{"id":2060506,"date":"2026-07-24T06:00:00","date_gmt":"2026-07-24T03:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2060506"},"modified":"2026-07-24T06:00:00","modified_gmt":"2026-07-24T03:00:00","slug":"i-hope-i-dont-crash-paul-seixas-fears-huge-crowds-on-lalpe-dhuez-could-disrupt-the-tour-de-france","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2060506","title":{"rendered":"&#8216;I hope I don&#8217;t crash&#8217; &#8211; Paul Seixas fears huge crowds on L&#8217;Alpe d&#8217;Huez could disrupt the Tour de France"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pEcRdtDTpvzu4xhtY5WWn8-1024-80.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\/FTnW7kSsyHmXZYK5VY2goi-160-80.jpg.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FTnW7kSsyHmXZYK5VY2goi-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                                    Sick soldiers and mixed messages \u2013 What&#8217;s really going on at UAE Team Emirates-XRG and how will it change the last days 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 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\/F8c8QLuRFWe6XdA8aSzhHJ-160-80.jpg.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/F8c8QLuRFWe6XdA8aSzhHJ-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: Alpe d&#8217;Huez the setting for epic battle between the breakaway and the yellow jersey on stage 19 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\/gkHSxPwpz4uxLUS7YB8cpN-160-80.jpg.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gkHSxPwpz4uxLUS7YB8cpN-80-80.jpg.webp 80w\" sizes=\"80px\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex items-center justify-center absolute w-[18px] h-6 left-0 top-0 bg-white\/90 flex-none z-[1]\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"font-normal text-base leading-[17px] tracking-[1.3px] uppercase text-black flex-none\">3<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex flex-col items-center justify-center gap-1.5 w-[173px] h-20 flex-none\">\n<p class=\"font-article-heading font-medium text-base leading-[21px] text-gray-800 w-[173px] line-clamp-3 group-hover:underline\">\n                                    &#8216;I told him we\u2019ve got to tone it down a bit&#8217; \u2013 Luke Rowe explains why we&#8217;re seeing a more cautious and conservative Paul Seixas at the Tour de France\n                                <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"page-content-onecol flex-1\nnews-article article\n\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"widget-area-group widget-area-group-2col flex flex-wrap box-border\">\n<div id=\"widgetArea16\" class=\"widget-area basis-full md:basis-2\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-2-3 page-widget-area-16\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"hero\" id=\"hero\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-hero widget-hero widget-hero-hero widget-hero widget-hero-fter-news\">\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRacing\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRoad\n<\/li>\n<li>\nTour de France\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>&#8216;I hope I don&#8217;t crash&#8217; &#8211; Paul Seixas fears huge crowds on L&#8217;Alpe d&#8217;Huez could disrupt the Tour de France<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"vds-byline-block flex flex-row flex-nowrap my-1.5 gap-2 text-left items-start justify-start\" data-component-name=\"Article:BylineBlock\">\n<p>News<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-auto vds-simple-byline\"><span class=\"inline-block vds-author\"><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nStephen Farrand <\/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=\"2026-07-24T06:00:00Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n24 July 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">French super talent sportingly hopes UAE Team Emirates-XRG are not affected by illness <\/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\/pEcRdtDTpvzu4xhtY5WWn8-1024-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pEcRdtDTpvzu4xhtY5WWn8-1024-80.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pEcRdtDTpvzu4xhtY5WWn8-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pEcRdtDTpvzu4xhtY5WWn8-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pEcRdtDTpvzu4xhtY5WWn8-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pEcRdtDTpvzu4xhtY5WWn8-750-80.jpg.webp 750w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pEcRdtDTpvzu4xhtY5WWn8-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pEcRdtDTpvzu4xhtY5WWn8-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pEcRdtDTpvzu4xhtY5WWn8-320-80.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\">Paul Seixas chases down lead breakaway riders in the final kilometers of the final ascent during stage 14 of the Tour de France<\/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-de821716-86bb-11f1-bd8e-093970350f7e\">Paul Seixas (Decathlon CMA CGM) is worried that the expected huge crowds on the hairpins of l&#8217;Alpe d&#8217;Huez on stage 19 could spark a crash and so disrupt the racing as the French super talent fights for a place on the Tour de France podium.<\/p>\n<p>French police closed the main road to l&#8217;Alpe d&#8217;Huez to ascending vehicular traffic early on Thursday afternoon after hundreds of thousands of people began to line the legendary road in cars and camper vans and packed the mountain top ski resort.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-de821716-86bb-11f1-bd8e-093970350f7e-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Friday&#8217;s stage climbs the famous Alpe d&#8217;Huez hairpins after a fast valley road from Gap. On Saturday, stage 20 returns to l&#8217;Alpe d&#8217;Huez via the small Col de Sarenne road.<\/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\">Cyclingnews<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"min-h-[44px] bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting><a class=\"invisible block truncate text-sm font-bold leading-5 text-white underline decoration-solid underline-offset-2\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting-link href target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span data-jwp-carousel-signposting-title>Watch full video here: <\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The crowds are expected to pack l&#8217;Alpe d&#8217;Huez for 48 hours, with a growing number of French fans returning to the Tour to cheer on Seixas. The 19-year-old has captured the hearts of the nation in recent weeks and is expected to fight for the GC podium in the Alps and could also take the best young rider&#8217;s white jersey if he can distance Isaac del Toro (UAE Team Emirates-XRG).<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It&#8217;s going to be incredible, but most of all, I hope I don&#8217;t crash on the climb because I think there will be a lot of spectators,&#8221; Seixas told L&#8217;Equipe and other media after finishing stage 18 in Orci\u00e8res-Merlette.<\/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\/qSYM4B3jg2EtLdzKunu6a-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qSYM4B3jg2EtLdzKunu6a-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\">Fears of chaos on L&#8217;Alpe d&#8217;Huez as crowds pack Alpine climb for Tour de France showdown<\/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\/3mpRt3Q8fm7Lk6c948tZKg-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3mpRt3Q8fm7Lk6c948tZKg-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;I\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><\/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\/TnhXhwXobYEh67ozzuCjmZ-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TnhXhwXobYEh67ozzuCjmZ-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;I was where I should be&#8217; &#8211; Paul Seixas passes first Tour de France mountain test on Tourmalet<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;We&#8217;ve seen that it&#8217;s quite dangerous. I just hope everything goes well. After that, it&#8217;s my legs that will decide.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Vincenzo Nibali crashed near the summit of Alpe d&#8217;Huez in the 2018 Tour de France after a spectator&#8217;s camera strap caught his handlebars. He got up and finished the stage but X-rays revealed a vertebrae fracture and he was forced to abandon the race.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-E86WbTo5AeAwb5hVcDGdbh\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-E86WbTo5AeAwb5hVcDGdbh 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\">The Tour de France makes daily appeals for roadside fans to stay safe and respect the riders but Richard Carapaz almost crashed while on the attack as a fan waved to the television camera rather than look at the race.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Seixas finished with his GC rivals in Orci\u00e8res-Merlette. He sits fourth overall, 7:11 down on Tadej Poga\u010dar (UAE Team Emirates-XRG) but is only 20 seconds down on Del Toro and third place. He spent the stage trying to recover and prepare mentally and physically for the two days up to l&#8217;Alpe d&#8217;Huez.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;With the fatigue of the third week, you have to pace yourself. We rode well today, we stayed together for a long time,&#8221; Seixas said.<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            What to read next<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kTCf9ruRbvkLBF2zvJ48UQ-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kTCf9ruRbvkLBF2zvJ48UQ-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\">Early sprint stage win for Decathlon &#8216;takes a huge amount of pressure off&#8217; teenage leader Paul Seixas in second half 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-2-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QdJSNVdsrwtFqMqD66D4PB-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QdJSNVdsrwtFqMqD66D4PB-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\">A near miss with a car and race radio mix-up as young Paul Seixas tastes the chaos of the Tour de France<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wyURmkioydvbtXnkz28DZB-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wyURmkioydvbtXnkz28DZB-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;Extremely dangerous&#8217; \u2013 Teenager Paul Seixas navigates &#8216;melting&#8217; descents at Tour de France to move up to fifth overall on debut<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Daan [Hoole] was really impressive. I think it was a day that took its toll on everyone&#8217;s legs but the main objective was to really conserve energy. The next two days will be very tough and will be where the Tour will be decided, at least for the podium. I&#8217;m happy to have had a smooth day.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Seixas again wore a mask as he spoke at the finish, to help avoid catching any illness. He knew that UAE had lost Brandon McNulty due to illness and that Tim Wellens also suffered to finish inside the time limit.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Sportingly Seixas said he didn&#8217;t want UAE&#8217;s Tour de France to be impacted by illness.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I think a few riders are a bit sick on their team, it&#8217;s definitely a shame for them,&#8221; Seixas said.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I hope Poga\u010dar and Del Toro aren&#8217;t sick, that&#8217;s not how we want to race. But I think it will be physically tough for everyone.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-de82181a-86bb-11f1-a749-918c4c882c32\" 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 id=\"slice-container-authorBio-E86WbTo5AeAwb5hVcDGdbh\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-E86WbTo5AeAwb5hVcDGdbh slice-container-authorBio\">\n<div class=\"author author__default-layout author--separator author--collapsible\" data-hydrate=\"true\">\n<div class=\"author__header\">\n<div class=\"author__avatar-block\">\n<figure class=\"image-wrapped__wrapper\" data-bordeaux-image-check=\"false\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__widthsetter\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__aspect-padding\">\n<div><source class=\"author__avatar image-wrapped__image image__image\" type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3CCmsgV6sDgU5yLthueHtn-140-80.jpg.webp 140w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3CCmsgV6sDgU5yLthueHtn.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3CCmsgV6sDgU5yLthueHtn.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3CCmsgV6sDgU5yLthueHtn.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__heading\">\n<div class=\"author__name\">Stephen Farrand<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__social\">\n<nav class=\"button-social-group author__social-buttons\" aria-labelledby=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">\n<div id=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">Social Links Navigation<\/div>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__role\">Editor-at-large<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>Stephen is one of the most experienced members of the <em>Cyclingnews<\/em> team, having reported on professional cycling since 1994. Before becoming Editor-at-large, he was Head of News at <em>Cyclingnews.<\/em> He has previously worked for <em>Shift Active Media, Reuters<\/em> and <em>Cycling Weekly. <\/em>He is a member of the Board of the Association Internationale des Journalistes du Cyclisme (AIJC).<\/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\/qSYM4B3jg2EtLdzKunu6a-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qSYM4B3jg2EtLdzKunu6a-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qSYM4B3jg2EtLdzKunu6a-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qSYM4B3jg2EtLdzKunu6a-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qSYM4B3jg2EtLdzKunu6a-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\">Fears of chaos on L&#8217;Alpe d&#8217;Huez as crowds pack Alpine climb for Tour de France showdown<\/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 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\/TnhXhwXobYEh67ozzuCjmZ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TnhXhwXobYEh67ozzuCjmZ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TnhXhwXobYEh67ozzuCjmZ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TnhXhwXobYEh67ozzuCjmZ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TnhXhwXobYEh67ozzuCjmZ-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 was where I should be&#8217; &#8211; Paul Seixas passes first Tour de France mountain test on Tourmalet<\/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\/kTCf9ruRbvkLBF2zvJ48UQ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kTCf9ruRbvkLBF2zvJ48UQ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kTCf9ruRbvkLBF2zvJ48UQ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kTCf9ruRbvkLBF2zvJ48UQ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kTCf9ruRbvkLBF2zvJ48UQ-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\">Early sprint stage win for Decathlon &#8216;takes a huge amount of pressure off&#8217; teenage leader Paul Seixas in second half 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\/QdJSNVdsrwtFqMqD66D4PB-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QdJSNVdsrwtFqMqD66D4PB-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QdJSNVdsrwtFqMqD66D4PB-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QdJSNVdsrwtFqMqD66D4PB-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QdJSNVdsrwtFqMqD66D4PB-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\">A near miss with a car and race radio mix-up as young Paul Seixas tastes the chaos of the Tour de France<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wyURmkioydvbtXnkz28DZB-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wyURmkioydvbtXnkz28DZB-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wyURmkioydvbtXnkz28DZB-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wyURmkioydvbtXnkz28DZB-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wyURmkioydvbtXnkz28DZB-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;Extremely dangerous&#8217; \u2013 Teenager Paul Seixas navigates &#8216;melting&#8217; descents at Tour de France to move up to fifth overall on debut<\/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 Racing<\/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\/XeGVPE66PVGqiHfrP26ptj-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XeGVPE66PVGqiHfrP26ptj-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XeGVPE66PVGqiHfrP26ptj-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XeGVPE66PVGqiHfrP26ptj-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XeGVPE66PVGqiHfrP26ptj-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I was dead there&#8217; &#8211; 2022 Alpe d&#8217;Huez winner Tom Pidcock suffers badly on same ascent in 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\/zRoJ8eJpSCi2PYGNPJJJWT-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zRoJ8eJpSCi2PYGNPJJJWT-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zRoJ8eJpSCi2PYGNPJJJWT-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zRoJ8eJpSCi2PYGNPJJJWT-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zRoJ8eJpSCi2PYGNPJJJWT-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;With all those people, something was bound to go wrong&#8217; &#8211; Remco Evenepoel strengthens his Tour de France position despite being blocked by fans and motorbikes on 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\/kpF9gUmfdABZ7kmmC5wUpb-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kpF9gUmfdABZ7kmmC5wUpb-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kpF9gUmfdABZ7kmmC5wUpb-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kpF9gUmfdABZ7kmmC5wUpb-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kpF9gUmfdABZ7kmmC5wUpb-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\">Sepp Kuss still aiming for Tour de France stage win on Alpe d&#8217;Huez after being denied by Tadej Poga\u010dar on stage 19<\/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\/mDyXvuccsCvvuuSSuwXtne-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mDyXvuccsCvvuuSSuwXtne-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mDyXvuccsCvvuuSSuwXtne-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mDyXvuccsCvvuuSSuwXtne-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mDyXvuccsCvvuuSSuwXtne-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: Tadej Poga\u010dar flies to victory atop l&#8217;Alpe d&#8217;Huez on stage 19<\/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\/JT4BzMm3wdYX3y7iTAAhFZ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JT4BzMm3wdYX3y7iTAAhFZ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JT4BzMm3wdYX3y7iTAAhFZ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JT4BzMm3wdYX3y7iTAAhFZ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JT4BzMm3wdYX3y7iTAAhFZ-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\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Lorena Wiebes overcomes messy lead-out to sprint to victory on opening stage of Tour de Pologne Women<\/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\/rBgkWkBVrp5stGDEqAqQ8T-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rBgkWkBVrp5stGDEqAqQ8T-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rBgkWkBVrp5stGDEqAqQ8T-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rBgkWkBVrp5stGDEqAqQ8T-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rBgkWkBVrp5stGDEqAqQ8T-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;Tadej is OK&#8217; \u2013 UAE Team Emirates play down doubts about Tadej Poga\u010dar&#8217;s health after illness strikes Tour de France team<\/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\/XeGVPE66PVGqiHfrP26ptj-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XeGVPE66PVGqiHfrP26ptj-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XeGVPE66PVGqiHfrP26ptj-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XeGVPE66PVGqiHfrP26ptj-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XeGVPE66PVGqiHfrP26ptj-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I was dead there&#8217; &#8211; 2022 Alpe d&#8217;Huez winner Tom Pidcock suffers badly on same ascent in 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\/zRoJ8eJpSCi2PYGNPJJJWT-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zRoJ8eJpSCi2PYGNPJJJWT-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zRoJ8eJpSCi2PYGNPJJJWT-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zRoJ8eJpSCi2PYGNPJJJWT-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zRoJ8eJpSCi2PYGNPJJJWT-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;With all those people, something was bound to go wrong&#8217; &#8211; Remco Evenepoel strengthens his Tour de France position despite being blocked by fans and motorbikes on 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\/kpF9gUmfdABZ7kmmC5wUpb-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kpF9gUmfdABZ7kmmC5wUpb-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kpF9gUmfdABZ7kmmC5wUpb-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kpF9gUmfdABZ7kmmC5wUpb-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kpF9gUmfdABZ7kmmC5wUpb-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\">Sepp Kuss still aiming for Tour de France stage win on Alpe d&#8217;Huez after being denied by Tadej Poga\u010dar on stage 19<\/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\/S2mGx58FnQsZuip3eugE3Q-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/S2mGx58FnQsZuip3eugE3Q-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/S2mGx58FnQsZuip3eugE3Q-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/S2mGx58FnQsZuip3eugE3Q-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/S2mGx58FnQsZuip3eugE3Q-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;We&#8217;ve kept motivating each other&#8217; &#8211; Isaac del Toro tightens grip on Tour de France podium as UAE Team Emirates bounce back from illness<\/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\/DDJiEv8NbZJvhywZdNAe6B-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DDJiEv8NbZJvhywZdNAe6B-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DDJiEv8NbZJvhywZdNAe6B-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DDJiEv8NbZJvhywZdNAe6B-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DDJiEv8NbZJvhywZdNAe6B-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\">Safety<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Einer Rubio out of Tour de France after crashing into UAE Team Emirates car that came to a sudden stop on 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\/gZ3BzdtJgqHDV9ufFnoUjL-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gZ3BzdtJgqHDV9ufFnoUjL-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gZ3BzdtJgqHDV9ufFnoUjL-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gZ3BzdtJgqHDV9ufFnoUjL-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gZ3BzdtJgqHDV9ufFnoUjL-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\">Tadej Poga\u010dar smashes 30-year-old Alpe d&#8217;Huez climbing record set by Marco Pantani<\/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\/XeGVPE66PVGqiHfrP26ptj-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XeGVPE66PVGqiHfrP26ptj-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XeGVPE66PVGqiHfrP26ptj-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XeGVPE66PVGqiHfrP26ptj-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>&#8216;I was dead there&#8217; &#8211; 2022 Alpe d&#8217;Huez winner Tom Pidcock suffers badly on same ascent in 2026 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>&#8216;With all those people, something was bound to go wrong&#8217; &#8211; Remco Evenepoel strengthens his Tour de France position despite being blocked by fans and motorbikes on 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>Sepp Kuss still aiming for Tour de France stage win on Alpe d&#8217;Huez after being denied by Tadej Poga\u010dar on stage 19<\/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>&#8216;We&#8217;ve kept motivating each other&#8217; &#8211; Isaac del Toro tightens grip on Tour de France podium as UAE Team Emirates bounce back from illness<\/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>FDJ United-Suez reveal special new kit for Tour de France Femmes and 2027 season<\/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>\nRacing\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRoad\n<\/li>\n<li>\nTour de France\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>&#8216;I hope I don&#8217;t crash&#8217; &#8211; Paul Seixas fears huge crowds on L&#8217;Alpe d&#8217;Huez could disrupt the Tour de France<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"vds-byline-block flex flex-row flex-nowrap my-1.5 gap-2 text-left items-start justify-start\" data-component-name=\"Article:BylineBlock\">\n<p>News<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-auto vds-simple-byline\"><span class=\"inline-block vds-author\"><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nStephen Farrand <\/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=\"2026-07-24T06:00:00Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n24 July 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">French super talent sportingly hopes UAE Team Emirates-XRG are not affected by illness <\/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\/pEcRdtDTpvzu4xhtY5WWn8-1024-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pEcRdtDTpvzu4xhtY5WWn8-1024-80.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pEcRdtDTpvzu4xhtY5WWn8-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pEcRdtDTpvzu4xhtY5WWn8-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pEcRdtDTpvzu4xhtY5WWn8-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pEcRdtDTpvzu4xhtY5WWn8-750-80.jpg.webp 750w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pEcRdtDTpvzu4xhtY5WWn8-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pEcRdtDTpvzu4xhtY5WWn8-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pEcRdtDTpvzu4xhtY5WWn8-320-80.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\">Paul Seixas chases down lead breakaway riders in the final kilometers of the final ascent during stage 14 of the Tour de France<\/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-de821716-86bb-11f1-bd8e-093970350f7e\">Paul Seixas (Decathlon CMA CGM) is worried that the expected huge crowds on the hairpins of l&#8217;Alpe d&#8217;Huez on stage 19 could spark a crash and so disrupt the racing as the French super talent fights for a place on the Tour de France podium.<\/p>\n<p>French police closed the main road to l&#8217;Alpe d&#8217;Huez to ascending vehicular traffic early on Thursday afternoon after hundreds of thousands of people began to line the legendary road in cars and camper vans and packed the mountain top ski resort.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-de821716-86bb-11f1-bd8e-093970350f7e-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Friday&#8217;s stage climbs the famous Alpe d&#8217;Huez hairpins after a fast valley road from Gap. On Saturday, stage 20 returns to l&#8217;Alpe d&#8217;Huez via the small Col de Sarenne road.<\/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\">Cyclingnews<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"min-h-[44px] bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting><a class=\"invisible block truncate text-sm font-bold leading-5 text-white underline decoration-solid underline-offset-2\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting-link href target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span data-jwp-carousel-signposting-title>Watch full video here: <\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The crowds are expected to pack l&#8217;Alpe d&#8217;Huez for 48 hours, with a growing number of French fans returning to the Tour to cheer on Seixas. The 19-year-old has captured the hearts of the nation in recent weeks and is expected to fight for the GC podium in the Alps and could also take the best young rider&#8217;s white jersey if he can distance Isaac del Toro (UAE Team Emirates-XRG).<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It&#8217;s going to be incredible, but most of all, I hope I don&#8217;t crash on the climb because I think there will be a lot of spectators,&#8221; Seixas told L&#8217;Equipe and other media after finishing stage 18 in Orci\u00e8res-Merlette.<\/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\/qSYM4B3jg2EtLdzKunu6a-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qSYM4B3jg2EtLdzKunu6a-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\">Fears of chaos on L&#8217;Alpe d&#8217;Huez as crowds pack Alpine climb for Tour de France showdown<\/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\/3mpRt3Q8fm7Lk6c948tZKg-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3mpRt3Q8fm7Lk6c948tZKg-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;I\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><\/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\/TnhXhwXobYEh67ozzuCjmZ-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TnhXhwXobYEh67ozzuCjmZ-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;I was where I should be&#8217; &#8211; Paul Seixas passes first Tour de France mountain test on Tourmalet<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;We&#8217;ve seen that it&#8217;s quite dangerous. I just hope everything goes well. After that, it&#8217;s my legs that will decide.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Vincenzo Nibali crashed near the summit of Alpe d&#8217;Huez in the 2018 Tour de France after a spectator&#8217;s camera strap caught his handlebars. He got up and finished the stage but X-rays revealed a vertebrae fracture and he was forced to abandon the race.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-E86WbTo5AeAwb5hVcDGdbh\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-E86WbTo5AeAwb5hVcDGdbh 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\">The Tour de France makes daily appeals for roadside fans to stay safe and respect the riders but Richard Carapaz almost crashed while on the attack as a fan waved to the television camera rather than look at the race.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Seixas finished with his GC rivals in Orci\u00e8res-Merlette. He sits fourth overall, 7:11 down on Tadej Poga\u010dar (UAE Team Emirates-XRG) but is only 20 seconds down on Del Toro and third place. He spent the stage trying to recover and prepare mentally and physically for the two days up to l&#8217;Alpe d&#8217;Huez.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;With the fatigue of the third week, you have to pace yourself. We rode well today, we stayed together for a long time,&#8221; Seixas said.<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            What to read next<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kTCf9ruRbvkLBF2zvJ48UQ-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kTCf9ruRbvkLBF2zvJ48UQ-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\">Early sprint stage win for Decathlon &#8216;takes a huge amount of pressure off&#8217; teenage leader Paul Seixas in second half 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-2-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QdJSNVdsrwtFqMqD66D4PB-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QdJSNVdsrwtFqMqD66D4PB-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\">A near miss with a car and race radio mix-up as young Paul Seixas tastes the chaos of the Tour de France<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wyURmkioydvbtXnkz28DZB-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wyURmkioydvbtXnkz28DZB-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;Extremely dangerous&#8217; \u2013 Teenager Paul Seixas navigates &#8216;melting&#8217; descents at Tour de France to move up to fifth overall on debut<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Daan [Hoole] was really impressive. I think it was a day that took its toll on everyone&#8217;s legs but the main objective was to really conserve energy. The next two days will be very tough and will be where the Tour will be decided, at least for the podium. I&#8217;m happy to have had a smooth day.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Seixas again wore a mask as he spoke at the finish, to help avoid catching any illness. He knew that UAE had lost Brandon McNulty due to illness and that Tim Wellens also suffered to finish inside the time limit.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Sportingly Seixas said he didn&#8217;t want UAE&#8217;s Tour de France to be impacted by illness.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I think a few riders are a bit sick on their team, it&#8217;s definitely a shame for them,&#8221; Seixas said.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I hope Poga\u010dar and Del Toro aren&#8217;t sick, that&#8217;s not how we want to race. But I think it will be physically tough for everyone.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-de82181a-86bb-11f1-a749-918c4c882c32\" 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 id=\"slice-container-authorBio-E86WbTo5AeAwb5hVcDGdbh\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-E86WbTo5AeAwb5hVcDGdbh slice-container-authorBio\">\n<div class=\"author author__default-layout author--separator author--collapsible\" data-hydrate=\"true\">\n<div class=\"author__header\">\n<div class=\"author__avatar-block\">\n<figure class=\"image-wrapped__wrapper\" data-bordeaux-image-check=\"false\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__widthsetter\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__aspect-padding\">\n<div><source class=\"author__avatar image-wrapped__image image__image\" type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3CCmsgV6sDgU5yLthueHtn-140-80.jpg.webp 140w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3CCmsgV6sDgU5yLthueHtn.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3CCmsgV6sDgU5yLthueHtn.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3CCmsgV6sDgU5yLthueHtn.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__heading\">\n<div class=\"author__name\">Stephen Farrand<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__social\">\n<nav class=\"button-social-group author__social-buttons\" aria-labelledby=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">\n<div id=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">Social Links Navigation<\/div>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__role\">Editor-at-large<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>Stephen is one of the most experienced members of the <em>Cyclingnews<\/em> team, having reported on professional cycling since 1994. Before becoming Editor-at-large, he was Head of News at <em>Cyclingnews.<\/em> He has previously worked for <em>Shift Active Media, Reuters<\/em> and <em>Cycling Weekly. <\/em>He is a member of the Board of the Association Internationale des Journalistes du Cyclisme (AIJC).<\/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\/qSYM4B3jg2EtLdzKunu6a-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qSYM4B3jg2EtLdzKunu6a-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qSYM4B3jg2EtLdzKunu6a-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qSYM4B3jg2EtLdzKunu6a-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qSYM4B3jg2EtLdzKunu6a-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\">Fears of chaos on L&#8217;Alpe d&#8217;Huez as crowds pack Alpine climb for Tour de France showdown<\/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 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\/TnhXhwXobYEh67ozzuCjmZ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TnhXhwXobYEh67ozzuCjmZ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TnhXhwXobYEh67ozzuCjmZ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TnhXhwXobYEh67ozzuCjmZ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TnhXhwXobYEh67ozzuCjmZ-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 was where I should be&#8217; &#8211; Paul Seixas passes first Tour de France mountain test on Tourmalet<\/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\/kTCf9ruRbvkLBF2zvJ48UQ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kTCf9ruRbvkLBF2zvJ48UQ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kTCf9ruRbvkLBF2zvJ48UQ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kTCf9ruRbvkLBF2zvJ48UQ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kTCf9ruRbvkLBF2zvJ48UQ-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\">Early sprint stage win for Decathlon &#8216;takes a huge amount of pressure off&#8217; teenage leader Paul Seixas in second half 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\/QdJSNVdsrwtFqMqD66D4PB-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QdJSNVdsrwtFqMqD66D4PB-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QdJSNVdsrwtFqMqD66D4PB-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QdJSNVdsrwtFqMqD66D4PB-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QdJSNVdsrwtFqMqD66D4PB-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\">A near miss with a car and race radio mix-up as young Paul Seixas tastes the chaos of the Tour de France<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wyURmkioydvbtXnkz28DZB-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wyURmkioydvbtXnkz28DZB-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wyURmkioydvbtXnkz28DZB-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wyURmkioydvbtXnkz28DZB-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wyURmkioydvbtXnkz28DZB-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;Extremely dangerous&#8217; \u2013 Teenager Paul Seixas navigates &#8216;melting&#8217; descents at Tour de France to move up to fifth overall on debut<\/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 Racing<\/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\/XeGVPE66PVGqiHfrP26ptj-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XeGVPE66PVGqiHfrP26ptj-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XeGVPE66PVGqiHfrP26ptj-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XeGVPE66PVGqiHfrP26ptj-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XeGVPE66PVGqiHfrP26ptj-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I was dead there&#8217; &#8211; 2022 Alpe d&#8217;Huez winner Tom Pidcock suffers badly on same ascent in 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\/zRoJ8eJpSCi2PYGNPJJJWT-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zRoJ8eJpSCi2PYGNPJJJWT-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zRoJ8eJpSCi2PYGNPJJJWT-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zRoJ8eJpSCi2PYGNPJJJWT-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zRoJ8eJpSCi2PYGNPJJJWT-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;With all those people, something was bound to go wrong&#8217; &#8211; Remco Evenepoel strengthens his Tour de France position despite being blocked by fans and motorbikes on 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\/kpF9gUmfdABZ7kmmC5wUpb-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kpF9gUmfdABZ7kmmC5wUpb-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kpF9gUmfdABZ7kmmC5wUpb-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kpF9gUmfdABZ7kmmC5wUpb-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kpF9gUmfdABZ7kmmC5wUpb-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\">Sepp Kuss still aiming for Tour de France stage win on Alpe d&#8217;Huez after being denied by Tadej Poga\u010dar on stage 19<\/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\/mDyXvuccsCvvuuSSuwXtne-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mDyXvuccsCvvuuSSuwXtne-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mDyXvuccsCvvuuSSuwXtne-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mDyXvuccsCvvuuSSuwXtne-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mDyXvuccsCvvuuSSuwXtne-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: Tadej Poga\u010dar flies to victory atop l&#8217;Alpe d&#8217;Huez on stage 19<\/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\/JT4BzMm3wdYX3y7iTAAhFZ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JT4BzMm3wdYX3y7iTAAhFZ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JT4BzMm3wdYX3y7iTAAhFZ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JT4BzMm3wdYX3y7iTAAhFZ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JT4BzMm3wdYX3y7iTAAhFZ-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\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Lorena Wiebes overcomes messy lead-out to sprint to victory on opening stage of Tour de Pologne Women<\/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\/rBgkWkBVrp5stGDEqAqQ8T-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rBgkWkBVrp5stGDEqAqQ8T-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rBgkWkBVrp5stGDEqAqQ8T-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rBgkWkBVrp5stGDEqAqQ8T-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rBgkWkBVrp5stGDEqAqQ8T-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;Tadej is OK&#8217; \u2013 UAE Team Emirates play down doubts about Tadej Poga\u010dar&#8217;s health after illness strikes Tour de France team<\/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\/XeGVPE66PVGqiHfrP26ptj-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XeGVPE66PVGqiHfrP26ptj-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XeGVPE66PVGqiHfrP26ptj-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XeGVPE66PVGqiHfrP26ptj-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XeGVPE66PVGqiHfrP26ptj-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I was dead there&#8217; &#8211; 2022 Alpe d&#8217;Huez winner Tom Pidcock suffers badly on same ascent in 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\/zRoJ8eJpSCi2PYGNPJJJWT-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zRoJ8eJpSCi2PYGNPJJJWT-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zRoJ8eJpSCi2PYGNPJJJWT-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zRoJ8eJpSCi2PYGNPJJJWT-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zRoJ8eJpSCi2PYGNPJJJWT-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;With all those people, something was bound to go wrong&#8217; &#8211; Remco Evenepoel strengthens his Tour de France position despite being blocked by fans and motorbikes on 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\/kpF9gUmfdABZ7kmmC5wUpb-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kpF9gUmfdABZ7kmmC5wUpb-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kpF9gUmfdABZ7kmmC5wUpb-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kpF9gUmfdABZ7kmmC5wUpb-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kpF9gUmfdABZ7kmmC5wUpb-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\">Sepp Kuss still aiming for Tour de France stage win on Alpe d&#8217;Huez after being denied by Tadej Poga\u010dar on stage 19<\/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\/S2mGx58FnQsZuip3eugE3Q-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/S2mGx58FnQsZuip3eugE3Q-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/S2mGx58FnQsZuip3eugE3Q-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/S2mGx58FnQsZuip3eugE3Q-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/S2mGx58FnQsZuip3eugE3Q-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;We&#8217;ve kept motivating each other&#8217; &#8211; Isaac del Toro tightens grip on Tour de France podium as UAE Team Emirates bounce back from illness<\/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\/DDJiEv8NbZJvhywZdNAe6B-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DDJiEv8NbZJvhywZdNAe6B-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DDJiEv8NbZJvhywZdNAe6B-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DDJiEv8NbZJvhywZdNAe6B-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DDJiEv8NbZJvhywZdNAe6B-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\">Safety<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Einer Rubio out of Tour de France after crashing into UAE Team Emirates car that came to a sudden stop on 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\/gZ3BzdtJgqHDV9ufFnoUjL-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gZ3BzdtJgqHDV9ufFnoUjL-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gZ3BzdtJgqHDV9ufFnoUjL-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gZ3BzdtJgqHDV9ufFnoUjL-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gZ3BzdtJgqHDV9ufFnoUjL-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\">Tadej Poga\u010dar smashes 30-year-old Alpe d&#8217;Huez climbing record set by Marco Pantani<\/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\/XeGVPE66PVGqiHfrP26ptj-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XeGVPE66PVGqiHfrP26ptj-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XeGVPE66PVGqiHfrP26ptj-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XeGVPE66PVGqiHfrP26ptj-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>&#8216;I was dead there&#8217; &#8211; 2022 Alpe d&#8217;Huez winner Tom Pidcock suffers badly on same ascent in 2026 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>&#8216;With all those people, something was bound to go wrong&#8217; &#8211; Remco Evenepoel strengthens his Tour de France position despite being blocked by fans and motorbikes on 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>Sepp Kuss still aiming for Tour de France stage win on Alpe d&#8217;Huez after being denied by Tadej Poga\u010dar on stage 19<\/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>&#8216;We&#8217;ve kept motivating each other&#8217; &#8211; Isaac del Toro tightens grip on Tour de France podium as UAE Team Emirates bounce back from illness<\/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>FDJ United-Suez reveal special new kit for Tour de France Femmes and 2027 season<\/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>\nRacing\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRoad\n<\/li>\n<li>\nTour de France\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>&#8216;I hope I don&#8217;t crash&#8217; &#8211; Paul Seixas fears huge crowds on L&#8217;Alpe d&#8217;Huez could disrupt the Tour de France<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"vds-byline-block flex flex-row flex-nowrap my-1.5 gap-2 text-left items-start justify-start\" data-component-name=\"Article:BylineBlock\">\n<p>News<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-auto vds-simple-byline\"><span class=\"inline-block vds-author\"><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nStephen Farrand <\/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=\"2026-07-24T06:00:00Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n24 July 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">French super talent sportingly hopes UAE Team Emirates-XRG are not affected by illness <\/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-de821716-86bb-11f1-bd8e-093970350f7e\">Paul Seixas (Decathlon CMA CGM) is worried that the expected huge crowds on the hairpins of l&#8217;Alpe d&#8217;Huez on stage 19 could spark a crash and so disrupt the racing as the French super talent fights for a place on the Tour de France podium.<\/p>\n<p>French police closed the main road to l&#8217;Alpe d&#8217;Huez to ascending vehicular traffic early on Thursday afternoon after hundreds of thousands of people began to line the legendary road in cars and camper vans and packed the mountain top ski resort.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-de821716-86bb-11f1-bd8e-093970350f7e-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Friday&#8217;s stage climbs the famous Alpe d&#8217;Huez hairpins after a fast valley road from Gap. On Saturday, stage 20 returns to l&#8217;Alpe d&#8217;Huez via the small Col de Sarenne road.<\/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\">Cyclingnews<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"min-h-[44px] bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting><a class=\"invisible block truncate text-sm font-bold leading-5 text-white underline decoration-solid underline-offset-2\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting-link href target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span data-jwp-carousel-signposting-title>Watch full video here: <\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The crowds are expected to pack l&#8217;Alpe d&#8217;Huez for 48 hours, with a growing number of French fans returning to the Tour to cheer on Seixas. The 19-year-old has captured the hearts of the nation in recent weeks and is expected to fight for the GC podium in the Alps and could also take the best young rider&#8217;s white jersey if he can distance Isaac del Toro (UAE Team Emirates-XRG).<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It&#8217;s going to be incredible, but most of all, I hope I don&#8217;t crash on the climb because I think there will be a lot of spectators,&#8221; Seixas told L&#8217;Equipe and other media after finishing stage 18 in Orci\u00e8res-Merlette.<\/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\/qSYM4B3jg2EtLdzKunu6a-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qSYM4B3jg2EtLdzKunu6a-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\">Fears of chaos on L&#8217;Alpe d&#8217;Huez as crowds pack Alpine climb for Tour de France showdown<\/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\/3mpRt3Q8fm7Lk6c948tZKg-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3mpRt3Q8fm7Lk6c948tZKg-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;I\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><\/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\/TnhXhwXobYEh67ozzuCjmZ-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TnhXhwXobYEh67ozzuCjmZ-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;I was where I should be&#8217; &#8211; Paul Seixas passes first Tour de France mountain test on Tourmalet<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;We&#8217;ve seen that it&#8217;s quite dangerous. I just hope everything goes well. After that, it&#8217;s my legs that will decide.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Vincenzo Nibali crashed near the summit of Alpe d&#8217;Huez in the 2018 Tour de France after a spectator&#8217;s camera strap caught his handlebars. He got up and finished the stage but X-rays revealed a vertebrae fracture and he was forced to abandon the race.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-E86WbTo5AeAwb5hVcDGdbh\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-E86WbTo5AeAwb5hVcDGdbh 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\">The Tour de France makes daily appeals for roadside fans to stay safe and respect the riders but Richard Carapaz almost crashed while on the attack as a fan waved to the television camera rather than look at the race.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Seixas finished with his GC rivals in Orci\u00e8res-Merlette. He sits fourth overall, 7:11 down on Tadej Poga\u010dar (UAE Team Emirates-XRG) but is only 20 seconds down on Del Toro and third place. He spent the stage trying to recover and prepare mentally and physically for the two days up to l&#8217;Alpe d&#8217;Huez.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;With the fatigue of the third week, you have to pace yourself. We rode well today, we stayed together for a long time,&#8221; Seixas said.<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            What to read next<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kTCf9ruRbvkLBF2zvJ48UQ-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kTCf9ruRbvkLBF2zvJ48UQ-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\">Early sprint stage win for Decathlon &#8216;takes a huge amount of pressure off&#8217; teenage leader Paul Seixas in second half 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-2-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QdJSNVdsrwtFqMqD66D4PB-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QdJSNVdsrwtFqMqD66D4PB-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\">A near miss with a car and race radio mix-up as young Paul Seixas tastes the chaos of the Tour de France<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wyURmkioydvbtXnkz28DZB-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wyURmkioydvbtXnkz28DZB-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;Extremely dangerous&#8217; \u2013 Teenager Paul Seixas navigates &#8216;melting&#8217; descents at Tour de France to move up to fifth overall on debut<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Daan [Hoole] was really impressive. I think it was a day that took its toll on everyone&#8217;s legs but the main objective was to really conserve energy. The next two days will be very tough and will be where the Tour will be decided, at least for the podium. I&#8217;m happy to have had a smooth day.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Seixas again wore a mask as he spoke at the finish, to help avoid catching any illness. He knew that UAE had lost Brandon McNulty due to illness and that Tim Wellens also suffered to finish inside the time limit.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Sportingly Seixas said he didn&#8217;t want UAE&#8217;s Tour de France to be impacted by illness.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I think a few riders are a bit sick on their team, it&#8217;s definitely a shame for them,&#8221; Seixas said.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I hope Poga\u010dar and Del Toro aren&#8217;t sick, that&#8217;s not how we want to race. But I think it will be physically tough for everyone.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-de82181a-86bb-11f1-a749-918c4c882c32\" 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\/racing\/i-hope-i-dont-crash-paul-seixas-fears-huge-crowds-on-lalpe-dhuez-could-disrupt-the-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\/pEcRdtDTpvzu4xhtY5WWn8-1024-80.jpg&#8221;] 1 Sick soldiers and mixed messages \u2013 What&#8217;s really going on at UAE Team Emirates-XRG and how will it change the last days of the Tour de France? 2 As it happened: Alpe d&#8217;Huez the setting for epic battle between the breakaway and the yellow jersey on stage 19 of the Tour [&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-2060506","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\/2060506","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=2060506"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2060506\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2060506"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=2060506"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=2060506"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}