{"id":2053378,"date":"2026-07-20T13:07:51","date_gmt":"2026-07-20T10:07:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2053378"},"modified":"2026-07-20T13:07:51","modified_gmt":"2026-07-20T10:07:51","slug":"juan-had-a-hard-time-after-tough-mountain-stage-lidl-trek-hope-juan-ayuso-can-turn-gc-campaign-around-in-tour-de-france-third-week","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2053378","title":{"rendered":"&#8216;Juan had a hard time&#8217; \u2013 After tough mountain stage, Lidl-Trek hope Juan Ayuso can turn GC campaign around in Tour de France third week"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/L4EMQNcGXbP3b5och8tduh-2500-80.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\/cEsH4jw9ZzpHAkQsHoKMSi-160-80.jpg.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cEsH4jw9ZzpHAkQsHoKMSi-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 drama on the slopes of the Col du Haag during stage 14 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\/eVSE6LWDoYCc2yxTskQHdR-160-80.jpg.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eVSE6LWDoYCc2yxTskQHdR-80-80.jpg.webp 80w\" sizes=\"80px\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex items-center justify-center absolute w-[18px] h-6 left-0 top-0 bg-white\/90 flex-none z-[1]\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"font-normal text-base leading-[17px] tracking-[1.3px] uppercase text-black flex-none\">3<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex flex-col items-center justify-center gap-1.5 w-[173px] h-20 flex-none\">\n<p class=\"font-article-heading font-medium text-base leading-[21px] text-gray-800 w-[173px] line-clamp-3 group-hover:underline\">\n                                    &#8216;There was a misunderstanding, but Remco was better&#8217; \u2013 Tadej Poga\u010dar\u00a0suffers a rare defeat as he turns domestique at Tour de France\n                                <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"page-content-onecol flex-1\nnews-article article\n\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"widget-area-group widget-area-group-2col flex flex-wrap box-border\">\n<div id=\"widgetArea16\" class=\"widget-area basis-full md:basis-2\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-2-3 page-widget-area-16\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"hero\" id=\"hero\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-hero widget-hero widget-hero-hero widget-hero widget-hero-fter-news\">\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nTeams &amp; Riders\n<\/li>\n<li>\nLidl-Trek\n<\/li>\n<li>\nJuan Ayuso\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>&#8216;Juan had a hard time&#8217; \u2013 After tough mountain stage, Lidl-Trek hope Juan Ayuso can turn GC campaign around in Tour de France third week<\/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=\"2026-07-20T13:07:51Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n20 July 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Team expect that Remco Evenepoel will consolidate second place on GC in TT, but battle for third remains open<\/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\/L4EMQNcGXbP3b5och8tduh-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/L4EMQNcGXbP3b5och8tduh-1600-80.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/L4EMQNcGXbP3b5och8tduh-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/L4EMQNcGXbP3b5och8tduh-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/L4EMQNcGXbP3b5och8tduh-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/L4EMQNcGXbP3b5och8tduh-750-80.jpg.webp 750w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/L4EMQNcGXbP3b5och8tduh-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/L4EMQNcGXbP3b5och8tduh-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/L4EMQNcGXbP3b5och8tduh-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\">Ayuso lost time on stage 15<\/span><span class=\"credit font-article-copy\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\"text-copy bodyCopy auto paywall-locker\">\n<div data-analytics-id=\"utility-bar\" id=\"utility-bar\" class=\"font-ui-heading flex justify-between items-center py-2 border-t border-b border-gray-300 border-solid mb-5 mx-auto\" data-component-name=\"UtilityBar\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"utility-bar\">\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div data-component-name=\"Social:Dropdown\" role=\"menu\" id=\"utilitybar__dropdown--share\" aria-labelledby=\"utilitybar__button--share\" class=\"absolute left-0 top-full w-44 bg-white rounded-md shadow-md border border-neutral-200 z-[9996] list-none m-0 py-2 px-3 border-solid\">\n<ul class=\"m-0!\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Facebook<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>X<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Pinterest<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Email<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-share-this-article\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nShare this article\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\"><span class=\"ml-1 inline-flex h-5 px-2 shrink-0 items-center justify-center self-center overflow-hidden whitespace-nowrap rounded-[10px] bg-primary-500 text-[11px] leading-none font-ui-heading font-semibold text-white\">0<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-join-the-conversation\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nJoin the conversation\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<p>Follow us<\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-add-us-as-a-preferred-source-on-google\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nAdd us as a preferred source on Google\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-subscribe-to-our-newsletter\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nSubscribe to our newsletter\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-f7a5d82c-843b-11f1-8ceb-6753a642d100\">Lidl-Trek recognised that Sunday&#8217;s ascent was not the best of days for co-leader Juan Ayuso, but are hoping that the young Spaniard will be able to turn things around in the time trial and the final week of the Tour de France.<\/p>\n<p>Ayuso finished eighth at two minutes down on stage 15, and this was after he needed support from Quinn Simmons to stem the time loss to stage winner Remco Evenepoel (Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe) and the rest of the GC contenders.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-f7a5d82c-843b-11f1-8ceb-6753a642d100-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The Spanish rider, now sixth overall, is at 7:29 on Tadej Poga\u010dar (UAE Team Emirates-XRG), whilst his Lidl Trek teammate Mattias Skjelmose, slightly ahead of Ayuso on Sunday&#8217;s final climb, is now eighth overall at 9:38.<\/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\">Statements by the rider after the stage were limited, but head sports director Steven de Jongh explained to <em>Cyclingnews<\/em> on Monday the difficulties Ayuso faced.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;He had a hard time on the last climb, and he tried to save his GC and minimise the losses,&#8221; he 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\/pqH29hahi2ZT59E57grYz4-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pqH29hahi2ZT59E57grYz4-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;Everything can change in the Tour de France on any day&#8217; \u2013 Ever-ambitious Juan Ayuso sets podium goal as Lidl-Trek balance leaders<\/span><\/li>\n<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\/sxgP8QCrSgajuMqMiZLyjX-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sxgP8QCrSgajuMqMiZLyjX-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;When he&#8217;s good, we know how good he is&#8217; &#8211; Derek Gee-West backs teammate Juan Ayuso to make an impact in the GC battle on Tour de France mountain stages<\/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\/LssbNq6ESrP7DoAUHRMKDC-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LssbNq6ESrP7DoAUHRMKDC-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 because of crashes and illnesses&#8217; \u2013 Juan Ayuso back racing at Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes after rollercoaster first half of season<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">As for whether it was a bad day or if he was feeling ill, De Jongh answered simply &#8220;Who knows? It was just missing at the end, and that was it.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">As for Skjelmose, De Jongh argued that &#8220;it was all good with him. Like the other day, he struggled when the pace went higher, but he could manage his pace well, so he was quite good, [we&#8217;re] quite happy with him.&#8221;<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-JMdTtcGZ2ctowvxmCZ2c5n\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-JMdTtcGZ2ctowvxmCZ2c5n 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\">Lidl-Trek are keen to move on to the stage 16 time trial, which De Jongh says &#8220;is quite far from our hotel, so we&#8217;ve seen it already and the recon will be tomorrow. But we have good hopes.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">In terms of what would constitute a good time trial for Ayuso, who has delivered some impressive performances in the past, De Jongh was unwilling to pin down what the team&#8217;s expectations would be, saying &#8220;I think that is hard to answer.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I think if we have the expected time and he can deliver his numbers, and he&#8217;s on that, then we are happy and if he&#8217;s far from that, then we are not happy.<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            What to read next<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8at9rBhBqakWkZQDTrSr4d-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8at9rBhBqakWkZQDTrSr4d-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;I don&#8217;t think he&#8217;s going to wait and see&#8217; \u2013 Juan Ayuso expects fireworks from teenage debutant Paul Seixas at Tour de France as he takes aim at podium finish with Lidl-Trek<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/47hzn6yPUVSYCmp9TyFnHX-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/47hzn6yPUVSYCmp9TyFnHX-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;He&#8217;s doing a different race than us&#8217; &#8211; Juan Ayuso is in the fight for the podium but accepts Tadej Poga\u010dar is in a race of his own<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ifor7vdV3UqqGjkiHpjVDi-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ifor7vdV3UqqGjkiHpjVDi-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;He was just on another level&#8217; \u2013 Juan Ayuso satisfied with Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes podium after losing out in battle with former teammate Isaac del Toro<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Stage 17 will be another day for our guys fighting for green [with Mads Pedersen]. And then we go into a three-stage mountain block where I think everything will be decided.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The absence of Jonas Vingegaard after the Visma-Lease a Bike racer crashed out is bound to affect the GC battle, albeit not the fight for yellow itself, but certainly who can finish where in the other two spots. And that&#8217;s something that affects both Ayuso&#8217;s and Skjelmose&#8217;s chances on GC.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It&#8217;s sad to see him leave like that. It was very unfortunate he had to crash and then break his collarbone. It&#8217;s not nice. The GC battle changes too, in that you have one team less to control the race,&#8221; De Jongh said.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I think Remco will maybe secure the [final] second place for tomorrow after the TT. Then the battle for third will be in the last three days. It&#8217;s going to go down to the young ones to decide that one.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p 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-JMdTtcGZ2ctowvxmCZ2c5n\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-JMdTtcGZ2ctowvxmCZ2c5n 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\/pqH29hahi2ZT59E57grYz4-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pqH29hahi2ZT59E57grYz4-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pqH29hahi2ZT59E57grYz4-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pqH29hahi2ZT59E57grYz4-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pqH29hahi2ZT59E57grYz4-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Everything can change in the Tour de France on any day&#8217; \u2013 Ever-ambitious Juan Ayuso sets podium goal as Lidl-Trek balance leaders<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sxgP8QCrSgajuMqMiZLyjX-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sxgP8QCrSgajuMqMiZLyjX-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sxgP8QCrSgajuMqMiZLyjX-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sxgP8QCrSgajuMqMiZLyjX-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sxgP8QCrSgajuMqMiZLyjX-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;When he&#8217;s good, we know how good he is&#8217; &#8211; Derek Gee-West backs teammate Juan Ayuso to make an impact in the GC battle on Tour de France mountain stages<\/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\/LssbNq6ESrP7DoAUHRMKDC-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LssbNq6ESrP7DoAUHRMKDC-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LssbNq6ESrP7DoAUHRMKDC-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LssbNq6ESrP7DoAUHRMKDC-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LssbNq6ESrP7DoAUHRMKDC-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 suffered because of crashes and illnesses&#8217; \u2013 Juan Ayuso back racing at Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes after rollercoaster first half of season<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8at9rBhBqakWkZQDTrSr4d-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8at9rBhBqakWkZQDTrSr4d-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8at9rBhBqakWkZQDTrSr4d-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8at9rBhBqakWkZQDTrSr4d-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8at9rBhBqakWkZQDTrSr4d-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I don&#8217;t think he&#8217;s going to wait and see&#8217; \u2013 Juan Ayuso expects fireworks from teenage debutant Paul Seixas at Tour de France as he takes aim at podium finish with Lidl-Trek<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/47hzn6yPUVSYCmp9TyFnHX-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/47hzn6yPUVSYCmp9TyFnHX-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/47hzn6yPUVSYCmp9TyFnHX-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/47hzn6yPUVSYCmp9TyFnHX-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/47hzn6yPUVSYCmp9TyFnHX-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;He&#8217;s doing a different race than us&#8217; &#8211; Juan Ayuso is in the fight for the podium but accepts Tadej Poga\u010dar is in a race of his own<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ifor7vdV3UqqGjkiHpjVDi-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ifor7vdV3UqqGjkiHpjVDi-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ifor7vdV3UqqGjkiHpjVDi-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ifor7vdV3UqqGjkiHpjVDi-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ifor7vdV3UqqGjkiHpjVDi-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;He was just on another level&#8217; \u2013 Juan Ayuso satisfied with Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes podium after losing out in battle with former teammate Isaac del Toro<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-category\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Teams &amp; Riders<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hvKStmgent8rQ3HxHLG9qD-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hvKStmgent8rQ3HxHLG9qD-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hvKStmgent8rQ3HxHLG9qD-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hvKStmgent8rQ3HxHLG9qD-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hvKStmgent8rQ3HxHLG9qD-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\">Transfers<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Laurens De Plus joins big-name domestiques heading to Decathlon CMA CGM as team look to build around Paul Seixas<\/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\/TEzNn6EwoSDPXzasgmzeHe-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TEzNn6EwoSDPXzasgmzeHe-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TEzNn6EwoSDPXzasgmzeHe-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TEzNn6EwoSDPXzasgmzeHe-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TEzNn6EwoSDPXzasgmzeHe-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 team cares more that Mads wins the green than I win a stage&#8217; \u2013 Quinn Simmons has to balance personal Tour de France goals with Lidl-Trek priorities<\/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\/vQJEWk9qrgBVz3XxVDQgDM-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vQJEWk9qrgBVz3XxVDQgDM-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vQJEWk9qrgBVz3XxVDQgDM-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vQJEWk9qrgBVz3XxVDQgDM-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vQJEWk9qrgBVz3XxVDQgDM-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;We had no plan B&#8217; \u2013 With Jonas Vingegaard out of the Tour de France, how do shell-shocked Visma-Lease a Bike move on without their leader?<\/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\/eVSE6LWDoYCc2yxTskQHdR-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eVSE6LWDoYCc2yxTskQHdR-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eVSE6LWDoYCc2yxTskQHdR-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eVSE6LWDoYCc2yxTskQHdR-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eVSE6LWDoYCc2yxTskQHdR-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;There was a misunderstanding, but Remco was better&#8217; \u2013 Tadej Poga\u010dar\u00a0suffers a rare defeat as he turns domestique at Tour de France<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/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 abandoning the Tour de France doesn&#8217;t just make a fifth Tadej Poga\u010dar victory even more likely, it radically alters how we&#8217;ll perceive it \u2013 Analysis<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<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\/kXbtRHuzGrv6kzYtwGLQ2e-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kXbtRHuzGrv6kzYtwGLQ2e-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kXbtRHuzGrv6kzYtwGLQ2e-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kXbtRHuzGrv6kzYtwGLQ2e-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kXbtRHuzGrv6kzYtwGLQ2e-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\">Doping<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Riders association calls for &#8216;intelligent fight against doping&#8217; after multiple riders subjected to overnight testing at Tour de France<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mQVF9z4KYoFq6UrttWGUmT-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mQVF9z4KYoFq6UrttWGUmT-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mQVF9z4KYoFq6UrttWGUmT-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mQVF9z4KYoFq6UrttWGUmT-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mQVF9z4KYoFq6UrttWGUmT-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\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I hope that it will be just as good&#8217; \u2013 19-year-old Paul Seixas heads into Tour de France final week within striking distance of 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\/hvKStmgent8rQ3HxHLG9qD-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hvKStmgent8rQ3HxHLG9qD-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hvKStmgent8rQ3HxHLG9qD-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hvKStmgent8rQ3HxHLG9qD-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hvKStmgent8rQ3HxHLG9qD-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\">Transfers<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Laurens De Plus joins big-name domestiques heading to Decathlon CMA CGM as team look to build around Paul Seixas<\/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\/8QL6NUnWwJiJ8GxQE4go47-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8QL6NUnWwJiJ8GxQE4go47-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8QL6NUnWwJiJ8GxQE4go47-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8QL6NUnWwJiJ8GxQE4go47-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8QL6NUnWwJiJ8GxQE4go47-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;The main goal is to have Remco on the podium in Paris&#8217; \u2013 Florian Lipowitz ready to work for Evenepoel in Tour de France podium battle<\/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\/TVzDoFu3LZqS9Y9RFckjEN-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TVzDoFu3LZqS9Y9RFckjEN-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TVzDoFu3LZqS9Y9RFckjEN-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TVzDoFu3LZqS9Y9RFckjEN-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TVzDoFu3LZqS9Y9RFckjEN-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\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Just try to ride the third week of my life&#8217; \u2013 No room for getting carried away for Remco Evenepoel despite becoming closest challenger to Poga\u010dar at Tour de France<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UUcV6BF2iqvJqw8iC8MZhK-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UUcV6BF2iqvJqw8iC8MZhK-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UUcV6BF2iqvJqw8iC8MZhK-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UUcV6BF2iqvJqw8iC8MZhK-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UUcV6BF2iqvJqw8iC8MZhK-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\">Streaming<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">How to watch Tour de France Stage 16: All the broadcasters and live streams for a crucial time-trial<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\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\/kXbtRHuzGrv6kzYtwGLQ2e-320-80.jpg.webp 320w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kXbtRHuzGrv6kzYtwGLQ2e-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kXbtRHuzGrv6kzYtwGLQ2e-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kXbtRHuzGrv6kzYtwGLQ2e-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kXbtRHuzGrv6kzYtwGLQ2e.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kXbtRHuzGrv6kzYtwGLQ2e.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kXbtRHuzGrv6kzYtwGLQ2e.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\">Riders association calls for &#8216;intelligent fight against doping&#8217; after multiple riders subjected to overnight testing at Tour de France<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">2<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">&#8216;I hope that it will be just as good&#8217; \u2013 19-year-old Paul Seixas heads into Tour de France final week within striking distance of GC podium<\/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\">The Tour de France is far from over &#8211; A triple header of mountains and 120 seconds are among the reasons why you should watch the last week<\/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\">Laurens De Plus joins big-name domestiques heading to Decathlon CMA CGM as team look to build around Paul Seixas<\/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;The main goal is to have Remco on the podium in Paris&#8217; \u2013 Florian Lipowitz ready to work for Evenepoel in Tour de France podium battle<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"page-content-onecol flex-1\nnews-article article\n\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"widget-area-group widget-area-group-2col flex flex-wrap box-border\">\n<div id=\"widgetArea16\" class=\"widget-area basis-full md:basis-2\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-2-3 page-widget-area-16\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"hero\" id=\"hero\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-hero widget-hero widget-hero-hero widget-hero widget-hero-fter-news\">\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nTeams &amp; Riders\n<\/li>\n<li>\nLidl-Trek\n<\/li>\n<li>\nJuan Ayuso\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>&#8216;Juan had a hard time&#8217; \u2013 After tough mountain stage, Lidl-Trek hope Juan Ayuso can turn GC campaign around in Tour de France third week<\/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=\"2026-07-20T13:07:51Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n20 July 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Team expect that Remco Evenepoel will consolidate second place on GC in TT, but battle for third remains open<\/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\/L4EMQNcGXbP3b5och8tduh-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/L4EMQNcGXbP3b5och8tduh-1600-80.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/L4EMQNcGXbP3b5och8tduh-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/L4EMQNcGXbP3b5och8tduh-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/L4EMQNcGXbP3b5och8tduh-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/L4EMQNcGXbP3b5och8tduh-750-80.jpg.webp 750w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/L4EMQNcGXbP3b5och8tduh-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/L4EMQNcGXbP3b5och8tduh-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/L4EMQNcGXbP3b5och8tduh-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\">Ayuso lost time on stage 15<\/span><span class=\"credit font-article-copy\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\"text-copy bodyCopy auto paywall-locker\">\n<div data-analytics-id=\"utility-bar\" id=\"utility-bar\" class=\"font-ui-heading flex justify-between items-center py-2 border-t border-b border-gray-300 border-solid mb-5 mx-auto\" data-component-name=\"UtilityBar\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"utility-bar\">\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div data-component-name=\"Social:Dropdown\" role=\"menu\" id=\"utilitybar__dropdown--share\" aria-labelledby=\"utilitybar__button--share\" class=\"absolute left-0 top-full w-44 bg-white rounded-md shadow-md border border-neutral-200 z-[9996] list-none m-0 py-2 px-3 border-solid\">\n<ul class=\"m-0!\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Facebook<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>X<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Pinterest<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Email<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-share-this-article\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nShare this article\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\"><span class=\"ml-1 inline-flex h-5 px-2 shrink-0 items-center justify-center self-center overflow-hidden whitespace-nowrap rounded-[10px] bg-primary-500 text-[11px] leading-none font-ui-heading font-semibold text-white\">0<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-join-the-conversation\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nJoin the conversation\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<p>Follow us<\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-add-us-as-a-preferred-source-on-google\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nAdd us as a preferred source on Google\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-subscribe-to-our-newsletter\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nSubscribe to our newsletter\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-f7a5d82c-843b-11f1-8ceb-6753a642d100\">Lidl-Trek recognised that Sunday&#8217;s ascent was not the best of days for co-leader Juan Ayuso, but are hoping that the young Spaniard will be able to turn things around in the time trial and the final week of the Tour de France.<\/p>\n<p>Ayuso finished eighth at two minutes down on stage 15, and this was after he needed support from Quinn Simmons to stem the time loss to stage winner Remco Evenepoel (Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe) and the rest of the GC contenders.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-f7a5d82c-843b-11f1-8ceb-6753a642d100-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The Spanish rider, now sixth overall, is at 7:29 on Tadej Poga\u010dar (UAE Team Emirates-XRG), whilst his Lidl Trek teammate Mattias Skjelmose, slightly ahead of Ayuso on Sunday&#8217;s final climb, is now eighth overall at 9:38.<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-6 w-full overflow-hidden rounded-[10px] lg:my-8\" data-component-name=\"JwPlayer:Carousel\" data-jwp-carousel 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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\">Statements by the rider after the stage were limited, but head sports director Steven de Jongh explained to <em>Cyclingnews<\/em> on Monday the difficulties Ayuso faced.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;He had a hard time on the last climb, and he tried to save his GC and minimise the losses,&#8221; he 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\/pqH29hahi2ZT59E57grYz4-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pqH29hahi2ZT59E57grYz4-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;Everything can change in the Tour de France on any day&#8217; \u2013 Ever-ambitious Juan Ayuso sets podium goal as Lidl-Trek balance leaders<\/span><\/li>\n<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\/sxgP8QCrSgajuMqMiZLyjX-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sxgP8QCrSgajuMqMiZLyjX-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;When he&#8217;s good, we know how good he is&#8217; &#8211; Derek Gee-West backs teammate Juan Ayuso to make an impact in the GC battle on Tour de France mountain stages<\/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\/LssbNq6ESrP7DoAUHRMKDC-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LssbNq6ESrP7DoAUHRMKDC-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 because of crashes and illnesses&#8217; \u2013 Juan Ayuso back racing at Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes after rollercoaster first half of season<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">As for whether it was a bad day or if he was feeling ill, De Jongh answered simply &#8220;Who knows? It was just missing at the end, and that was it.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">As for Skjelmose, De Jongh argued that &#8220;it was all good with him. Like the other day, he struggled when the pace went higher, but he could manage his pace well, so he was quite good, [we&#8217;re] quite happy with him.&#8221;<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-JMdTtcGZ2ctowvxmCZ2c5n\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-JMdTtcGZ2ctowvxmCZ2c5n 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\">Lidl-Trek are keen to move on to the stage 16 time trial, which De Jongh says &#8220;is quite far from our hotel, so we&#8217;ve seen it already and the recon will be tomorrow. But we have good hopes.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">In terms of what would constitute a good time trial for Ayuso, who has delivered some impressive performances in the past, De Jongh was unwilling to pin down what the team&#8217;s expectations would be, saying &#8220;I think that is hard to answer.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I think if we have the expected time and he can deliver his numbers, and he&#8217;s on that, then we are happy and if he&#8217;s far from that, then we are not happy.<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            What to read next<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8at9rBhBqakWkZQDTrSr4d-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8at9rBhBqakWkZQDTrSr4d-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;I don&#8217;t think he&#8217;s going to wait and see&#8217; \u2013 Juan Ayuso expects fireworks from teenage debutant Paul Seixas at Tour de France as he takes aim at podium finish with Lidl-Trek<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/47hzn6yPUVSYCmp9TyFnHX-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/47hzn6yPUVSYCmp9TyFnHX-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;He&#8217;s doing a different race than us&#8217; &#8211; Juan Ayuso is in the fight for the podium but accepts Tadej Poga\u010dar is in a race of his own<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ifor7vdV3UqqGjkiHpjVDi-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ifor7vdV3UqqGjkiHpjVDi-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;He was just on another level&#8217; \u2013 Juan Ayuso satisfied with Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes podium after losing out in battle with former teammate Isaac del Toro<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Stage 17 will be another day for our guys fighting for green [with Mads Pedersen]. And then we go into a three-stage mountain block where I think everything will be decided.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The absence of Jonas Vingegaard after the Visma-Lease a Bike racer crashed out is bound to affect the GC battle, albeit not the fight for yellow itself, but certainly who can finish where in the other two spots. And that&#8217;s something that affects both Ayuso&#8217;s and Skjelmose&#8217;s chances on GC.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It&#8217;s sad to see him leave like that. It was very unfortunate he had to crash and then break his collarbone. It&#8217;s not nice. The GC battle changes too, in that you have one team less to control the race,&#8221; De Jongh said.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I think Remco will maybe secure the [final] second place for tomorrow after the TT. Then the battle for third will be in the last three days. It&#8217;s going to go down to the young ones to decide that one.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p 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-JMdTtcGZ2ctowvxmCZ2c5n\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-JMdTtcGZ2ctowvxmCZ2c5n 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\/pqH29hahi2ZT59E57grYz4-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pqH29hahi2ZT59E57grYz4-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pqH29hahi2ZT59E57grYz4-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pqH29hahi2ZT59E57grYz4-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pqH29hahi2ZT59E57grYz4-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Everything can change in the Tour de France on any day&#8217; \u2013 Ever-ambitious Juan Ayuso sets podium goal as Lidl-Trek balance leaders<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sxgP8QCrSgajuMqMiZLyjX-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sxgP8QCrSgajuMqMiZLyjX-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sxgP8QCrSgajuMqMiZLyjX-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sxgP8QCrSgajuMqMiZLyjX-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sxgP8QCrSgajuMqMiZLyjX-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;When he&#8217;s good, we know how good he is&#8217; &#8211; Derek Gee-West backs teammate Juan Ayuso to make an impact in the GC battle on Tour de France mountain stages<\/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\/LssbNq6ESrP7DoAUHRMKDC-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LssbNq6ESrP7DoAUHRMKDC-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LssbNq6ESrP7DoAUHRMKDC-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LssbNq6ESrP7DoAUHRMKDC-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LssbNq6ESrP7DoAUHRMKDC-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 suffered because of crashes and illnesses&#8217; \u2013 Juan Ayuso back racing at Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes after rollercoaster first half of season<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8at9rBhBqakWkZQDTrSr4d-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8at9rBhBqakWkZQDTrSr4d-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8at9rBhBqakWkZQDTrSr4d-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8at9rBhBqakWkZQDTrSr4d-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8at9rBhBqakWkZQDTrSr4d-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I don&#8217;t think he&#8217;s going to wait and see&#8217; \u2013 Juan Ayuso expects fireworks from teenage debutant Paul Seixas at Tour de France as he takes aim at podium finish with Lidl-Trek<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/47hzn6yPUVSYCmp9TyFnHX-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/47hzn6yPUVSYCmp9TyFnHX-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/47hzn6yPUVSYCmp9TyFnHX-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/47hzn6yPUVSYCmp9TyFnHX-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/47hzn6yPUVSYCmp9TyFnHX-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;He&#8217;s doing a different race than us&#8217; &#8211; Juan Ayuso is in the fight for the podium but accepts Tadej Poga\u010dar is in a race of his own<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ifor7vdV3UqqGjkiHpjVDi-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ifor7vdV3UqqGjkiHpjVDi-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ifor7vdV3UqqGjkiHpjVDi-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ifor7vdV3UqqGjkiHpjVDi-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ifor7vdV3UqqGjkiHpjVDi-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;He was just on another level&#8217; \u2013 Juan Ayuso satisfied with Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes podium after losing out in battle with former teammate Isaac del Toro<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-category\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Teams &amp; Riders<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hvKStmgent8rQ3HxHLG9qD-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hvKStmgent8rQ3HxHLG9qD-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hvKStmgent8rQ3HxHLG9qD-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hvKStmgent8rQ3HxHLG9qD-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hvKStmgent8rQ3HxHLG9qD-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\">Transfers<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Laurens De Plus joins big-name domestiques heading to Decathlon CMA CGM as team look to build around Paul Seixas<\/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\/TEzNn6EwoSDPXzasgmzeHe-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TEzNn6EwoSDPXzasgmzeHe-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TEzNn6EwoSDPXzasgmzeHe-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TEzNn6EwoSDPXzasgmzeHe-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TEzNn6EwoSDPXzasgmzeHe-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 team cares more that Mads wins the green than I win a stage&#8217; \u2013 Quinn Simmons has to balance personal Tour de France goals with Lidl-Trek priorities<\/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\/vQJEWk9qrgBVz3XxVDQgDM-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vQJEWk9qrgBVz3XxVDQgDM-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vQJEWk9qrgBVz3XxVDQgDM-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vQJEWk9qrgBVz3XxVDQgDM-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vQJEWk9qrgBVz3XxVDQgDM-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;We had no plan B&#8217; \u2013 With Jonas Vingegaard out of the Tour de France, how do shell-shocked Visma-Lease a Bike move on without their leader?<\/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\/eVSE6LWDoYCc2yxTskQHdR-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eVSE6LWDoYCc2yxTskQHdR-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eVSE6LWDoYCc2yxTskQHdR-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eVSE6LWDoYCc2yxTskQHdR-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eVSE6LWDoYCc2yxTskQHdR-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;There was a misunderstanding, but Remco was better&#8217; \u2013 Tadej Poga\u010dar\u00a0suffers a rare defeat as he turns domestique at Tour de France<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/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 abandoning the Tour de France doesn&#8217;t just make a fifth Tadej Poga\u010dar victory even more likely, it radically alters how we&#8217;ll perceive it \u2013 Analysis<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<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\/kXbtRHuzGrv6kzYtwGLQ2e-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kXbtRHuzGrv6kzYtwGLQ2e-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kXbtRHuzGrv6kzYtwGLQ2e-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kXbtRHuzGrv6kzYtwGLQ2e-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kXbtRHuzGrv6kzYtwGLQ2e-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\">Doping<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Riders association calls for &#8216;intelligent fight against doping&#8217; after multiple riders subjected to overnight testing at Tour de France<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mQVF9z4KYoFq6UrttWGUmT-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mQVF9z4KYoFq6UrttWGUmT-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mQVF9z4KYoFq6UrttWGUmT-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mQVF9z4KYoFq6UrttWGUmT-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mQVF9z4KYoFq6UrttWGUmT-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\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I hope that it will be just as good&#8217; \u2013 19-year-old Paul Seixas heads into Tour de France final week within striking distance of 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\/hvKStmgent8rQ3HxHLG9qD-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hvKStmgent8rQ3HxHLG9qD-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hvKStmgent8rQ3HxHLG9qD-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hvKStmgent8rQ3HxHLG9qD-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hvKStmgent8rQ3HxHLG9qD-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\">Transfers<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Laurens De Plus joins big-name domestiques heading to Decathlon CMA CGM as team look to build around Paul Seixas<\/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\/8QL6NUnWwJiJ8GxQE4go47-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8QL6NUnWwJiJ8GxQE4go47-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8QL6NUnWwJiJ8GxQE4go47-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8QL6NUnWwJiJ8GxQE4go47-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8QL6NUnWwJiJ8GxQE4go47-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;The main goal is to have Remco on the podium in Paris&#8217; \u2013 Florian Lipowitz ready to work for Evenepoel in Tour de France podium battle<\/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\/TVzDoFu3LZqS9Y9RFckjEN-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TVzDoFu3LZqS9Y9RFckjEN-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TVzDoFu3LZqS9Y9RFckjEN-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TVzDoFu3LZqS9Y9RFckjEN-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TVzDoFu3LZqS9Y9RFckjEN-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\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Just try to ride the third week of my life&#8217; \u2013 No room for getting carried away for Remco Evenepoel despite becoming closest challenger to Poga\u010dar at Tour de France<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UUcV6BF2iqvJqw8iC8MZhK-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UUcV6BF2iqvJqw8iC8MZhK-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UUcV6BF2iqvJqw8iC8MZhK-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UUcV6BF2iqvJqw8iC8MZhK-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UUcV6BF2iqvJqw8iC8MZhK-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\">Streaming<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">How to watch Tour de France Stage 16: All the broadcasters and live streams for a crucial time-trial<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\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\/kXbtRHuzGrv6kzYtwGLQ2e-320-80.jpg.webp 320w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kXbtRHuzGrv6kzYtwGLQ2e-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kXbtRHuzGrv6kzYtwGLQ2e-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kXbtRHuzGrv6kzYtwGLQ2e-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kXbtRHuzGrv6kzYtwGLQ2e.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kXbtRHuzGrv6kzYtwGLQ2e.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kXbtRHuzGrv6kzYtwGLQ2e.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\">Riders association calls for &#8216;intelligent fight against doping&#8217; after multiple riders subjected to overnight testing at Tour de France<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">2<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">&#8216;I hope that it will be just as good&#8217; \u2013 19-year-old Paul Seixas heads into Tour de France final week within striking distance of GC podium<\/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\">The Tour de France is far from over &#8211; A triple header of mountains and 120 seconds are among the reasons why you should watch the last week<\/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\">Laurens De Plus joins big-name domestiques heading to Decathlon CMA CGM as team look to build around Paul Seixas<\/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;The main goal is to have Remco on the podium in Paris&#8217; \u2013 Florian Lipowitz ready to work for Evenepoel in Tour de France podium battle<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nTeams &amp; Riders\n<\/li>\n<li>\nLidl-Trek\n<\/li>\n<li>\nJuan Ayuso\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>&#8216;Juan had a hard time&#8217; \u2013 After tough mountain stage, Lidl-Trek hope Juan Ayuso can turn GC campaign around in Tour de France third week<\/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=\"2026-07-20T13:07:51Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n20 July 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Team expect that Remco Evenepoel will consolidate second place on GC in TT, but battle for third remains open<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"text-gray-700 flex items-center mx-0 my-5 p-0 justify-start text-left\" id=\"affiliate-disclaimer\" data-component-name=\"AffiliateDisclaimer\" data-hawk-message=\"Affiliate disclaimer removed because hawk deemed there are no affiliate links on this page\">\n<p class=\"text-[color:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--text-color,inherit)] mb-2 text-[length:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--font-size,0.75rem)] leading-[18px] md:text-[13px] [&amp;&gt;a]:text-inherit [&amp;&gt;a]:underline\">\nWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here\u2019s how it works.\n<\/p>\n<\/aside>\n<\/header>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\"text-copy bodyCopy auto paywall-locker\">\n<div data-analytics-id=\"utility-bar\" id=\"utility-bar\" class=\"font-ui-heading flex justify-between items-center py-2 border-t border-b border-gray-300 border-solid mb-5 mx-auto\" data-component-name=\"UtilityBar\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"utility-bar\">\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div data-component-name=\"Social:Dropdown\" role=\"menu\" id=\"utilitybar__dropdown--share\" aria-labelledby=\"utilitybar__button--share\" class=\"absolute left-0 top-full w-44 bg-white rounded-md shadow-md border border-neutral-200 z-[9996] list-none m-0 py-2 px-3 border-solid\">\n<ul class=\"m-0!\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Facebook<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li 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newsletter\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-f7a5d82c-843b-11f1-8ceb-6753a642d100\">Lidl-Trek recognised that Sunday&#8217;s ascent was not the best of days for co-leader Juan Ayuso, but are hoping that the young Spaniard will be able to turn things around in the time trial and the final week of the Tour de France.<\/p>\n<p>Ayuso finished eighth at two minutes down on stage 15, and this was after he needed support from Quinn Simmons to stem the time loss to stage winner Remco Evenepoel (Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe) and the rest of the GC contenders.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-f7a5d82c-843b-11f1-8ceb-6753a642d100-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The Spanish rider, now sixth overall, is at 7:29 on Tadej Poga\u010dar (UAE Team Emirates-XRG), whilst his Lidl Trek teammate Mattias Skjelmose, slightly ahead of Ayuso on Sunday&#8217;s final climb, is now eighth overall at 9:38.<\/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\">Statements by the rider after the stage were limited, but head sports director Steven de Jongh explained to <em>Cyclingnews<\/em> on Monday the difficulties Ayuso faced.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;He had a hard time on the last climb, and he tried to save his GC and minimise the losses,&#8221; he 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\/pqH29hahi2ZT59E57grYz4-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pqH29hahi2ZT59E57grYz4-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;Everything can change in the Tour de France on any day&#8217; \u2013 Ever-ambitious Juan Ayuso sets podium goal as Lidl-Trek balance leaders<\/span><\/li>\n<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\/sxgP8QCrSgajuMqMiZLyjX-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sxgP8QCrSgajuMqMiZLyjX-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;When he&#8217;s good, we know how good he is&#8217; &#8211; Derek Gee-West backs teammate Juan Ayuso to make an impact in the GC battle on Tour de France mountain stages<\/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\/LssbNq6ESrP7DoAUHRMKDC-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LssbNq6ESrP7DoAUHRMKDC-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 because of crashes and illnesses&#8217; \u2013 Juan Ayuso back racing at Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes after rollercoaster first half of season<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">As for whether it was a bad day or if he was feeling ill, De Jongh answered simply &#8220;Who knows? It was just missing at the end, and that was it.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">As for Skjelmose, De Jongh argued that &#8220;it was all good with him. Like the other day, he struggled when the pace went higher, but he could manage his pace well, so he was quite good, [we&#8217;re] quite happy with him.&#8221;<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-JMdTtcGZ2ctowvxmCZ2c5n\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-JMdTtcGZ2ctowvxmCZ2c5n 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\">Lidl-Trek are keen to move on to the stage 16 time trial, which De Jongh says &#8220;is quite far from our hotel, so we&#8217;ve seen it already and the recon will be tomorrow. But we have good hopes.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">In terms of what would constitute a good time trial for Ayuso, who has delivered some impressive performances in the past, De Jongh was unwilling to pin down what the team&#8217;s expectations would be, saying &#8220;I think that is hard to answer.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I think if we have the expected time and he can deliver his numbers, and he&#8217;s on that, then we are happy and if he&#8217;s far from that, then we are not happy.<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            What to read next<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8at9rBhBqakWkZQDTrSr4d-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8at9rBhBqakWkZQDTrSr4d-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;I don&#8217;t think he&#8217;s going to wait and see&#8217; \u2013 Juan Ayuso expects fireworks from teenage debutant Paul Seixas at Tour de France as he takes aim at podium finish with Lidl-Trek<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/47hzn6yPUVSYCmp9TyFnHX-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/47hzn6yPUVSYCmp9TyFnHX-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;He&#8217;s doing a different race than us&#8217; &#8211; Juan Ayuso is in the fight for the podium but accepts Tadej Poga\u010dar is in a race of his own<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ifor7vdV3UqqGjkiHpjVDi-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ifor7vdV3UqqGjkiHpjVDi-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;He was just on another level&#8217; \u2013 Juan Ayuso satisfied with Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes podium after losing out in battle with former teammate Isaac del Toro<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Stage 17 will be another day for our guys fighting for green [with Mads Pedersen]. And then we go into a three-stage mountain block where I think everything will be decided.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The absence of Jonas Vingegaard after the Visma-Lease a Bike racer crashed out is bound to affect the GC battle, albeit not the fight for yellow itself, but certainly who can finish where in the other two spots. And that&#8217;s something that affects both Ayuso&#8217;s and Skjelmose&#8217;s chances on GC.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It&#8217;s sad to see him leave like that. It was very unfortunate he had to crash and then break his collarbone. It&#8217;s not nice. The GC battle changes too, in that you have one team less to control the race,&#8221; De Jongh said.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I think Remco will maybe secure the [final] second place for tomorrow after the TT. Then the battle for third will be in the last three days. It&#8217;s going to go down to the young ones to decide that one.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p 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\/juan-had-a-hard-time-after-tough-mountain-stage-lidl-trek-hope-juan-ayuso-can-turn-gc-campaign-around-in-tour-de-france-third-week\/&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/L4EMQNcGXbP3b5och8tduh-2500-80.jpg&#8221;] 1 Tour de France GC standings \u2013 Dramatic stage 15 delivers changes in top three 2 As it happened: GC drama on the slopes of the Col du Haag during stage 14 of the Tour de France 3 &#8216;There was a misunderstanding, but Remco was better&#8217; \u2013 Tadej Poga\u010dar\u00a0suffers a rare defeat [&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-2053378","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\/2053378","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=2053378"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2053378\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2053378"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=2053378"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=2053378"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}