{"id":2062187,"date":"2026-07-25T16:48:39","date_gmt":"2026-07-25T13:48:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2062187"},"modified":"2026-07-25T16:48:39","modified_gmt":"2026-07-25T13:48:39","slug":"im-impatient-to-get-there-tadej-pogacar-closes-in-on-fifth-overall-victory-in-tour-de-france-after-successful-yellow-jersey-defence-on-alpe-dhuez","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2062187","title":{"rendered":"&#8216;I&#8217;m impatient to get there&#8217; \u2013 Tadej Poga\u010dar closes in on fifth overall victory in Tour de France after successful yellow jersey defence on Alpe d&#8217;Huez"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vFGTaJbgArQr7oLH69yXjn-2560-80.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\/DXdubQjs8RYd2sLnJy7cr3-160-80.jpg.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DXdubQjs8RYd2sLnJy7cr3-80-80.jpg.webp 80w\" sizes=\"80px\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex items-center justify-center absolute w-4 h-6 left-0 top-0 bg-white\/90 flex-none z-[1]\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"font-normal text-base leading-[17px] tracking-[1.3px] uppercase text-black flex-none\">1<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex flex-col items-center justify-center gap-1.5 w-[173px] h-20 flex-none\">\n<p class=\"font-article-heading font-medium text-base leading-[21px] text-gray-800 w-[173px] line-clamp-3 group-hover:underline\">\n                                    Tour de France GC standings \u2013 Race leader Tadej Poga\u010dar all but confirms fifth title with one stage remaining\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\/eVSE6LWDoYCc2yxTskQHdR-160-80.jpg.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eVSE6LWDoYCc2yxTskQHdR-80-80.jpg.webp 80w\" sizes=\"80px\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex items-center justify-center absolute w-[18px] h-6 left-0 top-0 bg-white\/90 flex-none z-[1]\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"font-normal text-base leading-[17px] tracking-[1.3px] uppercase text-black flex-none\">2<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex flex-col items-center justify-center gap-1.5 w-[173px] h-20 flex-none\">\n<p class=\"font-article-heading font-medium text-base leading-[21px] text-gray-800 w-[173px] line-clamp-3 group-hover:underline\">\n                                    &#8216;There was a misunderstanding, but Remco was better&#8217; \u2013 Tadej Poga\u010dar\u00a0suffers a rare defeat as he turns domestique at Tour de France\n                                <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"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\/qocAmsgccJyuTn9aBziFfV-160-80.jpg.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qocAmsgccJyuTn9aBziFfV-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                                    As it happened: Late crash drama and GC podium remains unchanged on stage 20 of 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>\nTeams &amp; Riders\n<\/li>\n<li>\nUAE Team Emirates-XRG\n<\/li>\n<li>\nTadej Pogacar\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>&#8216;I&#8217;m impatient to get there&#8217; \u2013 Tadej Poga\u010dar closes in on fifth overall victory in Tour de France after successful yellow jersey defence on Alpe d&#8217;Huez<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"vds-byline-block flex flex-row flex-nowrap my-1.5 gap-2 text-left items-start justify-start\" data-component-name=\"Article:BylineBlock\">\n<p>News<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-auto vds-simple-byline\"><span class=\"inline-block vds-author\"><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nAlasdair Fotheringham <\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex gap-1 vds-byline-with-avatar__meta\"><span class=\"vds-date block font-normal tracking-normal normal-case text-xs\"><br \/>\nPublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-07-25T16:48:39Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n25 July 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Slovenian finishes fourth on stage 20 after helping Isaac del Toro ensure third place overall<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"text-gray-700 flex items-center mx-0 my-5 p-0 justify-start text-left\" id=\"affiliate-disclaimer\" data-component-name=\"AffiliateDisclaimer\" data-hawk-message=\"Affiliate disclaimer removed because hawk deemed there are no affiliate links on this page\">\n<p class=\"text-[color:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--text-color,inherit)] mb-2 text-[length:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--font-size,0.75rem)] leading-[18px] md:text-[13px] [&amp;&gt;a]:text-inherit [&amp;&gt;a]:underline\">\nWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here\u2019s how it works.\n<\/p>\n<\/aside>\n<\/header>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-widget-type=\"contentparsed\" id=\"content\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-contentparsed widget-content widget-contentparsed-content widget-content-parsed widget-content-parsed-content_document \">\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<section class=\"content-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"box less-space hero-image-wrapper\">\n<figure class=\"mb-0\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vFGTaJbgArQr7oLH69yXjn-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vFGTaJbgArQr7oLH69yXjn-1600-80.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vFGTaJbgArQr7oLH69yXjn-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vFGTaJbgArQr7oLH69yXjn-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vFGTaJbgArQr7oLH69yXjn-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vFGTaJbgArQr7oLH69yXjn-750-80.jpg.webp 750w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vFGTaJbgArQr7oLH69yXjn-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vFGTaJbgArQr7oLH69yXjn-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vFGTaJbgArQr7oLH69yXjn-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=\"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\">3<\/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-88fef906-8848-11f1-bbaa-3f7ff7a40168\">It&#8217;s almost done. Tadej Poga\u010dar (UAE Emirates-XRG) crossed the line of the final mountain stage, celebrating not just his nearly-achieved fifth, record-equalling, overall victory, but also his successful support of teammate Isaac del Toro to finish third in Paris.<\/p>\n<p>Poga\u010dar had already promised after Friday&#8217;s victory that the second ascent to Alpe d&#8217;Huez on stage 20 would be about helping the Mexican on the last, ultra-hard, trek through the Alps, and he more than kept his word.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-88fef906-8848-11f1-bbaa-3f7ff7a40168-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Despite having the yellow jersey on his back, Poga\u010dar first began working for Del Toro on the Galibier, reducing the lead favourites group to just the top five riders on GC \u2013 himself, Del Toro, Remco Evenepoel (Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe), Paul Seixas (Decathlon CMA CGM) and Lenny Martinez (Bahrain Victorious).<\/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\">That work on the front of the small GC group continued on the last major ascent of the 2026 Tour, the Hors Categorie Col de Sarenne, to the point where Seixas, the key rival for the podium, was dropped and then widened the gap by the summit.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">However, Del Toro was nearly cracking and on the last, brutally steep but short climb to Alpe d&#8217;Huez, with the yellow jersey a near-certainty, Poga\u010dar even let second-placed Evenepoel move away.<\/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\/DXdubQjs8RYd2sLnJy7cr3-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DXdubQjs8RYd2sLnJy7cr3-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Tour de France GC standings \u2013 Race leader Tadej Poga\u010dar all but confirms fifth title with one stage remaining<\/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\/Toe9RzeMqjgbDqtagCHTWC-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Toe9RzeMqjgbDqtagCHTWC-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;It&#8217;s a Tadej Poga\u010dar masterpiece&#8217; &#8211; Defending Tour de France champion gives a gift of a lifetime to teammate Isaac del Toro<\/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\/HPKvgcuJjpsfEZbTivxfGY-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HPKvgcuJjpsfEZbTivxfGY-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;Not easy to finish on the podium being ill&#8217; &#8211; Isaac del Toro set to bring home third place in Tour de France and clear youth classification victory despite last-week struggles<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The &#8216;Bull&#8217; gesture that both he and Del Toro made when the UAE duo crossed the line made it clear that if Sunday will be all about Poga\u010dar&#8217;s fifth Tour win, Saturday was all about his teammates.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It&#8217;s hard to explain how much this means to me that he&#8217;s on the podium too; to do that is something unimaginable,&#8221; Poga\u010dar said afterwards. &#8220;We can be really proud of what all the guys did; I&#8217;m so happy for him.&#8221;<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-qConHkeXxzPYAfeFqNsQPS\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-qConHkeXxzPYAfeFqNsQPS slice-container-newsletterForm\">\n<div data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"newsletter-form__wrapper newsletter-form__wrapper--inbodyContent\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__container\">\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__top-bar\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__header\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__main-section\">\n<p class=\"newsletter-form__strapline\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<footer class=\"newsletter-form__footer \">By submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.<\/footer>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I always appreciated my teammates&#8217; work; I praise them and how much they work for me, how much they put on the line and for the last three weeks, they&#8217;ve worked their asses off every day.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Today when Juan [Ayuso \u2013 Lidl-Trek] was in front, I was really afraid he could have found his really good legs and we&#8217;d maybe lose the jersey,&#8221; Poga\u010dar explained, saying that he feared the Spanish challenger for the best young rider classification might have been able to finally turn things around after a few bad days with a late break for glory.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;So I committed for Isaac and I realised again how important my teammates are. I have massive respect for them and how much they do for this goal.<\/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\/EDcwezZSWFbpLXRgbTXV9f-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EDcwezZSWFbpLXRgbTXV9f-150-80.png.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;I just want to be as happy as him on the bike&#8217; \u2013 Ominous signs for Tadej Poga\u010dar&#8217;s rivals as Tour de France lieutenant Isaac del Toro takes another step<\/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\/mDyXvuccsCvvuuSSuwXtne-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mDyXvuccsCvvuuSSuwXtne-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Tour de France: Tadej Poga\u010dar flies to victory atop l&#8217;Alpe d&#8217;Huez on stage 19<\/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\/S2mGx58FnQsZuip3eugE3Q-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/S2mGx58FnQsZuip3eugE3Q-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;We&#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><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;The cycling world doesn&#8217;t realise how important the team is and how hard it is for team to be riding for the yellow jersey and the white jersey.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Today I saw again how they are better than most champions, the way they give everything to the team. I cannot explain how grateful I am.&#8221;<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-88fefa32-8848-11f1-a9bb-2359a2fdaa19\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DXdubQjs8RYd2sLnJy7cr3-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DXdubQjs8RYd2sLnJy7cr3-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DXdubQjs8RYd2sLnJy7cr3-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DXdubQjs8RYd2sLnJy7cr3-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DXdubQjs8RYd2sLnJy7cr3-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DXdubQjs8RYd2sLnJy7cr3-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-88fefab4-8848-11f1-bb19-c1c84b12b234\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">In the case of Del Toro, part of UAE since 2024, Poga\u010dar said they had clicked ever since he joined the team. Four years younger than the Slovenian, it is clear that he has taken Del Toro under his wing, be it good-humouredly reprimanding him from going too fast on stage 6 on the Tourmalet, or simply messaging him to go on the attack, as he did back in the 2025 Giro d&#8217;Italia&#8217;s stage across the sterrato.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;He&#8217;s always been there for me 100%, he could have gone for his own chance in Strade&#8221; \u2013 won by Pogacar but with Del Toro in third behind Seixas \u2013 &#8220;or he could have gone to the Giro or Vuelta,&#8221; Poga\u010dar said.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;But he&#8217;s here in the Tour, he committed to the biggest goal, to winning yellow. And today he&#8217;s got the white jersey and the podium, so I&#8217;m super happy for him.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Poga\u010dar was still offering Del Toro advice right up to the line on stage 20 of the Tour, as he explained when one journalist asked him what he had said to the Mexican in the closing metres.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I said to him \u2013 &#8216;don&#8217;t forget to pedal&#8217; \u2013 because the last 200 metres were quite steep, we still have to get to the finish line,&#8221; Pogacar explained.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;But I say now, even if we didn&#8217;t win the stage, team spirit won today.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">With Alpe d&#8217;Huez behind the race and just one day&#8217;s largely ceremonial racing remaining, Poga\u010dar is on the point of celebrating his own date with history, becoming just the fifth rider to win five Tours. And he does so with a current advantage of 6:30, 2:06 more than his already remarkable overall gap of 4:24 last year on GC runner-up Jonas Vingegaard and 13 seconds more than his 6:17 lead over the same rider in 2024.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">However, the Slovenian put down the widening of the gap on his rivals down to experience and &#8220;dealing with things differently&#8221; rather than an improvement in condition.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I must say this year I didn&#8217;t feel I was getting much stronger since 2024,&#8221; he said. &#8220;The numbers are there, but I&#8217;ve got more experience; small things are still improving<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Maybe the numbers are the same, but details count. My mood and emotions, that&#8217;s where I&#8217;m improving a lot. That&#8217;s why I ride good this year.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">However, as he pointed out, the race is not over until the Tour crosses the final finish line on Sunday evening, and that was yet to happen in 2026.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Let&#8217;s wait until Paris and then we can celebrate; we&#8217;ve still got 90 kilometres [on stage 21] to go,&#8221; he concluded. &#8220;I&#8217;m impatient to get there.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-88fefb36-8848-11f1-b0df-838000602183\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><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><u><strong>Find out more.<\/strong><\/u><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"block mb-5\" id=\"articleTag\" data-component-name=\"PostArticleLinks\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"post-article-links\">\n<div class=\"border-b border-b-black border-solid py-2.5 text-black font-bold uppercase\">TOPICS<\/div>\n<nav class=\"py-2.5 flex gap-2.5 flex-wrap\" data-analytics-id=\"article-tag\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-tag\">\n<p>Road<\/p>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-qConHkeXxzPYAfeFqNsQPS\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-qConHkeXxzPYAfeFqNsQPS slice-container-authorBio\">\n<div class=\"author author__default-layout author--separator author--collapsible\" data-hydrate=\"true\">\n<div class=\"author__header\">\n<div class=\"author__avatar-block\">\n<figure class=\"image-wrapped__wrapper\" data-bordeaux-image-check=\"false\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__widthsetter\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__aspect-padding\">\n<div><source class=\"author__avatar image-wrapped__image image__image\" type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5QLhaPay9asJvmaNsCjFVZ-140-80.jpg.webp 140w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5QLhaPay9asJvmaNsCjFVZ.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5QLhaPay9asJvmaNsCjFVZ.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5QLhaPay9asJvmaNsCjFVZ.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__heading\">\n<div class=\"author__name\">Alasdair Fotheringham<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__social\">\n<nav class=\"button-social-group author__social-buttons\" aria-labelledby=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">\n<div id=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">Social Links Navigation<\/div>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>Alasdair Fotheringham has been reporting on cycling since 1991. He has covered every Tour de France since 1992 bar one, as well as numerous other bike races of all shapes and sizes, ranging from the Olympic Games in 2008 to the now sadly defunct Subida a Urkiola hill climb in Spain. As well as working for <em>Cyclingnews<\/em>, he has also written for <em>The Independent<\/em>,\u00a0 <em>The Guardian<\/em>,\u00a0 <em>ProCycling<\/em>, <em>The Express<\/em> and <em>Reuters<\/em>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<div class=\"relative max-w-[1070px] viafoura-twig-component mt-6 mx-4 lg:mx-0\" data-component-name=\"Viafoura:Comments\" data-nosnippet data-community-guidelines-text=\"&lt;p class=&apos;vfcustom-community-guidelines&apos;&gt;Please follow our &lt;a href=&quot;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/about\/#section-community-guidelines&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;community guidelines&lt;\/a&gt;.&lt;\/p&gt;\" data-join-the-conversation-text=\"Join the Conversation\">\n<div class=\"absolute top-0 left-0 w-full h-full flex items-center justify-center z-50 bg-white\/90 border-1 rounded-b-[var(--comment-widget-border-radius,0)]\">\n<div class=\"p-2 text-center\">\n<p class=\"mb-3 text-lg!\">You must confirm your public display name before commenting<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-3 text-sm!\">Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<section class=\"mx-2 my-5 sm:mx-0\">\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-adviser:hybrid\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Read more<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DXdubQjs8RYd2sLnJy7cr3-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DXdubQjs8RYd2sLnJy7cr3-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DXdubQjs8RYd2sLnJy7cr3-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DXdubQjs8RYd2sLnJy7cr3-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DXdubQjs8RYd2sLnJy7cr3-320-80.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 GC standings \u2013 Race leader Tadej Poga\u010dar all but confirms fifth title with one stage remaining<\/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\/Toe9RzeMqjgbDqtagCHTWC-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Toe9RzeMqjgbDqtagCHTWC-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Toe9RzeMqjgbDqtagCHTWC-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Toe9RzeMqjgbDqtagCHTWC-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Toe9RzeMqjgbDqtagCHTWC-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;It&#8217;s a Tadej Poga\u010dar masterpiece&#8217; &#8211; Defending Tour de France champion gives a gift of a lifetime to teammate Isaac del Toro<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div 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\/HPKvgcuJjpsfEZbTivxfGY-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HPKvgcuJjpsfEZbTivxfGY-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HPKvgcuJjpsfEZbTivxfGY-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HPKvgcuJjpsfEZbTivxfGY-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HPKvgcuJjpsfEZbTivxfGY-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;Not easy to finish on the podium being ill&#8217; &#8211; Isaac del Toro set to bring home third place in Tour de France and clear youth classification victory despite last-week struggles<\/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\/EDcwezZSWFbpLXRgbTXV9f-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EDcwezZSWFbpLXRgbTXV9f-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EDcwezZSWFbpLXRgbTXV9f-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EDcwezZSWFbpLXRgbTXV9f-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EDcwezZSWFbpLXRgbTXV9f-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I just want to be as happy as him on the bike&#8217; \u2013 Ominous signs for Tadej Poga\u010dar&#8217;s rivals as Tour de France lieutenant Isaac del Toro takes another step<\/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\/jRFoBaVYmfkfFkPh9gyGcX-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jRFoBaVYmfkfFkPh9gyGcX-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jRFoBaVYmfkfFkPh9gyGcX-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jRFoBaVYmfkfFkPh9gyGcX-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jRFoBaVYmfkfFkPh9gyGcX-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Crazy good&#8217; &#8211; UAE Team Emirates-XRG&#8217;s perfect mountain strategy puts Tadej Poga\u010dar within reach of fifth Tour de France title<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-category\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Teams &amp; Riders<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HPKvgcuJjpsfEZbTivxfGY-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HPKvgcuJjpsfEZbTivxfGY-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HPKvgcuJjpsfEZbTivxfGY-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HPKvgcuJjpsfEZbTivxfGY-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HPKvgcuJjpsfEZbTivxfGY-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;Not easy to finish on the podium being ill&#8217; &#8211; Isaac del Toro set to bring home third place in Tour de France and clear youth classification victory despite last-week struggles<\/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\/E8G8rqbGkZUMG7RJupJM8W-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E8G8rqbGkZUMG7RJupJM8W-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E8G8rqbGkZUMG7RJupJM8W-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E8G8rqbGkZUMG7RJupJM8W-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E8G8rqbGkZUMG7RJupJM8W-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 gambled it all on the third week&#8217; &#8211; Richard Carapaz fights back from tough summer of recovery to claim maximum climbing honours 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\/RkQ3caWJuvJd7TgKNKdKKn-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RkQ3caWJuvJd7TgKNKdKKn-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RkQ3caWJuvJd7TgKNKdKKn-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RkQ3caWJuvJd7TgKNKdKKn-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RkQ3caWJuvJd7TgKNKdKKn-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\">Sepp Kuss hit with big fine, time loss and points deduction for littering 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\/GrVWt9agWpSs7HwXFauZQ4-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GrVWt9agWpSs7HwXFauZQ4-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GrVWt9agWpSs7HwXFauZQ4-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GrVWt9agWpSs7HwXFauZQ4-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GrVWt9agWpSs7HwXFauZQ4-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Proof that the disbelief in me is unfounded&#8217; \u2013 Remco Evenepoel hits back at critics as Tour de France second place overall is all but secured<\/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\/2kg2xC9diwF9XNFXFsPXp7-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2kg2xC9diwF9XNFXFsPXp7-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2kg2xC9diwF9XNFXFsPXp7-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2kg2xC9diwF9XNFXFsPXp7-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2kg2xC9diwF9XNFXFsPXp7-320-80.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\">\u2018There\u2019s no enjoyment anymore\u2019 &#8211;  Julian Alaphilippe says this is his final 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\/aoPLmSESJtnFCw2GXTZtwW-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aoPLmSESJtnFCw2GXTZtwW-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aoPLmSESJtnFCw2GXTZtwW-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aoPLmSESJtnFCw2GXTZtwW-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aoPLmSESJtnFCw2GXTZtwW-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 cracked&#8217; &#8211; Paul Seixas goes all-in for the Tour de France podium but comes up short at 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>\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\/HPKvgcuJjpsfEZbTivxfGY-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HPKvgcuJjpsfEZbTivxfGY-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HPKvgcuJjpsfEZbTivxfGY-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HPKvgcuJjpsfEZbTivxfGY-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HPKvgcuJjpsfEZbTivxfGY-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;Not easy to finish on the podium being ill&#8217; &#8211; Isaac del Toro set to bring home third place in Tour de France and clear youth classification victory despite last-week struggles<\/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\/E8G8rqbGkZUMG7RJupJM8W-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E8G8rqbGkZUMG7RJupJM8W-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E8G8rqbGkZUMG7RJupJM8W-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E8G8rqbGkZUMG7RJupJM8W-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E8G8rqbGkZUMG7RJupJM8W-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 gambled it all on the third week&#8217; &#8211; Richard Carapaz fights back from tough summer of recovery to claim maximum climbing honours 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\/RkQ3caWJuvJd7TgKNKdKKn-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RkQ3caWJuvJd7TgKNKdKKn-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RkQ3caWJuvJd7TgKNKdKKn-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RkQ3caWJuvJd7TgKNKdKKn-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RkQ3caWJuvJd7TgKNKdKKn-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\">Sepp Kuss hit with big fine, time loss and points deduction for littering 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\/GrVWt9agWpSs7HwXFauZQ4-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GrVWt9agWpSs7HwXFauZQ4-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GrVWt9agWpSs7HwXFauZQ4-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GrVWt9agWpSs7HwXFauZQ4-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GrVWt9agWpSs7HwXFauZQ4-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Proof that the disbelief in me is unfounded&#8217; \u2013 Remco Evenepoel hits back at critics as Tour de France second place overall is all but secured<\/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\/2kg2xC9diwF9XNFXFsPXp7-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2kg2xC9diwF9XNFXFsPXp7-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2kg2xC9diwF9XNFXFsPXp7-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2kg2xC9diwF9XNFXFsPXp7-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2kg2xC9diwF9XNFXFsPXp7-320-80.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\">\u2018There\u2019s no enjoyment anymore\u2019 &#8211;  Julian Alaphilippe says this is his final 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\/aoPLmSESJtnFCw2GXTZtwW-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aoPLmSESJtnFCw2GXTZtwW-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aoPLmSESJtnFCw2GXTZtwW-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aoPLmSESJtnFCw2GXTZtwW-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aoPLmSESJtnFCw2GXTZtwW-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 cracked&#8217; &#8211; Paul Seixas goes all-in for the Tour de France podium but comes up short at 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>\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\/HPKvgcuJjpsfEZbTivxfGY-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HPKvgcuJjpsfEZbTivxfGY-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HPKvgcuJjpsfEZbTivxfGY-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HPKvgcuJjpsfEZbTivxfGY-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;Not easy to finish on the podium being ill&#8217; &#8211; Isaac del Toro set to bring home third place in Tour de France and clear youth classification victory despite last-week struggles<\/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;We gambled it all on the third week&#8217; &#8211; Richard Carapaz fights back from tough summer of recovery to claim maximum climbing honours at Tour de France<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">3<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>Sepp Kuss hit with big fine, time loss and points deduction for littering at Tour de France<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">4<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>&#8216;Proof that the disbelief in me is unfounded&#8217; \u2013 Remco Evenepoel hits back at critics as Tour de France second place overall is all but secured<\/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>\u2018There\u2019s no enjoyment anymore\u2019 &#8211; Julian Alaphilippe says this is his final Tour de France<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"page-content-onecol flex-1\nnews-article article\n\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"widget-area-group widget-area-group-2col flex flex-wrap box-border\">\n<div id=\"widgetArea16\" class=\"widget-area basis-full md:basis-2\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-2-3 page-widget-area-16\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"hero\" id=\"hero\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-hero widget-hero widget-hero-hero widget-hero widget-hero-fter-news\">\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nTeams &amp; Riders\n<\/li>\n<li>\nUAE Team Emirates-XRG\n<\/li>\n<li>\nTadej Pogacar\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>&#8216;I&#8217;m impatient to get there&#8217; \u2013 Tadej Poga\u010dar closes in on fifth overall victory in Tour de France after successful yellow jersey defence on Alpe d&#8217;Huez<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"vds-byline-block flex flex-row flex-nowrap my-1.5 gap-2 text-left items-start justify-start\" data-component-name=\"Article:BylineBlock\">\n<p>News<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-auto vds-simple-byline\"><span class=\"inline-block vds-author\"><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nAlasdair Fotheringham <\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex gap-1 vds-byline-with-avatar__meta\"><span class=\"vds-date block font-normal tracking-normal normal-case text-xs\"><br \/>\nPublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-07-25T16:48:39Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n25 July 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Slovenian finishes fourth on stage 20 after helping Isaac del Toro ensure third place overall<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"text-gray-700 flex items-center mx-0 my-5 p-0 justify-start text-left\" id=\"affiliate-disclaimer\" data-component-name=\"AffiliateDisclaimer\" data-hawk-message=\"Affiliate disclaimer removed because hawk deemed there are no affiliate links on this page\">\n<p class=\"text-[color:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--text-color,inherit)] mb-2 text-[length:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--font-size,0.75rem)] leading-[18px] md:text-[13px] [&amp;&gt;a]:text-inherit [&amp;&gt;a]:underline\">\nWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here\u2019s how it works.\n<\/p>\n<\/aside>\n<\/header>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-widget-type=\"contentparsed\" id=\"content\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-contentparsed widget-content widget-contentparsed-content widget-content-parsed widget-content-parsed-content_document \">\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<section class=\"content-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"box less-space hero-image-wrapper\">\n<figure class=\"mb-0\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vFGTaJbgArQr7oLH69yXjn-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vFGTaJbgArQr7oLH69yXjn-1600-80.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vFGTaJbgArQr7oLH69yXjn-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vFGTaJbgArQr7oLH69yXjn-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vFGTaJbgArQr7oLH69yXjn-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vFGTaJbgArQr7oLH69yXjn-750-80.jpg.webp 750w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vFGTaJbgArQr7oLH69yXjn-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vFGTaJbgArQr7oLH69yXjn-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vFGTaJbgArQr7oLH69yXjn-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=\"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\">3<\/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-88fef906-8848-11f1-bbaa-3f7ff7a40168\">It&#8217;s almost done. Tadej Poga\u010dar (UAE Emirates-XRG) crossed the line of the final mountain stage, celebrating not just his nearly-achieved fifth, record-equalling, overall victory, but also his successful support of teammate Isaac del Toro to finish third in Paris.<\/p>\n<p>Poga\u010dar had already promised after Friday&#8217;s victory that the second ascent to Alpe d&#8217;Huez on stage 20 would be about helping the Mexican on the last, ultra-hard, trek through the Alps, and he more than kept his word.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-88fef906-8848-11f1-bbaa-3f7ff7a40168-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Despite having the yellow jersey on his back, Poga\u010dar first began working for Del Toro on the Galibier, reducing the lead favourites group to just the top five riders on GC \u2013 himself, Del Toro, Remco Evenepoel (Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe), Paul Seixas (Decathlon CMA CGM) and Lenny Martinez (Bahrain Victorious).<\/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\">That work on the front of the small GC group continued on the last major ascent of the 2026 Tour, the Hors Categorie Col de Sarenne, to the point where Seixas, the key rival for the podium, was dropped and then widened the gap by the summit.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">However, Del Toro was nearly cracking and on the last, brutally steep but short climb to Alpe d&#8217;Huez, with the yellow jersey a near-certainty, Poga\u010dar even let second-placed Evenepoel move away.<\/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\/DXdubQjs8RYd2sLnJy7cr3-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DXdubQjs8RYd2sLnJy7cr3-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Tour de France GC standings \u2013 Race leader Tadej Poga\u010dar all but confirms fifth title with one stage remaining<\/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\/Toe9RzeMqjgbDqtagCHTWC-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Toe9RzeMqjgbDqtagCHTWC-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;It&#8217;s a Tadej Poga\u010dar masterpiece&#8217; &#8211; Defending Tour de France champion gives a gift of a lifetime to teammate Isaac del Toro<\/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\/HPKvgcuJjpsfEZbTivxfGY-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HPKvgcuJjpsfEZbTivxfGY-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;Not easy to finish on the podium being ill&#8217; &#8211; Isaac del Toro set to bring home third place in Tour de France and clear youth classification victory despite last-week struggles<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The &#8216;Bull&#8217; gesture that both he and Del Toro made when the UAE duo crossed the line made it clear that if Sunday will be all about Poga\u010dar&#8217;s fifth Tour win, Saturday was all about his teammates.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It&#8217;s hard to explain how much this means to me that he&#8217;s on the podium too; to do that is something unimaginable,&#8221; Poga\u010dar said afterwards. &#8220;We can be really proud of what all the guys did; I&#8217;m so happy for him.&#8221;<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-qConHkeXxzPYAfeFqNsQPS\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-qConHkeXxzPYAfeFqNsQPS slice-container-newsletterForm\">\n<div data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"newsletter-form__wrapper newsletter-form__wrapper--inbodyContent\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__container\">\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__top-bar\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__header\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__main-section\">\n<p class=\"newsletter-form__strapline\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<footer class=\"newsletter-form__footer \">By submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.<\/footer>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I always appreciated my teammates&#8217; work; I praise them and how much they work for me, how much they put on the line and for the last three weeks, they&#8217;ve worked their asses off every day.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Today when Juan [Ayuso \u2013 Lidl-Trek] was in front, I was really afraid he could have found his really good legs and we&#8217;d maybe lose the jersey,&#8221; Poga\u010dar explained, saying that he feared the Spanish challenger for the best young rider classification might have been able to finally turn things around after a few bad days with a late break for glory.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;So I committed for Isaac and I realised again how important my teammates are. I have massive respect for them and how much they do for this goal.<\/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\/EDcwezZSWFbpLXRgbTXV9f-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EDcwezZSWFbpLXRgbTXV9f-150-80.png.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;I just want to be as happy as him on the bike&#8217; \u2013 Ominous signs for Tadej Poga\u010dar&#8217;s rivals as Tour de France lieutenant Isaac del Toro takes another step<\/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\/mDyXvuccsCvvuuSSuwXtne-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mDyXvuccsCvvuuSSuwXtne-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Tour de France: Tadej Poga\u010dar flies to victory atop l&#8217;Alpe d&#8217;Huez on stage 19<\/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\/S2mGx58FnQsZuip3eugE3Q-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/S2mGx58FnQsZuip3eugE3Q-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;We&#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><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;The cycling world doesn&#8217;t realise how important the team is and how hard it is for team to be riding for the yellow jersey and the white jersey.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Today I saw again how they are better than most champions, the way they give everything to the team. I cannot explain how grateful I am.&#8221;<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-88fefa32-8848-11f1-a9bb-2359a2fdaa19\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DXdubQjs8RYd2sLnJy7cr3-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DXdubQjs8RYd2sLnJy7cr3-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DXdubQjs8RYd2sLnJy7cr3-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DXdubQjs8RYd2sLnJy7cr3-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DXdubQjs8RYd2sLnJy7cr3-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DXdubQjs8RYd2sLnJy7cr3-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-88fefab4-8848-11f1-bb19-c1c84b12b234\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">In the case of Del Toro, part of UAE since 2024, Poga\u010dar said they had clicked ever since he joined the team. Four years younger than the Slovenian, it is clear that he has taken Del Toro under his wing, be it good-humouredly reprimanding him from going too fast on stage 6 on the Tourmalet, or simply messaging him to go on the attack, as he did back in the 2025 Giro d&#8217;Italia&#8217;s stage across the sterrato.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;He&#8217;s always been there for me 100%, he could have gone for his own chance in Strade&#8221; \u2013 won by Pogacar but with Del Toro in third behind Seixas \u2013 &#8220;or he could have gone to the Giro or Vuelta,&#8221; Poga\u010dar said.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;But he&#8217;s here in the Tour, he committed to the biggest goal, to winning yellow. And today he&#8217;s got the white jersey and the podium, so I&#8217;m super happy for him.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Poga\u010dar was still offering Del Toro advice right up to the line on stage 20 of the Tour, as he explained when one journalist asked him what he had said to the Mexican in the closing metres.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I said to him \u2013 &#8216;don&#8217;t forget to pedal&#8217; \u2013 because the last 200 metres were quite steep, we still have to get to the finish line,&#8221; Pogacar explained.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;But I say now, even if we didn&#8217;t win the stage, team spirit won today.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">With Alpe d&#8217;Huez behind the race and just one day&#8217;s largely ceremonial racing remaining, Poga\u010dar is on the point of celebrating his own date with history, becoming just the fifth rider to win five Tours. And he does so with a current advantage of 6:30, 2:06 more than his already remarkable overall gap of 4:24 last year on GC runner-up Jonas Vingegaard and 13 seconds more than his 6:17 lead over the same rider in 2024.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">However, the Slovenian put down the widening of the gap on his rivals down to experience and &#8220;dealing with things differently&#8221; rather than an improvement in condition.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I must say this year I didn&#8217;t feel I was getting much stronger since 2024,&#8221; he said. &#8220;The numbers are there, but I&#8217;ve got more experience; small things are still improving<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Maybe the numbers are the same, but details count. My mood and emotions, that&#8217;s where I&#8217;m improving a lot. That&#8217;s why I ride good this year.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">However, as he pointed out, the race is not over until the Tour crosses the final finish line on Sunday evening, and that was yet to happen in 2026.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Let&#8217;s wait until Paris and then we can celebrate; we&#8217;ve still got 90 kilometres [on stage 21] to go,&#8221; he concluded. &#8220;I&#8217;m impatient to get there.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-88fefb36-8848-11f1-b0df-838000602183\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><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><u><strong>Find out more.<\/strong><\/u><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"block mb-5\" id=\"articleTag\" data-component-name=\"PostArticleLinks\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"post-article-links\">\n<div class=\"border-b border-b-black border-solid py-2.5 text-black font-bold uppercase\">TOPICS<\/div>\n<nav class=\"py-2.5 flex gap-2.5 flex-wrap\" data-analytics-id=\"article-tag\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-tag\">\n<p>Road<\/p>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-qConHkeXxzPYAfeFqNsQPS\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-qConHkeXxzPYAfeFqNsQPS slice-container-authorBio\">\n<div class=\"author author__default-layout author--separator author--collapsible\" data-hydrate=\"true\">\n<div class=\"author__header\">\n<div class=\"author__avatar-block\">\n<figure class=\"image-wrapped__wrapper\" data-bordeaux-image-check=\"false\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__widthsetter\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__aspect-padding\">\n<div><source class=\"author__avatar image-wrapped__image image__image\" type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5QLhaPay9asJvmaNsCjFVZ-140-80.jpg.webp 140w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5QLhaPay9asJvmaNsCjFVZ.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5QLhaPay9asJvmaNsCjFVZ.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5QLhaPay9asJvmaNsCjFVZ.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__heading\">\n<div class=\"author__name\">Alasdair Fotheringham<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__social\">\n<nav class=\"button-social-group author__social-buttons\" aria-labelledby=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">\n<div id=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">Social Links Navigation<\/div>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>Alasdair Fotheringham has been reporting on cycling since 1991. He has covered every Tour de France since 1992 bar one, as well as numerous other bike races of all shapes and sizes, ranging from the Olympic Games in 2008 to the now sadly defunct Subida a Urkiola hill climb in Spain. As well as working for <em>Cyclingnews<\/em>, he has also written for <em>The Independent<\/em>,\u00a0 <em>The Guardian<\/em>,\u00a0 <em>ProCycling<\/em>, <em>The Express<\/em> and <em>Reuters<\/em>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<div class=\"relative max-w-[1070px] viafoura-twig-component mt-6 mx-4 lg:mx-0\" data-component-name=\"Viafoura:Comments\" data-nosnippet data-community-guidelines-text=\"&lt;p class=&apos;vfcustom-community-guidelines&apos;&gt;Please follow our &lt;a href=&quot;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/about\/#section-community-guidelines&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;community guidelines&lt;\/a&gt;.&lt;\/p&gt;\" data-join-the-conversation-text=\"Join the Conversation\">\n<div class=\"absolute top-0 left-0 w-full h-full flex items-center justify-center z-50 bg-white\/90 border-1 rounded-b-[var(--comment-widget-border-radius,0)]\">\n<div class=\"p-2 text-center\">\n<p class=\"mb-3 text-lg!\">You must confirm your public display name before commenting<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-3 text-sm!\">Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<section class=\"mx-2 my-5 sm:mx-0\">\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-adviser:hybrid\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Read more<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DXdubQjs8RYd2sLnJy7cr3-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DXdubQjs8RYd2sLnJy7cr3-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DXdubQjs8RYd2sLnJy7cr3-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DXdubQjs8RYd2sLnJy7cr3-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DXdubQjs8RYd2sLnJy7cr3-320-80.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 GC standings \u2013 Race leader Tadej Poga\u010dar all but confirms fifth title with one stage remaining<\/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\/Toe9RzeMqjgbDqtagCHTWC-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Toe9RzeMqjgbDqtagCHTWC-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Toe9RzeMqjgbDqtagCHTWC-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Toe9RzeMqjgbDqtagCHTWC-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Toe9RzeMqjgbDqtagCHTWC-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;It&#8217;s a Tadej Poga\u010dar masterpiece&#8217; &#8211; Defending Tour de France champion gives a gift of a lifetime to teammate Isaac del Toro<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div 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\/HPKvgcuJjpsfEZbTivxfGY-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HPKvgcuJjpsfEZbTivxfGY-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HPKvgcuJjpsfEZbTivxfGY-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HPKvgcuJjpsfEZbTivxfGY-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HPKvgcuJjpsfEZbTivxfGY-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;Not easy to finish on the podium being ill&#8217; &#8211; Isaac del Toro set to bring home third place in Tour de France and clear youth classification victory despite last-week struggles<\/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\/EDcwezZSWFbpLXRgbTXV9f-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EDcwezZSWFbpLXRgbTXV9f-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EDcwezZSWFbpLXRgbTXV9f-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EDcwezZSWFbpLXRgbTXV9f-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EDcwezZSWFbpLXRgbTXV9f-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I just want to be as happy as him on the bike&#8217; \u2013 Ominous signs for Tadej Poga\u010dar&#8217;s rivals as Tour de France lieutenant Isaac del Toro takes another step<\/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\/jRFoBaVYmfkfFkPh9gyGcX-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jRFoBaVYmfkfFkPh9gyGcX-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jRFoBaVYmfkfFkPh9gyGcX-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jRFoBaVYmfkfFkPh9gyGcX-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jRFoBaVYmfkfFkPh9gyGcX-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Crazy good&#8217; &#8211; UAE Team Emirates-XRG&#8217;s perfect mountain strategy puts Tadej Poga\u010dar within reach of fifth Tour de France title<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-category\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Teams &amp; Riders<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HPKvgcuJjpsfEZbTivxfGY-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HPKvgcuJjpsfEZbTivxfGY-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HPKvgcuJjpsfEZbTivxfGY-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HPKvgcuJjpsfEZbTivxfGY-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HPKvgcuJjpsfEZbTivxfGY-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;Not easy to finish on the podium being ill&#8217; &#8211; Isaac del Toro set to bring home third place in Tour de France and clear youth classification victory despite last-week struggles<\/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\/E8G8rqbGkZUMG7RJupJM8W-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E8G8rqbGkZUMG7RJupJM8W-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E8G8rqbGkZUMG7RJupJM8W-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E8G8rqbGkZUMG7RJupJM8W-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E8G8rqbGkZUMG7RJupJM8W-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 gambled it all on the third week&#8217; &#8211; Richard Carapaz fights back from tough summer of recovery to claim maximum climbing honours 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\/RkQ3caWJuvJd7TgKNKdKKn-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RkQ3caWJuvJd7TgKNKdKKn-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RkQ3caWJuvJd7TgKNKdKKn-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RkQ3caWJuvJd7TgKNKdKKn-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RkQ3caWJuvJd7TgKNKdKKn-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\">Sepp Kuss hit with big fine, time loss and points deduction for littering 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\/GrVWt9agWpSs7HwXFauZQ4-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GrVWt9agWpSs7HwXFauZQ4-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GrVWt9agWpSs7HwXFauZQ4-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GrVWt9agWpSs7HwXFauZQ4-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GrVWt9agWpSs7HwXFauZQ4-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Proof that the disbelief in me is unfounded&#8217; \u2013 Remco Evenepoel hits back at critics as Tour de France second place overall is all but secured<\/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\/2kg2xC9diwF9XNFXFsPXp7-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2kg2xC9diwF9XNFXFsPXp7-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2kg2xC9diwF9XNFXFsPXp7-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2kg2xC9diwF9XNFXFsPXp7-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2kg2xC9diwF9XNFXFsPXp7-320-80.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\">\u2018There\u2019s no enjoyment anymore\u2019 &#8211;  Julian Alaphilippe says this is his final 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\/aoPLmSESJtnFCw2GXTZtwW-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aoPLmSESJtnFCw2GXTZtwW-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aoPLmSESJtnFCw2GXTZtwW-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aoPLmSESJtnFCw2GXTZtwW-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aoPLmSESJtnFCw2GXTZtwW-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 cracked&#8217; &#8211; Paul Seixas goes all-in for the Tour de France podium but comes up short at 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>\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\/HPKvgcuJjpsfEZbTivxfGY-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HPKvgcuJjpsfEZbTivxfGY-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HPKvgcuJjpsfEZbTivxfGY-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HPKvgcuJjpsfEZbTivxfGY-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HPKvgcuJjpsfEZbTivxfGY-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;Not easy to finish on the podium being ill&#8217; &#8211; Isaac del Toro set to bring home third place in Tour de France and clear youth classification victory despite last-week struggles<\/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\/E8G8rqbGkZUMG7RJupJM8W-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E8G8rqbGkZUMG7RJupJM8W-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E8G8rqbGkZUMG7RJupJM8W-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E8G8rqbGkZUMG7RJupJM8W-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E8G8rqbGkZUMG7RJupJM8W-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 gambled it all on the third week&#8217; &#8211; Richard Carapaz fights back from tough summer of recovery to claim maximum climbing honours 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\/RkQ3caWJuvJd7TgKNKdKKn-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RkQ3caWJuvJd7TgKNKdKKn-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RkQ3caWJuvJd7TgKNKdKKn-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RkQ3caWJuvJd7TgKNKdKKn-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RkQ3caWJuvJd7TgKNKdKKn-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\">Sepp Kuss hit with big fine, time loss and points deduction for littering 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\/GrVWt9agWpSs7HwXFauZQ4-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GrVWt9agWpSs7HwXFauZQ4-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GrVWt9agWpSs7HwXFauZQ4-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GrVWt9agWpSs7HwXFauZQ4-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GrVWt9agWpSs7HwXFauZQ4-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Proof that the disbelief in me is unfounded&#8217; \u2013 Remco Evenepoel hits back at critics as Tour de France second place overall is all but secured<\/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\/2kg2xC9diwF9XNFXFsPXp7-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2kg2xC9diwF9XNFXFsPXp7-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2kg2xC9diwF9XNFXFsPXp7-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2kg2xC9diwF9XNFXFsPXp7-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2kg2xC9diwF9XNFXFsPXp7-320-80.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\">\u2018There\u2019s no enjoyment anymore\u2019 &#8211;  Julian Alaphilippe says this is his final 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\/aoPLmSESJtnFCw2GXTZtwW-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aoPLmSESJtnFCw2GXTZtwW-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aoPLmSESJtnFCw2GXTZtwW-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aoPLmSESJtnFCw2GXTZtwW-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aoPLmSESJtnFCw2GXTZtwW-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 cracked&#8217; &#8211; Paul Seixas goes all-in for the Tour de France podium but comes up short at 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>\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\/HPKvgcuJjpsfEZbTivxfGY-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HPKvgcuJjpsfEZbTivxfGY-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HPKvgcuJjpsfEZbTivxfGY-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HPKvgcuJjpsfEZbTivxfGY-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;Not easy to finish on the podium being ill&#8217; &#8211; Isaac del Toro set to bring home third place in Tour de France and clear youth classification victory despite last-week struggles<\/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;We gambled it all on the third week&#8217; &#8211; Richard Carapaz fights back from tough summer of recovery to claim maximum climbing honours at Tour de France<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">3<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>Sepp Kuss hit with big fine, time loss and points deduction for littering at Tour de France<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">4<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>&#8216;Proof that the disbelief in me is unfounded&#8217; \u2013 Remco Evenepoel hits back at critics as Tour de France second place overall is all but secured<\/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>\u2018There\u2019s no enjoyment anymore\u2019 &#8211; Julian Alaphilippe says this is his final Tour de France<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nTeams &amp; Riders\n<\/li>\n<li>\nUAE Team Emirates-XRG\n<\/li>\n<li>\nTadej Pogacar\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>&#8216;I&#8217;m impatient to get there&#8217; \u2013 Tadej Poga\u010dar closes in on fifth overall victory in Tour de France after successful yellow jersey defence on Alpe d&#8217;Huez<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"vds-byline-block flex flex-row flex-nowrap my-1.5 gap-2 text-left items-start justify-start\" data-component-name=\"Article:BylineBlock\">\n<p>News<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-auto vds-simple-byline\"><span class=\"inline-block vds-author\"><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nAlasdair Fotheringham <\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex gap-1 vds-byline-with-avatar__meta\"><span class=\"vds-date block font-normal tracking-normal normal-case text-xs\"><br \/>\nPublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-07-25T16:48:39Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n25 July 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Slovenian finishes fourth on stage 20 after helping Isaac del Toro ensure third place overall<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"text-gray-700 flex items-center mx-0 my-5 p-0 justify-start text-left\" id=\"affiliate-disclaimer\" data-component-name=\"AffiliateDisclaimer\" data-hawk-message=\"Affiliate disclaimer removed because hawk deemed there are no affiliate links on this page\">\n<p class=\"text-[color:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--text-color,inherit)] mb-2 text-[length:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--font-size,0.75rem)] leading-[18px] md:text-[13px] [&amp;&gt;a]:text-inherit [&amp;&gt;a]:underline\">\nWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here\u2019s how it works.\n<\/p>\n<\/aside>\n<\/header>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\"text-copy bodyCopy auto paywall-locker\">\n<div data-analytics-id=\"utility-bar\" id=\"utility-bar\" class=\"font-ui-heading flex justify-between items-center py-2 border-t border-b border-gray-300 border-solid mb-5 mx-auto\" data-component-name=\"UtilityBar\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"utility-bar\">\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div data-component-name=\"Social:Dropdown\" role=\"menu\" id=\"utilitybar__dropdown--share\" aria-labelledby=\"utilitybar__button--share\" class=\"absolute left-0 top-full w-44 bg-white rounded-md shadow-md border border-neutral-200 z-[9996] list-none m-0 py-2 px-3 border-solid\">\n<ul class=\"m-0!\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Facebook<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>X<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Pinterest<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Email<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-share-this-article\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nShare this article\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\"><span class=\"ml-1 inline-flex h-5 px-2 shrink-0 items-center justify-center self-center overflow-hidden whitespace-nowrap rounded-[10px] bg-primary-500 text-[11px] leading-none font-ui-heading font-semibold text-white\">3<\/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-88fef906-8848-11f1-bbaa-3f7ff7a40168\">It&#8217;s almost done. Tadej Poga\u010dar (UAE Emirates-XRG) crossed the line of the final mountain stage, celebrating not just his nearly-achieved fifth, record-equalling, overall victory, but also his successful support of teammate Isaac del Toro to finish third in Paris.<\/p>\n<p>Poga\u010dar had already promised after Friday&#8217;s victory that the second ascent to Alpe d&#8217;Huez on stage 20 would be about helping the Mexican on the last, ultra-hard, trek through the Alps, and he more than kept his word.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-88fef906-8848-11f1-bbaa-3f7ff7a40168-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Despite having the yellow jersey on his back, Poga\u010dar first began working for Del Toro on the Galibier, reducing the lead favourites group to just the top five riders on GC \u2013 himself, Del Toro, Remco Evenepoel (Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe), Paul Seixas (Decathlon CMA CGM) and Lenny Martinez (Bahrain Victorious).<\/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\">That work on the front of the small GC group continued on the last major ascent of the 2026 Tour, the Hors Categorie Col de Sarenne, to the point where Seixas, the key rival for the podium, was dropped and then widened the gap by the summit.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">However, Del Toro was nearly cracking and on the last, brutally steep but short climb to Alpe d&#8217;Huez, with the yellow jersey a near-certainty, Poga\u010dar even let second-placed Evenepoel move away.<\/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\/DXdubQjs8RYd2sLnJy7cr3-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DXdubQjs8RYd2sLnJy7cr3-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Tour de France GC standings \u2013 Race leader Tadej Poga\u010dar all but confirms fifth title with one stage remaining<\/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\/Toe9RzeMqjgbDqtagCHTWC-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Toe9RzeMqjgbDqtagCHTWC-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;It&#8217;s a Tadej Poga\u010dar masterpiece&#8217; &#8211; Defending Tour de France champion gives a gift of a lifetime to teammate Isaac del Toro<\/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\/HPKvgcuJjpsfEZbTivxfGY-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HPKvgcuJjpsfEZbTivxfGY-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;Not easy to finish on the podium being ill&#8217; &#8211; Isaac del Toro set to bring home third place in Tour de France and clear youth classification victory despite last-week struggles<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The &#8216;Bull&#8217; gesture that both he and Del Toro made when the UAE duo crossed the line made it clear that if Sunday will be all about Poga\u010dar&#8217;s fifth Tour win, Saturday was all about his teammates.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It&#8217;s hard to explain how much this means to me that he&#8217;s on the podium too; to do that is something unimaginable,&#8221; Poga\u010dar said afterwards. &#8220;We can be really proud of what all the guys did; I&#8217;m so happy for him.&#8221;<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-qConHkeXxzPYAfeFqNsQPS\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-qConHkeXxzPYAfeFqNsQPS slice-container-newsletterForm\">\n<div data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"newsletter-form__wrapper newsletter-form__wrapper--inbodyContent\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__container\">\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__top-bar\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__header\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__main-section\">\n<p class=\"newsletter-form__strapline\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<footer class=\"newsletter-form__footer \">By submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.<\/footer>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I always appreciated my teammates&#8217; work; I praise them and how much they work for me, how much they put on the line and for the last three weeks, they&#8217;ve worked their asses off every day.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Today when Juan [Ayuso \u2013 Lidl-Trek] was in front, I was really afraid he could have found his really good legs and we&#8217;d maybe lose the jersey,&#8221; Poga\u010dar explained, saying that he feared the Spanish challenger for the best young rider classification might have been able to finally turn things around after a few bad days with a late break for glory.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;So I committed for Isaac and I realised again how important my teammates are. I have massive respect for them and how much they do for this goal.<\/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\/EDcwezZSWFbpLXRgbTXV9f-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EDcwezZSWFbpLXRgbTXV9f-150-80.png.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;I just want to be as happy as him on the bike&#8217; \u2013 Ominous signs for Tadej Poga\u010dar&#8217;s rivals as Tour de France lieutenant Isaac del Toro takes another step<\/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\/mDyXvuccsCvvuuSSuwXtne-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mDyXvuccsCvvuuSSuwXtne-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Tour de France: Tadej Poga\u010dar flies to victory atop l&#8217;Alpe d&#8217;Huez on stage 19<\/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\/S2mGx58FnQsZuip3eugE3Q-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/S2mGx58FnQsZuip3eugE3Q-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;We&#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><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;The cycling world doesn&#8217;t realise how important the team is and how hard it is for team to be riding for the yellow jersey and the white jersey.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Today I saw again how they are better than most champions, the way they give everything to the team. I cannot explain how grateful I am.&#8221;<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-88fefa32-8848-11f1-a9bb-2359a2fdaa19\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DXdubQjs8RYd2sLnJy7cr3-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DXdubQjs8RYd2sLnJy7cr3-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DXdubQjs8RYd2sLnJy7cr3-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DXdubQjs8RYd2sLnJy7cr3-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DXdubQjs8RYd2sLnJy7cr3-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DXdubQjs8RYd2sLnJy7cr3-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-88fefab4-8848-11f1-bb19-c1c84b12b234\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">In the case of Del Toro, part of UAE since 2024, Poga\u010dar said they had clicked ever since he joined the team. Four years younger than the Slovenian, it is clear that he has taken Del Toro under his wing, be it good-humouredly reprimanding him from going too fast on stage 6 on the Tourmalet, or simply messaging him to go on the attack, as he did back in the 2025 Giro d&#8217;Italia&#8217;s stage across the sterrato.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;He&#8217;s always been there for me 100%, he could have gone for his own chance in Strade&#8221; \u2013 won by Pogacar but with Del Toro in third behind Seixas \u2013 &#8220;or he could have gone to the Giro or Vuelta,&#8221; Poga\u010dar said.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;But he&#8217;s here in the Tour, he committed to the biggest goal, to winning yellow. And today he&#8217;s got the white jersey and the podium, so I&#8217;m super happy for him.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Poga\u010dar was still offering Del Toro advice right up to the line on stage 20 of the Tour, as he explained when one journalist asked him what he had said to the Mexican in the closing metres.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I said to him \u2013 &#8216;don&#8217;t forget to pedal&#8217; \u2013 because the last 200 metres were quite steep, we still have to get to the finish line,&#8221; Pogacar explained.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;But I say now, even if we didn&#8217;t win the stage, team spirit won today.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">With Alpe d&#8217;Huez behind the race and just one day&#8217;s largely ceremonial racing remaining, Poga\u010dar is on the point of celebrating his own date with history, becoming just the fifth rider to win five Tours. And he does so with a current advantage of 6:30, 2:06 more than his already remarkable overall gap of 4:24 last year on GC runner-up Jonas Vingegaard and 13 seconds more than his 6:17 lead over the same rider in 2024.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">However, the Slovenian put down the widening of the gap on his rivals down to experience and &#8220;dealing with things differently&#8221; rather than an improvement in condition.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I must say this year I didn&#8217;t feel I was getting much stronger since 2024,&#8221; he said. &#8220;The numbers are there, but I&#8217;ve got more experience; small things are still improving<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Maybe the numbers are the same, but details count. My mood and emotions, that&#8217;s where I&#8217;m improving a lot. That&#8217;s why I ride good this year.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">However, as he pointed out, the race is not over until the Tour crosses the final finish line on Sunday evening, and that was yet to happen in 2026.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Let&#8217;s wait until Paris and then we can celebrate; we&#8217;ve still got 90 kilometres [on stage 21] to go,&#8221; he concluded. &#8220;I&#8217;m impatient to get there.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-88fefb36-8848-11f1-b0df-838000602183\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><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><u><strong>Find out more.<\/strong><\/u><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/teams-riders\/im-impatient-to-get-there-tadej-pogacar-closes-in-on-fifth-overall-victory-in-tour-de-france-after-successful-yellow-jersey-defence-on-alpe-dhuez\/&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vFGTaJbgArQr7oLH69yXjn-2560-80.jpg&#8221;] 1 Tour de France GC standings \u2013 Race leader Tadej Poga\u010dar all but confirms fifth title with one stage remaining 2 &#8216;There was a misunderstanding, but Remco was better&#8217; \u2013 Tadej Poga\u010dar\u00a0suffers a rare defeat as he turns domestique at Tour de France 3 As it happened: Late crash drama and GC [&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-2062187","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\/2062187","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=2062187"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2062187\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2062187"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=2062187"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=2062187"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}