{"id":2058367,"date":"2026-07-23T16:20:53","date_gmt":"2026-07-23T13:20:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2058367"},"modified":"2026-07-23T16:20:53","modified_gmt":"2026-07-23T13:20:53","slug":"doing-half-the-watts-tim-wellens-avoids-time-cut-elimination-by-two-minutes-as-illness-ravages-uae-team-emirates-xrg-at-tour-de-france","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2058367","title":{"rendered":"&#8216;Doing half the watts&#8217; \u2013 Tim Wellens avoids time cut elimination by two minutes as illness ravages UAE Team Emirates-XRG at Tour de France"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jVwLgAP29URse4RiwzEiZn-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\/7pQvq3hspkp3AotMsnQ7pS-160-80.jpg.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7pQvq3hspkp3AotMsnQ7pS-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 EF Education-EasyPost enter top 10 thanks to stage 18 breakaway\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\/krDwMTCmtoEhrxY6bTy4PA-160-80.jpg.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/krDwMTCmtoEhrxY6bTy4PA-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                                    Three time stage winner Tim Merlier abandons the Tour de France on mountainous stage 15\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>\nUAE Team Emirates-XRG\n<\/li>\n<li>\nTim Wellens\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>&#8216;Doing half the watts&#8217; \u2013 Tim Wellens avoids time cut elimination by two minutes as illness ravages UAE Team Emirates-XRG at Tour de France<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"vds-byline-block flex flex-row flex-nowrap my-1.5 gap-2 text-left items-start max-sm:flex-col justify-start\" data-component-name=\"Article:BylineBlock\">\n<p>News<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-auto vds-simple-byline\"><span class=\"inline-block vds-author\"><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nPatrick Fletcher, Matilda Price <\/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=\"2026-07-23T16:20:53Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n23 July 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Race leader Tadej Poga\u010dar finished with only one teammate in GC group after McNulty abandoned<\/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\/jVwLgAP29URse4RiwzEiZn-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jVwLgAP29URse4RiwzEiZn-1600-80.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jVwLgAP29URse4RiwzEiZn-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jVwLgAP29URse4RiwzEiZn-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jVwLgAP29URse4RiwzEiZn-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jVwLgAP29URse4RiwzEiZn-750-80.jpg.webp 750w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jVwLgAP29URse4RiwzEiZn-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jVwLgAP29URse4RiwzEiZn-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jVwLgAP29URse4RiwzEiZn-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\">Wellens rode the finale of stage 18 alone<\/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-78a0b58c-86b2-11f1-8b8b-6df168c6cdf6\">UAE Team Emirates-XRG&#8217;s Tim Wellens made the time cut by just two minutes on stage 18 of the Tour de France, battling through the mountainous 185.2 kilometre stage to avoid elimination.<\/p>\n<p>Wellens was the very last rider to finish the stage to Orci\u00e8res-Merlette alone, 43:02 down on the winner. He was close to missing the time cut, which was 45:17. He spent much of the day in the gruppetto, but had to complete the final climb alone.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-78a0b58c-86b2-11f1-8b8b-6df168c6cdf6-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I had a lot of help in the gruppetto and then on the climbs I just had a time trial by myself, doing half the watts, normally I go double the speed,&#8221; Wellens explained to <em>Cyclingnews <\/em>and others at the finish of stage 18.<\/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\">Even if he is struggling, UAE will have breathed a sigh of relief that Wellens just made it, having already lost one important rider on Thursday when Brandon McNulty dropped out mid-stage.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Concerns of illness in the UAE team have been swirling since Adam Yates struggled on stage 17, reportedly suffering stomach problems the night before the stage 16 time trial. The team said that his stomach illness hadn&#8217;t spread, but other riders clearly had other illnesses, with McNulty and Wellens both reportedly feeling sick at the start of stage 18.<\/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\/f8w6PJUnSsAaNiuqtV87UB-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/f8w6PJUnSsAaNiuqtV87UB-150-80.png.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Adam Yates struggles against stomach problems and time cut to survive stage 17 of Tour de France<\/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\/bQgUx2k93XB6Qim9qrgBeG-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bQgUx2k93XB6Qim9qrgBeG-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\">\u2018Everyone wants to be in UAE Team Emirates-XRG, you can decide how the race happens\u2019 \u2013 Tables turn at Tour de France as Wellens and McNulty become breakaway riders<\/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\/UbrLoVCoKqHNuu5GvufNkH-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UbrLoVCoKqHNuu5GvufNkH-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Tour de France abandons \u2013\u00a0UAE Team Emirates lose important climbing support before key Alpine stages<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I think it&#8217;s pretty clear there&#8217;s some sickness in the team,&#8221; Wellens said. &#8220;Fortunately Tadej is OK and I hope it stays that way.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The extent of the problem at UAE was clear by the fact that Poga\u010dar finished stage 18 with only one rider, Isaac del Toro, in the GC group with him. Teams like Decathlon CMA CGM, Lidl-Trek and Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe all finished with their leader and one teammate in that group, so though UAE weren&#8217;t worse off than any other team, we&#8217;re accustomed to them being markedly stronger.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-eJUjaUYJbRUbxrrtNn6QUP\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-eJUjaUYJbRUbxrrtNn6QUP 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\">Though Yates is reportedly feeling better, he also had a tough day on the bike, finishing 28:55 down.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Poga\u010dar currently leads the Tour by five minutes, so his GC is not at immediate risk with two mountain stages remaining, but illness in the UAE camp is still arguably a cause for concern.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">UAE sports manager Matxin Joxean Fernandez downplayed that angle, though, trying to calm any worries ahead of the Alpe d&#8217;Huez doubleheader on Friday and Saturday.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I think it&#8217;s different. Today was a breakaway day, so it was better to recover and other teams controlled the stage,&#8221; he said. &#8220;Florian was dropped in the normal, when a group of sixty riders were left. Adam decided to stay calm.&#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-eJUjaUYJbRUbxrrtNn6QUP\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-eJUjaUYJbRUbxrrtNn6QUP 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__heading\">\n<div class=\"author__name\">Matilda Price<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__role\">Assistant Features Editor<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>Matilda is an NCTJ-qualified journalist based in the UK who joined <em>Cyclingnews <\/em>in March 2025. Prior to that, she worked as the Racing News Editor at <em>GCN<\/em>, and extensively as a freelancer contributing to <em>Cyclingnews, Cycling Weekly, Velo, Rouleur, Escape Collective, Red Bull <\/em>and more. She has reported on the ground at all of the biggest events on the calendar, including the men&#8217;s and women&#8217;s Tours de France, the Giro d&#8217;Italia, the Vuelta a Espana, the Spring Classics and the World Championships. She has particular experience and expertise in women&#8217;s cycling, and women&#8217;s sport in general. She is a graduate of modern languages and sports journalism.<\/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\/f8w6PJUnSsAaNiuqtV87UB-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/f8w6PJUnSsAaNiuqtV87UB-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/f8w6PJUnSsAaNiuqtV87UB-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/f8w6PJUnSsAaNiuqtV87UB-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/f8w6PJUnSsAaNiuqtV87UB-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Adam Yates struggles against stomach problems and time cut to survive stage 17 of 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\/bQgUx2k93XB6Qim9qrgBeG-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bQgUx2k93XB6Qim9qrgBeG-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bQgUx2k93XB6Qim9qrgBeG-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bQgUx2k93XB6Qim9qrgBeG-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bQgUx2k93XB6Qim9qrgBeG-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\">\u2018Everyone wants to be in UAE Team Emirates-XRG, you can decide how the race happens\u2019 \u2013 Tables turn at Tour de France as Wellens and McNulty become breakaway riders<\/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\/UbrLoVCoKqHNuu5GvufNkH-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UbrLoVCoKqHNuu5GvufNkH-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UbrLoVCoKqHNuu5GvufNkH-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UbrLoVCoKqHNuu5GvufNkH-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UbrLoVCoKqHNuu5GvufNkH-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Tour de France abandons \u2013\u00a0UAE Team Emirates lose important climbing support before key Alpine 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\/jRFoBaVYmfkfFkPh9gyGcX-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jRFoBaVYmfkfFkPh9gyGcX-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jRFoBaVYmfkfFkPh9gyGcX-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jRFoBaVYmfkfFkPh9gyGcX-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jRFoBaVYmfkfFkPh9gyGcX-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;Crazy good&#8217; &#8211; UAE Team Emirates-XRG&#8217;s perfect mountain strategy puts Tadej Poga\u010dar within reach of fifth Tour de France title<\/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\/j7CBzMj6RUjCnhhHKe4sEL-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/j7CBzMj6RUjCnhhHKe4sEL-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/j7CBzMj6RUjCnhhHKe4sEL-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/j7CBzMj6RUjCnhhHKe4sEL-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/j7CBzMj6RUjCnhhHKe4sEL-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\">Adam Yates to race on at Tour de France despite suffering with stomach problem<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/krDwMTCmtoEhrxY6bTy4PA-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/krDwMTCmtoEhrxY6bTy4PA-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/krDwMTCmtoEhrxY6bTy4PA-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/krDwMTCmtoEhrxY6bTy4PA-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/krDwMTCmtoEhrxY6bTy4PA-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Three time stage winner Tim Merlier abandons the Tour de France on mountainous stage 15<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-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\/fftEDFeDKAknmzR5GVLesX-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fftEDFeDKAknmzR5GVLesX-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fftEDFeDKAknmzR5GVLesX-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fftEDFeDKAknmzR5GVLesX-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fftEDFeDKAknmzR5GVLesX-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 are bodies everywhere&#8217; \u2013 Tadej Poga\u010dar plays down wave of illness within UAE camp 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\/DaGyWHgBBR9GkoiBrtHZ8Y-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DaGyWHgBBR9GkoiBrtHZ8Y-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DaGyWHgBBR9GkoiBrtHZ8Y-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DaGyWHgBBR9GkoiBrtHZ8Y-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DaGyWHgBBR9GkoiBrtHZ8Y-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\">Brandon McNulty abandons the Tour de France on stage 18<\/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\/qBv2Z52nqqKk9gTH8HVYKD-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qBv2Z52nqqKk9gTH8HVYKD-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qBv2Z52nqqKk9gTH8HVYKD-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qBv2Z52nqqKk9gTH8HVYKD-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qBv2Z52nqqKk9gTH8HVYKD-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 has made progress as a leader during the Tour de France&#8217; \u2013 Paul Seixas&#8217; teammate reveals how the Frenchman has adapted to the role<\/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\/sxRzBz236p7mnYiE4frB7Q-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sxRzBz236p7mnYiE4frB7Q-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sxRzBz236p7mnYiE4frB7Q-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sxRzBz236p7mnYiE4frB7Q-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sxRzBz236p7mnYiE4frB7Q-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 could be some very big explosions&#8217; \u2013 Juan Ayuso predicts carnage as Tour de France GC battle heads to the Alps<\/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\/VvMhc6Sfht6PkyXp8vKr6P-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VvMhc6Sfht6PkyXp8vKr6P-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VvMhc6Sfht6PkyXp8vKr6P-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VvMhc6Sfht6PkyXp8vKr6P-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VvMhc6Sfht6PkyXp8vKr6P-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 best strategy is not thinking too much&#8217; \u2013 Nelson Oliveira closes in on all-time record of Grand Tour finishes at 2026 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\/3mpRt3Q8fm7Lk6c948tZKg-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3mpRt3Q8fm7Lk6c948tZKg-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3mpRt3Q8fm7Lk6c948tZKg-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3mpRt3Q8fm7Lk6c948tZKg-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3mpRt3Q8fm7Lk6c948tZKg-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I\u2019m glad Ur\u0161ka is not coming up with my car&#8217; \u2013 Tadej Poga\u010dar braced for &#8216;insane&#8217; Alpe d\u2019Huez atmosphere 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>\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\/fftEDFeDKAknmzR5GVLesX-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fftEDFeDKAknmzR5GVLesX-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fftEDFeDKAknmzR5GVLesX-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fftEDFeDKAknmzR5GVLesX-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fftEDFeDKAknmzR5GVLesX-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 are bodies everywhere&#8217; \u2013 Tadej Poga\u010dar plays down wave of illness within UAE camp 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\/HNx7fud3wUQRqLwvUBjfjL-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HNx7fud3wUQRqLwvUBjfjL-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HNx7fud3wUQRqLwvUBjfjL-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HNx7fud3wUQRqLwvUBjfjL-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HNx7fud3wUQRqLwvUBjfjL-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 19: All the broadcasters and live streams for opening ascent of Alpe d&#8217;Huez<\/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\/MSKwSyyJJ5t9ifmDVqm7ik-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MSKwSyyJJ5t9ifmDVqm7ik-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MSKwSyyJJ5t9ifmDVqm7ik-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MSKwSyyJJ5t9ifmDVqm7ik-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MSKwSyyJJ5t9ifmDVqm7ik-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\">Heavy traffic closes main road to Alpe d&#8217;Huez early on Thursday ahead of double mountaintop finishes of 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\/DaGyWHgBBR9GkoiBrtHZ8Y-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DaGyWHgBBR9GkoiBrtHZ8Y-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DaGyWHgBBR9GkoiBrtHZ8Y-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DaGyWHgBBR9GkoiBrtHZ8Y-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DaGyWHgBBR9GkoiBrtHZ8Y-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\">Brandon McNulty abandons the Tour de France on stage 18<\/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\/qBv2Z52nqqKk9gTH8HVYKD-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qBv2Z52nqqKk9gTH8HVYKD-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qBv2Z52nqqKk9gTH8HVYKD-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qBv2Z52nqqKk9gTH8HVYKD-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qBv2Z52nqqKk9gTH8HVYKD-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 has made progress as a leader during the Tour de France&#8217; \u2013 Paul Seixas&#8217; teammate reveals how the Frenchman has adapted to the role<\/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\/mfBLhCLSMXJbRQ95c7Vpqm-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mfBLhCLSMXJbRQ95c7Vpqm-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mfBLhCLSMXJbRQ95c7Vpqm-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mfBLhCLSMXJbRQ95c7Vpqm-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mfBLhCLSMXJbRQ95c7Vpqm-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 got grinta&#8217; \u2013 Josh Tarling praised for breakaway performance as Netcompany Ineos try to salvage their 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>\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 class=\"slice-container popular-box-slice\">\n<section class=\"popular-box\" data-component-name=\"Slice:PopularBox\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label__tab popular-box__label__tab--active\" role=\"heading\">\nLATEST ARTICLES\n<\/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>\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jVwLgAP29URse4RiwzEiZn-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jVwLgAP29URse4RiwzEiZn-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jVwLgAP29URse4RiwzEiZn-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jVwLgAP29URse4RiwzEiZn-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"99vw\" \/><\/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\">\n<p>Tim Wellens avoids time cut elimination by two minutes as illness ravages UAE Team Emirates-XRG at Tour de France<\/p>\n<\/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\">\n<p>How to watch Tour de France Stage 19: All the broadcasters and live streams for opening ascent of Alpe d&#8217;Huez<\/p>\n<\/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\">\n<p>Tour de France: Richard Carapaz flies solo across the final kilometres to land stunning mountaintop victory on stage 18<\/p>\n<\/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\">\n<p>Heavy traffic closes main road to Alpe d&#8217;Huez early on Thursday ahead of double mountaintop finishes of Tour de France<\/p>\n<\/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\">\n<p>Brandon McNulty abandons the Tour de France on stage 18<\/p>\n<\/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>\nUAE Team Emirates-XRG\n<\/li>\n<li>\nTim Wellens\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>&#8216;Doing half the watts&#8217; \u2013 Tim Wellens avoids time cut elimination by two minutes as illness ravages UAE Team Emirates-XRG at Tour de France<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"vds-byline-block flex flex-row flex-nowrap my-1.5 gap-2 text-left items-start max-sm:flex-col justify-start\" data-component-name=\"Article:BylineBlock\">\n<p>News<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-auto vds-simple-byline\"><span class=\"inline-block vds-author\"><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nPatrick Fletcher, Matilda Price <\/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=\"2026-07-23T16:20:53Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n23 July 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Race leader Tadej Poga\u010dar finished with only one teammate in GC group after McNulty abandoned<\/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\/jVwLgAP29URse4RiwzEiZn-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jVwLgAP29URse4RiwzEiZn-1600-80.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jVwLgAP29URse4RiwzEiZn-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jVwLgAP29URse4RiwzEiZn-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jVwLgAP29URse4RiwzEiZn-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jVwLgAP29URse4RiwzEiZn-750-80.jpg.webp 750w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jVwLgAP29URse4RiwzEiZn-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jVwLgAP29URse4RiwzEiZn-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jVwLgAP29URse4RiwzEiZn-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\">Wellens rode the finale of stage 18 alone<\/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-78a0b58c-86b2-11f1-8b8b-6df168c6cdf6\">UAE Team Emirates-XRG&#8217;s Tim Wellens made the time cut by just two minutes on stage 18 of the Tour de France, battling through the mountainous 185.2 kilometre stage to avoid elimination.<\/p>\n<p>Wellens was the very last rider to finish the stage to Orci\u00e8res-Merlette alone, 43:02 down on the winner. He was close to missing the time cut, which was 45:17. He spent much of the day in the gruppetto, but had to complete the final climb alone.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-78a0b58c-86b2-11f1-8b8b-6df168c6cdf6-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I had a lot of help in the gruppetto and then on the climbs I just had a time trial by myself, doing half the watts, normally I go double the speed,&#8221; Wellens explained to <em>Cyclingnews <\/em>and others at the finish of stage 18.<\/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\">Even if he is struggling, UAE will have breathed a sigh of relief that Wellens just made it, having already lost one important rider on Thursday when Brandon McNulty dropped out mid-stage.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Concerns of illness in the UAE team have been swirling since Adam Yates struggled on stage 17, reportedly suffering stomach problems the night before the stage 16 time trial. The team said that his stomach illness hadn&#8217;t spread, but other riders clearly had other illnesses, with McNulty and Wellens both reportedly feeling sick at the start of stage 18.<\/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\/f8w6PJUnSsAaNiuqtV87UB-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/f8w6PJUnSsAaNiuqtV87UB-150-80.png.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Adam Yates struggles against stomach problems and time cut to survive stage 17 of Tour de France<\/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\/bQgUx2k93XB6Qim9qrgBeG-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bQgUx2k93XB6Qim9qrgBeG-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\">\u2018Everyone wants to be in UAE Team Emirates-XRG, you can decide how the race happens\u2019 \u2013 Tables turn at Tour de France as Wellens and McNulty become breakaway riders<\/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\/UbrLoVCoKqHNuu5GvufNkH-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UbrLoVCoKqHNuu5GvufNkH-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Tour de France abandons \u2013\u00a0UAE Team Emirates lose important climbing support before key Alpine stages<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I think it&#8217;s pretty clear there&#8217;s some sickness in the team,&#8221; Wellens said. &#8220;Fortunately Tadej is OK and I hope it stays that way.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The extent of the problem at UAE was clear by the fact that Poga\u010dar finished stage 18 with only one rider, Isaac del Toro, in the GC group with him. Teams like Decathlon CMA CGM, Lidl-Trek and Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe all finished with their leader and one teammate in that group, so though UAE weren&#8217;t worse off than any other team, we&#8217;re accustomed to them being markedly stronger.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-eJUjaUYJbRUbxrrtNn6QUP\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-eJUjaUYJbRUbxrrtNn6QUP 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\">Though Yates is reportedly feeling better, he also had a tough day on the bike, finishing 28:55 down.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Poga\u010dar currently leads the Tour by five minutes, so his GC is not at immediate risk with two mountain stages remaining, but illness in the UAE camp is still arguably a cause for concern.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">UAE sports manager Matxin Joxean Fernandez downplayed that angle, though, trying to calm any worries ahead of the Alpe d&#8217;Huez doubleheader on Friday and Saturday.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I think it&#8217;s different. Today was a breakaway day, so it was better to recover and other teams controlled the stage,&#8221; he said. &#8220;Florian was dropped in the normal, when a group of sixty riders were left. Adam decided to stay calm.&#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-eJUjaUYJbRUbxrrtNn6QUP\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-eJUjaUYJbRUbxrrtNn6QUP 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__heading\">\n<div class=\"author__name\">Matilda Price<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__role\">Assistant Features Editor<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>Matilda is an NCTJ-qualified journalist based in the UK who joined <em>Cyclingnews <\/em>in March 2025. Prior to that, she worked as the Racing News Editor at <em>GCN<\/em>, and extensively as a freelancer contributing to <em>Cyclingnews, Cycling Weekly, Velo, Rouleur, Escape Collective, Red Bull <\/em>and more. She has reported on the ground at all of the biggest events on the calendar, including the men&#8217;s and women&#8217;s Tours de France, the Giro d&#8217;Italia, the Vuelta a Espana, the Spring Classics and the World Championships. She has particular experience and expertise in women&#8217;s cycling, and women&#8217;s sport in general. She is a graduate of modern languages and sports journalism.<\/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\/f8w6PJUnSsAaNiuqtV87UB-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/f8w6PJUnSsAaNiuqtV87UB-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/f8w6PJUnSsAaNiuqtV87UB-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/f8w6PJUnSsAaNiuqtV87UB-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/f8w6PJUnSsAaNiuqtV87UB-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Adam Yates struggles against stomach problems and time cut to survive stage 17 of 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\/bQgUx2k93XB6Qim9qrgBeG-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bQgUx2k93XB6Qim9qrgBeG-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bQgUx2k93XB6Qim9qrgBeG-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bQgUx2k93XB6Qim9qrgBeG-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bQgUx2k93XB6Qim9qrgBeG-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\">\u2018Everyone wants to be in UAE Team Emirates-XRG, you can decide how the race happens\u2019 \u2013 Tables turn at Tour de France as Wellens and McNulty become breakaway riders<\/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\/UbrLoVCoKqHNuu5GvufNkH-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UbrLoVCoKqHNuu5GvufNkH-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UbrLoVCoKqHNuu5GvufNkH-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UbrLoVCoKqHNuu5GvufNkH-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UbrLoVCoKqHNuu5GvufNkH-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Tour de France abandons \u2013\u00a0UAE Team Emirates lose important climbing support before key Alpine 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\/jRFoBaVYmfkfFkPh9gyGcX-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jRFoBaVYmfkfFkPh9gyGcX-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jRFoBaVYmfkfFkPh9gyGcX-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jRFoBaVYmfkfFkPh9gyGcX-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jRFoBaVYmfkfFkPh9gyGcX-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;Crazy good&#8217; &#8211; UAE Team Emirates-XRG&#8217;s perfect mountain strategy puts Tadej Poga\u010dar within reach of fifth Tour de France title<\/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\/j7CBzMj6RUjCnhhHKe4sEL-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/j7CBzMj6RUjCnhhHKe4sEL-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/j7CBzMj6RUjCnhhHKe4sEL-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/j7CBzMj6RUjCnhhHKe4sEL-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/j7CBzMj6RUjCnhhHKe4sEL-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\">Adam Yates to race on at Tour de France despite suffering with stomach problem<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/krDwMTCmtoEhrxY6bTy4PA-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/krDwMTCmtoEhrxY6bTy4PA-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/krDwMTCmtoEhrxY6bTy4PA-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/krDwMTCmtoEhrxY6bTy4PA-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/krDwMTCmtoEhrxY6bTy4PA-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Three time stage winner Tim Merlier abandons the Tour de France on mountainous stage 15<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-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\/fftEDFeDKAknmzR5GVLesX-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fftEDFeDKAknmzR5GVLesX-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fftEDFeDKAknmzR5GVLesX-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fftEDFeDKAknmzR5GVLesX-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fftEDFeDKAknmzR5GVLesX-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 are bodies everywhere&#8217; \u2013 Tadej Poga\u010dar plays down wave of illness within UAE camp 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\/DaGyWHgBBR9GkoiBrtHZ8Y-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DaGyWHgBBR9GkoiBrtHZ8Y-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DaGyWHgBBR9GkoiBrtHZ8Y-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DaGyWHgBBR9GkoiBrtHZ8Y-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DaGyWHgBBR9GkoiBrtHZ8Y-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\">Brandon McNulty abandons the Tour de France on stage 18<\/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\/qBv2Z52nqqKk9gTH8HVYKD-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qBv2Z52nqqKk9gTH8HVYKD-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qBv2Z52nqqKk9gTH8HVYKD-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qBv2Z52nqqKk9gTH8HVYKD-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qBv2Z52nqqKk9gTH8HVYKD-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 has made progress as a leader during the Tour de France&#8217; \u2013 Paul Seixas&#8217; teammate reveals how the Frenchman has adapted to the role<\/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\/sxRzBz236p7mnYiE4frB7Q-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sxRzBz236p7mnYiE4frB7Q-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sxRzBz236p7mnYiE4frB7Q-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sxRzBz236p7mnYiE4frB7Q-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sxRzBz236p7mnYiE4frB7Q-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 could be some very big explosions&#8217; \u2013 Juan Ayuso predicts carnage as Tour de France GC battle heads to the Alps<\/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\/VvMhc6Sfht6PkyXp8vKr6P-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VvMhc6Sfht6PkyXp8vKr6P-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VvMhc6Sfht6PkyXp8vKr6P-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VvMhc6Sfht6PkyXp8vKr6P-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VvMhc6Sfht6PkyXp8vKr6P-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 best strategy is not thinking too much&#8217; \u2013 Nelson Oliveira closes in on all-time record of Grand Tour finishes at 2026 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\/3mpRt3Q8fm7Lk6c948tZKg-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3mpRt3Q8fm7Lk6c948tZKg-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3mpRt3Q8fm7Lk6c948tZKg-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3mpRt3Q8fm7Lk6c948tZKg-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3mpRt3Q8fm7Lk6c948tZKg-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I\u2019m glad Ur\u0161ka is not coming up with my car&#8217; \u2013 Tadej Poga\u010dar braced for &#8216;insane&#8217; Alpe d\u2019Huez atmosphere 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>\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\/fftEDFeDKAknmzR5GVLesX-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fftEDFeDKAknmzR5GVLesX-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fftEDFeDKAknmzR5GVLesX-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fftEDFeDKAknmzR5GVLesX-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fftEDFeDKAknmzR5GVLesX-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 are bodies everywhere&#8217; \u2013 Tadej Poga\u010dar plays down wave of illness within UAE camp 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\/HNx7fud3wUQRqLwvUBjfjL-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HNx7fud3wUQRqLwvUBjfjL-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HNx7fud3wUQRqLwvUBjfjL-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HNx7fud3wUQRqLwvUBjfjL-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HNx7fud3wUQRqLwvUBjfjL-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 19: All the broadcasters and live streams for opening ascent of Alpe d&#8217;Huez<\/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\/MSKwSyyJJ5t9ifmDVqm7ik-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MSKwSyyJJ5t9ifmDVqm7ik-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MSKwSyyJJ5t9ifmDVqm7ik-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MSKwSyyJJ5t9ifmDVqm7ik-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MSKwSyyJJ5t9ifmDVqm7ik-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\">Heavy traffic closes main road to Alpe d&#8217;Huez early on Thursday ahead of double mountaintop finishes of 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\/DaGyWHgBBR9GkoiBrtHZ8Y-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DaGyWHgBBR9GkoiBrtHZ8Y-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DaGyWHgBBR9GkoiBrtHZ8Y-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DaGyWHgBBR9GkoiBrtHZ8Y-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DaGyWHgBBR9GkoiBrtHZ8Y-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\">Brandon McNulty abandons the Tour de France on stage 18<\/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\/qBv2Z52nqqKk9gTH8HVYKD-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qBv2Z52nqqKk9gTH8HVYKD-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qBv2Z52nqqKk9gTH8HVYKD-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qBv2Z52nqqKk9gTH8HVYKD-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qBv2Z52nqqKk9gTH8HVYKD-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 has made progress as a leader during the Tour de France&#8217; \u2013 Paul Seixas&#8217; teammate reveals how the Frenchman has adapted to the role<\/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\/mfBLhCLSMXJbRQ95c7Vpqm-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mfBLhCLSMXJbRQ95c7Vpqm-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mfBLhCLSMXJbRQ95c7Vpqm-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mfBLhCLSMXJbRQ95c7Vpqm-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mfBLhCLSMXJbRQ95c7Vpqm-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 got grinta&#8217; \u2013 Josh Tarling praised for breakaway performance as Netcompany Ineos try to salvage their 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>\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 class=\"slice-container popular-box-slice\">\n<section class=\"popular-box\" data-component-name=\"Slice:PopularBox\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label__tab popular-box__label__tab--active\" role=\"heading\">\nLATEST ARTICLES\n<\/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>\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jVwLgAP29URse4RiwzEiZn-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jVwLgAP29URse4RiwzEiZn-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jVwLgAP29URse4RiwzEiZn-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jVwLgAP29URse4RiwzEiZn-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"99vw\" \/><\/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\">\n<p>Tim Wellens avoids time cut elimination by two minutes as illness ravages UAE Team Emirates-XRG at Tour de France<\/p>\n<\/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\">\n<p>How to watch Tour de France Stage 19: All the broadcasters and live streams for opening ascent of Alpe d&#8217;Huez<\/p>\n<\/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\">\n<p>Tour de France: Richard Carapaz flies solo across the final kilometres to land stunning mountaintop victory on stage 18<\/p>\n<\/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\">\n<p>Heavy traffic closes main road to Alpe d&#8217;Huez early on Thursday ahead of double mountaintop finishes of Tour de France<\/p>\n<\/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\">\n<p>Brandon McNulty abandons the Tour de France on stage 18<\/p>\n<\/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>\nUAE Team Emirates-XRG\n<\/li>\n<li>\nTim Wellens\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>&#8216;Doing half the watts&#8217; \u2013 Tim Wellens avoids time cut elimination by two minutes as illness ravages UAE Team Emirates-XRG at Tour de France<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"vds-byline-block flex flex-row flex-nowrap my-1.5 gap-2 text-left items-start max-sm:flex-col justify-start\" data-component-name=\"Article:BylineBlock\">\n<p>News<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-auto vds-simple-byline\"><span class=\"inline-block vds-author\"><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nPatrick Fletcher, Matilda Price <\/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=\"2026-07-23T16:20:53Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n23 July 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Race leader Tadej Poga\u010dar finished with only one teammate in GC group after McNulty abandoned<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"text-gray-700 flex items-center mx-0 my-5 p-0 justify-start text-left\" id=\"affiliate-disclaimer\" data-component-name=\"AffiliateDisclaimer\" data-hawk-message=\"Affiliate disclaimer removed because hawk deemed there are no affiliate links on this page\">\n<p class=\"text-[color:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--text-color,inherit)] mb-2 text-[length:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--font-size,0.75rem)] leading-[18px] md:text-[13px] [&amp;&gt;a]:text-inherit [&amp;&gt;a]:underline\">\nWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here\u2019s how it works.\n<\/p>\n<\/aside>\n<\/header>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\"text-copy bodyCopy auto paywall-locker\">\n<div data-analytics-id=\"utility-bar\" id=\"utility-bar\" class=\"font-ui-heading flex justify-between items-center py-2 border-t border-b border-gray-300 border-solid mb-5 mx-auto\" data-component-name=\"UtilityBar\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"utility-bar\">\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div data-component-name=\"Social:Dropdown\" role=\"menu\" id=\"utilitybar__dropdown--share\" aria-labelledby=\"utilitybar__button--share\" class=\"absolute left-0 top-full w-44 bg-white rounded-md shadow-md border border-neutral-200 z-[9996] list-none m-0 py-2 px-3 border-solid\">\n<ul class=\"m-0!\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Facebook<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>X<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Pinterest<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Email<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-share-this-article\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nShare this article\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\"><span class=\"ml-1 inline-flex h-5 px-2 shrink-0 items-center justify-center self-center overflow-hidden whitespace-nowrap rounded-[10px] bg-primary-500 text-[11px] leading-none font-ui-heading font-semibold text-white\">0<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-join-the-conversation\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nJoin the conversation\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<p>Follow us<\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-add-us-as-a-preferred-source-on-google\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nAdd us as a preferred source on Google\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-subscribe-to-our-newsletter\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nSubscribe to our newsletter\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-78a0b58c-86b2-11f1-8b8b-6df168c6cdf6\">UAE Team Emirates-XRG&#8217;s Tim Wellens made the time cut by just two minutes on stage 18 of the Tour de France, battling through the mountainous 185.2 kilometre stage to avoid elimination.<\/p>\n<p>Wellens was the very last rider to finish the stage to Orci\u00e8res-Merlette alone, 43:02 down on the winner. He was close to missing the time cut, which was 45:17. He spent much of the day in the gruppetto, but had to complete the final climb alone.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-78a0b58c-86b2-11f1-8b8b-6df168c6cdf6-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I had a lot of help in the gruppetto and then on the climbs I just had a time trial by myself, doing half the watts, normally I go double the speed,&#8221; Wellens explained to <em>Cyclingnews <\/em>and others at the finish of stage 18.<\/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\">Even if he is struggling, UAE will have breathed a sigh of relief that Wellens just made it, having already lost one important rider on Thursday when Brandon McNulty dropped out mid-stage.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Concerns of illness in the UAE team have been swirling since Adam Yates struggled on stage 17, reportedly suffering stomach problems the night before the stage 16 time trial. The team said that his stomach illness hadn&#8217;t spread, but other riders clearly had other illnesses, with McNulty and Wellens both reportedly feeling sick at the start of stage 18.<\/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\/f8w6PJUnSsAaNiuqtV87UB-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/f8w6PJUnSsAaNiuqtV87UB-150-80.png.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Adam Yates struggles against stomach problems and time cut to survive stage 17 of Tour de France<\/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\/bQgUx2k93XB6Qim9qrgBeG-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bQgUx2k93XB6Qim9qrgBeG-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\">\u2018Everyone wants to be in UAE Team Emirates-XRG, you can decide how the race happens\u2019 \u2013 Tables turn at Tour de France as Wellens and McNulty become breakaway riders<\/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\/UbrLoVCoKqHNuu5GvufNkH-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UbrLoVCoKqHNuu5GvufNkH-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Tour de France abandons \u2013\u00a0UAE Team Emirates lose important climbing support before key Alpine stages<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I think it&#8217;s pretty clear there&#8217;s some sickness in the team,&#8221; Wellens said. &#8220;Fortunately Tadej is OK and I hope it stays that way.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The extent of the problem at UAE was clear by the fact that Poga\u010dar finished stage 18 with only one rider, Isaac del Toro, in the GC group with him. Teams like Decathlon CMA CGM, Lidl-Trek and Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe all finished with their leader and one teammate in that group, so though UAE weren&#8217;t worse off than any other team, we&#8217;re accustomed to them being markedly stronger.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-eJUjaUYJbRUbxrrtNn6QUP\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-eJUjaUYJbRUbxrrtNn6QUP 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\">Though Yates is reportedly feeling better, he also had a tough day on the bike, finishing 28:55 down.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Poga\u010dar currently leads the Tour by five minutes, so his GC is not at immediate risk with two mountain stages remaining, but illness in the UAE camp is still arguably a cause for concern.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">UAE sports manager Matxin Joxean Fernandez downplayed that angle, though, trying to calm any worries ahead of the Alpe d&#8217;Huez doubleheader on Friday and Saturday.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I think it&#8217;s different. Today was a breakaway day, so it was better to recover and other teams controlled the stage,&#8221; he said. &#8220;Florian was dropped in the normal, when a group of sixty riders were left. Adam decided to stay calm.&#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\/tim-wellens-avoids-time-cut-elimination-by-two-minutes-as-illness-ravages-uae-team-emirates-xrg-at-tour-de-france\/&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jVwLgAP29URse4RiwzEiZn-2500-80.jpg&#8221;] 1 Tour de France GC standings \u2013 EF Education-EasyPost enter top 10 thanks to stage 18 breakaway 2 As it happened: GC drama on the slopes of the Col du Haag during stage 14 of the Tour de France 3 Three time stage winner Tim Merlier abandons the Tour de France on [&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-2058367","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\/2058367","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=2058367"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2058367\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2058367"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=2058367"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=2058367"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}