{"id":2073396,"date":"2026-08-02T08:20:00","date_gmt":"2026-08-02T05:20:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2073396"},"modified":"2026-08-02T08:20:00","modified_gmt":"2026-08-02T05:20:00","slug":"my-goal-is-to-compete-at-the-pinnacle-of-the-sport-kate-courtney-gets-a-taste-of-the-top-with-tour-de-france-femmes-visit-with-fdj-united-suez","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2073396","title":{"rendered":"&#8216;My goal is to compete at the pinnacle of the sport&#8217; \u2013 Kate Courtney gets a taste of the top with Tour de France Femmes visit with FDJ United-Suez"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yphwaXSatNupeTzaL8Yho-2000-80.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\/NZrX8ZygXnCG4mMGCij7cP-160-80.jpg.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NZrX8ZygXnCG4mMGCij7cP-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                                    As it happened: The GC riders fight for the stage win in Lausanne but nobody can stop the fastest sprinter in the world\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\/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-[18px] h-6 left-0 top-0 bg-white\/90 flex-none z-[1]\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"font-normal text-base leading-[17px] tracking-[1.3px] uppercase text-black flex-none\">2<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex flex-col items-center justify-center gap-1.5 w-[173px] h-20 flex-none\">\n<p class=\"font-article-heading font-medium text-base leading-[21px] text-gray-800 w-[173px] line-clamp-3 group-hover:underline\">\n                                    Tour de France 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\" 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\/LwGNhVYdXrv3dnnhovVZoi-160-80.png.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LwGNhVYdXrv3dnnhovVZoi-80-80.png.webp 80w\" sizes=\"80px\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex items-center justify-center absolute w-[18px] h-6 left-0 top-0 bg-white\/90 flex-none z-[1]\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"font-normal text-base leading-[17px] tracking-[1.3px] uppercase text-black flex-none\">3<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex flex-col items-center justify-center gap-1.5 w-[173px] h-20 flex-none\">\n<p class=\"font-article-heading font-medium text-base leading-[21px] text-gray-800 w-[173px] line-clamp-3 group-hover:underline\">\n                                    &#8216;I 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\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>&#8216;My goal is to compete at the pinnacle of the sport&#8217; \u2013 Kate Courtney gets a taste of the top with Tour de France Femmes visit with FDJ United-Suez<\/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 \/>\nMatilda Price <\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex gap-1 vds-byline-with-avatar__meta\"><span class=\"vds-date block font-normal tracking-normal normal-case text-xs\"><br \/>\nPublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-08-02T08:20:00Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n2 August 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">New signing joins team for Grand D\u00e9part in Switzerland to celebrate Red Bull launch and take in everything behind the scenes<\/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\/yphwaXSatNupeTzaL8Yho-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yphwaXSatNupeTzaL8Yho-1600-80.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yphwaXSatNupeTzaL8Yho-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yphwaXSatNupeTzaL8Yho-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yphwaXSatNupeTzaL8Yho-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yphwaXSatNupeTzaL8Yho-750-80.jpg.webp 750w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yphwaXSatNupeTzaL8Yho-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yphwaXSatNupeTzaL8Yho-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yphwaXSatNupeTzaL8Yho-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: FDJ United-SUEZ)<\/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-eaa08ce4-8e45-11f1-bcd0-cbc4605e395e\">She may be only a few weeks into her contract with FDJ United-SUEZ, but Kate Courtney wants to learn and experience as much as she can, as soon as she can, including getting a feel for the biggest race in the world.<\/p>\n<p>The American was a special addition to the team entourage on stage 1 of the Tour de France Femmes, making an appearance to celebrate the arrival of Red Bull as a new sponsor, but also getting embedded in the team bubble.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-eaa08ce4-8e45-11f1-bcd0-cbc4605e395e-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">A top-level athlete for over a decade, Courtney is far from a stranger to these big events, but she knows how much she has to learn when it comes to road racing and the WorldTour, and is keen to soak up as much as possible in her 2026 half-season that she describes as &#8220;a head start&#8221; before 2027.<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-6 w-full overflow-hidden rounded-[10px] lg:my-8\" data-component-name=\"JwPlayer:Carousel\" data-jwp-carousel data-jwp-carousel-payload=\"{&quot;ids&quot;:{&quot;playerID&quot;:&quot;jYDCcabO&quot;,&quot;searchPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;gwjdoYHD&quot;,&quot;divID&quot;:&quot;botr_gwjdoYHD_jYDCcabO_div&quot;,&quot;fallbackPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;gwjdoYHD&quot;,&quot;fallbackDivID&quot;:&quot;botr_gwjdoYHD_jYDCcabO_div&quot;,&quot;key&quot;:&quot;X9\/mXVGac0NphghLH9hZaqWA5d3dhAM\/Ih07grnEyMLjuO2E&quot;,&quot;tintLogo&quot;:true,&quot;useSearchPlaylist&quot;:false,&quot;enabled&quot;:true},&quot;signPostingEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;signPostingLinkEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;waitForAdLoad&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnDesktop&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnMobile&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnTablet&quot;:false}\">\n<div class=\"flex flex-nowrap items-center justify-between gap-3 bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-header>\n<div class=\"flex min-w-0 shrink items-center\"><span class=\"inline-flex items-center gap-1.5 text-sm font-article-heading capitalize leading-5 text-white whitespace-nowrap\"><span class=\"jwp-carousel-title-desktop\">Latest Videos From<\/span><span class=\"jwp-carousel-brand\">Cyclingnews<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"min-h-[44px] bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting><a class=\"invisible block truncate text-sm font-bold leading-5 text-white underline decoration-solid underline-offset-2\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting-link href target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span data-jwp-carousel-signposting-title>Watch full video here: <\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;We obviously had some big news to share today, so that was my primary motivation to give these girls some wings as they take on the hardest race in the world,&#8221; she told <em>Cyclingnews <\/em>on Saturday.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;But also, I think for me, being here for a couple days \u2013 I&#8217;ll just be here for stage 1 and 2 \u2013 is a huge learning opportunity. I can see not only what&#8217;s happening in the race, but also everything behind the scenes, and learn a bit about what it would take to make a team someday.&#8221;<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            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\/a4DAKgMCiaoRYHB2dmcbV3-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/a4DAKgMCiaoRYHB2dmcbV3-150-80.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;One of the most challenging goals I have ever spoken out loud&#8217; becomes stunning reality as off-road star Kate Courtney enters the Women&#8217;s WorldTour<\/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\/AKPYwTXys5nHGBTjMjRD6H-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AKPYwTXys5nHGBTjMjRD6H-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;My first big hit out against every single big rider&#8217; \u2013 Zoe B\u00e4ckstedt relishes star-studded time trial test at debut Tour de France Femmes<\/span><\/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\/ZLhTWBqryzGHCk2dKSRmye-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZLhTWBqryzGHCk2dKSRmye-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;Pauline will be on the same level or better; we are only focused on ourselves&#8217; \u2013 Inside FDJ United-Suez and Demi Vollering&#8217;s preparation, mindset and ambitions for the Tour de France Femmes<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">To say Courtney has got stuck in straight away since signing for FDJ United-Suez would be something of an understatement. She made her debut just a matter of days after her arrival was announced, taking 15th and 13th at a pair of one-day races in France, and then headed to Belgium to tackle some kermesses, of which she won two.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It&#8217;s been quite a whirlwind,&#8221; she said. &#8220;I have a lot of room for growth, a lot of opportunity to learn from the best in the world, and I think I&#8217;m just really excited we were able to get started. I&#8217;m also really grateful that the team is investing in such long-term progression and really helping make sure that when I&#8217;m put in at the highest level, I have the skills to compete. That&#8217;s obviously a long-term project, but something that&#8217;s really exciting, and I feel really well supported in.&#8221;<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-b5pdXF46zVWbk9zwfSBXkj\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-b5pdXF46zVWbk9zwfSBXkj 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\">Whilst the goals are long term, with Courtney&#8217;s contract running through 2027 and 2028 with the LA Olympics likely a big ambition, she and the team were keen to squeeze some high-level racing into the remainder of 2026.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">After a few weeks of racing and training in Europe, Courtney is heading home to the US to train \u2013 she won&#8217;t be racing Leadville \u2013 before the Tour of Britain Women. Her win at the National Championships should have earned her a spot on the USA team for the World Championships in Montr\u00e9al, and the current plan is to return home after the Tour of Britain to prepare for that.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Whilst her ambitions for this year are certainly high, there is also a bit of a sense that 2026 is something of a bonus year, and a few months to get prepared before hitting the ground running in 2027.<\/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\/zkdkJAP4Y8UEpSpwv9wjpa-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zkdkJAP4Y8UEpSpwv9wjpa-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;My year of radical experimentation&#8217; \u2013 Kate Courtney&#8217;s first US Road Nationals is one to remember, so will we see her on the tarmac more?<\/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\/h62jRZjQYyMgvcAPGGLq5L-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/h62jRZjQYyMgvcAPGGLq5L-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\">With Paris-Roubaix champion Alison Jackson on board, ambitious St Michel squad aim high at the Tour de France Femmes and beyond<\/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\/NsjeSbhYWNXiWVshUACcmB-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NsjeSbhYWNXiWVshUACcmB-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;I&#8217;ve not reached my absolute potential yet&#8217; \u2013 Kim Le Court-Pienaar sets sights on Tour de France Femmes top five after &#8216;shock to the system&#8217; success in 2025<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;The season schedule is still kind of coming together, but after Tour of Britain, I&#8217;ll have a good break to train for the second half of my season, and then obviously we&#8217;ll be starting to work on next year,&#8221; she said. &#8220;So really, this half-year contract was about getting a head start and starting to identify what we need to do in the off-season to really make a difference in my performance for next year.&#8221;<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"adjusting-to-the-road-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Adjusting to the road <\/h2>\n<p id=\"elk-eaa08e7e-8e45-11f1-8a98-c7f3721a4e8c\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">At the Tour de France Femmes, Courtney is obviously seeing the very extreme end of the spectrum when it comes to road races and performance, but racing regularly on the road at all is still new to the American.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Whilst she&#8217;s not coming at this from nowhere, and her road ability is undoubted \u2013 even this year, before joining FDJ, she won a race in Europe and the US national title \u2013 there are still small details she wants to work on to feel truly at home in the peloton.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It&#8217;s the small things, right? I&#8217;ve been a professional athlete for 10 years on the mountain bike side, so I know how to train. I&#8217;m sure we can always make adjustments and improvements. But it&#8217;s really less about finding a few more watts and more about understanding the strategy, the tactics, how to ride in a team, how to listen on the radio, how to take a feed, all these things that you know come as second nature if you&#8217;ve come up through the road peloton, but for me, are new and different.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It will just take a little bit of getting used to and understanding, so that I can make good decisions and hopefully get myself into some big races.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Where does she look to for advice and lesions in doing all of these things? Well, everyone, really.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;That&#8217;s why you come to FDJ, right? It&#8217;s to ride amongst the best riders in the world, but also to work with the best people. From our CEO to our media team to our staff support to our mechanics to our coaches to our DSs, there&#8217;s really an insane team behind the team, and I have something to learn from all of them.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The way Courtney has been welcomed into the team, be it in her races so far or in the team car at the Tour de France Femmes, is also something new, and a new dynamic for her to get used to.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It&#8217;s interesting. I mean, mountain biking is not a team sport. I think we organise in teams, and support can be arranged through teams. But at the end of the day, it&#8217;s an individual sport,&#8221; she said. &#8220;So it&#8217;s really special for me at this stage of my career to be part of a real team, where on any given day, all of the riders are part of the finishing result. That&#8217;s a really unique thing and something I&#8217;m looking forward to being a part of in races coming up.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Long term, Courtney is definitely dreaming of returning to the Tour de France Femmes as a rider, not just an onlooker, but at this stage, practically every new experience is a bucket list item for the 30-year-old.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I think one of the exciting things is that I haven&#8217;t raced in any of these big races, so whether it&#8217;s one of the spring classics, whether it&#8217;s one of the Grand Tours, all of these events are new to me and huge goals on the horizon,&#8221; she said.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;But obviously, the Tour de France Femmes is top of the list there, and something completely different when it comes to media, reach and impact, and obviously the level of the racing. This is where people are the best. This is where the teams show up ready to compete all-out, and of course, my goal is to compete at the pinnacle of the sport, and that would be a big long term goal.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;But I&#8217;ve come to the team that is the hardest to make, so I&#8217;ve got some work to do. We love a challenge!&#8221;<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-eaa08eec-8e45-11f1-8468-2399c61af68c\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><em><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><\/em><u><em><strong>Join today.<\/strong><\/em><\/u><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"block mb-5\" id=\"articleTag\" data-component-name=\"PostArticleLinks\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"post-article-links\">\n<div class=\"border-b border-b-black border-solid py-2.5 text-black font-bold uppercase\">TOPICS<\/div>\n<nav class=\"py-2.5 flex gap-2.5 flex-wrap\" data-analytics-id=\"article-tag\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-tag\">\n<p>North American<\/p>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-b5pdXF46zVWbk9zwfSBXkj\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-b5pdXF46zVWbk9zwfSBXkj slice-container-authorBio\">\n<div class=\"author author__default-layout author--separator author--collapsible\" data-hydrate=\"true\">\n<div class=\"author__header\">\n<div class=\"author__heading\">\n<div class=\"author__name\">Matilda Price<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__role\">Assistant Features Editor<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>Matilda is an NCTJ-qualified journalist based in the UK who joined <em>Cyclingnews <\/em>in March 2025. Prior to that, she worked as the Racing News Editor at <em>GCN<\/em>, and extensively as a freelancer contributing to <em>Cyclingnews, Cycling Weekly, Velo, Rouleur, Escape Collective, Red Bull <\/em>and more. She has reported on the ground at all of the biggest events on the calendar, including the men&#8217;s and women&#8217;s Tours de France, the Giro d&#8217;Italia, the Vuelta a Espana, the Spring Classics and the World Championships. She has particular experience and expertise in women&#8217;s cycling, and women&#8217;s sport in general. She is a graduate of modern languages and sports journalism.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<div class=\"relative max-w-[1070px] viafoura-twig-component mt-6 mx-4 lg:mx-0\" data-component-name=\"Viafoura:Comments\" data-nosnippet data-community-guidelines-text=\"&lt;p class=&apos;vfcustom-community-guidelines&apos;&gt;Please follow our &lt;a href=&quot;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/about\/#section-community-guidelines&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;community guidelines&lt;\/a&gt;.&lt;\/p&gt;\" data-join-the-conversation-text=\"Join the Conversation\">\n<div class=\"absolute top-0 left-0 w-full h-full flex items-center justify-center z-50 bg-white\/90 border-1 rounded-b-[var(--comment-widget-border-radius,0)]\">\n<div class=\"p-2 text-center\">\n<p class=\"mb-3 text-lg!\">You must confirm your public display name before commenting<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-3 text-sm!\">Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<section class=\"mx-2 my-5 sm:mx-0\">\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-adviser:hybrid\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Read more<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/a4DAKgMCiaoRYHB2dmcbV3-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/a4DAKgMCiaoRYHB2dmcbV3-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/a4DAKgMCiaoRYHB2dmcbV3-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/a4DAKgMCiaoRYHB2dmcbV3-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/a4DAKgMCiaoRYHB2dmcbV3-320-80.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;One of the most challenging goals I have ever spoken out loud&#8217; becomes stunning reality as off-road star Kate Courtney enters the Women&#8217;s WorldTour<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AKPYwTXys5nHGBTjMjRD6H-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AKPYwTXys5nHGBTjMjRD6H-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AKPYwTXys5nHGBTjMjRD6H-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AKPYwTXys5nHGBTjMjRD6H-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AKPYwTXys5nHGBTjMjRD6H-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;My first big hit out against every single big rider&#8217; \u2013 Zoe B\u00e4ckstedt relishes star-studded time trial test at debut Tour de France Femmes<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZLhTWBqryzGHCk2dKSRmye-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZLhTWBqryzGHCk2dKSRmye-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZLhTWBqryzGHCk2dKSRmye-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZLhTWBqryzGHCk2dKSRmye-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZLhTWBqryzGHCk2dKSRmye-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;Pauline will be on the same level or better; we are only focused on ourselves&#8217; \u2013 Inside FDJ United-Suez and Demi Vollering&#8217;s preparation, mindset and ambitions for the Tour de France Femmes<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zkdkJAP4Y8UEpSpwv9wjpa-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zkdkJAP4Y8UEpSpwv9wjpa-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zkdkJAP4Y8UEpSpwv9wjpa-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zkdkJAP4Y8UEpSpwv9wjpa-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zkdkJAP4Y8UEpSpwv9wjpa-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;My year of radical experimentation&#8217; \u2013 Kate Courtney&#8217;s first US Road Nationals is one to remember, so will we see her on the tarmac more?<\/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\/h62jRZjQYyMgvcAPGGLq5L-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/h62jRZjQYyMgvcAPGGLq5L-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/h62jRZjQYyMgvcAPGGLq5L-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/h62jRZjQYyMgvcAPGGLq5L-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/h62jRZjQYyMgvcAPGGLq5L-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\">With Paris-Roubaix champion Alison Jackson on board, ambitious St Michel squad aim high at the Tour de France Femmes and beyond<\/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\/NsjeSbhYWNXiWVshUACcmB-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NsjeSbhYWNXiWVshUACcmB-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NsjeSbhYWNXiWVshUACcmB-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NsjeSbhYWNXiWVshUACcmB-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NsjeSbhYWNXiWVshUACcmB-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&#8217;ve not reached my absolute potential yet&#8217; \u2013 Kim Le Court-Pienaar sets sights on Tour de France Femmes top five after &#8216;shock to the system&#8217; success in 2025<\/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\/nhLbE6EnYxDy4JXqPhZahH-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nhLbE6EnYxDy4JXqPhZahH-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nhLbE6EnYxDy4JXqPhZahH-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nhLbE6EnYxDy4JXqPhZahH-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nhLbE6EnYxDy4JXqPhZahH-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\">What&#8217;s in a warning? \u2013 Looking into the consequences of a caution after Tour de France Femmes stage 1 report delivers lengthy list<\/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\/kZx7N3GMedv4wFmAeSKAvk-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kZx7N3GMedv4wFmAeSKAvk-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kZx7N3GMedv4wFmAeSKAvk-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kZx7N3GMedv4wFmAeSKAvk-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kZx7N3GMedv4wFmAeSKAvk-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\">UCI Gravel World Series: Lisa Bone takes solo win at Around the Pot, Matt Beers darts ahead of Cape Epic teammate Tristan Nortje<\/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\/cwtT54uw9LdPabCfqtPbYG-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cwtT54uw9LdPabCfqtPbYG-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cwtT54uw9LdPabCfqtPbYG-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cwtT54uw9LdPabCfqtPbYG-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cwtT54uw9LdPabCfqtPbYG-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;Created the less stressful situation&#8217; &#8211; Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney&#8217;s &#8216;legs are good&#8217; as she slots in with best of rest after Tour de France Femmes opening stage<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iKMftPC7fDb7GS9E8RENLm-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iKMftPC7fDb7GS9E8RENLm-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iKMftPC7fDb7GS9E8RENLm-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iKMftPC7fDb7GS9E8RENLm-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iKMftPC7fDb7GS9E8RENLm-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\">First yellow, but what about green? Lorena Wiebes cautious about points jersey ambitions in ultra tough Tour de France Femmes<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/U7L7JtFeWRCJPLYf9ckk6S-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/U7L7JtFeWRCJPLYf9ckk6S-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/U7L7JtFeWRCJPLYf9ckk6S-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/U7L7JtFeWRCJPLYf9ckk6S-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/U7L7JtFeWRCJPLYf9ckk6S-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 little personal win for me&#8217; \u2013 Kim Le Court-Pienaar&#8217;s Tour de France Femmes GC quest off to a good start as &#8216;best of the rest&#8217; behind unbeatable Wiebes<\/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\/s92Ry9bjJmQvRa7AUvLpoK-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/s92Ry9bjJmQvRa7AUvLpoK-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/s92Ry9bjJmQvRa7AUvLpoK-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/s92Ry9bjJmQvRa7AUvLpoK-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/s92Ry9bjJmQvRa7AUvLpoK-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;We never panicked&#8217; \u2013 Well-gelled Movistar avoid any repeat of first-day drama for Marlen Reusser at Tour de France Femmes after crash<\/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\/nhLbE6EnYxDy4JXqPhZahH-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nhLbE6EnYxDy4JXqPhZahH-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nhLbE6EnYxDy4JXqPhZahH-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nhLbE6EnYxDy4JXqPhZahH-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nhLbE6EnYxDy4JXqPhZahH-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\">What&#8217;s in a warning? \u2013 Looking into the consequences of a caution after Tour de France Femmes stage 1 report delivers lengthy list<\/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\/cwtT54uw9LdPabCfqtPbYG-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cwtT54uw9LdPabCfqtPbYG-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cwtT54uw9LdPabCfqtPbYG-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cwtT54uw9LdPabCfqtPbYG-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cwtT54uw9LdPabCfqtPbYG-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;Created the less stressful situation&#8217; &#8211; Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney&#8217;s &#8216;legs are good&#8217; as she slots in with best of rest after Tour de France Femmes opening stage<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iKMftPC7fDb7GS9E8RENLm-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iKMftPC7fDb7GS9E8RENLm-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iKMftPC7fDb7GS9E8RENLm-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iKMftPC7fDb7GS9E8RENLm-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iKMftPC7fDb7GS9E8RENLm-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\">First yellow, but what about green? Lorena Wiebes cautious about points jersey ambitions in ultra tough Tour de France Femmes<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/U7L7JtFeWRCJPLYf9ckk6S-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/U7L7JtFeWRCJPLYf9ckk6S-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/U7L7JtFeWRCJPLYf9ckk6S-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/U7L7JtFeWRCJPLYf9ckk6S-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/U7L7JtFeWRCJPLYf9ckk6S-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 little personal win for me&#8217; \u2013 Kim Le Court-Pienaar&#8217;s Tour de France Femmes GC quest off to a good start as &#8216;best of the rest&#8217; behind unbeatable Wiebes<\/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\/s92Ry9bjJmQvRa7AUvLpoK-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/s92Ry9bjJmQvRa7AUvLpoK-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/s92Ry9bjJmQvRa7AUvLpoK-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/s92Ry9bjJmQvRa7AUvLpoK-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/s92Ry9bjJmQvRa7AUvLpoK-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;We never panicked&#8217; \u2013 Well-gelled Movistar avoid any repeat of first-day drama for Marlen Reusser at Tour de France Femmes after crash<\/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\/pduVrSbBhQ5tn3an23hwWo-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pduVrSbBhQ5tn3an23hwWo-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pduVrSbBhQ5tn3an23hwWo-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pduVrSbBhQ5tn3an23hwWo-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pduVrSbBhQ5tn3an23hwWo-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 think this whole Tour is going to be like this&#8217; \u2013\u00a0Demi Vollering&#8217;s less intense Tour de France Femmes preparation already paying dividends with opening stage time gain<\/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\/yphwaXSatNupeTzaL8Yho-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yphwaXSatNupeTzaL8Yho-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yphwaXSatNupeTzaL8Yho-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yphwaXSatNupeTzaL8Yho-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;My goal is to compete at the pinnacle of the sport&#8217; \u2013 Kate Courtney gets a taste of the top with Tour de France Femmes visit with FDJ United-Suez<\/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>UCI Gravel World Series: Lisa Bone takes solo win at Around the Pot, Matt Beers darts ahead of Cape Epic teammate Tristan Nortje<\/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;Created the less stressful situation&#8217; &#8211; Teamwork and &#8216;legs are good&#8217; as Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney slots in with best of rest after Tour de France Femmes opening stage<\/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>Tour de France Femmes 2026: All the yellow cards, fines, and penalties<\/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>&#8216;With the parcours, I want to race more to my strengths&#8217; \u2013 Niamh Fisher-Black adjusts expectations for Tour de France Femmes<\/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>&#8216;My goal is to compete at the pinnacle of the sport&#8217; \u2013 Kate Courtney gets a taste of the top with Tour de France Femmes visit with FDJ United-Suez<\/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 \/>\nMatilda Price <\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex gap-1 vds-byline-with-avatar__meta\"><span class=\"vds-date block font-normal tracking-normal normal-case text-xs\"><br \/>\nPublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-08-02T08:20:00Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n2 August 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">New signing joins team for Grand D\u00e9part in Switzerland to celebrate Red Bull launch and take in everything behind the scenes<\/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\/yphwaXSatNupeTzaL8Yho-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yphwaXSatNupeTzaL8Yho-1600-80.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yphwaXSatNupeTzaL8Yho-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yphwaXSatNupeTzaL8Yho-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yphwaXSatNupeTzaL8Yho-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yphwaXSatNupeTzaL8Yho-750-80.jpg.webp 750w, 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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-eaa08ce4-8e45-11f1-bcd0-cbc4605e395e\">She may be only a few weeks into her contract with FDJ United-SUEZ, but Kate Courtney wants to learn and experience as much as she can, as soon as she can, including getting a feel for the biggest race in the world.<\/p>\n<p>The American was a special addition to the team entourage on stage 1 of the Tour de France Femmes, making an appearance to celebrate the arrival of Red Bull as a new sponsor, but also getting embedded in the team bubble.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-eaa08ce4-8e45-11f1-bcd0-cbc4605e395e-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">A top-level athlete for over a decade, Courtney is far from a stranger to these big events, but she knows how much she has to learn when it comes to road racing and the WorldTour, and is keen to soak up as much as possible in her 2026 half-season that she describes as &#8220;a head start&#8221; before 2027.<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-6 w-full overflow-hidden rounded-[10px] lg:my-8\" data-component-name=\"JwPlayer:Carousel\" data-jwp-carousel 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whitespace-nowrap\"><span class=\"jwp-carousel-title-desktop\">Latest Videos From<\/span><span class=\"jwp-carousel-brand\">Cyclingnews<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"min-h-[44px] bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting><a class=\"invisible block truncate text-sm font-bold leading-5 text-white underline decoration-solid underline-offset-2\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting-link href target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span data-jwp-carousel-signposting-title>Watch full video here: <\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;We obviously had some big news to share today, so that was my primary motivation to give these girls some wings as they take on the hardest race in the world,&#8221; she told <em>Cyclingnews <\/em>on Saturday.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;But also, I think for me, being here for a couple days \u2013 I&#8217;ll just be here for stage 1 and 2 \u2013 is a huge learning opportunity. I can see not only what&#8217;s happening in the race, but also everything behind the scenes, and learn a bit about what it would take to make a team someday.&#8221;<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            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\/a4DAKgMCiaoRYHB2dmcbV3-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/a4DAKgMCiaoRYHB2dmcbV3-150-80.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;One of the most challenging goals I have ever spoken out loud&#8217; becomes stunning reality as off-road star Kate Courtney enters the Women&#8217;s WorldTour<\/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\/AKPYwTXys5nHGBTjMjRD6H-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AKPYwTXys5nHGBTjMjRD6H-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;My first big hit out against every single big rider&#8217; \u2013 Zoe B\u00e4ckstedt relishes star-studded time trial test at debut Tour de France Femmes<\/span><\/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\/ZLhTWBqryzGHCk2dKSRmye-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZLhTWBqryzGHCk2dKSRmye-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;Pauline will be on the same level or better; we are only focused on ourselves&#8217; \u2013 Inside FDJ United-Suez and Demi Vollering&#8217;s preparation, mindset and ambitions for the Tour de France Femmes<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">To say Courtney has got stuck in straight away since signing for FDJ United-Suez would be something of an understatement. She made her debut just a matter of days after her arrival was announced, taking 15th and 13th at a pair of one-day races in France, and then headed to Belgium to tackle some kermesses, of which she won two.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It&#8217;s been quite a whirlwind,&#8221; she said. &#8220;I have a lot of room for growth, a lot of opportunity to learn from the best in the world, and I think I&#8217;m just really excited we were able to get started. I&#8217;m also really grateful that the team is investing in such long-term progression and really helping make sure that when I&#8217;m put in at the highest level, I have the skills to compete. That&#8217;s obviously a long-term project, but something that&#8217;s really exciting, and I feel really well supported in.&#8221;<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-b5pdXF46zVWbk9zwfSBXkj\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-b5pdXF46zVWbk9zwfSBXkj 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\">Whilst the goals are long term, with Courtney&#8217;s contract running through 2027 and 2028 with the LA Olympics likely a big ambition, she and the team were keen to squeeze some high-level racing into the remainder of 2026.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">After a few weeks of racing and training in Europe, Courtney is heading home to the US to train \u2013 she won&#8217;t be racing Leadville \u2013 before the Tour of Britain Women. Her win at the National Championships should have earned her a spot on the USA team for the World Championships in Montr\u00e9al, and the current plan is to return home after the Tour of Britain to prepare for that.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Whilst her ambitions for this year are certainly high, there is also a bit of a sense that 2026 is something of a bonus year, and a few months to get prepared before hitting the ground running in 2027.<\/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\/zkdkJAP4Y8UEpSpwv9wjpa-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zkdkJAP4Y8UEpSpwv9wjpa-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;My year of radical experimentation&#8217; \u2013 Kate Courtney&#8217;s first US Road Nationals is one to remember, so will we see her on the tarmac more?<\/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\/h62jRZjQYyMgvcAPGGLq5L-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/h62jRZjQYyMgvcAPGGLq5L-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\">With Paris-Roubaix champion Alison Jackson on board, ambitious St Michel squad aim high at the Tour de France Femmes and beyond<\/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\/NsjeSbhYWNXiWVshUACcmB-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NsjeSbhYWNXiWVshUACcmB-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;I&#8217;ve not reached my absolute potential yet&#8217; \u2013 Kim Le Court-Pienaar sets sights on Tour de France Femmes top five after &#8216;shock to the system&#8217; success in 2025<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;The season schedule is still kind of coming together, but after Tour of Britain, I&#8217;ll have a good break to train for the second half of my season, and then obviously we&#8217;ll be starting to work on next year,&#8221; she said. &#8220;So really, this half-year contract was about getting a head start and starting to identify what we need to do in the off-season to really make a difference in my performance for next year.&#8221;<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"adjusting-to-the-road-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Adjusting to the road <\/h2>\n<p id=\"elk-eaa08e7e-8e45-11f1-8a98-c7f3721a4e8c\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">At the Tour de France Femmes, Courtney is obviously seeing the very extreme end of the spectrum when it comes to road races and performance, but racing regularly on the road at all is still new to the American.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Whilst she&#8217;s not coming at this from nowhere, and her road ability is undoubted \u2013 even this year, before joining FDJ, she won a race in Europe and the US national title \u2013 there are still small details she wants to work on to feel truly at home in the peloton.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It&#8217;s the small things, right? I&#8217;ve been a professional athlete for 10 years on the mountain bike side, so I know how to train. I&#8217;m sure we can always make adjustments and improvements. But it&#8217;s really less about finding a few more watts and more about understanding the strategy, the tactics, how to ride in a team, how to listen on the radio, how to take a feed, all these things that you know come as second nature if you&#8217;ve come up through the road peloton, but for me, are new and different.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It will just take a little bit of getting used to and understanding, so that I can make good decisions and hopefully get myself into some big races.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Where does she look to for advice and lesions in doing all of these things? Well, everyone, really.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;That&#8217;s why you come to FDJ, right? It&#8217;s to ride amongst the best riders in the world, but also to work with the best people. From our CEO to our media team to our staff support to our mechanics to our coaches to our DSs, there&#8217;s really an insane team behind the team, and I have something to learn from all of them.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The way Courtney has been welcomed into the team, be it in her races so far or in the team car at the Tour de France Femmes, is also something new, and a new dynamic for her to get used to.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It&#8217;s interesting. I mean, mountain biking is not a team sport. I think we organise in teams, and support can be arranged through teams. But at the end of the day, it&#8217;s an individual sport,&#8221; she said. &#8220;So it&#8217;s really special for me at this stage of my career to be part of a real team, where on any given day, all of the riders are part of the finishing result. That&#8217;s a really unique thing and something I&#8217;m looking forward to being a part of in races coming up.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Long term, Courtney is definitely dreaming of returning to the Tour de France Femmes as a rider, not just an onlooker, but at this stage, practically every new experience is a bucket list item for the 30-year-old.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I think one of the exciting things is that I haven&#8217;t raced in any of these big races, so whether it&#8217;s one of the spring classics, whether it&#8217;s one of the Grand Tours, all of these events are new to me and huge goals on the horizon,&#8221; she said.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;But obviously, the Tour de France Femmes is top of the list there, and something completely different when it comes to media, reach and impact, and obviously the level of the racing. This is where people are the best. This is where the teams show up ready to compete all-out, and of course, my goal is to compete at the pinnacle of the sport, and that would be a big long term goal.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;But I&#8217;ve come to the team that is the hardest to make, so I&#8217;ve got some work to do. We love a challenge!&#8221;<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-eaa08eec-8e45-11f1-8468-2399c61af68c\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><em><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><\/em><u><em><strong>Join today.<\/strong><\/em><\/u><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"block mb-5\" id=\"articleTag\" data-component-name=\"PostArticleLinks\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"post-article-links\">\n<div class=\"border-b border-b-black border-solid py-2.5 text-black font-bold uppercase\">TOPICS<\/div>\n<nav class=\"py-2.5 flex gap-2.5 flex-wrap\" data-analytics-id=\"article-tag\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-tag\">\n<p>North American<\/p>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-b5pdXF46zVWbk9zwfSBXkj\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-b5pdXF46zVWbk9zwfSBXkj slice-container-authorBio\">\n<div class=\"author author__default-layout author--separator author--collapsible\" data-hydrate=\"true\">\n<div class=\"author__header\">\n<div class=\"author__heading\">\n<div class=\"author__name\">Matilda Price<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__role\">Assistant Features Editor<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>Matilda is an NCTJ-qualified journalist based in the UK who joined <em>Cyclingnews <\/em>in March 2025. Prior to that, she worked as the Racing News Editor at <em>GCN<\/em>, and extensively as a freelancer contributing to <em>Cyclingnews, Cycling Weekly, Velo, Rouleur, Escape Collective, Red Bull <\/em>and more. She has reported on the ground at all of the biggest events on the calendar, including the men&#8217;s and women&#8217;s Tours de France, the Giro d&#8217;Italia, the Vuelta a Espana, the Spring Classics and the World Championships. She has particular experience and expertise in women&#8217;s cycling, and women&#8217;s sport in general. She is a graduate of modern languages and sports journalism.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<div class=\"relative max-w-[1070px] viafoura-twig-component mt-6 mx-4 lg:mx-0\" data-component-name=\"Viafoura:Comments\" data-nosnippet data-community-guidelines-text=\"&lt;p class=&apos;vfcustom-community-guidelines&apos;&gt;Please follow our &lt;a href=&quot;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/about\/#section-community-guidelines&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;community guidelines&lt;\/a&gt;.&lt;\/p&gt;\" data-join-the-conversation-text=\"Join the Conversation\">\n<div class=\"absolute top-0 left-0 w-full h-full flex items-center justify-center z-50 bg-white\/90 border-1 rounded-b-[var(--comment-widget-border-radius,0)]\">\n<div class=\"p-2 text-center\">\n<p class=\"mb-3 text-lg!\">You must confirm your public display name before commenting<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-3 text-sm!\">Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<section class=\"mx-2 my-5 sm:mx-0\">\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-adviser:hybrid\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Read more<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/a4DAKgMCiaoRYHB2dmcbV3-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/a4DAKgMCiaoRYHB2dmcbV3-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/a4DAKgMCiaoRYHB2dmcbV3-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/a4DAKgMCiaoRYHB2dmcbV3-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/a4DAKgMCiaoRYHB2dmcbV3-320-80.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;One of the most challenging goals I have ever spoken out loud&#8217; becomes stunning reality as off-road star Kate Courtney enters the Women&#8217;s WorldTour<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AKPYwTXys5nHGBTjMjRD6H-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AKPYwTXys5nHGBTjMjRD6H-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AKPYwTXys5nHGBTjMjRD6H-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AKPYwTXys5nHGBTjMjRD6H-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AKPYwTXys5nHGBTjMjRD6H-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;My first big hit out against every single big rider&#8217; \u2013 Zoe B\u00e4ckstedt relishes star-studded time trial test at debut Tour de France Femmes<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZLhTWBqryzGHCk2dKSRmye-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZLhTWBqryzGHCk2dKSRmye-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZLhTWBqryzGHCk2dKSRmye-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZLhTWBqryzGHCk2dKSRmye-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZLhTWBqryzGHCk2dKSRmye-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;Pauline will be on the same level or better; we are only focused on ourselves&#8217; \u2013 Inside FDJ United-Suez and Demi Vollering&#8217;s preparation, mindset and ambitions for the Tour de France Femmes<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zkdkJAP4Y8UEpSpwv9wjpa-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zkdkJAP4Y8UEpSpwv9wjpa-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zkdkJAP4Y8UEpSpwv9wjpa-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zkdkJAP4Y8UEpSpwv9wjpa-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zkdkJAP4Y8UEpSpwv9wjpa-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;My year of radical experimentation&#8217; \u2013 Kate Courtney&#8217;s first US Road Nationals is one to remember, so will we see her on the tarmac more?<\/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\/h62jRZjQYyMgvcAPGGLq5L-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/h62jRZjQYyMgvcAPGGLq5L-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/h62jRZjQYyMgvcAPGGLq5L-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/h62jRZjQYyMgvcAPGGLq5L-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/h62jRZjQYyMgvcAPGGLq5L-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\">With Paris-Roubaix champion Alison Jackson on board, ambitious St Michel squad aim high at the Tour de France Femmes and beyond<\/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\/NsjeSbhYWNXiWVshUACcmB-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NsjeSbhYWNXiWVshUACcmB-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NsjeSbhYWNXiWVshUACcmB-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NsjeSbhYWNXiWVshUACcmB-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NsjeSbhYWNXiWVshUACcmB-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&#8217;ve not reached my absolute potential yet&#8217; \u2013 Kim Le Court-Pienaar sets sights on Tour de France Femmes top five after &#8216;shock to the system&#8217; success in 2025<\/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\/nhLbE6EnYxDy4JXqPhZahH-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nhLbE6EnYxDy4JXqPhZahH-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nhLbE6EnYxDy4JXqPhZahH-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nhLbE6EnYxDy4JXqPhZahH-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nhLbE6EnYxDy4JXqPhZahH-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\">What&#8217;s in a warning? \u2013 Looking into the consequences of a caution after Tour de France Femmes stage 1 report delivers lengthy list<\/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\/kZx7N3GMedv4wFmAeSKAvk-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kZx7N3GMedv4wFmAeSKAvk-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kZx7N3GMedv4wFmAeSKAvk-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kZx7N3GMedv4wFmAeSKAvk-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kZx7N3GMedv4wFmAeSKAvk-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\">UCI Gravel World Series: Lisa Bone takes solo win at Around the Pot, Matt Beers darts ahead of Cape Epic teammate Tristan Nortje<\/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\/cwtT54uw9LdPabCfqtPbYG-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cwtT54uw9LdPabCfqtPbYG-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cwtT54uw9LdPabCfqtPbYG-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cwtT54uw9LdPabCfqtPbYG-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cwtT54uw9LdPabCfqtPbYG-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;Created the less stressful situation&#8217; &#8211; Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney&#8217;s &#8216;legs are good&#8217; as she slots in with best of rest after Tour de France Femmes opening stage<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iKMftPC7fDb7GS9E8RENLm-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iKMftPC7fDb7GS9E8RENLm-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iKMftPC7fDb7GS9E8RENLm-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iKMftPC7fDb7GS9E8RENLm-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iKMftPC7fDb7GS9E8RENLm-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\">First yellow, but what about green? Lorena Wiebes cautious about points jersey ambitions in ultra tough Tour de France Femmes<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/U7L7JtFeWRCJPLYf9ckk6S-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/U7L7JtFeWRCJPLYf9ckk6S-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/U7L7JtFeWRCJPLYf9ckk6S-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/U7L7JtFeWRCJPLYf9ckk6S-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/U7L7JtFeWRCJPLYf9ckk6S-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 little personal win for me&#8217; \u2013 Kim Le Court-Pienaar&#8217;s Tour de France Femmes GC quest off to a good start as &#8216;best of the rest&#8217; behind unbeatable Wiebes<\/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\/s92Ry9bjJmQvRa7AUvLpoK-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/s92Ry9bjJmQvRa7AUvLpoK-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/s92Ry9bjJmQvRa7AUvLpoK-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/s92Ry9bjJmQvRa7AUvLpoK-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/s92Ry9bjJmQvRa7AUvLpoK-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;We never panicked&#8217; \u2013 Well-gelled Movistar avoid any repeat of first-day drama for Marlen Reusser at Tour de France Femmes after crash<\/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\/nhLbE6EnYxDy4JXqPhZahH-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nhLbE6EnYxDy4JXqPhZahH-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nhLbE6EnYxDy4JXqPhZahH-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nhLbE6EnYxDy4JXqPhZahH-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nhLbE6EnYxDy4JXqPhZahH-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\">What&#8217;s in a warning? \u2013 Looking into the consequences of a caution after Tour de France Femmes stage 1 report delivers lengthy list<\/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\/cwtT54uw9LdPabCfqtPbYG-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cwtT54uw9LdPabCfqtPbYG-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cwtT54uw9LdPabCfqtPbYG-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cwtT54uw9LdPabCfqtPbYG-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cwtT54uw9LdPabCfqtPbYG-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;Created the less stressful situation&#8217; &#8211; Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney&#8217;s &#8216;legs are good&#8217; as she slots in with best of rest after Tour de France Femmes opening stage<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iKMftPC7fDb7GS9E8RENLm-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iKMftPC7fDb7GS9E8RENLm-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iKMftPC7fDb7GS9E8RENLm-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iKMftPC7fDb7GS9E8RENLm-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iKMftPC7fDb7GS9E8RENLm-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\">First yellow, but what about green? Lorena Wiebes cautious about points jersey ambitions in ultra tough Tour de France Femmes<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/U7L7JtFeWRCJPLYf9ckk6S-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/U7L7JtFeWRCJPLYf9ckk6S-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/U7L7JtFeWRCJPLYf9ckk6S-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/U7L7JtFeWRCJPLYf9ckk6S-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/U7L7JtFeWRCJPLYf9ckk6S-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 little personal win for me&#8217; \u2013 Kim Le Court-Pienaar&#8217;s Tour de France Femmes GC quest off to a good start as &#8216;best of the rest&#8217; behind unbeatable Wiebes<\/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\/s92Ry9bjJmQvRa7AUvLpoK-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/s92Ry9bjJmQvRa7AUvLpoK-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/s92Ry9bjJmQvRa7AUvLpoK-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/s92Ry9bjJmQvRa7AUvLpoK-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/s92Ry9bjJmQvRa7AUvLpoK-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;We never panicked&#8217; \u2013 Well-gelled Movistar avoid any repeat of first-day drama for Marlen Reusser at Tour de France Femmes after crash<\/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\/pduVrSbBhQ5tn3an23hwWo-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pduVrSbBhQ5tn3an23hwWo-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pduVrSbBhQ5tn3an23hwWo-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pduVrSbBhQ5tn3an23hwWo-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pduVrSbBhQ5tn3an23hwWo-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 think this whole Tour is going to be like this&#8217; \u2013\u00a0Demi Vollering&#8217;s less intense Tour de France Femmes preparation already paying dividends with opening stage time gain<\/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\/yphwaXSatNupeTzaL8Yho-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yphwaXSatNupeTzaL8Yho-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yphwaXSatNupeTzaL8Yho-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yphwaXSatNupeTzaL8Yho-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;My goal is to compete at the pinnacle of the sport&#8217; \u2013 Kate Courtney gets a taste of the top with Tour de France Femmes visit with FDJ United-Suez<\/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>UCI Gravel World Series: Lisa Bone takes solo win at Around the Pot, Matt Beers darts ahead of Cape Epic teammate Tristan Nortje<\/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;Created the less stressful situation&#8217; &#8211; Teamwork and &#8216;legs are good&#8217; as Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney slots in with best of rest after Tour de France Femmes opening stage<\/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>Tour de France Femmes 2026: All the yellow cards, fines, and penalties<\/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>&#8216;With the parcours, I want to race more to my strengths&#8217; \u2013 Niamh Fisher-Black adjusts expectations for Tour de France Femmes<\/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>&#8216;My goal is to compete at the pinnacle of the sport&#8217; \u2013 Kate Courtney gets a taste of the top with Tour de France Femmes visit with FDJ United-Suez<\/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 \/>\nMatilda Price <\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex gap-1 vds-byline-with-avatar__meta\"><span class=\"vds-date block font-normal tracking-normal normal-case text-xs\"><br \/>\nPublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-08-02T08:20:00Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n2 August 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">New signing joins team for Grand D\u00e9part in Switzerland to celebrate Red Bull launch and take in everything behind the scenes<\/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-eaa08ce4-8e45-11f1-bcd0-cbc4605e395e\">She may be only a few weeks into her contract with FDJ United-SUEZ, but Kate Courtney wants to learn and experience as much as she can, as soon as she can, including getting a feel for the biggest race in the world.<\/p>\n<p>The American was a special addition to the team entourage on stage 1 of the Tour de France Femmes, making an appearance to celebrate the arrival of Red Bull as a new sponsor, but also getting embedded in the team bubble.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-eaa08ce4-8e45-11f1-bcd0-cbc4605e395e-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">A top-level athlete for over a decade, Courtney is far from a stranger to these big events, but she knows how much she has to learn when it comes to road racing and the WorldTour, and is keen to soak up as much as possible in her 2026 half-season that she describes as &#8220;a head start&#8221; before 2027.<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-6 w-full overflow-hidden rounded-[10px] lg:my-8\" data-component-name=\"JwPlayer:Carousel\" data-jwp-carousel data-jwp-carousel-payload=\"{&quot;ids&quot;:{&quot;playerID&quot;:&quot;jYDCcabO&quot;,&quot;searchPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;gwjdoYHD&quot;,&quot;divID&quot;:&quot;botr_gwjdoYHD_jYDCcabO_div&quot;,&quot;fallbackPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;gwjdoYHD&quot;,&quot;fallbackDivID&quot;:&quot;botr_gwjdoYHD_jYDCcabO_div&quot;,&quot;key&quot;:&quot;X9\/mXVGac0NphghLH9hZaqWA5d3dhAM\/Ih07grnEyMLjuO2E&quot;,&quot;tintLogo&quot;:true,&quot;useSearchPlaylist&quot;:false,&quot;enabled&quot;:true},&quot;signPostingEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;signPostingLinkEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;waitForAdLoad&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnDesktop&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnMobile&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnTablet&quot;:false}\">\n<div class=\"flex flex-nowrap items-center justify-between gap-3 bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-header>\n<div class=\"flex min-w-0 shrink items-center\"><span class=\"inline-flex items-center gap-1.5 text-sm font-article-heading capitalize leading-5 text-white whitespace-nowrap\"><span class=\"jwp-carousel-title-desktop\">Latest Videos From<\/span><span class=\"jwp-carousel-brand\">Cyclingnews<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"min-h-[44px] bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting><a class=\"invisible block truncate text-sm font-bold leading-5 text-white underline decoration-solid underline-offset-2\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting-link href target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span data-jwp-carousel-signposting-title>Watch full video here: <\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;We obviously had some big news to share today, so that was my primary motivation to give these girls some wings as they take on the hardest race in the world,&#8221; she told <em>Cyclingnews <\/em>on Saturday.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;But also, I think for me, being here for a couple days \u2013 I&#8217;ll just be here for stage 1 and 2 \u2013 is a huge learning opportunity. I can see not only what&#8217;s happening in the race, but also everything behind the scenes, and learn a bit about what it would take to make a team someday.&#8221;<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            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\/a4DAKgMCiaoRYHB2dmcbV3-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/a4DAKgMCiaoRYHB2dmcbV3-150-80.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;One of the most challenging goals I have ever spoken out loud&#8217; becomes stunning reality as off-road star Kate Courtney enters the Women&#8217;s WorldTour<\/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\/AKPYwTXys5nHGBTjMjRD6H-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AKPYwTXys5nHGBTjMjRD6H-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;My first big hit out against every single big rider&#8217; \u2013 Zoe B\u00e4ckstedt relishes star-studded time trial test at debut Tour de France Femmes<\/span><\/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\/ZLhTWBqryzGHCk2dKSRmye-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZLhTWBqryzGHCk2dKSRmye-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;Pauline will be on the same level or better; we are only focused on ourselves&#8217; \u2013 Inside FDJ United-Suez and Demi Vollering&#8217;s preparation, mindset and ambitions for the Tour de France Femmes<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">To say Courtney has got stuck in straight away since signing for FDJ United-Suez would be something of an understatement. She made her debut just a matter of days after her arrival was announced, taking 15th and 13th at a pair of one-day races in France, and then headed to Belgium to tackle some kermesses, of which she won two.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It&#8217;s been quite a whirlwind,&#8221; she said. &#8220;I have a lot of room for growth, a lot of opportunity to learn from the best in the world, and I think I&#8217;m just really excited we were able to get started. I&#8217;m also really grateful that the team is investing in such long-term progression and really helping make sure that when I&#8217;m put in at the highest level, I have the skills to compete. That&#8217;s obviously a long-term project, but something that&#8217;s really exciting, and I feel really well supported in.&#8221;<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-b5pdXF46zVWbk9zwfSBXkj\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-b5pdXF46zVWbk9zwfSBXkj 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\">Whilst the goals are long term, with Courtney&#8217;s contract running through 2027 and 2028 with the LA Olympics likely a big ambition, she and the team were keen to squeeze some high-level racing into the remainder of 2026.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">After a few weeks of racing and training in Europe, Courtney is heading home to the US to train \u2013 she won&#8217;t be racing Leadville \u2013 before the Tour of Britain Women. Her win at the National Championships should have earned her a spot on the USA team for the World Championships in Montr\u00e9al, and the current plan is to return home after the Tour of Britain to prepare for that.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Whilst her ambitions for this year are certainly high, there is also a bit of a sense that 2026 is something of a bonus year, and a few months to get prepared before hitting the ground running in 2027.<\/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\/zkdkJAP4Y8UEpSpwv9wjpa-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zkdkJAP4Y8UEpSpwv9wjpa-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;My year of radical experimentation&#8217; \u2013 Kate Courtney&#8217;s first US Road Nationals is one to remember, so will we see her on the tarmac more?<\/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\/h62jRZjQYyMgvcAPGGLq5L-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/h62jRZjQYyMgvcAPGGLq5L-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\">With Paris-Roubaix champion Alison Jackson on board, ambitious St Michel squad aim high at the Tour de France Femmes and beyond<\/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\/NsjeSbhYWNXiWVshUACcmB-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NsjeSbhYWNXiWVshUACcmB-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;I&#8217;ve not reached my absolute potential yet&#8217; \u2013 Kim Le Court-Pienaar sets sights on Tour de France Femmes top five after &#8216;shock to the system&#8217; success in 2025<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;The season schedule is still kind of coming together, but after Tour of Britain, I&#8217;ll have a good break to train for the second half of my season, and then obviously we&#8217;ll be starting to work on next year,&#8221; she said. &#8220;So really, this half-year contract was about getting a head start and starting to identify what we need to do in the off-season to really make a difference in my performance for next year.&#8221;<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"adjusting-to-the-road-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Adjusting to the road <\/h2>\n<p id=\"elk-eaa08e7e-8e45-11f1-8a98-c7f3721a4e8c\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">At the Tour de France Femmes, Courtney is obviously seeing the very extreme end of the spectrum when it comes to road races and performance, but racing regularly on the road at all is still new to the American.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Whilst she&#8217;s not coming at this from nowhere, and her road ability is undoubted \u2013 even this year, before joining FDJ, she won a race in Europe and the US national title \u2013 there are still small details she wants to work on to feel truly at home in the peloton.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It&#8217;s the small things, right? I&#8217;ve been a professional athlete for 10 years on the mountain bike side, so I know how to train. I&#8217;m sure we can always make adjustments and improvements. But it&#8217;s really less about finding a few more watts and more about understanding the strategy, the tactics, how to ride in a team, how to listen on the radio, how to take a feed, all these things that you know come as second nature if you&#8217;ve come up through the road peloton, but for me, are new and different.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It will just take a little bit of getting used to and understanding, so that I can make good decisions and hopefully get myself into some big races.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Where does she look to for advice and lesions in doing all of these things? Well, everyone, really.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;That&#8217;s why you come to FDJ, right? It&#8217;s to ride amongst the best riders in the world, but also to work with the best people. From our CEO to our media team to our staff support to our mechanics to our coaches to our DSs, there&#8217;s really an insane team behind the team, and I have something to learn from all of them.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The way Courtney has been welcomed into the team, be it in her races so far or in the team car at the Tour de France Femmes, is also something new, and a new dynamic for her to get used to.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It&#8217;s interesting. I mean, mountain biking is not a team sport. I think we organise in teams, and support can be arranged through teams. But at the end of the day, it&#8217;s an individual sport,&#8221; she said. &#8220;So it&#8217;s really special for me at this stage of my career to be part of a real team, where on any given day, all of the riders are part of the finishing result. That&#8217;s a really unique thing and something I&#8217;m looking forward to being a part of in races coming up.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Long term, Courtney is definitely dreaming of returning to the Tour de France Femmes as a rider, not just an onlooker, but at this stage, practically every new experience is a bucket list item for the 30-year-old.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I think one of the exciting things is that I haven&#8217;t raced in any of these big races, so whether it&#8217;s one of the spring classics, whether it&#8217;s one of the Grand Tours, all of these events are new to me and huge goals on the horizon,&#8221; she said.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;But obviously, the Tour de France Femmes is top of the list there, and something completely different when it comes to media, reach and impact, and obviously the level of the racing. This is where people are the best. This is where the teams show up ready to compete all-out, and of course, my goal is to compete at the pinnacle of the sport, and that would be a big long term goal.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;But I&#8217;ve come to the team that is the hardest to make, so I&#8217;ve got some work to do. We love a challenge!&#8221;<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-eaa08eec-8e45-11f1-8468-2399c61af68c\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><em><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><\/em><u><em><strong>Join today.<\/strong><\/em><\/u><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/womens-cycling\/my-goal-is-to-compete-at-the-pinnacle-of-the-sport-kate-courtney-gets-a-taste-of-the-top-with-tour-de-france-femmes-visit-with-fdj-united-suez\/&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yphwaXSatNupeTzaL8Yho-2000-80.jpg&#8221;] 1 As it happened: The GC riders fight for the stage win in Lausanne but nobody can stop the fastest sprinter in the world 2 Tour de France Femmes contenders \u2013 Demi Vollering and Pauline Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot poised for fantastic duel with Ventoux finale 3 &#8216;I pick my battle, and I choose the [&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-2073396","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\/2073396","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=2073396"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2073396\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2073396"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=2073396"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=2073396"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}