvMBr5RHf9PosL9saa-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nrv5QvMBr5RHf9PosL9saa-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;You can&#8217;t wallow in what could have been&#8217; \u2013 Geraint Thomas says Netcompany Ineos ready to pivot from Tour de France GC to stage hunting<\/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\/KLc9fStTJgMQARuzur3GNd-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KLc9fStTJgMQARuzur3GNd-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KLc9fStTJgMQARuzur3GNd-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KLc9fStTJgMQARuzur3GNd-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KLc9fStTJgMQARuzur3GNd-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\">Geraint Thomas warns of potential GC headache on tricky Giro d&#8217;Italia stage 2 finale after Netcompany Ineos escape hectic opener unscathed<\/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\/sx6BPVBk3f4UEsno63jjMM-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sx6BPVBk3f4UEsno63jjMM-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sx6BPVBk3f4UEsno63jjMM-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sx6BPVBk3f4UEsno63jjMM-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sx6BPVBk3f4UEsno63jjMM-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\">Netcompany Ineos say &#8216;nothing has changed&#8217; in Egan Bernal&#8217;s GC hunt at Giro d&#8217;Italia despite several setbacks in opening week<\/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\/3apG6cpsfmPoVs5ikJZ8mB-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3apG6cpsfmPoVs5ikJZ8mB-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3apG6cpsfmPoVs5ikJZ8mB-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3apG6cpsfmPoVs5ikJZ8mB-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3apG6cpsfmPoVs5ikJZ8mB-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;Vingegaard has to fight more to stay second than he does to win&#8217; \u2013 Brian Holm sees tough battle ahead for Dane to maintain best of the rest status in 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\/iKEtsNL6vrmUeDMVC64HFE-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iKEtsNL6vrmUeDMVC64HFE-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iKEtsNL6vrmUeDMVC64HFE-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iKEtsNL6vrmUeDMVC64HFE-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iKEtsNL6vrmUeDMVC64HFE-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;We could have easily been on the left and it would have been us&#8217; \u2013 Netcompany Ineos benefit from Giro d&#8217;Italia crash chaos as Egan Bernal moves up to third on GC<\/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 Pro Cycling<\/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\/zFchhNtsTbFfNi6L66gpxR-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zFchhNtsTbFfNi6L66gpxR-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zFchhNtsTbFfNi6L66gpxR-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zFchhNtsTbFfNi6L66gpxR-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zFchhNtsTbFfNi6L66gpxR-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;It&#8217;s no use hanging your head&#8217; \u2013 Jonas Vingegaard gives his first reaction since exiting the Tour de France<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5wDPHRbVsahtYH5RtA5dJ7-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5wDPHRbVsahtYH5RtA5dJ7-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5wDPHRbVsahtYH5RtA5dJ7-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5wDPHRbVsahtYH5RtA5dJ7-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5wDPHRbVsahtYH5RtA5dJ7-320-80.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\">Jonas Vingegaard&#8217;s abandon of the Tour de France doesn&#8217;t just lengthen the already heavy odds of a fifth Tadej Poga\u010dar victory; it radically alters how we&#8217;ll perceive it &#8211; Analysis<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div 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\/nHPZFm7QVt4RPtEsxQSzjL-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nHPZFm7QVt4RPtEsxQSzjL-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nHPZFm7QVt4RPtEsxQSzjL-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nHPZFm7QVt4RPtEsxQSzjL-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nHPZFm7QVt4RPtEsxQSzjL-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;Either I crash myself, or I go into Tadej&#8217; \u2013 Isaac del Toro takes a tumble for his leader but gets instant payback as &#8216;insane&#8217; Poga\u010dar works for him on Tour de France summit finish<\/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\/ksfVLjNBzJydFZQsbXKUQB-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ksfVLjNBzJydFZQsbXKUQB-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ksfVLjNBzJydFZQsbXKUQB-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ksfVLjNBzJydFZQsbXKUQB-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ksfVLjNBzJydFZQsbXKUQB-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\">Tom Pidcock fined 400CHF, docked 20 seconds, and eight KOM points on Tour de France stage 15<\/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\/EbXQU43miPWiqxuJ9y2vW7-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EbXQU43miPWiqxuJ9y2vW7-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EbXQU43miPWiqxuJ9y2vW7-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EbXQU43miPWiqxuJ9y2vW7-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EbXQU43miPWiqxuJ9y2vW7-320-80.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;Something we could and should not accept&#8217; &#8211; Tour de France stage 15 winner Remco Evenepoel calls for CPA to take action over nighttime anti-doping testing<\/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\/krDwMTCmtoEhrxY6bTy4PA-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/krDwMTCmtoEhrxY6bTy4PA-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/krDwMTCmtoEhrxY6bTy4PA-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/krDwMTCmtoEhrxY6bTy4PA-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/krDwMTCmtoEhrxY6bTy4PA-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\">Three time stage winner Tim Merlier abandons the Tour de France on mountainous stage 15<\/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\/zFchhNtsTbFfNi6L66gpxR-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zFchhNtsTbFfNi6L66gpxR-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zFchhNtsTbFfNi6L66gpxR-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zFchhNtsTbFfNi6L66gpxR-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zFchhNtsTbFfNi6L66gpxR-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;It&#8217;s no use hanging your head&#8217; \u2013 Jonas Vingegaard gives his first reaction since exiting the Tour de France<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nHPZFm7QVt4RPtEsxQSzjL-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nHPZFm7QVt4RPtEsxQSzjL-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nHPZFm7QVt4RPtEsxQSzjL-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nHPZFm7QVt4RPtEsxQSzjL-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nHPZFm7QVt4RPtEsxQSzjL-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;Either I crash myself, or I go into Tadej&#8217; \u2013 Isaac del Toro takes a tumble for his leader but gets instant payback as &#8216;insane&#8217; Poga\u010dar works for him on Tour de France summit finish<\/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\/ksfVLjNBzJydFZQsbXKUQB-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ksfVLjNBzJydFZQsbXKUQB-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ksfVLjNBzJydFZQsbXKUQB-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ksfVLjNBzJydFZQsbXKUQB-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ksfVLjNBzJydFZQsbXKUQB-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\">Tom Pidcock fined 400CHF, docked 20 seconds, and eight KOM points on Tour de France stage 15<\/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\/EbXQU43miPWiqxuJ9y2vW7-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EbXQU43miPWiqxuJ9y2vW7-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EbXQU43miPWiqxuJ9y2vW7-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EbXQU43miPWiqxuJ9y2vW7-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EbXQU43miPWiqxuJ9y2vW7-320-80.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;Something we could and should not accept&#8217; &#8211; Tour de France stage 15 winner Remco Evenepoel calls for CPA to take action over nighttime anti-doping testing<\/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\/krDwMTCmtoEhrxY6bTy4PA-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/krDwMTCmtoEhrxY6bTy4PA-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/krDwMTCmtoEhrxY6bTy4PA-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/krDwMTCmtoEhrxY6bTy4PA-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/krDwMTCmtoEhrxY6bTy4PA-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\">Three time stage winner Tim Merlier abandons the Tour de France on mountainous stage 15<\/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\/E9A9xqiGYiLKvuvhUfJ5e8-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E9A9xqiGYiLKvuvhUfJ5e8-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E9A9xqiGYiLKvuvhUfJ5e8-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E9A9xqiGYiLKvuvhUfJ5e8-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E9A9xqiGYiLKvuvhUfJ5e8-320-80.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 ruined his sleep&#8217; \u2013 Tadej Poga\u010dar argues Jonas Vingegaard&#8217;s overnight doping test might have been a factor in Dane&#8217;s Tour de France ending crash<\/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\/5wDPHRbVsahtYH5RtA5dJ7-320-80.jpg.webp 320w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5wDPHRbVsahtYH5RtA5dJ7-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5wDPHRbVsahtYH5RtA5dJ7-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5wDPHRbVsahtYH5RtA5dJ7-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5wDPHRbVsahtYH5RtA5dJ7.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5wDPHRbVsahtYH5RtA5dJ7.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5wDPHRbVsahtYH5RtA5dJ7.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\">Jonas Vingegaard&#8217;s abandon of the Tour de France doesn&#8217;t just lengthen the already heavy odds of a fifth Tadej Poga\u010dar victory; it radically alters how we&#8217;ll perceive it &#8211; Analysis<\/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;It&#8217;s no use hanging your head&#8217; \u2013 Jonas Vingegaard gives his first reaction since exiting the Tour de France<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">3<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">&#8216;Either I crash myself, or I go into Tadej&#8217; \u2013 Isaac del Toro takes a tumble for his leader but gets instant payback as &#8216;insane&#8217; Poga\u010dar works for him on Tour de France summit finish<\/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\">Tom Pidcock fined 400CHF, docked 20 seconds, and eight KOM points on Tour de France stage 15<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">5<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">&#8216;Something we could and should not accept&#8217; &#8211; Tour de France stage 15 winner Remco Evenepoel calls for CPA to take action over nighttime anti-doping testing<\/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<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>&#8216;It&#8217;s tough to improve&#8217; \u2013 Geraint Thomas uncertain if Jonas Vingegaard will get better in third week of Tour de France<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"vds-byline-block flex flex-row flex-nowrap my-1.5 gap-2 text-left items-start justify-start\" data-component-name=\"Article:BylineBlock\">\n<p>News<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-auto vds-simple-byline\"><span class=\"inline-block vds-author\"><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nAlasdair Fotheringham <\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex gap-1 vds-byline-with-avatar__meta\"><span class=\"vds-date block font-normal tracking-normal normal-case text-xs\"><br \/>\nPublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-07-19T08:57:53Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n19 July 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">No specific GC target for Egan Bernal, Netcompany Ineos&#8217; best-placed overall rider, Thomas says<\/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\/SfSMpYZWFA4FTvDtWy39xE-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SfSMpYZWFA4FTvDtWy39xE-1600-80.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SfSMpYZWFA4FTvDtWy39xE-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SfSMpYZWFA4FTvDtWy39xE-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SfSMpYZWFA4FTvDtWy39xE-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SfSMpYZWFA4FTvDtWy39xE-750-80.jpg.webp 750w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SfSMpYZWFA4FTvDtWy39xE-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SfSMpYZWFA4FTvDtWy39xE-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SfSMpYZWFA4FTvDtWy39xE-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\">Jonas Vingegaard (Visma-Lease a Bike) on stage 14<\/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-c53f5e68-8345-11f1-9ce7-c1179378b62e\">Former Tour de France winner Geraint Thomas has said he has a hard time seeing how multiple runner-up and double outright champion Jonas Vingegaard can find his best condition in the third week of this year&#8217;s race.<\/p>\n<p>The Netcompany Ineos director of racing, who retired at the end of 2025, pointed to the very hard first week of the Tour, with its double incursion into the Pyrenees, as one factor that could cause the Visma-Lease a Bike rider to fail to find late form.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-c53f5e68-8345-11f1-9ce7-c1179378b62e-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">After winning the opening TTT and leading for two days, Vingegaard is currently lying second, 4:30 back, after 14 stages, and has multiple riders snapping at his heels on GC, Remco Evenepoel (Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe) being the closest at 34 seconds behind, and another four are at less than 90 seconds back.<\/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\">Visma-Lease a Bike have repeatedly said that Vingegaard is always best in the final week of racing of a Grand Tour and are hoping that the double Tour winner will turn things around when the end is almost within sight.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">But, speaking before stage 14 where Vingegaard was his strongest yet in the race but still was left reeling when Poga\u010dar attacked on the Col du Haag, Thomas believes it will be complicated.<\/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\/h8phZgFHjgUFxNMuaqMrVA-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/h8phZgFHjgUFxNMuaqMrVA-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;We have to be ready to capitalise on anything &#8211; Thymen Arensman puts Netcompany Ineos back in the Grand Tour GC game<\/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\/nrv5QvMBr5RHf9PosL9saa-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nrv5QvMBr5RHf9PosL9saa-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;You can&#8217;t wallow in what could have been&#8217; \u2013 Geraint Thomas says Netcompany Ineos ready to pivot from Tour de France GC to stage hunting<\/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\/KLc9fStTJgMQARuzur3GNd-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KLc9fStTJgMQARuzur3GNd-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\">Geraint Thomas warns of potential GC headache on tricky Giro d&#8217;Italia stage 2 finale after Netcompany Ineos escape hectic opener unscathed<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;They know him better in his team but I struggle to see how that happens to be honest. I know he was in control in the Giro, but the Tour is the Tour, the start of this race has been so hard,&#8221; Thomas \u2013 third in the 2022 Tour de France behind Poga\u010dar and the Danish rider \u2013 told reporters.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Maybe he will come good, we&#8217;ll see, time will tell, but for me, it&#8217;s tough to improve.&#8221;<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-CPpVCuwv4cxpkYB2HJKV7d\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-CPpVCuwv4cxpkYB2HJKV7d slice-container-newsletterForm\">\n<div data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"newsletter-form__wrapper newsletter-form__wrapper--inbodyContent\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__container\">\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__top-bar\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__header\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__main-section\">\n<p class=\"newsletter-form__strapline\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<footer class=\"newsletter-form__footer \">By submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.<\/footer>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;But they [Visma] know him a lot better than me. For our boys, it&#8217;s just about trying to be on the front foot and seeing how we can go.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Like Vingegaard, Netcompany Ineos have three riders in the Tour de France who completed the 2026 Giro \u2013 Egan Bernal, Thymen Arensman, fourth overall in Italy, and Filippo Ganna. Their goals are mainly stage wins, although Bernal, who had expected to race the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a until teammate Oscar Onley was badly injured in the Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f2ne-Alpes, is currently doing the best on GC in eleventh.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Egan&#8217;s been riding well, Thymen has been suffering a bit, but I think we need to look at what he did last year. He did the Giro and then he came here and won two days at the back end of the race,&#8221; Thomas pointed out.<\/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\/sx6BPVBk3f4UEsno63jjMM-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sx6BPVBk3f4UEsno63jjMM-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\">Netcompany Ineos say &#8216;nothing has changed&#8217; in Egan Bernal&#8217;s GC hunt at Giro d&#8217;Italia despite several setbacks in opening week<\/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\/3apG6cpsfmPoVs5ikJZ8mB-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3apG6cpsfmPoVs5ikJZ8mB-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;Vingegaard has to fight more to stay second than he does to win&#8217; \u2013 Brian Holm sees tough battle ahead for Dane to maintain best of the rest status in Tour de France<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-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\/iKEtsNL6vrmUeDMVC64HFE-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iKEtsNL6vrmUeDMVC64HFE-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;We could have easily been on the left and it would have been us&#8217; \u2013 Netcompany Ineos benefit from Giro d&#8217;Italia crash chaos as Egan Bernal moves up to third on GC<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;We just need to stick to the process, keep doing the right things and stay positive, and we&#8217;ll see.&#8221;<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-bc0bcc3e-834d-11f1-b85a-7935102deb59\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JVXPGBnYk4nPny6XA85CAM-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JVXPGBnYk4nPny6XA85CAM-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JVXPGBnYk4nPny6XA85CAM-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JVXPGBnYk4nPny6XA85CAM-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JVXPGBnYk4nPny6XA85CAM-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JVXPGBnYk4nPny6XA85CAM-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Egan Bernal (Netcompany Ineos) among the riders climbing through the throng of fans on stage 14 <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-ba621282-8346-11f1-bf36-c5f16106be1c\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Thomas said that personally he always found the combination of two Grand Tours in a single year \u2013 something he did four times in his lengthy career, in 2015, 2017, 2023 and 2024 \u2013 was never an easy ask. However, he argued that both Bernal and Arensman were &#8220;more natural GC guys&#8221;.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It is tough, especially when the Tour is the second of the two Grand Tours because it&#8217;s the hardest. We&#8217;ll see in the next week, that&#8217;s where the Tour starts, you could say. There are some really tough GC stages coming up now.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I did the Giro-Tour once [in 2024, although he was also a DNF in both in 2017 &#8211; Ed.] and it wasn&#8217;t pretty. I didn&#8217;t necessarily enjoy the Tour after that, but I was in a different stage of my career. I was 38 and third in the Giro [in 2024] took it out of me, by the Tour I was just out.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">For me, it&#8217;s as much the mental side as the physical, and so as long as the boys are up for it, can go deep and suffer, then we&#8217;ll see.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Of the Ineos riders who rode the Giro, Bernal&#8217;s performance is perhaps the most surprising, given his switch into the Tour team was so unexpected. According to Thomas, looking at how well the 2019 Tour winner finished the Giro, there was always a good chance he&#8217;d come around in July. That said, to be fighting for a top ten finish was a pleasant surprise.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Who knows?&#8221; Thomas told <em>Cyclingnews<\/em>. &#8220;With everything that happened to Oscar, it felt like Egan&#8217;s experience and leadership was key to the group to come here. The fact that he finished the Giro in no pain and feeling strong, that was the main reason [for taking him to the Tour]. As for the first two weeks here \u2013 he&#8217;s done pretty well.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Thomas is not putting a number on where they want to see Bernal, who is currently eleventh at 15:55 on race leader Tadej Poga\u010dar (UAE Team Emirates-XRG). Rather, there are other priorities.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;He has been pain-free for the majority of the year, and that&#8217;s the most important thing, it&#8217;s sounds like a bit of a cop-out, but it&#8217;s about giving everything he can every day and where he ends up is where he ends up.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;After the Giro&#8221; \u2013 where Bernal finished tenth \u2013 &#8220;and coming here, it&#8217;d be a bit unfair to say to him &#8216;look, you&#8217;ve got to be top ten&#8217; or whatever.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;But we&#8217;ll see how the race goes. He&#8217;s a fighter, he loves racing, gets stuck in, and that&#8217;s all you can ask for.&#8221;<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-1f7bd836-834e-11f1-8ba5-0b887645e635\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZpEP8tmHYGPGqgersoVV64-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZpEP8tmHYGPGqgersoVV64-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZpEP8tmHYGPGqgersoVV64-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZpEP8tmHYGPGqgersoVV64-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZpEP8tmHYGPGqgersoVV64-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZpEP8tmHYGPGqgersoVV64-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Filippo Ganna during the stage 1 team time trial <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-ba62130e-8346-11f1-a9bd-2f4e58177412\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The third member of Netcompany&#8217;s 2026 Giro-Tour group is Filippo Ganna, already a stage winner in his home Grand Tour this May and in sterling form during the Tour&#8217;s team time trial as well. A natural objective for a time trial specialist like the former world time trial champion is the 26.1 km stage 16 race against the clock on Tuesday, although the inclusion of a Cat. 2 climb, the C\u00f4te de Larringes early on, could make for a rather atypical route.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It&#8217;ll be tough with that climb, a few of the numbers guys [amongst the team&#8217;s trainers] are to me, slightly cautious,&#8221; Thomas, who won the opening prologue of the Tour in 2017, said of Ganna&#8217;s chances.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;But as I see it, we didn&#8217;t expect him to be as strong as he was on the first day, or on stage 9, where we didn&#8217;t expect him to be as good as he felt in the last 50ks,&#8221; where Ganna was in the break with stage winner Mathieu van der Poel (Alpecin-Premier Tech).<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;You&#8217;ve got be in it to win it, anything can happen to Remco or Pog&#8217;. We&#8217;ll see how the next couple of days go, and take it from there.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-a78b271a-834c-11f1-9b24-5b75fc6fb314\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><em><strong>The world\u2019s biggest bike race deserves world-class coverage. Subscribe to Cyclingnews for unlimited access to our unrivalled reporting of the 2026 Tour de France. From Barcelona through to Paris, our experienced team will bring you breaking news, expert insight, and in-depth coverage from every stage as the battle for the yellow jersey plays out. Plus, access the Cyclingnews app to follow the action on the go! <\/strong><\/em><u><em><strong>Find out more.<\/strong><\/em><\/u><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"block mb-5\" id=\"articleTag\" data-component-name=\"PostArticleLinks\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"post-article-links\">\n<div class=\"border-b border-b-black border-solid py-2.5 text-black font-bold uppercase\">TOPICS<\/div>\n<nav class=\"py-2.5 flex gap-2.5 flex-wrap\" data-analytics-id=\"article-tag\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-tag\">\n<p>Road<\/p>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-CPpVCuwv4cxpkYB2HJKV7d\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-CPpVCuwv4cxpkYB2HJKV7d slice-container-authorBio\">\n<div class=\"author author__default-layout author--separator author--collapsible\" data-hydrate=\"true\">\n<div class=\"author__header\">\n<div class=\"author__avatar-block\">\n<figure class=\"image-wrapped__wrapper\" data-bordeaux-image-check=\"false\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__widthsetter\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__aspect-padding\">\n<div><source class=\"author__avatar image-wrapped__image image__image\" type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5QLhaPay9asJvmaNsCjFVZ-140-80.jpg.webp 140w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5QLhaPay9asJvmaNsCjFVZ.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5QLhaPay9asJvmaNsCjFVZ.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5QLhaPay9asJvmaNsCjFVZ.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__heading\">\n<div class=\"author__name\">Alasdair Fotheringham<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__social\">\n<nav class=\"button-social-group author__social-buttons\" aria-labelledby=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">\n<div id=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">Social Links Navigation<\/div>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>Alasdair Fotheringham has been reporting on cycling since 1991. He has covered every Tour de France since 1992 bar one, as well as numerous other bike races of all shapes and sizes, ranging from the Olympic Games in 2008 to the now sadly defunct Subida a Urkiola hill climb in Spain. As well as working for <em>Cyclingnews<\/em>, he has also written for <em>The Independent<\/em>,\u00a0 <em>The Guardian<\/em>,\u00a0 <em>ProCycling<\/em>, <em>The Express<\/em> and <em>Reuters<\/em>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<div class=\"relative max-w-[1070px] viafoura-twig-component mt-6 mx-4 lg:mx-0\" data-component-name=\"Viafoura:Comments\" data-nosnippet data-community-guidelines-text=\"&lt;p class=&apos;vfcustom-community-guidelines&apos;&gt;Please follow our &lt;a href=&quot;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/about\/#section-community-guidelines&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;community guidelines&lt;\/a&gt;.&lt;\/p&gt;\" data-join-the-conversation-text=\"Join the Conversation\">\n<div class=\"absolute top-0 left-0 w-full h-full flex items-center justify-center z-50 bg-white\/90 border-1 rounded-b-[var(--comment-widget-border-radius,0)]\">\n<div class=\"p-2 text-center\">\n<p class=\"mb-3 text-lg!\">You must confirm your public display name before commenting<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-3 text-sm!\">Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<section class=\"mx-2 my-5 sm:mx-0\">\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-adviser:hybrid\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Read more<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/h8phZgFHjgUFxNMuaqMrVA-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/h8phZgFHjgUFxNMuaqMrVA-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/h8phZgFHjgUFxNMuaqMrVA-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/h8phZgFHjgUFxNMuaqMrVA-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/h8phZgFHjgUFxNMuaqMrVA-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;We have to be ready to capitalise on anything &#8211; Thymen Arensman puts Netcompany Ineos back in the Grand Tour GC game<\/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\/nrv5QvMBr5RHf9PosL9saa-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nrv5QvMBr5RHf9PosL9saa-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nrv5QvMBr5RHf9PosL9saa-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nrv5QvMBr5RHf9PosL9saa-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nrv5QvMBr5RHf9PosL9saa-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;You can&#8217;t wallow in what could have been&#8217; \u2013 Geraint Thomas says Netcompany Ineos ready to pivot from Tour de France GC to stage hunting<\/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\/KLc9fStTJgMQARuzur3GNd-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KLc9fStTJgMQARuzur3GNd-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KLc9fStTJgMQARuzur3GNd-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KLc9fStTJgMQARuzur3GNd-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KLc9fStTJgMQARuzur3GNd-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\">Geraint Thomas warns of potential GC headache on tricky Giro d&#8217;Italia stage 2 finale after Netcompany Ineos escape hectic opener unscathed<\/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\/sx6BPVBk3f4UEsno63jjMM-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sx6BPVBk3f4UEsno63jjMM-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sx6BPVBk3f4UEsno63jjMM-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sx6BPVBk3f4UEsno63jjMM-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sx6BPVBk3f4UEsno63jjMM-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\">Netcompany Ineos say &#8216;nothing has changed&#8217; in Egan Bernal&#8217;s GC hunt at Giro d&#8217;Italia despite several setbacks in opening week<\/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\/3apG6cpsfmPoVs5ikJZ8mB-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3apG6cpsfmPoVs5ikJZ8mB-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3apG6cpsfmPoVs5ikJZ8mB-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3apG6cpsfmPoVs5ikJZ8mB-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3apG6cpsfmPoVs5ikJZ8mB-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;Vingegaard has to fight more to stay second than he does to win&#8217; \u2013 Brian Holm sees tough battle ahead for Dane to maintain best of the rest status in 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\/iKEtsNL6vrmUeDMVC64HFE-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iKEtsNL6vrmUeDMVC64HFE-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iKEtsNL6vrmUeDMVC64HFE-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iKEtsNL6vrmUeDMVC64HFE-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iKEtsNL6vrmUeDMVC64HFE-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;We could have easily been on the left and it would have been us&#8217; \u2013 Netcompany Ineos benefit from Giro d&#8217;Italia crash chaos as Egan Bernal moves up to third on GC<\/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 Pro Cycling<\/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\/zFchhNtsTbFfNi6L66gpxR-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zFchhNtsTbFfNi6L66gpxR-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zFchhNtsTbFfNi6L66gpxR-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zFchhNtsTbFfNi6L66gpxR-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zFchhNtsTbFfNi6L66gpxR-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;It&#8217;s no use hanging your head&#8217; \u2013 Jonas Vingegaard gives his first reaction since exiting the Tour de France<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5wDPHRbVsahtYH5RtA5dJ7-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5wDPHRbVsahtYH5RtA5dJ7-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5wDPHRbVsahtYH5RtA5dJ7-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5wDPHRbVsahtYH5RtA5dJ7-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5wDPHRbVsahtYH5RtA5dJ7-320-80.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\">Jonas Vingegaard&#8217;s abandon of the Tour de France doesn&#8217;t just lengthen the already heavy odds of a fifth Tadej Poga\u010dar victory; it radically alters how we&#8217;ll perceive it &#8211; Analysis<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div 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\/nHPZFm7QVt4RPtEsxQSzjL-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nHPZFm7QVt4RPtEsxQSzjL-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nHPZFm7QVt4RPtEsxQSzjL-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nHPZFm7QVt4RPtEsxQSzjL-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nHPZFm7QVt4RPtEsxQSzjL-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;Either I crash myself, or I go into Tadej&#8217; \u2013 Isaac del Toro takes a tumble for his leader but gets instant payback as &#8216;insane&#8217; Poga\u010dar works for him on Tour de France summit finish<\/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\/ksfVLjNBzJydFZQsbXKUQB-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ksfVLjNBzJydFZQsbXKUQB-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ksfVLjNBzJydFZQsbXKUQB-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ksfVLjNBzJydFZQsbXKUQB-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ksfVLjNBzJydFZQsbXKUQB-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\">Tom Pidcock fined 400CHF, docked 20 seconds, and eight KOM points on Tour de France stage 15<\/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\/EbXQU43miPWiqxuJ9y2vW7-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EbXQU43miPWiqxuJ9y2vW7-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EbXQU43miPWiqxuJ9y2vW7-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EbXQU43miPWiqxuJ9y2vW7-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EbXQU43miPWiqxuJ9y2vW7-320-80.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;Something we could and should not accept&#8217; &#8211; Tour de France stage 15 winner Remco Evenepoel calls for CPA to take action over nighttime anti-doping testing<\/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\/krDwMTCmtoEhrxY6bTy4PA-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/krDwMTCmtoEhrxY6bTy4PA-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/krDwMTCmtoEhrxY6bTy4PA-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/krDwMTCmtoEhrxY6bTy4PA-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/krDwMTCmtoEhrxY6bTy4PA-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\">Three time stage winner Tim Merlier abandons the Tour de France on mountainous stage 15<\/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\/zFchhNtsTbFfNi6L66gpxR-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zFchhNtsTbFfNi6L66gpxR-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zFchhNtsTbFfNi6L66gpxR-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zFchhNtsTbFfNi6L66gpxR-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zFchhNtsTbFfNi6L66gpxR-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;It&#8217;s no use hanging your head&#8217; \u2013 Jonas Vingegaard gives his first reaction since exiting the Tour de France<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nHPZFm7QVt4RPtEsxQSzjL-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nHPZFm7QVt4RPtEsxQSzjL-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nHPZFm7QVt4RPtEsxQSzjL-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nHPZFm7QVt4RPtEsxQSzjL-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nHPZFm7QVt4RPtEsxQSzjL-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;Either I crash myself, or I go into Tadej&#8217; \u2013 Isaac del Toro takes a tumble for his leader but gets instant payback as &#8216;insane&#8217; Poga\u010dar works for him on Tour de France summit finish<\/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\/ksfVLjNBzJydFZQsbXKUQB-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ksfVLjNBzJydFZQsbXKUQB-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ksfVLjNBzJydFZQsbXKUQB-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ksfVLjNBzJydFZQsbXKUQB-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ksfVLjNBzJydFZQsbXKUQB-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\">Tom Pidcock fined 400CHF, docked 20 seconds, and eight KOM points on Tour de France stage 15<\/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\/EbXQU43miPWiqxuJ9y2vW7-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EbXQU43miPWiqxuJ9y2vW7-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EbXQU43miPWiqxuJ9y2vW7-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EbXQU43miPWiqxuJ9y2vW7-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EbXQU43miPWiqxuJ9y2vW7-320-80.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;Something we could and should not accept&#8217; &#8211; Tour de France stage 15 winner Remco Evenepoel calls for CPA to take action over nighttime anti-doping testing<\/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\/krDwMTCmtoEhrxY6bTy4PA-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/krDwMTCmtoEhrxY6bTy4PA-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/krDwMTCmtoEhrxY6bTy4PA-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/krDwMTCmtoEhrxY6bTy4PA-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/krDwMTCmtoEhrxY6bTy4PA-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\">Three time stage winner Tim Merlier abandons the Tour de France on mountainous stage 15<\/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\/E9A9xqiGYiLKvuvhUfJ5e8-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E9A9xqiGYiLKvuvhUfJ5e8-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E9A9xqiGYiLKvuvhUfJ5e8-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E9A9xqiGYiLKvuvhUfJ5e8-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E9A9xqiGYiLKvuvhUfJ5e8-320-80.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 ruined his sleep&#8217; \u2013 Tadej Poga\u010dar argues Jonas Vingegaard&#8217;s overnight doping test might have been a factor in Dane&#8217;s Tour de France ending crash<\/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\/5wDPHRbVsahtYH5RtA5dJ7-320-80.jpg.webp 320w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5wDPHRbVsahtYH5RtA5dJ7-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5wDPHRbVsahtYH5RtA5dJ7-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5wDPHRbVsahtYH5RtA5dJ7-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5wDPHRbVsahtYH5RtA5dJ7.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5wDPHRbVsahtYH5RtA5dJ7.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5wDPHRbVsahtYH5RtA5dJ7.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\">Jonas Vingegaard&#8217;s abandon of the Tour de France doesn&#8217;t just lengthen the already heavy odds of a fifth Tadej Poga\u010dar victory; it radically alters how we&#8217;ll perceive it &#8211; Analysis<\/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;It&#8217;s no use hanging your head&#8217; \u2013 Jonas Vingegaard gives his first reaction since exiting the Tour de France<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">3<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">&#8216;Either I crash myself, or I go into Tadej&#8217; \u2013 Isaac del Toro takes a tumble for his leader but gets instant payback as &#8216;insane&#8217; Poga\u010dar works for him on Tour de France summit finish<\/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\">Tom Pidcock fined 400CHF, docked 20 seconds, and eight KOM points on Tour de France stage 15<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">5<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">&#8216;Something we could and should not accept&#8217; &#8211; Tour de France stage 15 winner Remco Evenepoel calls for CPA to take action over nighttime anti-doping testing<\/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<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>&#8216;It&#8217;s tough to improve&#8217; \u2013 Geraint Thomas uncertain if Jonas Vingegaard will get better in third week of Tour de France<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"vds-byline-block flex flex-row flex-nowrap my-1.5 gap-2 text-left items-start justify-start\" data-component-name=\"Article:BylineBlock\">\n<p>News<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-auto vds-simple-byline\"><span class=\"inline-block vds-author\"><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nAlasdair Fotheringham <\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex gap-1 vds-byline-with-avatar__meta\"><span class=\"vds-date block font-normal tracking-normal normal-case text-xs\"><br \/>\nPublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-07-19T08:57:53Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n19 July 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">No specific GC target for Egan Bernal, Netcompany Ineos&#8217; best-placed overall rider, Thomas says<\/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 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newsletter\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-c53f5e68-8345-11f1-9ce7-c1179378b62e\">Former Tour de France winner Geraint Thomas has said he has a hard time seeing how multiple runner-up and double outright champion Jonas Vingegaard can find his best condition in the third week of this year&#8217;s race.<\/p>\n<p>The Netcompany Ineos director of racing, who retired at the end of 2025, pointed to the very hard first week of the Tour, with its double incursion into the Pyrenees, as one factor that could cause the Visma-Lease a Bike rider to fail to find late form.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-c53f5e68-8345-11f1-9ce7-c1179378b62e-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">After winning the opening TTT and leading for two days, Vingegaard is currently lying second, 4:30 back, after 14 stages, and has multiple riders snapping at his heels on GC, Remco Evenepoel (Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe) being the closest at 34 seconds behind, and another four are at less than 90 seconds back.<\/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\">Visma-Lease a Bike have repeatedly said that Vingegaard is always best in the final week of racing of a Grand Tour and are hoping that the double Tour winner will turn things around when the end is almost within sight.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">But, speaking before stage 14 where Vingegaard was his strongest yet in the race but still was left reeling when Poga\u010dar attacked on the Col du Haag, Thomas believes it will be complicated.<\/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\/h8phZgFHjgUFxNMuaqMrVA-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/h8phZgFHjgUFxNMuaqMrVA-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;We have to be ready to capitalise on anything &#8211; Thymen Arensman puts Netcompany Ineos back in the Grand Tour GC game<\/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\/nrv5QvMBr5RHf9PosL9saa-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nrv5QvMBr5RHf9PosL9saa-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;You can&#8217;t wallow in what could have been&#8217; \u2013 Geraint Thomas says Netcompany Ineos ready to pivot from Tour de France GC to stage hunting<\/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\/KLc9fStTJgMQARuzur3GNd-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KLc9fStTJgMQARuzur3GNd-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\">Geraint Thomas warns of potential GC headache on tricky Giro d&#8217;Italia stage 2 finale after Netcompany Ineos escape hectic opener unscathed<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;They know him better in his team but I struggle to see how that happens to be honest. I know he was in control in the Giro, but the Tour is the Tour, the start of this race has been so hard,&#8221; Thomas \u2013 third in the 2022 Tour de France behind Poga\u010dar and the Danish rider \u2013 told reporters.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Maybe he will come good, we&#8217;ll see, time will tell, but for me, it&#8217;s tough to improve.&#8221;<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-CPpVCuwv4cxpkYB2HJKV7d\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-CPpVCuwv4cxpkYB2HJKV7d slice-container-newsletterForm\">\n<div data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"newsletter-form__wrapper newsletter-form__wrapper--inbodyContent\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__container\">\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__top-bar\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__header\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__main-section\">\n<p class=\"newsletter-form__strapline\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<footer class=\"newsletter-form__footer \">By submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.<\/footer>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;But they [Visma] know him a lot better than me. For our boys, it&#8217;s just about trying to be on the front foot and seeing how we can go.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Like Vingegaard, Netcompany Ineos have three riders in the Tour de France who completed the 2026 Giro \u2013 Egan Bernal, Thymen Arensman, fourth overall in Italy, and Filippo Ganna. Their goals are mainly stage wins, although Bernal, who had expected to race the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a until teammate Oscar Onley was badly injured in the Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f2ne-Alpes, is currently doing the best on GC in eleventh.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Egan&#8217;s been riding well, Thymen has been suffering a bit, but I think we need to look at what he did last year. He did the Giro and then he came here and won two days at the back end of the race,&#8221; Thomas pointed out.<\/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\/sx6BPVBk3f4UEsno63jjMM-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sx6BPVBk3f4UEsno63jjMM-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\">Netcompany Ineos say &#8216;nothing has changed&#8217; in Egan Bernal&#8217;s GC hunt at Giro d&#8217;Italia despite several setbacks in opening week<\/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\/3apG6cpsfmPoVs5ikJZ8mB-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3apG6cpsfmPoVs5ikJZ8mB-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;Vingegaard has to fight more to stay second than he does to win&#8217; \u2013 Brian Holm sees tough battle ahead for Dane to maintain best of the rest status in Tour de France<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-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\/iKEtsNL6vrmUeDMVC64HFE-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iKEtsNL6vrmUeDMVC64HFE-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;We could have easily been on the left and it would have been us&#8217; \u2013 Netcompany Ineos benefit from Giro d&#8217;Italia crash chaos as Egan Bernal moves up to third on GC<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;We just need to stick to the process, keep doing the right things and stay positive, and we&#8217;ll see.&#8221;<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-bc0bcc3e-834d-11f1-b85a-7935102deb59\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JVXPGBnYk4nPny6XA85CAM-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JVXPGBnYk4nPny6XA85CAM-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JVXPGBnYk4nPny6XA85CAM-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JVXPGBnYk4nPny6XA85CAM-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JVXPGBnYk4nPny6XA85CAM-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JVXPGBnYk4nPny6XA85CAM-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Egan Bernal (Netcompany Ineos) among the riders climbing through the throng of fans on stage 14 <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-ba621282-8346-11f1-bf36-c5f16106be1c\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Thomas said that personally he always found the combination of two Grand Tours in a single year \u2013 something he did four times in his lengthy career, in 2015, 2017, 2023 and 2024 \u2013 was never an easy ask. However, he argued that both Bernal and Arensman were &#8220;more natural GC guys&#8221;.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It is tough, especially when the Tour is the second of the two Grand Tours because it&#8217;s the hardest. We&#8217;ll see in the next week, that&#8217;s where the Tour starts, you could say. There are some really tough GC stages coming up now.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I did the Giro-Tour once [in 2024, although he was also a DNF in both in 2017 &#8211; Ed.] and it wasn&#8217;t pretty. I didn&#8217;t necessarily enjoy the Tour after that, but I was in a different stage of my career. I was 38 and third in the Giro [in 2024] took it out of me, by the Tour I was just out.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">For me, it&#8217;s as much the mental side as the physical, and so as long as the boys are up for it, can go deep and suffer, then we&#8217;ll see.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Of the Ineos riders who rode the Giro, Bernal&#8217;s performance is perhaps the most surprising, given his switch into the Tour team was so unexpected. According to Thomas, looking at how well the 2019 Tour winner finished the Giro, there was always a good chance he&#8217;d come around in July. That said, to be fighting for a top ten finish was a pleasant surprise.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Who knows?&#8221; Thomas told <em>Cyclingnews<\/em>. &#8220;With everything that happened to Oscar, it felt like Egan&#8217;s experience and leadership was key to the group to come here. The fact that he finished the Giro in no pain and feeling strong, that was the main reason [for taking him to the Tour]. As for the first two weeks here \u2013 he&#8217;s done pretty well.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Thomas is not putting a number on where they want to see Bernal, who is currently eleventh at 15:55 on race leader Tadej Poga\u010dar (UAE Team Emirates-XRG). Rather, there are other priorities.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;He has been pain-free for the majority of the year, and that&#8217;s the most important thing, it&#8217;s sounds like a bit of a cop-out, but it&#8217;s about giving everything he can every day and where he ends up is where he ends up.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;After the Giro&#8221; \u2013 where Bernal finished tenth \u2013 &#8220;and coming here, it&#8217;d be a bit unfair to say to him &#8216;look, you&#8217;ve got to be top ten&#8217; or whatever.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;But we&#8217;ll see how the race goes. He&#8217;s a fighter, he loves racing, gets stuck in, and that&#8217;s all you can ask for.&#8221;<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-1f7bd836-834e-11f1-8ba5-0b887645e635\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZpEP8tmHYGPGqgersoVV64-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZpEP8tmHYGPGqgersoVV64-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZpEP8tmHYGPGqgersoVV64-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZpEP8tmHYGPGqgersoVV64-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZpEP8tmHYGPGqgersoVV64-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZpEP8tmHYGPGqgersoVV64-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Filippo Ganna during the stage 1 team time trial <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-ba62130e-8346-11f1-a9bd-2f4e58177412\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The third member of Netcompany&#8217;s 2026 Giro-Tour group is Filippo Ganna, already a stage winner in his home Grand Tour this May and in sterling form during the Tour&#8217;s team time trial as well. A natural objective for a time trial specialist like the former world time trial champion is the 26.1 km stage 16 race against the clock on Tuesday, although the inclusion of a Cat. 2 climb, the C\u00f4te de Larringes early on, could make for a rather atypical route.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It&#8217;ll be tough with that climb, a few of the numbers guys [amongst the team&#8217;s trainers] are to me, slightly cautious,&#8221; Thomas, who won the opening prologue of the Tour in 2017, said of Ganna&#8217;s chances.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;But as I see it, we didn&#8217;t expect him to be as strong as he was on the first day, or on stage 9, where we didn&#8217;t expect him to be as good as he felt in the last 50ks,&#8221; where Ganna was in the break with stage winner Mathieu van der Poel (Alpecin-Premier Tech).<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;You&#8217;ve got be in it to win it, anything can happen to Remco or Pog&#8217;. We&#8217;ll see how the next couple of days go, and take it from there.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-a78b271a-834c-11f1-9b24-5b75fc6fb314\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><em><strong>The world\u2019s biggest bike race deserves world-class coverage. Subscribe to Cyclingnews for unlimited access to our unrivalled reporting of the 2026 Tour de France. From Barcelona through to Paris, our experienced team will bring you breaking news, expert insight, and in-depth coverage from every stage as the battle for the yellow jersey plays out. Plus, access the Cyclingnews app to follow the action on the go! <\/strong><\/em><u><em><strong>Find out more.<\/strong><\/em><\/u><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/its-tough-to-improve-geraint-thomas-uncertain-if-jonas-vingegaard-will-get-better-in-third-week-of-tour-de-france\/&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SfSMpYZWFA4FTvDtWy39xE-2000-80.jpg&#8221;] 1 Peerless Poga\u010dar drains tension out of the Tour de France as Jonas Vingegaard&#8217;s losing battle brings podium scramble into focus \u2013 GC analysis 2 &#8216;It could be a lot worse&#8217; \u2013 Jonas Vingegaard sheds another 54 seconds to Tadej Poga\u010dar on stage 10 as Tour de France lead gets further away [&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-2051632","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\/2051632","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=2051632"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2051632\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2051632"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=2051632"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=2051632"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}