{"id":2065434,"date":"2026-07-27T13:52:57","date_gmt":"2026-07-27T10:52:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2065434"},"modified":"2026-07-27T13:52:57","modified_gmt":"2026-07-27T10:52:57","slug":"sepp-kuss-hoping-to-ride-vuelta-a-espana-for-grand-tour-treble-after-crazy-fast-but-enjoyable-tour-de-france","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2065434","title":{"rendered":"Sepp Kuss hoping to ride Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a for Grand Tour treble after &#8216;crazy fast&#8217; but &#8216;enjoyable&#8217; Tour de France"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iLTEfzvJViu9P8R9b485wH-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\/RkQ3caWJuvJd7TgKNKdKKn-160-80.jpg.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RkQ3caWJuvJd7TgKNKdKKn-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                                    Sepp Kuss hit with big fine, time loss and points deduction for littering 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 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\/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\">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                                    Tour de France: Richard Carapaz wins breakaway epic on brutal stage 20 to Alpe d&#8217;Huez after late disaster by Sepp Kuss\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\/hwq4f3gy8aQDoDq83JVD5U-160-80.jpg.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hwq4f3gy8aQDoDq83JVD5U-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                                    Eight conclusions from the Tour de France \u2013 A new Poga\u010dar, Evenepoel&#8217;s next challenge and questions over racing in July\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>\nVisma-Lease a Bike\n<\/li>\n<li>\nSepp Kuss\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>Sepp Kuss hoping to ride Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a for Grand Tour treble after &#8216;crazy fast&#8217; but &#8216;enjoyable&#8217; Tour de France<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"vds-byline-block flex flex-row flex-nowrap my-1.5 gap-2 text-left items-start justify-start\" data-component-name=\"Article:BylineBlock\">\n<p>News<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-auto vds-simple-byline\"><span class=\"inline-block vds-author\"><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nPatrick Fletcher <\/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=\"2026-07-27T13:52:57Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n27 July 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Former Vuelta winner feeling motivated into the final part of the season<\/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\/iLTEfzvJViu9P8R9b485wH-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iLTEfzvJViu9P8R9b485wH-1600-80.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iLTEfzvJViu9P8R9b485wH-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iLTEfzvJViu9P8R9b485wH-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iLTEfzvJViu9P8R9b485wH-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iLTEfzvJViu9P8R9b485wH-750-80.jpg.webp 750w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iLTEfzvJViu9P8R9b485wH-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iLTEfzvJViu9P8R9b485wH-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iLTEfzvJViu9P8R9b485wH-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 600px, 100vw\" \/><figcaption class=\"font-article-copy text-(--image--text--color) font-article-copy mt-2\"><span class=\"caption-text font-article-copy\">Sepp Kuss could race all three Grand Tours this year<\/span><span class=\"credit font-article-copy\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\"text-copy bodyCopy auto paywall-locker\">\n<div data-analytics-id=\"utility-bar\" id=\"utility-bar\" class=\"font-ui-heading flex justify-between items-center py-2 border-t border-b border-gray-300 border-solid mb-5 mx-auto\" data-component-name=\"UtilityBar\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"utility-bar\">\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div data-component-name=\"Social:Dropdown\" role=\"menu\" id=\"utilitybar__dropdown--share\" aria-labelledby=\"utilitybar__button--share\" class=\"absolute left-0 top-full w-44 bg-white rounded-md shadow-md border border-neutral-200 z-[9996] list-none m-0 py-2 px-3 border-solid\">\n<ul class=\"m-0!\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Facebook<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>X<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Pinterest<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Email<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-share-this-article\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nShare this article\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\"><span class=\"ml-1 inline-flex h-5 px-2 shrink-0 items-center justify-center self-center overflow-hidden whitespace-nowrap rounded-[10px] bg-primary-500 text-[11px] leading-none font-ui-heading font-semibold text-white\">5<\/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-71b188ce-89c2-11f1-897e-35803903d031\">As he paused on the Champs-\u00c9lys\u00e9es after finishing his sixth Tour de France and spent some time with the media, Sepp Kuss was repeatedly reminded of the previous afternoon. Time stretches out on the Tour and it seemed like a long while ago, but just over 24 hours previously he had spurned a glorious shot at a stage victory atop Alpe d&#8217;Huez.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;The more I think about it, the more regrets I have,&#8221; the Durango climber said of his double crash while leading the race inside the final 10km.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-71b188ce-89c2-11f1-897e-35803903d031-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">But that still doesn&#8217;t add up to many regrets at all. Just as he had maturely dismissed any notion of crushing disappointment or embarrassment atop Alpe d&#8217;Huez, Kuss was in Paris with his sense of perspective still operating at 20\/20.<\/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\">&#8220;The nice moments in cycling, the victories, they are pretty fleeting, you know, they pass by really fast. What sticks with me most is the process of getting ready for those big moments, the emotions I feel in the stage, the good feelings I feel in the stage. That&#8217;s what I have to remember the most, more than the victories or almost victories.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">In that respect, Kuss, despite not being on the team of the overall winner, and despite not winning a stage himself, had one of his best ever Tours.<\/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\/kpF9gUmfdABZ7kmmC5wUpb-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kpF9gUmfdABZ7kmmC5wUpb-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\">Sepp Kuss still aiming for Tour de France stage win on Alpe d&#8217;Huez after being denied by Tadej Poga\u010dar on stage 19<\/span><\/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\/9uQB9FsYsCEi82mDvxe9dc-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9uQB9FsYsCEi82mDvxe9dc-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;Just go for it and don&#8217;t look back&#8217; &#8211; Sepp Kuss completes trio of Grand Tour stage victories on Giro d&#8217;Italia queen stage<\/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\/eTQjkLjPCqgWCDiJaAdE4R-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eTQjkLjPCqgWCDiJaAdE4R-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\">Sepp Kuss misses out on stage victory after crashing twice on descent while leading into stage 20 finale at Tour de France<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;For me this was one of the more enjoyable Tours. Sometimes I have it where I&#8217;m like &#8216;I don&#8217;t like the Tour de France&#8217;, because it&#8217;s so unforgiving, so fast, the stakes are so high, that if you&#8217;re just missing a few percentage points, it&#8217;s hard to enjoy, to be honest.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;But this year I felt really good, really solid, and I enjoyed it more.&#8221;<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-KTAVKnL3CLW4ebH4c8V8FN\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-KTAVKnL3CLW4ebH4c8V8FN 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\">Kuss echoed the general sentiment that this was one of the hardest races he has ever done, with the heat combining with frenetic racing to break yet more records in this ever-quickening modern generation of professional cycling.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;For me it was one of the toughest,&#8221; said the 31-year-old. &#8220;The course itself was maybe not the hardest, but the way we raced every stage made it really tough, also with the heat in the first half of he race, but he level is so high in the peloton now that everyone wants to win a stage and every stage then becomes crazy fast.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It&#8217;s always hard to keep up with the speed that everyone is going at now, but I just enjoy it so much and I think that helps me get the best out of myself.&#8221;<\/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\/HTpJWy8LFpowMBpT5tsHYn-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HTpJWy8LFpowMBpT5tsHYn-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;The focus is already switched&#8217; &#8211; Visma-Lease a Bike regroup following the crash-out of Tour de France leader Jonas Vingegaard<\/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\/qocAmsgccJyuTn9aBziFfV-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qocAmsgccJyuTn9aBziFfV-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: Richard Carapaz wins breakaway epic on brutal stage 20 to Alpe d&#8217;Huez after late disaster by Sepp Kuss<\/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\/2AdWPUxTmCmjTXN464g8JN-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2AdWPUxTmCmjTXN464g8JN-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;You have to be humble in the Giro&#8217; &#8211; Sepp Kuss not taking &#8216;plan B&#8217; role for Jonas Vingegaard in Giro d&#8217;Italia<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Kuss believes the Giro d&#8217;Italia put him in good shape for this Tour. Ironically, he says he felt much better in this Tour compared to the Giro, which on the face of it was more of a success as he guided Jonas Vingegaard to overall victory before winning a stage for himself.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Sometimes I need a big race in the legs to feel at my best,&#8221; he added.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">With two Grand Tours in the legs already this season, could Kuss be about to add a third? The Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a starts on August 22 and, with Visma lacking a clear leader, we could even see &#8216;GC Kuss&#8217; back in action.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I hope so,&#8221; he said when asked directly about riding the Vuelta. &#8220;We&#8217;ll see how the body recovers after this one, but why not?&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Sepp Kuss has only once before ridden all three Grand Tours in the same season. That was 2023, and how did it end? On the top step of the Vuelta podium.<\/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>North American<\/p>\n<p>Road<\/p>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-KTAVKnL3CLW4ebH4c8V8FN\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-KTAVKnL3CLW4ebH4c8V8FN 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\/2QoJgeVtEMbCKNujw2pLoH-140-80.jpg.webp 140w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2QoJgeVtEMbCKNujw2pLoH.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2QoJgeVtEMbCKNujw2pLoH.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2QoJgeVtEMbCKNujw2pLoH.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\">Patrick Fletcher<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__role\">Deputy Editor<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>Patrick is an NCTJ-accredited journalist with a bachelor\u2019s degree in modern languages (French and Spanish) and a decade\u2019s experience in digital sports media, largely within the world of cycling. He re-joined Cyclingnews as Deputy Editor in February 2026, having previously spent eight years on staff between 2015 and 2023. In between, he was Deputy Editor at GCN and spent 18 months working across the sports portfolio at Future before returning to the cycling press pack. Patrick works across Cyclingnews\u2019 wide-ranging output, assisting the Editor in global content strategy, with a particular focus on shaping CN&#8217;s news operation.<\/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\/kpF9gUmfdABZ7kmmC5wUpb-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kpF9gUmfdABZ7kmmC5wUpb-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kpF9gUmfdABZ7kmmC5wUpb-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kpF9gUmfdABZ7kmmC5wUpb-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kpF9gUmfdABZ7kmmC5wUpb-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Sepp Kuss still aiming for Tour de France stage win on Alpe d&#8217;Huez after being denied by Tadej Poga\u010dar on stage 19<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9uQB9FsYsCEi82mDvxe9dc-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9uQB9FsYsCEi82mDvxe9dc-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9uQB9FsYsCEi82mDvxe9dc-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9uQB9FsYsCEi82mDvxe9dc-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9uQB9FsYsCEi82mDvxe9dc-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;Just go for it and don&#8217;t look back&#8217; &#8211; Sepp Kuss completes trio of Grand Tour stage victories on Giro d&#8217;Italia queen stage<\/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\/eTQjkLjPCqgWCDiJaAdE4R-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eTQjkLjPCqgWCDiJaAdE4R-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eTQjkLjPCqgWCDiJaAdE4R-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eTQjkLjPCqgWCDiJaAdE4R-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eTQjkLjPCqgWCDiJaAdE4R-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 misses out on stage victory after crashing twice on descent while leading into stage 20 finale 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\/HTpJWy8LFpowMBpT5tsHYn-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HTpJWy8LFpowMBpT5tsHYn-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HTpJWy8LFpowMBpT5tsHYn-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HTpJWy8LFpowMBpT5tsHYn-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HTpJWy8LFpowMBpT5tsHYn-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;The focus is already switched&#8217; &#8211; Visma-Lease a Bike regroup following the crash-out of Tour de France leader Jonas Vingegaard<\/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\/qocAmsgccJyuTn9aBziFfV-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qocAmsgccJyuTn9aBziFfV-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qocAmsgccJyuTn9aBziFfV-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qocAmsgccJyuTn9aBziFfV-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qocAmsgccJyuTn9aBziFfV-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: Richard Carapaz wins breakaway epic on brutal stage 20 to Alpe d&#8217;Huez after late disaster by Sepp Kuss<\/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\/2AdWPUxTmCmjTXN464g8JN-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2AdWPUxTmCmjTXN464g8JN-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2AdWPUxTmCmjTXN464g8JN-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2AdWPUxTmCmjTXN464g8JN-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2AdWPUxTmCmjTXN464g8JN-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;You have to be humble in the Giro&#8217; &#8211; Sepp Kuss not taking &#8216;plan B&#8217; role for Jonas Vingegaard in Giro d&#8217;Italia<\/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\/XbKLrGYSPE2FCzMYbQtSVP-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XbKLrGYSPE2FCzMYbQtSVP-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XbKLrGYSPE2FCzMYbQtSVP-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XbKLrGYSPE2FCzMYbQtSVP-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XbKLrGYSPE2FCzMYbQtSVP-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&#8217;ll stay focused until Saturday&#8217; \u2013 Remco Evenepoel&#8217;s 24 hours of Tour de France celebrations end with a criterium win and a night at home<\/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\/LZbxQRLVyt6Rt5ZWmPkNeH-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LZbxQRLVyt6Rt5ZWmPkNeH-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LZbxQRLVyt6Rt5ZWmPkNeH-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LZbxQRLVyt6Rt5ZWmPkNeH-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LZbxQRLVyt6Rt5ZWmPkNeH-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\">What next for Paul Seixas? Two weeks of rest, more training and racing, and the long-term picture post-Tour de France debut<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div 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\/5uMbabmoskBj3SV9sCnCH6-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5uMbabmoskBj3SV9sCnCH6-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5uMbabmoskBj3SV9sCnCH6-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5uMbabmoskBj3SV9sCnCH6-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5uMbabmoskBj3SV9sCnCH6-320-80.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\">Rating every Tour de France team&#8217;s performance \u2013 The good, the great and the downright disappointing<\/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\/aPFbSXnHt45YcDmgLzFCaM-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aPFbSXnHt45YcDmgLzFCaM-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aPFbSXnHt45YcDmgLzFCaM-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aPFbSXnHt45YcDmgLzFCaM-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aPFbSXnHt45YcDmgLzFCaM-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;Even the biggest champions don&#8217;t last forever&#8217; \u2013 Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe prepare Remco Evenepoel for Tour de France victory challenge when Poga\u010dar begins to struggle<\/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\/TcC3FJV5k6R3LB6Y7UnvkK-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TcC3FJV5k6R3LB6Y7UnvkK-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TcC3FJV5k6R3LB6Y7UnvkK-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TcC3FJV5k6R3LB6Y7UnvkK-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TcC3FJV5k6R3LB6Y7UnvkK-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;A year I was thinking about this&#8217; \u2013 Mathieu van der Poel moves from pneumonia-spoiled run to Tour de France Paris stage dream<\/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\/NgHtE9nHTzeHRxDKwjnEE8-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NgHtE9nHTzeHRxDKwjnEE8-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NgHtE9nHTzeHRxDKwjnEE8-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NgHtE9nHTzeHRxDKwjnEE8-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NgHtE9nHTzeHRxDKwjnEE8-320-80.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\">\u2018I\u2019m not thinking about any history, clubbing, or whatever&#8217; &#8211; Tour de France winner Tadej Poga\u010dar has his name in lights but keeps his feet on the ground<\/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\/XbKLrGYSPE2FCzMYbQtSVP-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XbKLrGYSPE2FCzMYbQtSVP-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XbKLrGYSPE2FCzMYbQtSVP-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XbKLrGYSPE2FCzMYbQtSVP-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XbKLrGYSPE2FCzMYbQtSVP-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&#8217;ll stay focused until Saturday&#8217; \u2013 Remco Evenepoel&#8217;s 24 hours of Tour de France celebrations end with a criterium win and a night at home<\/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\/LZbxQRLVyt6Rt5ZWmPkNeH-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LZbxQRLVyt6Rt5ZWmPkNeH-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LZbxQRLVyt6Rt5ZWmPkNeH-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LZbxQRLVyt6Rt5ZWmPkNeH-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LZbxQRLVyt6Rt5ZWmPkNeH-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\">What next for Paul Seixas? Two weeks of rest, more training and racing, and the long-term picture post-Tour de France debut<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div 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\/pMM4KNDeR3gXoihPHY2iL4-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pMM4KNDeR3gXoihPHY2iL4-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pMM4KNDeR3gXoihPHY2iL4-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pMM4KNDeR3gXoihPHY2iL4-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pMM4KNDeR3gXoihPHY2iL4-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Canyon-SRAM reveal colourful kit for Tour de France Femmes backing ambitious new &#8216;We Femmes&#8217; campaign<\/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\/PqHT6tAEcmKoD5jmV4kymX-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PqHT6tAEcmKoD5jmV4kymX-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PqHT6tAEcmKoD5jmV4kymX-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PqHT6tAEcmKoD5jmV4kymX-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PqHT6tAEcmKoD5jmV4kymX-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 was a tough race&#8217; &#8211; Netcompany Ineos kick-off Tour de France review after failing to win a stage<\/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\/AKPYwTXys5nHGBTjMjRD6H-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AKPYwTXys5nHGBTjMjRD6H-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AKPYwTXys5nHGBTjMjRD6H-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AKPYwTXys5nHGBTjMjRD6H-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AKPYwTXys5nHGBTjMjRD6H-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;My first big hit out against every single big rider&#8217; \u2013 Zoe B\u00e4ckstedt relishes star-studded time trial test at debut Tour de France Femmes<\/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\/4zKMy9RWdACwW2D5a6kSK9-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4zKMy9RWdACwW2D5a6kSK9-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4zKMy9RWdACwW2D5a6kSK9-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4zKMy9RWdACwW2D5a6kSK9-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4zKMy9RWdACwW2D5a6kSK9-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Australian national champion Mackenzie Coupland debuts in varied Liv AlUla Jayco line-up for Tour de France Femmes<\/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\/T8FnfhuQeMdMCotfxPmKW9-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/T8FnfhuQeMdMCotfxPmKW9-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/T8FnfhuQeMdMCotfxPmKW9-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/T8FnfhuQeMdMCotfxPmKW9-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"99vw\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">1<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>&#8216;I never imagined it would happen&#8217; 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Two 2025 winners relive their victories<\/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>What next for Paul Seixas? Two weeks of rest, more training and racing, and the long-term picture post-Tour de France debut<\/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>Canyon-SRAM reveal colourful kit for Tour de France Femmes backing ambitious new &#8216;We Femmes&#8217; campaign<\/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>Battle of the brands: Which sponsors came out on top at the 2026 Tour de France?<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">5<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>Tadej Poga\u010dar has proven he&#8217;s the best of all time, I don&#8217;t see anyone challenging him for another two years \u2013 Sean Kelly&#8217;s Tour column<\/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>\nVisma-Lease a Bike\n<\/li>\n<li>\nSepp Kuss\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>Sepp Kuss hoping to ride Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a for Grand Tour treble after &#8216;crazy fast&#8217; but &#8216;enjoyable&#8217; Tour de France<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"vds-byline-block flex flex-row flex-nowrap my-1.5 gap-2 text-left items-start justify-start\" data-component-name=\"Article:BylineBlock\">\n<p>News<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-auto vds-simple-byline\"><span class=\"inline-block vds-author\"><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nPatrick Fletcher <\/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=\"2026-07-27T13:52:57Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n27 July 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Former Vuelta winner feeling motivated into the final part of the season<\/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\/iLTEfzvJViu9P8R9b485wH-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iLTEfzvJViu9P8R9b485wH-1600-80.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iLTEfzvJViu9P8R9b485wH-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iLTEfzvJViu9P8R9b485wH-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iLTEfzvJViu9P8R9b485wH-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iLTEfzvJViu9P8R9b485wH-750-80.jpg.webp 750w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iLTEfzvJViu9P8R9b485wH-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iLTEfzvJViu9P8R9b485wH-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iLTEfzvJViu9P8R9b485wH-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 600px, 100vw\" \/><figcaption class=\"font-article-copy text-(--image--text--color) font-article-copy mt-2\"><span class=\"caption-text font-article-copy\">Sepp Kuss could race all three Grand Tours this year<\/span><span class=\"credit font-article-copy\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\"text-copy bodyCopy auto paywall-locker\">\n<div data-analytics-id=\"utility-bar\" id=\"utility-bar\" class=\"font-ui-heading flex justify-between items-center py-2 border-t border-b border-gray-300 border-solid mb-5 mx-auto\" data-component-name=\"UtilityBar\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"utility-bar\">\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div data-component-name=\"Social:Dropdown\" role=\"menu\" id=\"utilitybar__dropdown--share\" aria-labelledby=\"utilitybar__button--share\" class=\"absolute left-0 top-full w-44 bg-white rounded-md shadow-md border border-neutral-200 z-[9996] list-none m-0 py-2 px-3 border-solid\">\n<ul class=\"m-0!\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Facebook<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>X<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Pinterest<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Email<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-share-this-article\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nShare this article\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\"><span class=\"ml-1 inline-flex h-5 px-2 shrink-0 items-center justify-center self-center overflow-hidden whitespace-nowrap rounded-[10px] bg-primary-500 text-[11px] leading-none font-ui-heading font-semibold text-white\">5<\/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-71b188ce-89c2-11f1-897e-35803903d031\">As he paused on the Champs-\u00c9lys\u00e9es after finishing his sixth Tour de France and spent some time with the media, Sepp Kuss was repeatedly reminded of the previous afternoon. Time stretches out on the Tour and it seemed like a long while ago, but just over 24 hours previously he had spurned a glorious shot at a stage victory atop Alpe d&#8217;Huez.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;The more I think about it, the more regrets I have,&#8221; the Durango climber said of his double crash while leading the race inside the final 10km.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-71b188ce-89c2-11f1-897e-35803903d031-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">But that still doesn&#8217;t add up to many regrets at all. Just as he had maturely dismissed any notion of crushing disappointment or embarrassment atop Alpe d&#8217;Huez, Kuss was in Paris with his sense of perspective still operating at 20\/20.<\/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\">&#8220;The nice moments in cycling, the victories, they are pretty fleeting, you know, they pass by really fast. What sticks with me most is the process of getting ready for those big moments, the emotions I feel in the stage, the good feelings I feel in the stage. That&#8217;s what I have to remember the most, more than the victories or almost victories.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">In that respect, Kuss, despite not being on the team of the overall winner, and despite not winning a stage himself, had one of his best ever Tours.<\/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\/kpF9gUmfdABZ7kmmC5wUpb-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kpF9gUmfdABZ7kmmC5wUpb-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\">Sepp Kuss still aiming for Tour de France stage win on Alpe d&#8217;Huez after being denied by Tadej Poga\u010dar on stage 19<\/span><\/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\/9uQB9FsYsCEi82mDvxe9dc-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9uQB9FsYsCEi82mDvxe9dc-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;Just go for it and don&#8217;t look back&#8217; &#8211; Sepp Kuss completes trio of Grand Tour stage victories on Giro d&#8217;Italia queen stage<\/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\/eTQjkLjPCqgWCDiJaAdE4R-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eTQjkLjPCqgWCDiJaAdE4R-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\">Sepp Kuss misses out on stage victory after crashing twice on descent while leading into stage 20 finale at Tour de France<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;For me this was one of the more enjoyable Tours. Sometimes I have it where I&#8217;m like &#8216;I don&#8217;t like the Tour de France&#8217;, because it&#8217;s so unforgiving, so fast, the stakes are so high, that if you&#8217;re just missing a few percentage points, it&#8217;s hard to enjoy, to be honest.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;But this year I felt really good, really solid, and I enjoyed it more.&#8221;<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-KTAVKnL3CLW4ebH4c8V8FN\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-KTAVKnL3CLW4ebH4c8V8FN 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\">Kuss echoed the general sentiment that this was one of the hardest races he has ever done, with the heat combining with frenetic racing to break yet more records in this ever-quickening modern generation of professional cycling.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;For me it was one of the toughest,&#8221; said the 31-year-old. &#8220;The course itself was maybe not the hardest, but the way we raced every stage made it really tough, also with the heat in the first half of he race, but he level is so high in the peloton now that everyone wants to win a stage and every stage then becomes crazy fast.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It&#8217;s always hard to keep up with the speed that everyone is going at now, but I just enjoy it so much and I think that helps me get the best out of myself.&#8221;<\/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\/HTpJWy8LFpowMBpT5tsHYn-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HTpJWy8LFpowMBpT5tsHYn-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;The focus is already switched&#8217; &#8211; Visma-Lease a Bike regroup following the crash-out of Tour de France leader Jonas Vingegaard<\/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\/qocAmsgccJyuTn9aBziFfV-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qocAmsgccJyuTn9aBziFfV-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: Richard Carapaz wins breakaway epic on brutal stage 20 to Alpe d&#8217;Huez after late disaster by Sepp Kuss<\/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\/2AdWPUxTmCmjTXN464g8JN-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2AdWPUxTmCmjTXN464g8JN-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;You have to be humble in the Giro&#8217; &#8211; Sepp Kuss not taking &#8216;plan B&#8217; role for Jonas Vingegaard in Giro d&#8217;Italia<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Kuss believes the Giro d&#8217;Italia put him in good shape for this Tour. Ironically, he says he felt much better in this Tour compared to the Giro, which on the face of it was more of a success as he guided Jonas Vingegaard to overall victory before winning a stage for himself.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Sometimes I need a big race in the legs to feel at my best,&#8221; he added.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">With two Grand Tours in the legs already this season, could Kuss be about to add a third? The Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a starts on August 22 and, with Visma lacking a clear leader, we could even see &#8216;GC Kuss&#8217; back in action.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I hope so,&#8221; he said when asked directly about riding the Vuelta. &#8220;We&#8217;ll see how the body recovers after this one, but why not?&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Sepp Kuss has only once before ridden all three Grand Tours in the same season. That was 2023, and how did it end? On the top step of the Vuelta podium.<\/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>North American<\/p>\n<p>Road<\/p>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-KTAVKnL3CLW4ebH4c8V8FN\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-KTAVKnL3CLW4ebH4c8V8FN 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\/2QoJgeVtEMbCKNujw2pLoH-140-80.jpg.webp 140w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2QoJgeVtEMbCKNujw2pLoH.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2QoJgeVtEMbCKNujw2pLoH.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2QoJgeVtEMbCKNujw2pLoH.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\">Patrick Fletcher<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__role\">Deputy Editor<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>Patrick is an NCTJ-accredited journalist with a bachelor\u2019s degree in modern languages (French and Spanish) and a decade\u2019s experience in digital sports media, largely within the world of cycling. He re-joined Cyclingnews as Deputy Editor in February 2026, having previously spent eight years on staff between 2015 and 2023. In between, he was Deputy Editor at GCN and spent 18 months working across the sports portfolio at Future before returning to the cycling press pack. Patrick works across Cyclingnews\u2019 wide-ranging output, assisting the Editor in global content strategy, with a particular focus on shaping CN&#8217;s news operation.<\/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\/kpF9gUmfdABZ7kmmC5wUpb-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kpF9gUmfdABZ7kmmC5wUpb-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kpF9gUmfdABZ7kmmC5wUpb-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kpF9gUmfdABZ7kmmC5wUpb-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kpF9gUmfdABZ7kmmC5wUpb-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Sepp Kuss still aiming for Tour de France stage win on Alpe d&#8217;Huez after being denied by Tadej Poga\u010dar on stage 19<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9uQB9FsYsCEi82mDvxe9dc-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9uQB9FsYsCEi82mDvxe9dc-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9uQB9FsYsCEi82mDvxe9dc-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9uQB9FsYsCEi82mDvxe9dc-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9uQB9FsYsCEi82mDvxe9dc-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;Just go for it and don&#8217;t look back&#8217; &#8211; Sepp Kuss completes trio of Grand Tour stage victories on Giro d&#8217;Italia queen stage<\/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\/eTQjkLjPCqgWCDiJaAdE4R-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eTQjkLjPCqgWCDiJaAdE4R-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eTQjkLjPCqgWCDiJaAdE4R-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eTQjkLjPCqgWCDiJaAdE4R-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eTQjkLjPCqgWCDiJaAdE4R-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 misses out on stage victory after crashing twice on descent while leading into stage 20 finale 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\/HTpJWy8LFpowMBpT5tsHYn-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HTpJWy8LFpowMBpT5tsHYn-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HTpJWy8LFpowMBpT5tsHYn-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HTpJWy8LFpowMBpT5tsHYn-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HTpJWy8LFpowMBpT5tsHYn-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;The focus is already switched&#8217; &#8211; Visma-Lease a Bike regroup following the crash-out of Tour de France leader Jonas Vingegaard<\/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\/qocAmsgccJyuTn9aBziFfV-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qocAmsgccJyuTn9aBziFfV-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qocAmsgccJyuTn9aBziFfV-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qocAmsgccJyuTn9aBziFfV-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qocAmsgccJyuTn9aBziFfV-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: Richard Carapaz wins breakaway epic on brutal stage 20 to Alpe d&#8217;Huez after late disaster by Sepp Kuss<\/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\/2AdWPUxTmCmjTXN464g8JN-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2AdWPUxTmCmjTXN464g8JN-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2AdWPUxTmCmjTXN464g8JN-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2AdWPUxTmCmjTXN464g8JN-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2AdWPUxTmCmjTXN464g8JN-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;You have to be humble in the Giro&#8217; &#8211; Sepp Kuss not taking &#8216;plan B&#8217; role for Jonas Vingegaard in Giro d&#8217;Italia<\/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\/XbKLrGYSPE2FCzMYbQtSVP-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XbKLrGYSPE2FCzMYbQtSVP-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XbKLrGYSPE2FCzMYbQtSVP-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XbKLrGYSPE2FCzMYbQtSVP-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XbKLrGYSPE2FCzMYbQtSVP-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&#8217;ll stay focused until Saturday&#8217; \u2013 Remco Evenepoel&#8217;s 24 hours of Tour de France celebrations end with a criterium win and a night at home<\/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\/LZbxQRLVyt6Rt5ZWmPkNeH-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LZbxQRLVyt6Rt5ZWmPkNeH-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LZbxQRLVyt6Rt5ZWmPkNeH-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LZbxQRLVyt6Rt5ZWmPkNeH-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LZbxQRLVyt6Rt5ZWmPkNeH-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\">What next for Paul Seixas? Two weeks of rest, more training and racing, and the long-term picture post-Tour de France debut<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div 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\/5uMbabmoskBj3SV9sCnCH6-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5uMbabmoskBj3SV9sCnCH6-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5uMbabmoskBj3SV9sCnCH6-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5uMbabmoskBj3SV9sCnCH6-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5uMbabmoskBj3SV9sCnCH6-320-80.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\">Rating every Tour de France team&#8217;s performance \u2013 The good, the great and the downright disappointing<\/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\/aPFbSXnHt45YcDmgLzFCaM-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aPFbSXnHt45YcDmgLzFCaM-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aPFbSXnHt45YcDmgLzFCaM-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aPFbSXnHt45YcDmgLzFCaM-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aPFbSXnHt45YcDmgLzFCaM-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;Even the biggest champions don&#8217;t last forever&#8217; \u2013 Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe prepare Remco Evenepoel for Tour de France victory challenge when Poga\u010dar begins to struggle<\/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\/TcC3FJV5k6R3LB6Y7UnvkK-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TcC3FJV5k6R3LB6Y7UnvkK-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TcC3FJV5k6R3LB6Y7UnvkK-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TcC3FJV5k6R3LB6Y7UnvkK-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TcC3FJV5k6R3LB6Y7UnvkK-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;A year I was thinking about this&#8217; \u2013 Mathieu van der Poel moves from pneumonia-spoiled run to Tour de France Paris stage dream<\/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\/NgHtE9nHTzeHRxDKwjnEE8-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NgHtE9nHTzeHRxDKwjnEE8-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NgHtE9nHTzeHRxDKwjnEE8-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NgHtE9nHTzeHRxDKwjnEE8-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NgHtE9nHTzeHRxDKwjnEE8-320-80.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\">\u2018I\u2019m not thinking about any history, clubbing, or whatever&#8217; &#8211; Tour de France winner Tadej Poga\u010dar has his name in lights but keeps his feet on the ground<\/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\/XbKLrGYSPE2FCzMYbQtSVP-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XbKLrGYSPE2FCzMYbQtSVP-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XbKLrGYSPE2FCzMYbQtSVP-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XbKLrGYSPE2FCzMYbQtSVP-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XbKLrGYSPE2FCzMYbQtSVP-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&#8217;ll stay focused until Saturday&#8217; \u2013 Remco Evenepoel&#8217;s 24 hours of Tour de France celebrations end with a criterium win and a night at home<\/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\/LZbxQRLVyt6Rt5ZWmPkNeH-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LZbxQRLVyt6Rt5ZWmPkNeH-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LZbxQRLVyt6Rt5ZWmPkNeH-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LZbxQRLVyt6Rt5ZWmPkNeH-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LZbxQRLVyt6Rt5ZWmPkNeH-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\">What next for Paul Seixas? Two weeks of rest, more training and racing, and the long-term picture post-Tour de France debut<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div 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\/pMM4KNDeR3gXoihPHY2iL4-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pMM4KNDeR3gXoihPHY2iL4-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pMM4KNDeR3gXoihPHY2iL4-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pMM4KNDeR3gXoihPHY2iL4-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pMM4KNDeR3gXoihPHY2iL4-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Canyon-SRAM reveal colourful kit for Tour de France Femmes backing ambitious new &#8216;We Femmes&#8217; campaign<\/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\/PqHT6tAEcmKoD5jmV4kymX-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PqHT6tAEcmKoD5jmV4kymX-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PqHT6tAEcmKoD5jmV4kymX-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PqHT6tAEcmKoD5jmV4kymX-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PqHT6tAEcmKoD5jmV4kymX-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 was a tough race&#8217; &#8211; Netcompany Ineos kick-off Tour de France review after failing to win a stage<\/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\/AKPYwTXys5nHGBTjMjRD6H-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AKPYwTXys5nHGBTjMjRD6H-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AKPYwTXys5nHGBTjMjRD6H-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AKPYwTXys5nHGBTjMjRD6H-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AKPYwTXys5nHGBTjMjRD6H-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;My first big hit out against every single big rider&#8217; \u2013 Zoe B\u00e4ckstedt relishes star-studded time trial test at debut Tour de France Femmes<\/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\/4zKMy9RWdACwW2D5a6kSK9-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4zKMy9RWdACwW2D5a6kSK9-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4zKMy9RWdACwW2D5a6kSK9-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4zKMy9RWdACwW2D5a6kSK9-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4zKMy9RWdACwW2D5a6kSK9-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Australian national champion Mackenzie Coupland debuts in varied Liv AlUla Jayco line-up for Tour de France Femmes<\/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\/T8FnfhuQeMdMCotfxPmKW9-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/T8FnfhuQeMdMCotfxPmKW9-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/T8FnfhuQeMdMCotfxPmKW9-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/T8FnfhuQeMdMCotfxPmKW9-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"99vw\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">1<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>&#8216;I never imagined it would happen&#8217; 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Two 2025 winners relive their victories<\/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>What next for Paul Seixas? Two weeks of rest, more training and racing, and the long-term picture post-Tour de France debut<\/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>Canyon-SRAM reveal colourful kit for Tour de France Femmes backing ambitious new &#8216;We Femmes&#8217; campaign<\/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>Battle of the brands: Which sponsors came out on top at the 2026 Tour de France?<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">5<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>Tadej Poga\u010dar has proven he&#8217;s the best of all time, I don&#8217;t see anyone challenging him for another two years \u2013 Sean Kelly&#8217;s Tour column<\/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>\nVisma-Lease a Bike\n<\/li>\n<li>\nSepp Kuss\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>Sepp Kuss hoping to ride Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a for Grand Tour treble after &#8216;crazy fast&#8217; but &#8216;enjoyable&#8217; Tour de France<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"vds-byline-block flex flex-row flex-nowrap my-1.5 gap-2 text-left items-start justify-start\" data-component-name=\"Article:BylineBlock\">\n<p>News<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-auto vds-simple-byline\"><span class=\"inline-block vds-author\"><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nPatrick Fletcher <\/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=\"2026-07-27T13:52:57Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n27 July 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Former Vuelta winner feeling motivated into the final part of the season<\/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\">5<\/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-71b188ce-89c2-11f1-897e-35803903d031\">As he paused on the Champs-\u00c9lys\u00e9es after finishing his sixth Tour de France and spent some time with the media, Sepp Kuss was repeatedly reminded of the previous afternoon. Time stretches out on the Tour and it seemed like a long while ago, but just over 24 hours previously he had spurned a glorious shot at a stage victory atop Alpe d&#8217;Huez.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;The more I think about it, the more regrets I have,&#8221; the Durango climber said of his double crash while leading the race inside the final 10km.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-71b188ce-89c2-11f1-897e-35803903d031-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">But that still doesn&#8217;t add up to many regrets at all. Just as he had maturely dismissed any notion of crushing disappointment or embarrassment atop Alpe d&#8217;Huez, Kuss was in Paris with his sense of perspective still operating at 20\/20.<\/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\">&#8220;The nice moments in cycling, the victories, they are pretty fleeting, you know, they pass by really fast. What sticks with me most is the process of getting ready for those big moments, the emotions I feel in the stage, the good feelings I feel in the stage. That&#8217;s what I have to remember the most, more than the victories or almost victories.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">In that respect, Kuss, despite not being on the team of the overall winner, and despite not winning a stage himself, had one of his best ever Tours.<\/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\/kpF9gUmfdABZ7kmmC5wUpb-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kpF9gUmfdABZ7kmmC5wUpb-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\">Sepp Kuss still aiming for Tour de France stage win on Alpe d&#8217;Huez after being denied by Tadej Poga\u010dar on stage 19<\/span><\/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\/9uQB9FsYsCEi82mDvxe9dc-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9uQB9FsYsCEi82mDvxe9dc-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;Just go for it and don&#8217;t look back&#8217; &#8211; Sepp Kuss completes trio of Grand Tour stage victories on Giro d&#8217;Italia queen stage<\/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\/eTQjkLjPCqgWCDiJaAdE4R-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eTQjkLjPCqgWCDiJaAdE4R-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\">Sepp Kuss misses out on stage victory after crashing twice on descent while leading into stage 20 finale at Tour de France<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;For me this was one of the more enjoyable Tours. Sometimes I have it where I&#8217;m like &#8216;I don&#8217;t like the Tour de France&#8217;, because it&#8217;s so unforgiving, so fast, the stakes are so high, that if you&#8217;re just missing a few percentage points, it&#8217;s hard to enjoy, to be honest.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;But this year I felt really good, really solid, and I enjoyed it more.&#8221;<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-KTAVKnL3CLW4ebH4c8V8FN\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-KTAVKnL3CLW4ebH4c8V8FN 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\">Kuss echoed the general sentiment that this was one of the hardest races he has ever done, with the heat combining with frenetic racing to break yet more records in this ever-quickening modern generation of professional cycling.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;For me it was one of the toughest,&#8221; said the 31-year-old. &#8220;The course itself was maybe not the hardest, but the way we raced every stage made it really tough, also with the heat in the first half of he race, but he level is so high in the peloton now that everyone wants to win a stage and every stage then becomes crazy fast.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It&#8217;s always hard to keep up with the speed that everyone is going at now, but I just enjoy it so much and I think that helps me get the best out of myself.&#8221;<\/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\/HTpJWy8LFpowMBpT5tsHYn-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HTpJWy8LFpowMBpT5tsHYn-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;The focus is already switched&#8217; &#8211; Visma-Lease a Bike regroup following the crash-out of Tour de France leader Jonas Vingegaard<\/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\/qocAmsgccJyuTn9aBziFfV-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qocAmsgccJyuTn9aBziFfV-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: Richard Carapaz wins breakaway epic on brutal stage 20 to Alpe d&#8217;Huez after late disaster by Sepp Kuss<\/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\/2AdWPUxTmCmjTXN464g8JN-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2AdWPUxTmCmjTXN464g8JN-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;You have to be humble in the Giro&#8217; &#8211; Sepp Kuss not taking &#8216;plan B&#8217; role for Jonas Vingegaard in Giro d&#8217;Italia<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Kuss believes the Giro d&#8217;Italia put him in good shape for this Tour. Ironically, he says he felt much better in this Tour compared to the Giro, which on the face of it was more of a success as he guided Jonas Vingegaard to overall victory before winning a stage for himself.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Sometimes I need a big race in the legs to feel at my best,&#8221; he added.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">With two Grand Tours in the legs already this season, could Kuss be about to add a third? The Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a starts on August 22 and, with Visma lacking a clear leader, we could even see &#8216;GC Kuss&#8217; back in action.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I hope so,&#8221; he said when asked directly about riding the Vuelta. &#8220;We&#8217;ll see how the body recovers after this one, but why not?&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Sepp Kuss has only once before ridden all three Grand Tours in the same season. That was 2023, and how did it end? On the top step of the Vuelta podium.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/teams-riders\/sepp-kuss-hoping-to-ride-vuelta-a-espana-for-grand-tour-treble-after-crazy-fast-but-enjoyable-tour-de-france\/&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iLTEfzvJViu9P8R9b485wH-2560-80.jpg&#8221;] 1 Sepp Kuss hit with big fine, time loss and points deduction for littering at Tour de France 2 Tour de France: Richard Carapaz wins breakaway epic on brutal stage 20 to Alpe d&#8217;Huez after late disaster by Sepp Kuss 3 Eight conclusions from the Tour de France \u2013 A new Poga\u010dar, [&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-2065434","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\/2065434","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=2065434"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2065434\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2065434"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=2065434"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=2065434"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}