{"id":2051639,"date":"2026-07-19T19:18:58","date_gmt":"2026-07-19T16:18:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2051639"},"modified":"2026-07-19T19:18:58","modified_gmt":"2026-07-19T16:18:58","slug":"something-we-could-and-should-not-accept-tour-de-france-stage-15-winner-remco-evenepoel-calls-for-cpa-to-take-action-over-nighttime-anti-doping-testing","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2051639","title":{"rendered":"&#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"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EbXQU43miPWiqxuJ9y2vW7-2000-80.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\/vRA3BUSK6BndDcVm9WDFCh-160-80.jpg.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vRA3BUSK6BndDcVm9WDFCh-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                                    Tour de France GC standings \u2013 Dramatic stage 15 delivers changes in top three\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\/aUZGFkr3rDhTqjXbqj5iCP-160-80.jpg.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aUZGFkr3rDhTqjXbqj5iCP-80-80.jpg.webp 80w\" sizes=\"80px\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex items-center justify-center absolute w-[18px] h-6 left-0 top-0 bg-white\/90 flex-none z-[1]\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"font-normal text-base leading-[17px] tracking-[1.3px] uppercase text-black flex-none\">2<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex flex-col items-center justify-center gap-1.5 w-[173px] h-20 flex-none\">\n<p class=\"font-article-heading font-medium text-base leading-[21px] text-gray-800 w-[173px] line-clamp-3 group-hover:underline\">\n                                    As it happened: GC race explodes into life on the climbs of the Massif Central during stage 10 of the Tour de France\n                                <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"m-0 box-border flex flex-row items-center pr-2.5 gap-[15px] w-[278px] h-20 flex-none\" role=\"listitem\" aria-label=\"Recommended article 3 of 3\">\n<div class=\"relative flex-none w-20 h-20\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LG6KEcmdvEyCusy9BrkMKB-160-80.jpg.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LG6KEcmdvEyCusy9BrkMKB-80-80.jpg.webp 80w\" sizes=\"80px\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex items-center justify-center absolute w-[18px] h-6 left-0 top-0 bg-white\/90 flex-none z-[1]\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"font-normal text-base leading-[17px] tracking-[1.3px] uppercase text-black flex-none\">3<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex flex-col items-center justify-center gap-1.5 w-[173px] h-20 flex-none\">\n<p class=\"font-article-heading font-medium text-base leading-[21px] text-gray-800 w-[173px] line-clamp-3 group-hover:underline\">\n                                    Tour de France: Tadej Poga\u010dar shreds the field in the Massif Central to extend GC lead and claim stage 10\n                                <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"page-content-onecol flex-1\nnews-article article\n\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"widget-area-group widget-area-group-2col flex flex-wrap box-border\">\n<div id=\"widgetArea16\" class=\"widget-area basis-full md:basis-2\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-2-3 page-widget-area-16\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"hero\" id=\"hero\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-hero widget-hero widget-hero-hero widget-hero widget-hero-fter-news\">\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nTeams &amp; Riders\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRemco Evenepoel\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>&#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<\/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=\"2026-07-19T19:18:58Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n19 July 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Belgian celebrates first summit stage win in Tour de France, moves up to second overall<\/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\/EbXQU43miPWiqxuJ9y2vW7-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EbXQU43miPWiqxuJ9y2vW7-1600-80.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EbXQU43miPWiqxuJ9y2vW7-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EbXQU43miPWiqxuJ9y2vW7-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EbXQU43miPWiqxuJ9y2vW7-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EbXQU43miPWiqxuJ9y2vW7-750-80.jpg.webp 750w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EbXQU43miPWiqxuJ9y2vW7-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EbXQU43miPWiqxuJ9y2vW7-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EbXQU43miPWiqxuJ9y2vW7-320-80.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\">Remco Evenepoel (Red Bull-Bora-hansgrohe) was quite emotional seconds after crossing the line after his first-ever Tour de France victory outside of a time trial<\/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\" 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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-10c2cdc6-83a4-11f1-ad29-03611a4cc880\">Tour de France stage 15 winner Remco Evenepoel has pulled no punches about his feelings regarding the night time anti-doping testing of race leader Tadej Poga\u010dar (UAE Team Emirates-XRG) and Jonas Vingegaard (Visma-Lease a Bike), who subsequently crashed out of the race.<\/p>\n<p>Evenepoel&#8217;s triumph and fine display of climbing at the end of the second week, coupled with the abandon of Vingegaard, has seen the Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe leader move up to second overall. After all the criticism regarding his climbing on the toughest ascents, scoring a win on a climb as difficult as the Plateau de Solaison is a landmark moment in his career.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-10c2cdc6-83a4-11f1-ad29-03611a4cc880-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">However, the night-time testing of both Poga\u010dar and Vingegaard was also raised in Evenepoel&#8217;s winner&#8217;s press conference, and the Belgian made it clear he felt controls in the small hours of the morning had no place in Grand Tours.<\/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\">The possibility that Vingegaard might have been affected by the timing of the testing during the race itself was not a subject that Evenepoel was willing to address. The whole issue of testing during a period of rest, though, was one about which he had very clear feelings.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I can&#8217;t speak for the guys about their focus and how they manage competition, I only think I can say it is very disrespectful to wake up guys at 2 AM and 5 AM,&#8221; Evenepoel said.<\/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\/aiKdNouqrKSex5fGqxcPPY-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aiKdNouqrKSex5fGqxcPPY-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;I lacked that extra punch&#8217; &#8211; Remco Evenepoel blames long period away from racing for lack of sprint on Tour de France stage 3 uphill finish<\/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\/JwN5RDmMyzTHQpxvayT399-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JwN5RDmMyzTHQpxvayT399-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Tour de France: Remco Evenepoel outwits Tadej Poga\u010dar to win stage 15 as Jonas Vingegaard abandons after crash<\/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\/CJxPyyhkDZUijG7x9N8xid-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CJxPyyhkDZUijG7x9N8xid-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;It would be typically Belgian just to find the negatives&#8217; &#8211; Remco Evenepoel bounces back from mini-crisis to move onto Tour de France GC podium<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;The CPA [riders association] has to do something about that. It is inhuman to wake us up, we had a long transfer, and to wake them up like that is pretty disrespectful. &#8220;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;If I had had it [a night-time test] I would send my team to wake them up at two in the night because it&#8217;s inhuman. It&#8217;s something we could and should not accept.&#8221;<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-iY4dXt5J45gGGyvqw3R5z4\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-iY4dXt5J45gGGyvqw3R5z4 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;Sleep is the only moment we have to recover. This is the hardest race in the world, it makes it even harder. It&#8217;s a shame it had to happen, and I hope it doesn&#8217;t happen any more.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">If Evenepoel firmly condemned the timing of the tests and Vingegaard&#8217;s untimely exit from the Tour cast a long shadow over the stage itself, that could not detract, either, from the scale of his achievements on the Plateau de Salaison, managing to outpower both race leader Poga\u010dar and teammate Isaac del Toro for a stage win.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"summit-victory-marks-milestone-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Summit victory marks milestone<\/h2>\n<p id=\"elk-3dc4d76e-83a5-11f1-83c7-8fb1c779d2ad\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">On a personal level, Evenepoel&#8217;s first-ever victory outside a time trial in the Tour de France marked a milestone in many ways. It pushed back against the repeated insinuations that he is unable to climb with the best &#8211; and this on a climb where, less than a month ago, Del Toro had delivered a searing mountain performance to claim the Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes outright.<\/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\/E9A9xqiGYiLKvuvhUfJ5e8-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E9A9xqiGYiLKvuvhUfJ5e8-150-80.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;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><\/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\/T2PvZYBCudu4S2T5TREjWe-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/T2PvZYBCudu4S2T5TREjWe-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;I suffered quite a bit from the rain&#8217; &#8211; tenacious Remco Evenepoel retains podium spot at Tour de France despite struggling on stage 14 final ascent<\/span><\/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\/CZEVvXJSXdg39mQVz8Q7a4-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CZEVvXJSXdg39mQVz8Q7a4-150-80.png.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;Only winning is good enough&#8217; \u2013 Remco Evenepoel faces unreasonably high Belgian expectations at Tour de France, writes Thomas De Gendt<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">At the same time, his victory also put to rest the doubts after days on Le Lioran and again in the Vosges, where Evenepoel had difficulties staying with the best on some of the late ascents. As the race enters its third week, Evenepoel seems to be hitting the climbing heights right on time.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Red Bull&#8217;s powerful pace on the first half of the Solaison ascent made it clear that Evenepoel was on a good day, but the fact he could both stay with Poga\u010dar and Del Toro all the way to the line &#8211; and was the only rider to do so when Poga\u010dar accelerated &#8211; made his ride all the more impressive.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Our idea was to keep the pace as long as possible, at least 7, 8 kilometres into the climb, but then Tadej put down a high pace, and I knew I had to follow,&#8221; Evenepoel explained.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It was going really fast, but like I said this morning, today was a climb to go all out to the finish. However, in the last six kilometres I felt I could really recover, I had some confidence in my sprint, particularly when Del Toro made his last attack. It was a good tactic for today&#8217;s victory.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Up until now, every summit victory in the 2026 Tour has either gone Poga\u010dar&#8217;s way, or he has set things up for his teammate Del Toro as he did on stage 2 in Barcelona&#8217;s Montjuic Park. This time round, though, after four stage wins for the Slovenian, it was Evenepoel&#8217;s turn to clinch the triumph.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;For the last few years, Tadej has just been outstanding; whenever he&#8217;s got a chance of the win, he grabs it,&#8221; Evenepoel observed. &#8220;So whenever there is an opportunity, you have to grab it, and try to do it.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;For me, on such a hard climb, it&#8217;s a new experience, and of course it needs good preparation,&#8221; he added, pointing out that he had needed two months away from competition &#8211; from Li\u00e8ge through to the Tour &#8211; to be able to go above his previous limit in the mountains.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;With the shape and body I have, it&#8217;s not like performances like this just come naturally, but whenever I can do it, I have to go for it.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">His intimate knowledge of Solaison as a climb, he recognised, was definitely a factor in his favour. Evenepoel has used the area as a training base, and he said he had done the lower, tougher part of the climb on many occasions. Although he did not take part in the Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f2ne-Alpes this June &#8211; yet another decision that was questioned at the time &#8211; when he finally rode up the Solaison in anger, that prior knowledge paid dividends.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I was on a training camp around 40 kms from here, so it was only had one hour to come here, and I did a lot of high intensity work on this one,&#8221; he said, &#8220;particularly the hardest part in the first half.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I knew I had a good chance. That always motivates you. And to have this going into the TT day is amazing, too, for sure it&#8217;s a benefit.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Best known as a time triallist, but with the versatility that has seen him take multiple Classics wins and, of course, the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a, Evenepoel has had multiple summit finish wins in his career, ranging from a sprint duel on the Alto do Foia in the Volta ao Algarve way back in 2020 to Andorra in the Vuelta in 2023 and beyond. However, as his first in the Tour de France, and against such illustrious opposition into the bargain, his Solaison triumph can only be seen as a landmark moment in an already glittering career.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Of course it&#8217;s another type of victory,&#8221; Evenepoel said when asked how it compared with triumphs as notable as Olympic gold or Monument wins, &#8220;but this one ranks really high.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;To win a mountain stage in the Tour ahead of one of the best riders ever, to be the only one to stay with Isaac, who won on this mountain and who&#8217;s one of the best riders in the world, it&#8217;s crazy. It&#8217;s one of my most beautiful victories.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-3dc4d7fa-83a5-11f1-88cd-5bfd04073a51\" 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-iY4dXt5J45gGGyvqw3R5z4\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-iY4dXt5J45gGGyvqw3R5z4 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\/aiKdNouqrKSex5fGqxcPPY-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aiKdNouqrKSex5fGqxcPPY-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aiKdNouqrKSex5fGqxcPPY-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aiKdNouqrKSex5fGqxcPPY-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aiKdNouqrKSex5fGqxcPPY-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I lacked that extra punch&#8217; &#8211; Remco Evenepoel blames long period away from racing for lack of sprint on Tour de France stage 3 uphill 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\/JwN5RDmMyzTHQpxvayT399-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JwN5RDmMyzTHQpxvayT399-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JwN5RDmMyzTHQpxvayT399-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JwN5RDmMyzTHQpxvayT399-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JwN5RDmMyzTHQpxvayT399-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Tour de France: Remco Evenepoel outwits Tadej Poga\u010dar to win stage 15 as Jonas Vingegaard abandons after 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 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\/CJxPyyhkDZUijG7x9N8xid-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CJxPyyhkDZUijG7x9N8xid-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CJxPyyhkDZUijG7x9N8xid-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CJxPyyhkDZUijG7x9N8xid-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CJxPyyhkDZUijG7x9N8xid-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 would be typically Belgian just to find the negatives&#8217; &#8211; Remco Evenepoel bounces back from mini-crisis to move onto Tour de France GC podium<\/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 class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/T2PvZYBCudu4S2T5TREjWe-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/T2PvZYBCudu4S2T5TREjWe-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/T2PvZYBCudu4S2T5TREjWe-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/T2PvZYBCudu4S2T5TREjWe-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/T2PvZYBCudu4S2T5TREjWe-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I suffered quite a bit from the rain&#8217; &#8211; tenacious Remco Evenepoel retains podium spot at Tour de France despite struggling on stage 14 final ascent<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CZEVvXJSXdg39mQVz8Q7a4-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CZEVvXJSXdg39mQVz8Q7a4-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CZEVvXJSXdg39mQVz8Q7a4-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CZEVvXJSXdg39mQVz8Q7a4-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CZEVvXJSXdg39mQVz8Q7a4-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Only winning is good enough&#8217; \u2013 Remco Evenepoel faces unreasonably high Belgian expectations at Tour de France, writes Thomas De Gendt<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-category\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Teams &amp; Riders<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/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\/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<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\/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 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\/2JgXTzLRPeFRCBAbJXroYE-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2JgXTzLRPeFRCBAbJXroYE-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2JgXTzLRPeFRCBAbJXroYE-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2JgXTzLRPeFRCBAbJXroYE-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2JgXTzLRPeFRCBAbJXroYE-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;The motorbike panicked, it was a strange situation&#8217; \u2013 Visma-Lease a Bike raise question marks over the corner where Jonas Vingegaard&#8217;s Tour de France ended<\/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<li>\nTeams &amp; Riders\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRemco Evenepoel\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>&#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<\/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=\"2026-07-19T19:18:58Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n19 July 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Belgian celebrates first summit stage win in Tour de France, moves up to second overall<\/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\/EbXQU43miPWiqxuJ9y2vW7-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EbXQU43miPWiqxuJ9y2vW7-1600-80.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EbXQU43miPWiqxuJ9y2vW7-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EbXQU43miPWiqxuJ9y2vW7-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EbXQU43miPWiqxuJ9y2vW7-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EbXQU43miPWiqxuJ9y2vW7-750-80.jpg.webp 750w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EbXQU43miPWiqxuJ9y2vW7-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EbXQU43miPWiqxuJ9y2vW7-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EbXQU43miPWiqxuJ9y2vW7-320-80.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\">Remco Evenepoel (Red Bull-Bora-hansgrohe) was quite emotional seconds after crossing the line after his first-ever Tour de France victory outside of a time trial<\/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\" 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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-10c2cdc6-83a4-11f1-ad29-03611a4cc880\">Tour de France stage 15 winner Remco Evenepoel has pulled no punches about his feelings regarding the night time anti-doping testing of race leader Tadej Poga\u010dar (UAE Team Emirates-XRG) and Jonas Vingegaard (Visma-Lease a Bike), who subsequently crashed out of the race.<\/p>\n<p>Evenepoel&#8217;s triumph and fine display of climbing at the end of the second week, coupled with the abandon of Vingegaard, has seen the Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe leader move up to second overall. After all the criticism regarding his climbing on the toughest ascents, scoring a win on a climb as difficult as the Plateau de Solaison is a landmark moment in his career.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-10c2cdc6-83a4-11f1-ad29-03611a4cc880-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">However, the night-time testing of both Poga\u010dar and Vingegaard was also raised in Evenepoel&#8217;s winner&#8217;s press conference, and the Belgian made it clear he felt controls in the small hours of the morning had no place in Grand Tours.<\/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\">The possibility that Vingegaard might have been affected by the timing of the testing during the race itself was not a subject that Evenepoel was willing to address. The whole issue of testing during a period of rest, though, was one about which he had very clear feelings.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I can&#8217;t speak for the guys about their focus and how they manage competition, I only think I can say it is very disrespectful to wake up guys at 2 AM and 5 AM,&#8221; Evenepoel said.<\/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\/aiKdNouqrKSex5fGqxcPPY-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aiKdNouqrKSex5fGqxcPPY-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;I lacked that extra punch&#8217; &#8211; Remco Evenepoel blames long period away from racing for lack of sprint on Tour de France stage 3 uphill finish<\/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\/JwN5RDmMyzTHQpxvayT399-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JwN5RDmMyzTHQpxvayT399-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Tour de France: Remco Evenepoel outwits Tadej Poga\u010dar to win stage 15 as Jonas Vingegaard abandons after crash<\/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\/CJxPyyhkDZUijG7x9N8xid-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CJxPyyhkDZUijG7x9N8xid-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;It would be typically Belgian just to find the negatives&#8217; &#8211; Remco Evenepoel bounces back from mini-crisis to move onto Tour de France GC podium<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;The CPA [riders association] has to do something about that. It is inhuman to wake us up, we had a long transfer, and to wake them up like that is pretty disrespectful. &#8220;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;If I had had it [a night-time test] I would send my team to wake them up at two in the night because it&#8217;s inhuman. It&#8217;s something we could and should not accept.&#8221;<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-iY4dXt5J45gGGyvqw3R5z4\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-iY4dXt5J45gGGyvqw3R5z4 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;Sleep is the only moment we have to recover. This is the hardest race in the world, it makes it even harder. It&#8217;s a shame it had to happen, and I hope it doesn&#8217;t happen any more.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">If Evenepoel firmly condemned the timing of the tests and Vingegaard&#8217;s untimely exit from the Tour cast a long shadow over the stage itself, that could not detract, either, from the scale of his achievements on the Plateau de Salaison, managing to outpower both race leader Poga\u010dar and teammate Isaac del Toro for a stage win.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"summit-victory-marks-milestone-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Summit victory marks milestone<\/h2>\n<p id=\"elk-3dc4d76e-83a5-11f1-83c7-8fb1c779d2ad\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">On a personal level, Evenepoel&#8217;s first-ever victory outside a time trial in the Tour de France marked a milestone in many ways. It pushed back against the repeated insinuations that he is unable to climb with the best &#8211; and this on a climb where, less than a month ago, Del Toro had delivered a searing mountain performance to claim the Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes outright.<\/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\/E9A9xqiGYiLKvuvhUfJ5e8-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E9A9xqiGYiLKvuvhUfJ5e8-150-80.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;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><\/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\/T2PvZYBCudu4S2T5TREjWe-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/T2PvZYBCudu4S2T5TREjWe-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;I suffered quite a bit from the rain&#8217; &#8211; tenacious Remco Evenepoel retains podium spot at Tour de France despite struggling on stage 14 final ascent<\/span><\/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\/CZEVvXJSXdg39mQVz8Q7a4-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CZEVvXJSXdg39mQVz8Q7a4-150-80.png.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;Only winning is good enough&#8217; \u2013 Remco Evenepoel faces unreasonably high Belgian expectations at Tour de France, writes Thomas De Gendt<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">At the same time, his victory also put to rest the doubts after days on Le Lioran and again in the Vosges, where Evenepoel had difficulties staying with the best on some of the late ascents. As the race enters its third week, Evenepoel seems to be hitting the climbing heights right on time.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Red Bull&#8217;s powerful pace on the first half of the Solaison ascent made it clear that Evenepoel was on a good day, but the fact he could both stay with Poga\u010dar and Del Toro all the way to the line &#8211; and was the only rider to do so when Poga\u010dar accelerated &#8211; made his ride all the more impressive.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Our idea was to keep the pace as long as possible, at least 7, 8 kilometres into the climb, but then Tadej put down a high pace, and I knew I had to follow,&#8221; Evenepoel explained.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It was going really fast, but like I said this morning, today was a climb to go all out to the finish. However, in the last six kilometres I felt I could really recover, I had some confidence in my sprint, particularly when Del Toro made his last attack. It was a good tactic for today&#8217;s victory.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Up until now, every summit victory in the 2026 Tour has either gone Poga\u010dar&#8217;s way, or he has set things up for his teammate Del Toro as he did on stage 2 in Barcelona&#8217;s Montjuic Park. This time round, though, after four stage wins for the Slovenian, it was Evenepoel&#8217;s turn to clinch the triumph.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;For the last few years, Tadej has just been outstanding; whenever he&#8217;s got a chance of the win, he grabs it,&#8221; Evenepoel observed. &#8220;So whenever there is an opportunity, you have to grab it, and try to do it.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;For me, on such a hard climb, it&#8217;s a new experience, and of course it needs good preparation,&#8221; he added, pointing out that he had needed two months away from competition &#8211; from Li\u00e8ge through to the Tour &#8211; to be able to go above his previous limit in the mountains.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;With the shape and body I have, it&#8217;s not like performances like this just come naturally, but whenever I can do it, I have to go for it.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">His intimate knowledge of Solaison as a climb, he recognised, was definitely a factor in his favour. Evenepoel has used the area as a training base, and he said he had done the lower, tougher part of the climb on many occasions. Although he did not take part in the Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f2ne-Alpes this June &#8211; yet another decision that was questioned at the time &#8211; when he finally rode up the Solaison in anger, that prior knowledge paid dividends.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I was on a training camp around 40 kms from here, so it was only had one hour to come here, and I did a lot of high intensity work on this one,&#8221; he said, &#8220;particularly the hardest part in the first half.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I knew I had a good chance. That always motivates you. And to have this going into the TT day is amazing, too, for sure it&#8217;s a benefit.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Best known as a time triallist, but with the versatility that has seen him take multiple Classics wins and, of course, the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a, Evenepoel has had multiple summit finish wins in his career, ranging from a sprint duel on the Alto do Foia in the Volta ao Algarve way back in 2020 to Andorra in the Vuelta in 2023 and beyond. However, as his first in the Tour de France, and against such illustrious opposition into the bargain, his Solaison triumph can only be seen as a landmark moment in an already glittering career.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Of course it&#8217;s another type of victory,&#8221; Evenepoel said when asked how it compared with triumphs as notable as Olympic gold or Monument wins, &#8220;but this one ranks really high.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;To win a mountain stage in the Tour ahead of one of the best riders ever, to be the only one to stay with Isaac, who won on this mountain and who&#8217;s one of the best riders in the world, it&#8217;s crazy. It&#8217;s one of my most beautiful victories.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-3dc4d7fa-83a5-11f1-88cd-5bfd04073a51\" 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-iY4dXt5J45gGGyvqw3R5z4\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-iY4dXt5J45gGGyvqw3R5z4 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\/aiKdNouqrKSex5fGqxcPPY-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aiKdNouqrKSex5fGqxcPPY-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aiKdNouqrKSex5fGqxcPPY-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aiKdNouqrKSex5fGqxcPPY-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aiKdNouqrKSex5fGqxcPPY-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I lacked that extra punch&#8217; &#8211; Remco Evenepoel blames long period away from racing for lack of sprint on Tour de France stage 3 uphill 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\/JwN5RDmMyzTHQpxvayT399-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JwN5RDmMyzTHQpxvayT399-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JwN5RDmMyzTHQpxvayT399-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JwN5RDmMyzTHQpxvayT399-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JwN5RDmMyzTHQpxvayT399-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Tour de France: Remco Evenepoel outwits Tadej Poga\u010dar to win stage 15 as Jonas Vingegaard abandons after 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 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\/CJxPyyhkDZUijG7x9N8xid-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CJxPyyhkDZUijG7x9N8xid-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CJxPyyhkDZUijG7x9N8xid-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CJxPyyhkDZUijG7x9N8xid-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CJxPyyhkDZUijG7x9N8xid-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 would be typically Belgian just to find the negatives&#8217; &#8211; Remco Evenepoel bounces back from mini-crisis to move onto Tour de France GC podium<\/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 class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/T2PvZYBCudu4S2T5TREjWe-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/T2PvZYBCudu4S2T5TREjWe-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/T2PvZYBCudu4S2T5TREjWe-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/T2PvZYBCudu4S2T5TREjWe-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/T2PvZYBCudu4S2T5TREjWe-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I suffered quite a bit from the rain&#8217; &#8211; tenacious Remco Evenepoel retains podium spot at Tour de France despite struggling on stage 14 final ascent<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CZEVvXJSXdg39mQVz8Q7a4-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CZEVvXJSXdg39mQVz8Q7a4-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CZEVvXJSXdg39mQVz8Q7a4-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CZEVvXJSXdg39mQVz8Q7a4-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CZEVvXJSXdg39mQVz8Q7a4-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Only winning is good enough&#8217; \u2013 Remco Evenepoel faces unreasonably high Belgian expectations at Tour de France, writes Thomas De Gendt<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-category\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Teams &amp; Riders<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/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\/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<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\/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 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\/2JgXTzLRPeFRCBAbJXroYE-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2JgXTzLRPeFRCBAbJXroYE-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2JgXTzLRPeFRCBAbJXroYE-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2JgXTzLRPeFRCBAbJXroYE-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2JgXTzLRPeFRCBAbJXroYE-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;The motorbike panicked, it was a strange situation&#8217; \u2013 Visma-Lease a Bike raise question marks over the corner where Jonas Vingegaard&#8217;s Tour de France ended<\/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<li>\nTeams &amp; Riders\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRemco Evenepoel\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>&#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<\/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=\"2026-07-19T19:18:58Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n19 July 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Belgian celebrates first summit stage win in Tour de France, moves up to second overall<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"text-gray-700 flex items-center mx-0 my-5 p-0 justify-start text-left\" id=\"affiliate-disclaimer\" data-component-name=\"AffiliateDisclaimer\" data-hawk-message=\"Affiliate disclaimer removed because hawk deemed there are no affiliate links on this page\">\n<p class=\"text-[color:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--text-color,inherit)] mb-2 text-[length:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--font-size,0.75rem)] leading-[18px] md:text-[13px] [&amp;&gt;a]:text-inherit [&amp;&gt;a]:underline\">\nWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here\u2019s how it works.\n<\/p>\n<\/aside>\n<\/header>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\"text-copy bodyCopy auto paywall-locker\">\n<div data-analytics-id=\"utility-bar\" id=\"utility-bar\" class=\"font-ui-heading flex justify-between items-center py-2 border-t border-b border-gray-300 border-solid mb-5 mx-auto\" data-component-name=\"UtilityBar\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"utility-bar\">\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div data-component-name=\"Social:Dropdown\" role=\"menu\" id=\"utilitybar__dropdown--share\" aria-labelledby=\"utilitybar__button--share\" class=\"absolute left-0 top-full w-44 bg-white rounded-md shadow-md border border-neutral-200 z-[9996] list-none m-0 py-2 px-3 border-solid\">\n<ul class=\"m-0!\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Facebook<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>X<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Pinterest<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Email<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-share-this-article\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nShare this article\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\"><span class=\"ml-1 inline-flex h-5 px-2 shrink-0 items-center justify-center self-center overflow-hidden whitespace-nowrap rounded-[10px] bg-primary-500 text-[11px] leading-none font-ui-heading font-semibold text-white\">0<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-join-the-conversation\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nJoin the conversation\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<p>Follow us<\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-add-us-as-a-preferred-source-on-google\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nAdd us as a preferred source on Google\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-subscribe-to-our-newsletter\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nSubscribe to our newsletter\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-10c2cdc6-83a4-11f1-ad29-03611a4cc880\">Tour de France stage 15 winner Remco Evenepoel has pulled no punches about his feelings regarding the night time anti-doping testing of race leader Tadej Poga\u010dar (UAE Team Emirates-XRG) and Jonas Vingegaard (Visma-Lease a Bike), who subsequently crashed out of the race.<\/p>\n<p>Evenepoel&#8217;s triumph and fine display of climbing at the end of the second week, coupled with the abandon of Vingegaard, has seen the Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe leader move up to second overall. After all the criticism regarding his climbing on the toughest ascents, scoring a win on a climb as difficult as the Plateau de Solaison is a landmark moment in his career.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-10c2cdc6-83a4-11f1-ad29-03611a4cc880-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">However, the night-time testing of both Poga\u010dar and Vingegaard was also raised in Evenepoel&#8217;s winner&#8217;s press conference, and the Belgian made it clear he felt controls in the small hours of the morning had no place in Grand Tours.<\/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\">The possibility that Vingegaard might have been affected by the timing of the testing during the race itself was not a subject that Evenepoel was willing to address. The whole issue of testing during a period of rest, though, was one about which he had very clear feelings.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I can&#8217;t speak for the guys about their focus and how they manage competition, I only think I can say it is very disrespectful to wake up guys at 2 AM and 5 AM,&#8221; Evenepoel said.<\/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\/aiKdNouqrKSex5fGqxcPPY-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aiKdNouqrKSex5fGqxcPPY-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;I lacked that extra punch&#8217; &#8211; Remco Evenepoel blames long period away from racing for lack of sprint on Tour de France stage 3 uphill finish<\/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\/JwN5RDmMyzTHQpxvayT399-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JwN5RDmMyzTHQpxvayT399-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Tour de France: Remco Evenepoel outwits Tadej Poga\u010dar to win stage 15 as Jonas Vingegaard abandons after crash<\/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\/CJxPyyhkDZUijG7x9N8xid-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CJxPyyhkDZUijG7x9N8xid-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;It would be typically Belgian just to find the negatives&#8217; &#8211; Remco Evenepoel bounces back from mini-crisis to move onto Tour de France GC podium<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;The CPA [riders association] has to do something about that. It is inhuman to wake us up, we had a long transfer, and to wake them up like that is pretty disrespectful. &#8220;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;If I had had it [a night-time test] I would send my team to wake them up at two in the night because it&#8217;s inhuman. It&#8217;s something we could and should not accept.&#8221;<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-iY4dXt5J45gGGyvqw3R5z4\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-iY4dXt5J45gGGyvqw3R5z4 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;Sleep is the only moment we have to recover. This is the hardest race in the world, it makes it even harder. It&#8217;s a shame it had to happen, and I hope it doesn&#8217;t happen any more.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">If Evenepoel firmly condemned the timing of the tests and Vingegaard&#8217;s untimely exit from the Tour cast a long shadow over the stage itself, that could not detract, either, from the scale of his achievements on the Plateau de Salaison, managing to outpower both race leader Poga\u010dar and teammate Isaac del Toro for a stage win.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"summit-victory-marks-milestone-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Summit victory marks milestone<\/h2>\n<p id=\"elk-3dc4d76e-83a5-11f1-83c7-8fb1c779d2ad\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">On a personal level, Evenepoel&#8217;s first-ever victory outside a time trial in the Tour de France marked a milestone in many ways. It pushed back against the repeated insinuations that he is unable to climb with the best &#8211; and this on a climb where, less than a month ago, Del Toro had delivered a searing mountain performance to claim the Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes outright.<\/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\/E9A9xqiGYiLKvuvhUfJ5e8-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E9A9xqiGYiLKvuvhUfJ5e8-150-80.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;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><\/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\/T2PvZYBCudu4S2T5TREjWe-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/T2PvZYBCudu4S2T5TREjWe-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;I suffered quite a bit from the rain&#8217; &#8211; tenacious Remco Evenepoel retains podium spot at Tour de France despite struggling on stage 14 final ascent<\/span><\/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\/CZEVvXJSXdg39mQVz8Q7a4-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CZEVvXJSXdg39mQVz8Q7a4-150-80.png.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;Only winning is good enough&#8217; \u2013 Remco Evenepoel faces unreasonably high Belgian expectations at Tour de France, writes Thomas De Gendt<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">At the same time, his victory also put to rest the doubts after days on Le Lioran and again in the Vosges, where Evenepoel had difficulties staying with the best on some of the late ascents. As the race enters its third week, Evenepoel seems to be hitting the climbing heights right on time.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Red Bull&#8217;s powerful pace on the first half of the Solaison ascent made it clear that Evenepoel was on a good day, but the fact he could both stay with Poga\u010dar and Del Toro all the way to the line &#8211; and was the only rider to do so when Poga\u010dar accelerated &#8211; made his ride all the more impressive.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Our idea was to keep the pace as long as possible, at least 7, 8 kilometres into the climb, but then Tadej put down a high pace, and I knew I had to follow,&#8221; Evenepoel explained.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It was going really fast, but like I said this morning, today was a climb to go all out to the finish. However, in the last six kilometres I felt I could really recover, I had some confidence in my sprint, particularly when Del Toro made his last attack. It was a good tactic for today&#8217;s victory.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Up until now, every summit victory in the 2026 Tour has either gone Poga\u010dar&#8217;s way, or he has set things up for his teammate Del Toro as he did on stage 2 in Barcelona&#8217;s Montjuic Park. This time round, though, after four stage wins for the Slovenian, it was Evenepoel&#8217;s turn to clinch the triumph.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;For the last few years, Tadej has just been outstanding; whenever he&#8217;s got a chance of the win, he grabs it,&#8221; Evenepoel observed. &#8220;So whenever there is an opportunity, you have to grab it, and try to do it.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;For me, on such a hard climb, it&#8217;s a new experience, and of course it needs good preparation,&#8221; he added, pointing out that he had needed two months away from competition &#8211; from Li\u00e8ge through to the Tour &#8211; to be able to go above his previous limit in the mountains.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;With the shape and body I have, it&#8217;s not like performances like this just come naturally, but whenever I can do it, I have to go for it.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">His intimate knowledge of Solaison as a climb, he recognised, was definitely a factor in his favour. Evenepoel has used the area as a training base, and he said he had done the lower, tougher part of the climb on many occasions. Although he did not take part in the Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f2ne-Alpes this June &#8211; yet another decision that was questioned at the time &#8211; when he finally rode up the Solaison in anger, that prior knowledge paid dividends.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I was on a training camp around 40 kms from here, so it was only had one hour to come here, and I did a lot of high intensity work on this one,&#8221; he said, &#8220;particularly the hardest part in the first half.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I knew I had a good chance. That always motivates you. And to have this going into the TT day is amazing, too, for sure it&#8217;s a benefit.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Best known as a time triallist, but with the versatility that has seen him take multiple Classics wins and, of course, the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a, Evenepoel has had multiple summit finish wins in his career, ranging from a sprint duel on the Alto do Foia in the Volta ao Algarve way back in 2020 to Andorra in the Vuelta in 2023 and beyond. However, as his first in the Tour de France, and against such illustrious opposition into the bargain, his Solaison triumph can only be seen as a landmark moment in an already glittering career.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Of course it&#8217;s another type of victory,&#8221; Evenepoel said when asked how it compared with triumphs as notable as Olympic gold or Monument wins, &#8220;but this one ranks really high.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;To win a mountain stage in the Tour ahead of one of the best riders ever, to be the only one to stay with Isaac, who won on this mountain and who&#8217;s one of the best riders in the world, it&#8217;s crazy. It&#8217;s one of my most beautiful victories.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-3dc4d7fa-83a5-11f1-88cd-5bfd04073a51\" 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\/teams-riders\/something-we-could-and-should-not-accept-tour-de-france-stage-15-winner-remco-evenepoel-calls-for-cpa-to-take-action-over-nighttime-anti-doping-testing\/&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EbXQU43miPWiqxuJ9y2vW7-2000-80.jpg&#8221;] 1 Tour de France GC standings \u2013 Dramatic stage 15 delivers changes in top three 2 As it happened: GC race explodes into life on the climbs of the Massif Central during stage 10 of the Tour de France 3 Tour de France: Tadej Poga\u010dar shreds the field in the Massif Central [&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-2051639","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\/2051639","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=2051639"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2051639\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2051639"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=2051639"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=2051639"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}