{"id":2069985,"date":"2026-07-30T16:16:41","date_gmt":"2026-07-30T13:16:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2069985"},"modified":"2026-07-30T16:16:41","modified_gmt":"2026-07-30T13:16:41","slug":"sd-worx-protime-led-by-lotte-kopecky-lorena-wiebes-and-anna-van-der-breggen-at-uncontrollable-tour-de-france-femmes-with-mixed-ambitions","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2069985","title":{"rendered":"SD Worx-Protime led by Lotte Kopecky, Lorena Wiebes and Anna van der Breggen at uncontrollable Tour de France Femmes with mixed ambitions"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/T8r6nc4LCSG6ojytsGfLBD-1024-80.jpg&#8221;]<\/p>\n<article class=\"m-0 box-border flex flex-row items-center pr-2.5 gap-[15px] w-[278px] h-20 flex-none upnext-article-divider\" role=\"listitem\" aria-label=\"Recommended article 1 of 3\">\n<div class=\"relative flex-none w-20 h-20\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/x2erRPrkRHSd8wS8rNtXkN-160-80.jpg.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/x2erRPrkRHSd8wS8rNtXkN-80-80.jpg.webp 80w\" sizes=\"80px\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex items-center justify-center absolute w-4 h-6 left-0 top-0 bg-white\/90 flex-none z-[1]\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"font-normal text-base leading-[17px] tracking-[1.3px] uppercase text-black flex-none\">1<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex flex-col items-center justify-center gap-1.5 w-[173px] h-20 flex-none\">\n<p class=\"font-article-heading font-medium text-base leading-[21px] text-gray-800 w-[173px] line-clamp-3 group-hover:underline\">\n                                    Tour de France Femmes contenders \u2013 Demi Vollering and Pauline Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot poised for fantastic duel with Ventoux finale\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\/RktS6xfeM3cRGVHJ8omGz6-160-80.jpg.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RktS6xfeM3cRGVHJ8omGz6-80-80.jpg.webp 80w\" sizes=\"80px\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex items-center justify-center absolute w-[18px] h-6 left-0 top-0 bg-white\/90 flex-none z-[1]\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"font-normal text-base leading-[17px] tracking-[1.3px] uppercase text-black flex-none\">2<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex flex-col items-center justify-center gap-1.5 w-[173px] h-20 flex-none\">\n<p class=\"font-article-heading font-medium text-base leading-[21px] text-gray-800 w-[173px] line-clamp-3 group-hover:underline\">\n                                    &#8216;New opportunity, a fresh page&#8217; \u2013 Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney chases another Tour de France Femmes victory with team that delivers debuts for B\u00e4ckstedt, Kl\u00f6ser, Niedermaier\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\/L45LqBvLM4npv3BLgq8wyB-160-80.jpg.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/L45LqBvLM4npv3BLgq8wyB-80-80.jpg.webp 80w\" sizes=\"80px\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex items-center justify-center absolute w-[18px] h-6 left-0 top-0 bg-white\/90 flex-none z-[1]\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"font-normal text-base leading-[17px] tracking-[1.3px] uppercase text-black flex-none\">3<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex flex-col items-center justify-center gap-1.5 w-[173px] h-20 flex-none\">\n<p class=\"font-article-heading font-medium text-base leading-[21px] text-gray-800 w-[173px] line-clamp-3 group-hover:underline\">\n                                    &#8216;We have only one goal: yellow&#8217; \u2013 FDJ United-Suez unveil stacked Tour de France Femmes team to support Demi Vollering&#8217;s GC campaign\n                                <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"page-content-onecol flex-1\nnews-article article\n\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"widget-area-group widget-area-group-2col flex flex-wrap box-border\">\n<div id=\"widgetArea16\" class=\"widget-area basis-full md:basis-2\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-2-3 page-widget-area-16\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"hero\" id=\"hero\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-hero widget-hero widget-hero-hero widget-hero widget-hero-fter-news\">\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRacing\n<\/li>\n<li>\nWomen&#8217;s Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRoad\n<\/li>\n<li>\nTour de France Femmes\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>SD Worx-Protime led by Lotte Kopecky, Lorena Wiebes and Anna van der Breggen at uncontrollable Tour de France Femmes with mixed ambitions<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"vds-byline-block flex flex-row flex-nowrap my-1.5 gap-2 text-left items-start justify-start\" data-component-name=\"Article:BylineBlock\">\n<p>News<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-auto vds-simple-byline\"><span class=\"inline-block vds-author\"><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nStephen Farrand <\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex gap-1 vds-byline-with-avatar__meta\"><span class=\"vds-date block font-normal tracking-normal normal-case text-xs\"><br \/>\nPublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-07-30T16:16:41Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n30 July 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Dutch team target stage wins and a top-five on GC with Grand Tour veteran Van der Breggen <\/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\/T8r6nc4LCSG6ojytsGfLBD-1024-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/T8r6nc4LCSG6ojytsGfLBD-1024-80.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/T8r6nc4LCSG6ojytsGfLBD-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/T8r6nc4LCSG6ojytsGfLBD-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/T8r6nc4LCSG6ojytsGfLBD-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/T8r6nc4LCSG6ojytsGfLBD-750-80.jpg.webp 750w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/T8r6nc4LCSG6ojytsGfLBD-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/T8r6nc4LCSG6ojytsGfLBD-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/T8r6nc4LCSG6ojytsGfLBD-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 600px, 100vw\" \/><figcaption class=\"font-article-copy text-(--image--text--color) font-article-copy mt-2\"><span class=\"credit font-article-copy\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\"text-copy bodyCopy auto paywall-locker\">\n<div data-analytics-id=\"utility-bar\" id=\"utility-bar\" class=\"font-ui-heading flex justify-between items-center py-2 border-t border-b border-gray-300 border-solid mb-5 mx-auto\" data-component-name=\"UtilityBar\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"utility-bar\">\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div data-component-name=\"Social:Dropdown\" role=\"menu\" id=\"utilitybar__dropdown--share\" aria-labelledby=\"utilitybar__button--share\" class=\"absolute left-0 top-full w-44 bg-white rounded-md shadow-md border border-neutral-200 z-[9996] list-none m-0 py-2 px-3 border-solid\">\n<ul class=\"m-0!\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Facebook<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>X<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Pinterest<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Email<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-share-this-article\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nShare this article\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\"><span class=\"ml-1 inline-flex h-5 px-2 shrink-0 items-center justify-center self-center overflow-hidden whitespace-nowrap rounded-[10px] bg-primary-500 text-[11px] leading-none font-ui-heading font-semibold text-white\">0<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-join-the-conversation\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nJoin the conversation\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<p>Follow us<\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-add-us-as-a-preferred-source-on-google\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nAdd us as a preferred source on Google\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-subscribe-to-our-newsletter\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nSubscribe to our newsletter\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-7e901d10-8c2b-11f1-8d25-579a2dbc0f8a\">SD Worx-Protime will target stage victories at the Tour de France Femmes with Lotte Kopecky and Lorena Wiebes, while Anna van der Breggen takes aim at top-five in the GC, in what the Dutch team considers an uncontrollable and testing race.<\/p>\n<p>SD Worx once dominated women&#8217;s racing but opted not to replace Demi Vollering when she left for FDJ United-Suez and have seen other teams improve significantly in the last two seasons, especially at the mountainous Tour de France Femmes. This year&#8217;s race route includes a stage 7 finish at the summit of Mount Ventoux, a hilly final stage around Nice and a 21km time trial.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-7e901d10-8c2b-11f1-8d25-579a2dbc0f8a-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The Dutch team&#8217;s roster also includes Mischa Bredewold, Valentina Cavallar, road captain Elena Cecchini, who is riding the final Grand Tour of her career, and Nienke Vinke. Former stage winner Blanka Vas is not in the final seven-rider line-up that has travelled to Lausanne.<\/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\">SD Worx also announced that Michel Cornelisse will join the team as a sports director in 2027 after working for Fenix-Deceuninck and more recently UAE Team ADQ.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Because the route is so challenging, there will be few teams with the riders and strength needed to truly control the race. That\u2019s why I expect an open Tour de France Femmes,&#8221; sports director Danny Stam said.<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            You may like<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RAF4BZtkbNMpTCUwZycQW3-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RAF4BZtkbNMpTCUwZycQW3-150-80.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;A strong team which you can divide into two groups&#8217; \u2013 Ambitious SD Worx-Protime set sprint and GC targets for Giro d&#8217;Italia Women<\/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\/jZ3mbHyKV2yXSgDK4xSf3f-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jZ3mbHyKV2yXSgDK4xSf3f-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\">No superstar rider but SD Worx-Protime count on rising GC talent and home hopeful to take on expanded Tour de Suisse Women<\/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\/iowqSUfVwPs8cMRw6C6FbY-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iowqSUfVwPs8cMRw6C6FbY-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\">Lorena Wiebes and SD Worx-Protime aim to &#8216;fine-tune leadout train&#8217; at Vuelta a Burgos ahead of Giro d&#8217;Italia maglia rosa bid<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It will be a great edition of the Tour de France for the neutral spectator. With so much climbing on the route, the chances of bunch sprints are limited. The first two stages could end in a sprint, but after that it will often be breakaways, with a small group battling it out for the stage win.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;We selected a compatible group of seven riders with whom we dream of stage victories and a top-five finish with Anna van der Breggen.&#8221;<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-emp5rKXbtJFQJgPSQkDeXQ\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-emp5rKXbtJFQJgPSQkDeXQ 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\">Van der Breggen will be riding the 18th Grand Tour of her distinguished career. She was second in the Vuelta Espa\u00f1a and third in the Giro d&#8217;Italia already in 2026, losing the maglia rosa to Vollering on the last day. A simialer scenario could emerge on Mount Ventoux next Friday.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;We will support her as much as possible. Our goal with Anna is a top-five finish in the general classification. If we achieve that, our Tour de France will be a success,&#8221; Stam said.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Wiebes has won five Tour de France Femmes stages during her career and she will surely win again this year. Stage 1 around Lausanne and the climb to the finish may be too hard for her but stage 2 to Geneva and stage 3 to Poligny could end in high-speed sprints.<\/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\/4jVUFWNsmQWRdSQWwaAtqE-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4jVUFWNsmQWRdSQWwaAtqE-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;Lotte showed what kind of teammate she is&#8217; \u2013 Kopecky eases up to let Bredewold win as SD Worx-Protime juggle cards at Vuelta Femenina<\/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\/MaYN5X83X7zFgoHKdrr7da-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MaYN5X83X7zFgoHKdrr7da-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;Last year&#8217;s victory doesn&#8217;t guarantee anything&#8217; \u2013 Pauline Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot set to defend Tour de France Femmes title with balanced Visma support squad<\/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\/6Qwro5SviMvjEWT5r6dTD4-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6Qwro5SviMvjEWT5r6dTD4-150-80.png.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Can FDJ United-SUEZ defend their title without Demi Vollering? \u2013 Analysing the contenders for La Vuelta Femenina 2026<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">\u201cOver the past two years, Lorena has proven that she is one of the best, if not the best, sprinters in the world. I think it is clear that as long as she is still there in the finale, she will be our protected rider,&#8221; Stam said.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;She is extremely difficult to beat in a sprint finish. There is a reason she holds the record for the most stage wins in the Tour de France Femmes. With her, we will try to win stages.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Kopecky won Milan-San Remo Women in March but missed out in the other Classics. She was consistent in the recent Baloise Ladies Tour and the Tour de Pologne and will have a free reign in the many expected attacks and breakaway stages, offering an alternative strategy to Wiebes.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;The main thing will be to keep the pressure off her shoulders and allow her to race freely,&#8221; Stam said.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Lotte will be free to take her opportunities in breakaways. With Lorena Wiebes, we have an excellent card to play in the sprint, and nobody likes taking her to the finish line. If Lotte is up the road, Lorena\u2019s presence behind can create hesitation among the chasers. Hopefully, Lotte can take a stage win from a breakaway.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-0a513676-8c32-11f1-9f00-9fa41d8d728e\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><strong>Support our unrivalled coverage of the Tour de France Femmes and women&#8217;s cycling by subscribing to Cyclingnews. In return, you get unlimited access to high-quality journalism, with breaking news, race analysis, and expert insight from inside the women&#8217;s peloton. Plus, the Cyclingnews app lets you follow the action wherever you go! <\/strong><u><strong>Join today.<\/strong><\/u><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-emp5rKXbtJFQJgPSQkDeXQ\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-emp5rKXbtJFQJgPSQkDeXQ slice-container-authorBio\">\n<div class=\"author author__default-layout author--separator author--collapsible\" data-hydrate=\"true\">\n<div class=\"author__header\">\n<div class=\"author__avatar-block\">\n<figure class=\"image-wrapped__wrapper\" data-bordeaux-image-check=\"false\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__widthsetter\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__aspect-padding\">\n<div><source class=\"author__avatar image-wrapped__image image__image\" type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3CCmsgV6sDgU5yLthueHtn-140-80.jpg.webp 140w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3CCmsgV6sDgU5yLthueHtn.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3CCmsgV6sDgU5yLthueHtn.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3CCmsgV6sDgU5yLthueHtn.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__heading\">\n<div class=\"author__name\">Stephen Farrand<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__social\">\n<nav class=\"button-social-group author__social-buttons\" aria-labelledby=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">\n<div id=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">Social Links Navigation<\/div>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__role\">Editor-at-large<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>Stephen is one of the most experienced members of the <em>Cyclingnews<\/em> team, having reported on professional cycling since 1994. Before becoming Editor-at-large, he was Head of News at <em>Cyclingnews.<\/em> He has previously worked for <em>Shift Active Media, Reuters<\/em> and <em>Cycling Weekly. <\/em>He is a member of the Board of the Association Internationale des Journalistes du Cyclisme (AIJC).<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<div class=\"relative max-w-[1070px] viafoura-twig-component mt-6 mx-4 lg:mx-0\" data-component-name=\"Viafoura:Comments\" data-nosnippet data-community-guidelines-text=\"&lt;p class=&apos;vfcustom-community-guidelines&apos;&gt;Please follow our &lt;a href=&quot;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/about\/#section-community-guidelines&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;community guidelines&lt;\/a&gt;.&lt;\/p&gt;\" data-join-the-conversation-text=\"Join the Conversation\">\n<div class=\"absolute top-0 left-0 w-full h-full flex items-center justify-center z-50 bg-white\/90 border-1 rounded-b-[var(--comment-widget-border-radius,0)]\">\n<div class=\"p-2 text-center\">\n<p class=\"mb-3 text-lg!\">You must confirm your public display name before commenting<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-3 text-sm!\">Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<section class=\"mx-2 my-5 sm:mx-0\">\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-adviser:hybrid\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Read more<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RAF4BZtkbNMpTCUwZycQW3-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RAF4BZtkbNMpTCUwZycQW3-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RAF4BZtkbNMpTCUwZycQW3-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RAF4BZtkbNMpTCUwZycQW3-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RAF4BZtkbNMpTCUwZycQW3-320-80.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;A strong team which you can divide into two groups&#8217; \u2013 Ambitious SD Worx-Protime set sprint and GC targets for Giro d&#8217;Italia Women<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jZ3mbHyKV2yXSgDK4xSf3f-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jZ3mbHyKV2yXSgDK4xSf3f-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jZ3mbHyKV2yXSgDK4xSf3f-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jZ3mbHyKV2yXSgDK4xSf3f-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jZ3mbHyKV2yXSgDK4xSf3f-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\">No superstar rider but SD Worx-Protime count on rising GC talent and home hopeful to take on expanded Tour de Suisse Women<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iowqSUfVwPs8cMRw6C6FbY-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iowqSUfVwPs8cMRw6C6FbY-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iowqSUfVwPs8cMRw6C6FbY-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iowqSUfVwPs8cMRw6C6FbY-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iowqSUfVwPs8cMRw6C6FbY-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Lorena Wiebes and SD Worx-Protime aim to &#8216;fine-tune leadout train&#8217; at Vuelta a Burgos ahead of Giro d&#8217;Italia maglia rosa bid<\/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\/4jVUFWNsmQWRdSQWwaAtqE-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4jVUFWNsmQWRdSQWwaAtqE-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4jVUFWNsmQWRdSQWwaAtqE-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4jVUFWNsmQWRdSQWwaAtqE-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4jVUFWNsmQWRdSQWwaAtqE-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;Lotte showed what kind of teammate she is&#8217; \u2013 Kopecky eases up to let Bredewold win as SD Worx-Protime juggle cards at Vuelta Femenina<\/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\/MaYN5X83X7zFgoHKdrr7da-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MaYN5X83X7zFgoHKdrr7da-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MaYN5X83X7zFgoHKdrr7da-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MaYN5X83X7zFgoHKdrr7da-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MaYN5X83X7zFgoHKdrr7da-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;Last year&#8217;s victory doesn&#8217;t guarantee anything&#8217; \u2013 Pauline Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot set to defend Tour de France Femmes title with balanced Visma support squad<\/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\/6Qwro5SviMvjEWT5r6dTD4-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6Qwro5SviMvjEWT5r6dTD4-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6Qwro5SviMvjEWT5r6dTD4-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6Qwro5SviMvjEWT5r6dTD4-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6Qwro5SviMvjEWT5r6dTD4-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Can FDJ United-SUEZ defend their title without Demi Vollering? \u2013 Analysing the contenders for La Vuelta Femenina 2026<\/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 Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/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\/kiw4M2NRFdqtTPazzFAbQ7-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kiw4M2NRFdqtTPazzFAbQ7-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kiw4M2NRFdqtTPazzFAbQ7-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kiw4M2NRFdqtTPazzFAbQ7-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kiw4M2NRFdqtTPazzFAbQ7-320-80.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;I don&#8217;t think other teams know our strategy&#8217; \u2013 UAE Team L&#8217;IMAD start Tour de France Femmes with strength in depth and Longo Borghini and Blasi at the helm<\/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\/LwGNhVYdXrv3dnnhovVZoi-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LwGNhVYdXrv3dnnhovVZoi-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LwGNhVYdXrv3dnnhovVZoi-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LwGNhVYdXrv3dnnhovVZoi-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LwGNhVYdXrv3dnnhovVZoi-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">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;I pick my battle, and I choose the Tour de France&#8217; \u2013 Forget year-long dominance, Pauline Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot is all about delivering when it counts most<\/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\/dS8bsRq2ekBAtzZtBGdBWb-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dS8bsRq2ekBAtzZtBGdBWb-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dS8bsRq2ekBAtzZtBGdBWb-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dS8bsRq2ekBAtzZtBGdBWb-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dS8bsRq2ekBAtzZtBGdBWb-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\">No riders revealed but Decathlon CMA CGM confirm creation of women&#8217;s team for 2027<\/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\/EuykcKHCRukC6UPNZT9aV-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EuykcKHCRukC6UPNZT9aV-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EuykcKHCRukC6UPNZT9aV-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EuykcKHCRukC6UPNZT9aV-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EuykcKHCRukC6UPNZT9aV-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Kristen Faulkner, Noemi R\u00fcegg join world champion on EF Education-Oatly&#8217;s Tour de France Femmes roster<\/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\/MaYN5X83X7zFgoHKdrr7da-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MaYN5X83X7zFgoHKdrr7da-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MaYN5X83X7zFgoHKdrr7da-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MaYN5X83X7zFgoHKdrr7da-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MaYN5X83X7zFgoHKdrr7da-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;Last year&#8217;s victory doesn&#8217;t guarantee anything&#8217; \u2013 Pauline Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot set to defend Tour de France Femmes title with balanced Visma support squad<\/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\/dYSKXQQbM5pGANTZd79R9F-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dYSKXQQbM5pGANTZd79R9F-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dYSKXQQbM5pGANTZd79R9F-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dYSKXQQbM5pGANTZd79R9F-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dYSKXQQbM5pGANTZd79R9F-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">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;I never wanted to walk away hating it&#8217; \u2013 Former New Zealand champion Kim Cadzow ends cycling career at 24<\/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\/kiw4M2NRFdqtTPazzFAbQ7-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kiw4M2NRFdqtTPazzFAbQ7-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kiw4M2NRFdqtTPazzFAbQ7-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kiw4M2NRFdqtTPazzFAbQ7-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kiw4M2NRFdqtTPazzFAbQ7-320-80.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;I don&#8217;t think other teams know our strategy&#8217; \u2013 UAE Team L&#8217;IMAD start Tour de France Femmes with strength in depth and Longo Borghini and Blasi at the helm<\/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\/jPE2Ypb5sQtVFDDa5LAfmQ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jPE2Ypb5sQtVFDDa5LAfmQ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jPE2Ypb5sQtVFDDa5LAfmQ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jPE2Ypb5sQtVFDDa5LAfmQ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jPE2Ypb5sQtVFDDa5LAfmQ-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Jonas Vingegaard reveals Tadej Poga\u010dar messaged him after Tour de France crash, says rivalry has &#8216;become a lot friendlier there in the last couple of years&#8217;<\/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\/9aKuFwnmwjqsdAucGVxeU3-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9aKuFwnmwjqsdAucGVxeU3-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9aKuFwnmwjqsdAucGVxeU3-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9aKuFwnmwjqsdAucGVxeU3-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9aKuFwnmwjqsdAucGVxeU3-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;This is the best year for Tadej Poga\u010dar to come&#8217;\u00a0\u2013\u00a0Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a director confident in Tour de France champion&#8217;s participation, with little concern over likely dominance<\/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\/KJ6Cxj9PJSjetA5TXfjqem-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KJ6Cxj9PJSjetA5TXfjqem-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KJ6Cxj9PJSjetA5TXfjqem-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KJ6Cxj9PJSjetA5TXfjqem-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KJ6Cxj9PJSjetA5TXfjqem-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\">Jonas Vingegaard brushes off 2028 retirement rumours as he talks about Tour de France crash on visit to Tour of Denmark<\/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\/rG9cuZgeneyyzu6egaN3uW-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rG9cuZgeneyyzu6egaN3uW-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rG9cuZgeneyyzu6egaN3uW-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rG9cuZgeneyyzu6egaN3uW-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rG9cuZgeneyyzu6egaN3uW-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;There was a lot of chaos&#8217; &#8211; Roller coaster return for Wout van Aert ends in victory after being caught in mass crash in Tour of Denmark<\/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\/dS8bsRq2ekBAtzZtBGdBWb-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dS8bsRq2ekBAtzZtBGdBWb-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dS8bsRq2ekBAtzZtBGdBWb-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dS8bsRq2ekBAtzZtBGdBWb-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dS8bsRq2ekBAtzZtBGdBWb-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\">No riders revealed but Decathlon CMA CGM confirm creation of women&#8217;s team for 2027<\/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\/kiw4M2NRFdqtTPazzFAbQ7-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kiw4M2NRFdqtTPazzFAbQ7-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kiw4M2NRFdqtTPazzFAbQ7-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kiw4M2NRFdqtTPazzFAbQ7-320-80.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 don&#8217;t think other teams know our strategy&#8217; \u2013 UAE Team L&#8217;IMAD start Tour de France Femmes with strength in depth and Longo Borghini and Blasi at the helm<\/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>Jonas Vingegaard reveals Tadej Poga\u010dar messaged him after Tour de France crash, says rivalry has &#8216;become a lot friendlier there in the last couple of years&#8217;<\/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>&#8216;This is the best year for Tadej Poga\u010dar to come&#8217;\u00a0\u2013\u00a0Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a director confident in Tour de France champion&#8217;s participation, with little concern over likely dominance<\/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>SD Worx-Protime led by Lotte Kopecky, Lorena Wiebes and Anna van der Breggen at uncontrollable Tour de France Femmes with mixed ambitions<\/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>Tour of Denmark: Wout van Aert deemed stage 2 winner after reversal of fortunes for Jensen Plowright in sprint photo finish<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"page-content-onecol flex-1\nnews-article article\n\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"widget-area-group widget-area-group-2col flex flex-wrap box-border\">\n<div id=\"widgetArea16\" class=\"widget-area basis-full md:basis-2\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-2-3 page-widget-area-16\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"hero\" id=\"hero\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-hero widget-hero widget-hero-hero widget-hero widget-hero-fter-news\">\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRacing\n<\/li>\n<li>\nWomen&#8217;s Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRoad\n<\/li>\n<li>\nTour de France Femmes\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>SD Worx-Protime led by Lotte Kopecky, Lorena Wiebes and Anna van der Breggen at uncontrollable Tour de France Femmes with mixed ambitions<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"vds-byline-block flex flex-row flex-nowrap my-1.5 gap-2 text-left items-start justify-start\" data-component-name=\"Article:BylineBlock\">\n<p>News<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-auto vds-simple-byline\"><span class=\"inline-block vds-author\"><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nStephen Farrand <\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex gap-1 vds-byline-with-avatar__meta\"><span class=\"vds-date block font-normal tracking-normal normal-case text-xs\"><br \/>\nPublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-07-30T16:16:41Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n30 July 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Dutch team target stage wins and a top-five on GC with Grand Tour veteran Van der Breggen <\/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\/T8r6nc4LCSG6ojytsGfLBD-1024-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/T8r6nc4LCSG6ojytsGfLBD-1024-80.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/T8r6nc4LCSG6ojytsGfLBD-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/T8r6nc4LCSG6ojytsGfLBD-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/T8r6nc4LCSG6ojytsGfLBD-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/T8r6nc4LCSG6ojytsGfLBD-750-80.jpg.webp 750w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/T8r6nc4LCSG6ojytsGfLBD-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/T8r6nc4LCSG6ojytsGfLBD-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/T8r6nc4LCSG6ojytsGfLBD-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 600px, 100vw\" \/><figcaption class=\"font-article-copy text-(--image--text--color) font-article-copy mt-2\"><span class=\"credit font-article-copy\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\"text-copy bodyCopy auto paywall-locker\">\n<div data-analytics-id=\"utility-bar\" id=\"utility-bar\" class=\"font-ui-heading flex justify-between items-center py-2 border-t border-b border-gray-300 border-solid mb-5 mx-auto\" data-component-name=\"UtilityBar\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"utility-bar\">\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div data-component-name=\"Social:Dropdown\" role=\"menu\" id=\"utilitybar__dropdown--share\" aria-labelledby=\"utilitybar__button--share\" class=\"absolute left-0 top-full w-44 bg-white rounded-md shadow-md border border-neutral-200 z-[9996] list-none m-0 py-2 px-3 border-solid\">\n<ul class=\"m-0!\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Facebook<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>X<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Pinterest<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Email<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-share-this-article\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nShare this article\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\"><span class=\"ml-1 inline-flex h-5 px-2 shrink-0 items-center justify-center self-center overflow-hidden whitespace-nowrap rounded-[10px] bg-primary-500 text-[11px] leading-none font-ui-heading font-semibold text-white\">0<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-join-the-conversation\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nJoin the conversation\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<p>Follow us<\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-add-us-as-a-preferred-source-on-google\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nAdd us as a preferred source on Google\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-subscribe-to-our-newsletter\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nSubscribe to our newsletter\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-7e901d10-8c2b-11f1-8d25-579a2dbc0f8a\">SD Worx-Protime will target stage victories at the Tour de France Femmes with Lotte Kopecky and Lorena Wiebes, while Anna van der Breggen takes aim at top-five in the GC, in what the Dutch team considers an uncontrollable and testing race.<\/p>\n<p>SD Worx once dominated women&#8217;s racing but opted not to replace Demi Vollering when she left for FDJ United-Suez and have seen other teams improve significantly in the last two seasons, especially at the mountainous Tour de France Femmes. This year&#8217;s race route includes a stage 7 finish at the summit of Mount Ventoux, a hilly final stage around Nice and a 21km time trial.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-7e901d10-8c2b-11f1-8d25-579a2dbc0f8a-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The Dutch team&#8217;s roster also includes Mischa Bredewold, Valentina Cavallar, road captain Elena Cecchini, who is riding the final Grand Tour of her career, and Nienke Vinke. Former stage winner Blanka Vas is not in the final seven-rider line-up that has travelled to Lausanne.<\/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\">SD Worx also announced that Michel Cornelisse will join the team as a sports director in 2027 after working for Fenix-Deceuninck and more recently UAE Team ADQ.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Because the route is so challenging, there will be few teams with the riders and strength needed to truly control the race. That\u2019s why I expect an open Tour de France Femmes,&#8221; sports director Danny Stam said.<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            You may like<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RAF4BZtkbNMpTCUwZycQW3-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RAF4BZtkbNMpTCUwZycQW3-150-80.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;A strong team which you can divide into two groups&#8217; \u2013 Ambitious SD Worx-Protime set sprint and GC targets for Giro d&#8217;Italia Women<\/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\/jZ3mbHyKV2yXSgDK4xSf3f-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jZ3mbHyKV2yXSgDK4xSf3f-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\">No superstar rider but SD Worx-Protime count on rising GC talent and home hopeful to take on expanded Tour de Suisse Women<\/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\/iowqSUfVwPs8cMRw6C6FbY-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iowqSUfVwPs8cMRw6C6FbY-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\">Lorena Wiebes and SD Worx-Protime aim to &#8216;fine-tune leadout train&#8217; at Vuelta a Burgos ahead of Giro d&#8217;Italia maglia rosa bid<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It will be a great edition of the Tour de France for the neutral spectator. With so much climbing on the route, the chances of bunch sprints are limited. The first two stages could end in a sprint, but after that it will often be breakaways, with a small group battling it out for the stage win.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;We selected a compatible group of seven riders with whom we dream of stage victories and a top-five finish with Anna van der Breggen.&#8221;<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-emp5rKXbtJFQJgPSQkDeXQ\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-emp5rKXbtJFQJgPSQkDeXQ 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\">Van der Breggen will be riding the 18th Grand Tour of her distinguished career. She was second in the Vuelta Espa\u00f1a and third in the Giro d&#8217;Italia already in 2026, losing the maglia rosa to Vollering on the last day. A simialer scenario could emerge on Mount Ventoux next Friday.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;We will support her as much as possible. Our goal with Anna is a top-five finish in the general classification. If we achieve that, our Tour de France will be a success,&#8221; Stam said.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Wiebes has won five Tour de France Femmes stages during her career and she will surely win again this year. Stage 1 around Lausanne and the climb to the finish may be too hard for her but stage 2 to Geneva and stage 3 to Poligny could end in high-speed sprints.<\/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\/4jVUFWNsmQWRdSQWwaAtqE-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4jVUFWNsmQWRdSQWwaAtqE-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;Lotte showed what kind of teammate she is&#8217; \u2013 Kopecky eases up to let Bredewold win as SD Worx-Protime juggle cards at Vuelta Femenina<\/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\/MaYN5X83X7zFgoHKdrr7da-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MaYN5X83X7zFgoHKdrr7da-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;Last year&#8217;s victory doesn&#8217;t guarantee anything&#8217; \u2013 Pauline Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot set to defend Tour de France Femmes title with balanced Visma support squad<\/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\/6Qwro5SviMvjEWT5r6dTD4-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6Qwro5SviMvjEWT5r6dTD4-150-80.png.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Can FDJ United-SUEZ defend their title without Demi Vollering? \u2013 Analysing the contenders for La Vuelta Femenina 2026<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">\u201cOver the past two years, Lorena has proven that she is one of the best, if not the best, sprinters in the world. I think it is clear that as long as she is still there in the finale, she will be our protected rider,&#8221; Stam said.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;She is extremely difficult to beat in a sprint finish. There is a reason she holds the record for the most stage wins in the Tour de France Femmes. With her, we will try to win stages.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Kopecky won Milan-San Remo Women in March but missed out in the other Classics. She was consistent in the recent Baloise Ladies Tour and the Tour de Pologne and will have a free reign in the many expected attacks and breakaway stages, offering an alternative strategy to Wiebes.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;The main thing will be to keep the pressure off her shoulders and allow her to race freely,&#8221; Stam said.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Lotte will be free to take her opportunities in breakaways. With Lorena Wiebes, we have an excellent card to play in the sprint, and nobody likes taking her to the finish line. If Lotte is up the road, Lorena\u2019s presence behind can create hesitation among the chasers. Hopefully, Lotte can take a stage win from a breakaway.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-0a513676-8c32-11f1-9f00-9fa41d8d728e\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><strong>Support our unrivalled coverage of the Tour de France Femmes and women&#8217;s cycling by subscribing to Cyclingnews. In return, you get unlimited access to high-quality journalism, with breaking news, race analysis, and expert insight from inside the women&#8217;s peloton. Plus, the Cyclingnews app lets you follow the action wherever you go! <\/strong><u><strong>Join today.<\/strong><\/u><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-emp5rKXbtJFQJgPSQkDeXQ\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-emp5rKXbtJFQJgPSQkDeXQ slice-container-authorBio\">\n<div class=\"author author__default-layout author--separator author--collapsible\" data-hydrate=\"true\">\n<div class=\"author__header\">\n<div class=\"author__avatar-block\">\n<figure class=\"image-wrapped__wrapper\" data-bordeaux-image-check=\"false\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__widthsetter\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__aspect-padding\">\n<div><source class=\"author__avatar image-wrapped__image image__image\" type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3CCmsgV6sDgU5yLthueHtn-140-80.jpg.webp 140w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3CCmsgV6sDgU5yLthueHtn.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3CCmsgV6sDgU5yLthueHtn.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3CCmsgV6sDgU5yLthueHtn.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__heading\">\n<div class=\"author__name\">Stephen Farrand<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__social\">\n<nav class=\"button-social-group author__social-buttons\" aria-labelledby=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">\n<div id=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">Social Links Navigation<\/div>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__role\">Editor-at-large<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>Stephen is one of the most experienced members of the <em>Cyclingnews<\/em> team, having reported on professional cycling since 1994. Before becoming Editor-at-large, he was Head of News at <em>Cyclingnews.<\/em> He has previously worked for <em>Shift Active Media, Reuters<\/em> and <em>Cycling Weekly. <\/em>He is a member of the Board of the Association Internationale des Journalistes du Cyclisme (AIJC).<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<div class=\"relative max-w-[1070px] viafoura-twig-component mt-6 mx-4 lg:mx-0\" data-component-name=\"Viafoura:Comments\" data-nosnippet data-community-guidelines-text=\"&lt;p class=&apos;vfcustom-community-guidelines&apos;&gt;Please follow our &lt;a href=&quot;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/about\/#section-community-guidelines&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;community guidelines&lt;\/a&gt;.&lt;\/p&gt;\" data-join-the-conversation-text=\"Join the Conversation\">\n<div class=\"absolute top-0 left-0 w-full h-full flex items-center justify-center z-50 bg-white\/90 border-1 rounded-b-[var(--comment-widget-border-radius,0)]\">\n<div class=\"p-2 text-center\">\n<p class=\"mb-3 text-lg!\">You must confirm your public display name before commenting<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-3 text-sm!\">Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<section class=\"mx-2 my-5 sm:mx-0\">\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-adviser:hybrid\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Read more<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RAF4BZtkbNMpTCUwZycQW3-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RAF4BZtkbNMpTCUwZycQW3-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RAF4BZtkbNMpTCUwZycQW3-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RAF4BZtkbNMpTCUwZycQW3-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RAF4BZtkbNMpTCUwZycQW3-320-80.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;A strong team which you can divide into two groups&#8217; \u2013 Ambitious SD Worx-Protime set sprint and GC targets for Giro d&#8217;Italia Women<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jZ3mbHyKV2yXSgDK4xSf3f-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jZ3mbHyKV2yXSgDK4xSf3f-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jZ3mbHyKV2yXSgDK4xSf3f-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jZ3mbHyKV2yXSgDK4xSf3f-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jZ3mbHyKV2yXSgDK4xSf3f-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\">No superstar rider but SD Worx-Protime count on rising GC talent and home hopeful to take on expanded Tour de Suisse Women<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iowqSUfVwPs8cMRw6C6FbY-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iowqSUfVwPs8cMRw6C6FbY-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iowqSUfVwPs8cMRw6C6FbY-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iowqSUfVwPs8cMRw6C6FbY-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iowqSUfVwPs8cMRw6C6FbY-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Lorena Wiebes and SD Worx-Protime aim to &#8216;fine-tune leadout train&#8217; at Vuelta a Burgos ahead of Giro d&#8217;Italia maglia rosa bid<\/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\/4jVUFWNsmQWRdSQWwaAtqE-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4jVUFWNsmQWRdSQWwaAtqE-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4jVUFWNsmQWRdSQWwaAtqE-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4jVUFWNsmQWRdSQWwaAtqE-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4jVUFWNsmQWRdSQWwaAtqE-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;Lotte showed what kind of teammate she is&#8217; \u2013 Kopecky eases up to let Bredewold win as SD Worx-Protime juggle cards at Vuelta Femenina<\/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\/MaYN5X83X7zFgoHKdrr7da-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MaYN5X83X7zFgoHKdrr7da-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MaYN5X83X7zFgoHKdrr7da-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MaYN5X83X7zFgoHKdrr7da-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MaYN5X83X7zFgoHKdrr7da-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;Last year&#8217;s victory doesn&#8217;t guarantee anything&#8217; \u2013 Pauline Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot set to defend Tour de France Femmes title with balanced Visma support squad<\/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\/6Qwro5SviMvjEWT5r6dTD4-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6Qwro5SviMvjEWT5r6dTD4-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6Qwro5SviMvjEWT5r6dTD4-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6Qwro5SviMvjEWT5r6dTD4-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6Qwro5SviMvjEWT5r6dTD4-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Can FDJ United-SUEZ defend their title without Demi Vollering? \u2013 Analysing the contenders for La Vuelta Femenina 2026<\/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 Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/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\/kiw4M2NRFdqtTPazzFAbQ7-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kiw4M2NRFdqtTPazzFAbQ7-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kiw4M2NRFdqtTPazzFAbQ7-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kiw4M2NRFdqtTPazzFAbQ7-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kiw4M2NRFdqtTPazzFAbQ7-320-80.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;I don&#8217;t think other teams know our strategy&#8217; \u2013 UAE Team L&#8217;IMAD start Tour de France Femmes with strength in depth and Longo Borghini and Blasi at the helm<\/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\/LwGNhVYdXrv3dnnhovVZoi-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LwGNhVYdXrv3dnnhovVZoi-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LwGNhVYdXrv3dnnhovVZoi-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LwGNhVYdXrv3dnnhovVZoi-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LwGNhVYdXrv3dnnhovVZoi-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">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;I pick my battle, and I choose the Tour de France&#8217; \u2013 Forget year-long dominance, Pauline Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot is all about delivering when it counts most<\/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\/dS8bsRq2ekBAtzZtBGdBWb-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dS8bsRq2ekBAtzZtBGdBWb-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dS8bsRq2ekBAtzZtBGdBWb-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dS8bsRq2ekBAtzZtBGdBWb-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dS8bsRq2ekBAtzZtBGdBWb-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\">No riders revealed but Decathlon CMA CGM confirm creation of women&#8217;s team for 2027<\/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\/EuykcKHCRukC6UPNZT9aV-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EuykcKHCRukC6UPNZT9aV-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EuykcKHCRukC6UPNZT9aV-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EuykcKHCRukC6UPNZT9aV-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EuykcKHCRukC6UPNZT9aV-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Kristen Faulkner, Noemi R\u00fcegg join world champion on EF Education-Oatly&#8217;s Tour de France Femmes roster<\/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\/MaYN5X83X7zFgoHKdrr7da-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MaYN5X83X7zFgoHKdrr7da-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MaYN5X83X7zFgoHKdrr7da-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MaYN5X83X7zFgoHKdrr7da-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MaYN5X83X7zFgoHKdrr7da-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;Last year&#8217;s victory doesn&#8217;t guarantee anything&#8217; \u2013 Pauline Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot set to defend Tour de France Femmes title with balanced Visma support squad<\/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\/dYSKXQQbM5pGANTZd79R9F-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dYSKXQQbM5pGANTZd79R9F-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dYSKXQQbM5pGANTZd79R9F-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dYSKXQQbM5pGANTZd79R9F-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dYSKXQQbM5pGANTZd79R9F-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">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;I never wanted to walk away hating it&#8217; \u2013 Former New Zealand champion Kim Cadzow ends cycling career at 24<\/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\/kiw4M2NRFdqtTPazzFAbQ7-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kiw4M2NRFdqtTPazzFAbQ7-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kiw4M2NRFdqtTPazzFAbQ7-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kiw4M2NRFdqtTPazzFAbQ7-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kiw4M2NRFdqtTPazzFAbQ7-320-80.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;I don&#8217;t think other teams know our strategy&#8217; \u2013 UAE Team L&#8217;IMAD start Tour de France Femmes with strength in depth and Longo Borghini and Blasi at the helm<\/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\/jPE2Ypb5sQtVFDDa5LAfmQ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jPE2Ypb5sQtVFDDa5LAfmQ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jPE2Ypb5sQtVFDDa5LAfmQ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jPE2Ypb5sQtVFDDa5LAfmQ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jPE2Ypb5sQtVFDDa5LAfmQ-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Jonas Vingegaard reveals Tadej Poga\u010dar messaged him after Tour de France crash, says rivalry has &#8216;become a lot friendlier there in the last couple of years&#8217;<\/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\/9aKuFwnmwjqsdAucGVxeU3-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9aKuFwnmwjqsdAucGVxeU3-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9aKuFwnmwjqsdAucGVxeU3-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9aKuFwnmwjqsdAucGVxeU3-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9aKuFwnmwjqsdAucGVxeU3-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;This is the best year for Tadej Poga\u010dar to come&#8217;\u00a0\u2013\u00a0Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a director confident in Tour de France champion&#8217;s participation, with little concern over likely dominance<\/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\/KJ6Cxj9PJSjetA5TXfjqem-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KJ6Cxj9PJSjetA5TXfjqem-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KJ6Cxj9PJSjetA5TXfjqem-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KJ6Cxj9PJSjetA5TXfjqem-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KJ6Cxj9PJSjetA5TXfjqem-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\">Jonas Vingegaard brushes off 2028 retirement rumours as he talks about Tour de France crash on visit to Tour of Denmark<\/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\/rG9cuZgeneyyzu6egaN3uW-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rG9cuZgeneyyzu6egaN3uW-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rG9cuZgeneyyzu6egaN3uW-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rG9cuZgeneyyzu6egaN3uW-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rG9cuZgeneyyzu6egaN3uW-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;There was a lot of chaos&#8217; &#8211; Roller coaster return for Wout van Aert ends in victory after being caught in mass crash in Tour of Denmark<\/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\/dS8bsRq2ekBAtzZtBGdBWb-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dS8bsRq2ekBAtzZtBGdBWb-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dS8bsRq2ekBAtzZtBGdBWb-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dS8bsRq2ekBAtzZtBGdBWb-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dS8bsRq2ekBAtzZtBGdBWb-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\">No riders revealed but Decathlon CMA CGM confirm creation of women&#8217;s team for 2027<\/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\/kiw4M2NRFdqtTPazzFAbQ7-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kiw4M2NRFdqtTPazzFAbQ7-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kiw4M2NRFdqtTPazzFAbQ7-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kiw4M2NRFdqtTPazzFAbQ7-320-80.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 don&#8217;t think other teams know our strategy&#8217; \u2013 UAE Team L&#8217;IMAD start Tour de France Femmes with strength in depth and Longo Borghini and Blasi at the helm<\/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>Jonas Vingegaard reveals Tadej Poga\u010dar messaged him after Tour de France crash, says rivalry has &#8216;become a lot friendlier there in the last couple of years&#8217;<\/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>&#8216;This is the best year for Tadej Poga\u010dar to come&#8217;\u00a0\u2013\u00a0Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a director confident in Tour de France champion&#8217;s participation, with little concern over likely dominance<\/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>SD Worx-Protime led by Lotte Kopecky, Lorena Wiebes and Anna van der Breggen at uncontrollable Tour de France Femmes with mixed ambitions<\/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>Tour of Denmark: Wout van Aert deemed stage 2 winner after reversal of fortunes for Jensen Plowright in sprint photo finish<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRacing\n<\/li>\n<li>\nWomen&#8217;s Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRoad\n<\/li>\n<li>\nTour de France Femmes\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>SD Worx-Protime led by Lotte Kopecky, Lorena Wiebes and Anna van der Breggen at uncontrollable Tour de France Femmes with mixed ambitions<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"vds-byline-block flex flex-row flex-nowrap my-1.5 gap-2 text-left items-start justify-start\" data-component-name=\"Article:BylineBlock\">\n<p>News<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-auto vds-simple-byline\"><span class=\"inline-block vds-author\"><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nStephen Farrand <\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex gap-1 vds-byline-with-avatar__meta\"><span class=\"vds-date block font-normal tracking-normal normal-case text-xs\"><br \/>\nPublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-07-30T16:16:41Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n30 July 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Dutch team target stage wins and a top-five on GC with Grand Tour veteran Van der Breggen <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"text-gray-700 flex items-center mx-0 my-5 p-0 justify-start text-left\" id=\"affiliate-disclaimer\" data-component-name=\"AffiliateDisclaimer\" data-hawk-message=\"Affiliate disclaimer removed because hawk deemed there are no affiliate links on this page\">\n<p class=\"text-[color:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--text-color,inherit)] mb-2 text-[length:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--font-size,0.75rem)] leading-[18px] md:text-[13px] [&amp;&gt;a]:text-inherit [&amp;&gt;a]:underline\">\nWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here\u2019s how it works.\n<\/p>\n<\/aside>\n<\/header>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\"text-copy bodyCopy auto paywall-locker\">\n<div data-analytics-id=\"utility-bar\" id=\"utility-bar\" class=\"font-ui-heading flex justify-between items-center py-2 border-t border-b border-gray-300 border-solid mb-5 mx-auto\" data-component-name=\"UtilityBar\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"utility-bar\">\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div data-component-name=\"Social:Dropdown\" role=\"menu\" id=\"utilitybar__dropdown--share\" aria-labelledby=\"utilitybar__button--share\" class=\"absolute left-0 top-full w-44 bg-white rounded-md shadow-md border border-neutral-200 z-[9996] list-none m-0 py-2 px-3 border-solid\">\n<ul class=\"m-0!\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Facebook<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>X<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Pinterest<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Email<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-share-this-article\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nShare this article\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\"><span class=\"ml-1 inline-flex h-5 px-2 shrink-0 items-center justify-center self-center overflow-hidden whitespace-nowrap rounded-[10px] bg-primary-500 text-[11px] leading-none font-ui-heading font-semibold text-white\">0<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-join-the-conversation\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nJoin the conversation\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<p>Follow us<\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-add-us-as-a-preferred-source-on-google\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nAdd us as a preferred source on Google\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-subscribe-to-our-newsletter\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nSubscribe to our newsletter\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-7e901d10-8c2b-11f1-8d25-579a2dbc0f8a\">SD Worx-Protime will target stage victories at the Tour de France Femmes with Lotte Kopecky and Lorena Wiebes, while Anna van der Breggen takes aim at top-five in the GC, in what the Dutch team considers an uncontrollable and testing race.<\/p>\n<p>SD Worx once dominated women&#8217;s racing but opted not to replace Demi Vollering when she left for FDJ United-Suez and have seen other teams improve significantly in the last two seasons, especially at the mountainous Tour de France Femmes. This year&#8217;s race route includes a stage 7 finish at the summit of Mount Ventoux, a hilly final stage around Nice and a 21km time trial.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-7e901d10-8c2b-11f1-8d25-579a2dbc0f8a-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The Dutch team&#8217;s roster also includes Mischa Bredewold, Valentina Cavallar, road captain Elena Cecchini, who is riding the final Grand Tour of her career, and Nienke Vinke. Former stage winner Blanka Vas is not in the final seven-rider line-up that has travelled to Lausanne.<\/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\">SD Worx also announced that Michel Cornelisse will join the team as a sports director in 2027 after working for Fenix-Deceuninck and more recently UAE Team ADQ.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Because the route is so challenging, there will be few teams with the riders and strength needed to truly control the race. That\u2019s why I expect an open Tour de France Femmes,&#8221; sports director Danny Stam said.<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            You may like<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RAF4BZtkbNMpTCUwZycQW3-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RAF4BZtkbNMpTCUwZycQW3-150-80.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;A strong team which you can divide into two groups&#8217; \u2013 Ambitious SD Worx-Protime set sprint and GC targets for Giro d&#8217;Italia Women<\/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\/jZ3mbHyKV2yXSgDK4xSf3f-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jZ3mbHyKV2yXSgDK4xSf3f-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\">No superstar rider but SD Worx-Protime count on rising GC talent and home hopeful to take on expanded Tour de Suisse Women<\/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\/iowqSUfVwPs8cMRw6C6FbY-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iowqSUfVwPs8cMRw6C6FbY-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\">Lorena Wiebes and SD Worx-Protime aim to &#8216;fine-tune leadout train&#8217; at Vuelta a Burgos ahead of Giro d&#8217;Italia maglia rosa bid<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It will be a great edition of the Tour de France for the neutral spectator. With so much climbing on the route, the chances of bunch sprints are limited. The first two stages could end in a sprint, but after that it will often be breakaways, with a small group battling it out for the stage win.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;We selected a compatible group of seven riders with whom we dream of stage victories and a top-five finish with Anna van der Breggen.&#8221;<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-emp5rKXbtJFQJgPSQkDeXQ\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-emp5rKXbtJFQJgPSQkDeXQ 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\">Van der Breggen will be riding the 18th Grand Tour of her distinguished career. She was second in the Vuelta Espa\u00f1a and third in the Giro d&#8217;Italia already in 2026, losing the maglia rosa to Vollering on the last day. A simialer scenario could emerge on Mount Ventoux next Friday.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;We will support her as much as possible. Our goal with Anna is a top-five finish in the general classification. If we achieve that, our Tour de France will be a success,&#8221; Stam said.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Wiebes has won five Tour de France Femmes stages during her career and she will surely win again this year. Stage 1 around Lausanne and the climb to the finish may be too hard for her but stage 2 to Geneva and stage 3 to Poligny could end in high-speed sprints.<\/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\/4jVUFWNsmQWRdSQWwaAtqE-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4jVUFWNsmQWRdSQWwaAtqE-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;Lotte showed what kind of teammate she is&#8217; \u2013 Kopecky eases up to let Bredewold win as SD Worx-Protime juggle cards at Vuelta Femenina<\/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\/MaYN5X83X7zFgoHKdrr7da-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MaYN5X83X7zFgoHKdrr7da-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;Last year&#8217;s victory doesn&#8217;t guarantee anything&#8217; \u2013 Pauline Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot set to defend Tour de France Femmes title with balanced Visma support squad<\/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\/6Qwro5SviMvjEWT5r6dTD4-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6Qwro5SviMvjEWT5r6dTD4-150-80.png.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Can FDJ United-SUEZ defend their title without Demi Vollering? \u2013 Analysing the contenders for La Vuelta Femenina 2026<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">\u201cOver the past two years, Lorena has proven that she is one of the best, if not the best, sprinters in the world. I think it is clear that as long as she is still there in the finale, she will be our protected rider,&#8221; Stam said.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;She is extremely difficult to beat in a sprint finish. There is a reason she holds the record for the most stage wins in the Tour de France Femmes. With her, we will try to win stages.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Kopecky won Milan-San Remo Women in March but missed out in the other Classics. She was consistent in the recent Baloise Ladies Tour and the Tour de Pologne and will have a free reign in the many expected attacks and breakaway stages, offering an alternative strategy to Wiebes.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;The main thing will be to keep the pressure off her shoulders and allow her to race freely,&#8221; Stam said.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Lotte will be free to take her opportunities in breakaways. With Lorena Wiebes, we have an excellent card to play in the sprint, and nobody likes taking her to the finish line. If Lotte is up the road, Lorena\u2019s presence behind can create hesitation among the chasers. Hopefully, Lotte can take a stage win from a breakaway.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-0a513676-8c32-11f1-9f00-9fa41d8d728e\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><strong>Support our unrivalled coverage of the Tour de France Femmes and women&#8217;s cycling by subscribing to Cyclingnews. In return, you get unlimited access to high-quality journalism, with breaking news, race analysis, and expert insight from inside the women&#8217;s peloton. Plus, the Cyclingnews app lets you follow the action wherever you go! <\/strong><u><strong>Join today.<\/strong><\/u><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/womens-cycling\/sd-worx-protime-led-by-lotte-kopecky-lorena-wiebes-and-anna-van-der-breggen-at-uncontrollable-tour-de-france-femmes-with-mixed-ambitions\/&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/T8r6nc4LCSG6ojytsGfLBD-1024-80.jpg&#8221;] 1 Tour de France Femmes contenders \u2013 Demi Vollering and Pauline Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot poised for fantastic duel with Ventoux finale 2 &#8216;New opportunity, a fresh page&#8217; \u2013 Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney chases another Tour de France Femmes victory with team that delivers debuts for B\u00e4ckstedt, Kl\u00f6ser, Niedermaier 3 &#8216;We have only one goal: yellow&#8217; \u2013 [&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-2069985","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\/2069985","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=2069985"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2069985\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2069985"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=2069985"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=2069985"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}