{"id":2075024,"date":"2026-08-02T14:55:41","date_gmt":"2026-08-02T11:55:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2075024"},"modified":"2026-08-02T14:55:41","modified_gmt":"2026-08-02T11:55:41","slug":"why-is-paula-blasi-in-white-tour-de-france-femmes-quietly-changes-under-23-jersey-to-under-24","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2075024","title":{"rendered":"Why is Paula Blasi in white? &#8211; Tour de France Femmes quietly changes under-23 jersey to under-24"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sX46Z2nKZfgZE8fpjfck3a-1024-80.jpg&#8221;]<\/p>\n<article class=\"m-0 box-border flex flex-row items-center pr-2.5 gap-[15px] w-[278px] h-20 flex-none upnext-article-divider\" role=\"listitem\" aria-label=\"Recommended article 1 of 3\">\n<div class=\"relative flex-none w-20 h-20\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/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 1 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\/owJjCSpJawZ5GoSkAKXNER-160-80.jpg.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/owJjCSpJawZ5GoSkAKXNER-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 stage 3 LIVE: Lorena Wiebes dropped as attacks shake-up the racing\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\/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\">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                                    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=\"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>\nRules\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>Why is Paula Blasi in white? &#8211; Tour de France Femmes quietly changes under-23 jersey to under-24<\/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 max-sm:flex-col 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 \/>\nLukas Kn\u00f6fler, Matilda 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=\"2026-08-02T14:55:41Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n2 August 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Blasi donning the white jersey after stage 1 caused much confusion over the supposed under-23 classification, but apparently the rules were changed<\/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\/sX46Z2nKZfgZE8fpjfck3a-1024-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sX46Z2nKZfgZE8fpjfck3a-1024-80.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sX46Z2nKZfgZE8fpjfck3a-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sX46Z2nKZfgZE8fpjfck3a-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sX46Z2nKZfgZE8fpjfck3a-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sX46Z2nKZfgZE8fpjfck3a-750-80.jpg.webp 750w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sX46Z2nKZfgZE8fpjfck3a-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sX46Z2nKZfgZE8fpjfck3a-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sX46Z2nKZfgZE8fpjfck3a-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 600px, 100vw\" \/><figcaption class=\"font-article-copy text-(--image--text--color) font-article-copy mt-2\"><span class=\"caption-text font-article-copy\">Paula Blasi in the white jersey at this year&#8217;s Tour de France Femmes<\/span><span class=\"credit font-article-copy\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\"text-copy bodyCopy auto paywall-locker\">\n<div data-analytics-id=\"utility-bar\" id=\"utility-bar\" class=\"font-ui-heading flex justify-between items-center py-2 border-t border-b border-gray-300 border-solid mb-5 mx-auto\" data-component-name=\"UtilityBar\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"utility-bar\">\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div data-component-name=\"Social:Dropdown\" role=\"menu\" id=\"utilitybar__dropdown--share\" aria-labelledby=\"utilitybar__button--share\" class=\"absolute left-0 top-full w-44 bg-white rounded-md shadow-md border border-neutral-200 z-[9996] list-none m-0 py-2 px-3 border-solid\">\n<ul class=\"m-0!\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Facebook<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>X<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Pinterest<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Email<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-share-this-article\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nShare this article\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\"><span class=\"ml-1 inline-flex h-5 px-2 shrink-0 items-center justify-center self-center overflow-hidden whitespace-nowrap rounded-[10px] bg-primary-500 text-[11px] leading-none font-ui-heading font-semibold text-white\">0<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-join-the-conversation\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nJoin the conversation\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<p>Follow us<\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-add-us-as-a-preferred-source-on-google\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nAdd us as a preferred source on Google\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-subscribe-to-our-newsletter\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nSubscribe to our newsletter\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-300a026a-8e82-11f1-bd46-7b1f903d62a4\">There was confusion and speculation on stage 1 of the Tour de France Femmes after Paula Blasi (UAE Team L&#8217;IMAD) was awarded the first white jersey of the race, the youth classification previously contested by under-23 riders: which Blasi is not.<\/p>\n<p>In the first four editions of the Tour de France Femmes, the white jersey, sponsored by Liv, has been awarded to the highest-ranked under-23 rider, slightly younger than the under-25 classification that dictates the white jersey in the men&#8217;s Tour.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-300a026a-8e82-11f1-bd46-7b1f903d62a4-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">As a result, the assumption was that it would continue to be an under-23 category this year, with no announcements otherwise, and the Tour de France Femmes website and roadbook still listing the jersey as for &#8220;riders under 23 years of age&#8221;.<\/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\">Now, under-23 and under-25 may sound like terms that are open to interpretation, but when it comes to cycling age categories, they are not \u2013 they are clearly defined by the UCI. To be counted as an under-23 rider, a rider must be under the age of 23 on December 31 of that year. In other words, in the year in which you turn 23, you are no longer an under-23 rider.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">That means that riders like Paula Blasi, who turned 23 in February, and, for example, Millie Couzens who is 22 but will turn 23 in October are no longer under-23 riders.<\/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\/Tj5oYG69yfeoG3ZZq8ykCd-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Tj5oYG69yfeoG3ZZq8ykCd-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;ll just be there to help the team&#8217; \u2013 2026 breakout rider Paula Blasi plays down expectations for first Tour de France Femmes participation<\/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\/ovQcZCAaSfznxUfSwAGabc-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ovQcZCAaSfznxUfSwAGabc-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\">Is there Tour de France Femmes tension brewing at UAE Team L&#8217;IMAD?<\/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\/nisDa35PmBuTk4Ync7Yo79-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nisDa35PmBuTk4Ync7Yo79-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;It&#8217;s a huge step for me&#8217; \u2013 Paula Blasi and Marion Bunel usher in new generation of Grand Tour stars at La Vuelta Femenina<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Therefore, it was surprising when riders like Blasi, Couzens, Antonia Niedermaier and more 23-year-olds were marked as U23s on the Tour&#8217;s start list, and even more surprising when Blasi was awarded the jersey. Considering many of these riders just rode the Giro d&#8217;Italia, where they were not eligible, it was confusing to see them listed in the youth classification in the Tour.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">So why? Well, it seems that the Tour de France has quietly changed the parameters of the classification, with the rulebook stating that the classification is open to riders born after January 1, 2003. This is the exact same wording as last year, meaning that riders who are already 23 are now eligible.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-FnjoSKxZfJVWQsHUHQzEZA\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-FnjoSKxZfJVWQsHUHQzEZA 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\">At the start of stage two in Aigle on Sunday, <em>Cyclingnews <\/em>spoke both to UAE Team L&#8217;IMAD and Lidl-Trek, the team of Isabella Holmgren who would have expected to have been in the white jersey per normal under-23 regulations after finishing 14th on the opening stage.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Lidl-Trek were unaware of any confusion or a claim on white, with most people on the race not being aware of any rule change, but <em>Cyclingnews <\/em>now understands that the change was communicated at the directors&#8217; meeting on Friday, though not made public.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">On Saturday, there was some initial confusion with Blasi nearly missing the podium presentation for white, but that was down to a miscommunication, rather than the team not believing she was eligible, UAE Team L&#8217;IMAD director Cherie Pridham explained to <em>Cyclingnews <\/em>on Sunday.<\/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\/jLwHZ9NxxJ6zr25e7LCu6g-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jLwHZ9NxxJ6zr25e7LCu6g-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\">La Vuelta Femenina conclusions \u2013 A new generation shines, cycling&#8217;s new Swiss Army knife, and attacking pays off<\/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\/iKMftPC7fDb7GS9E8RENLm-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iKMftPC7fDb7GS9E8RENLm-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\">First yellow, but what about green? Lorena Wiebes cautious about points jersey ambitions in ultra tough 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-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\/oyF5VoqVdUaxfyRcycLKBF-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oyF5VoqVdUaxfyRcycLKBF-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;Astonished&#8217; \u2013\u00a0SD Worx-Protime has &#8216;serious questions&#8217; about bicycle-weighing procedures at Giro d&#8217;Italia Women after Lorena Wiebes disqualified<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Blasi herself said that she only found out just before the race that she would be eligible, and you can understand why she was confused, as she was not eligible for the white jersey in the Vuelta Femenina that she won in May. There was also confusion around that classification, with only under-22 riders marked as eligible initially, but that was later rectified.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Pridham was aware that the category has been moved up a year, and had no questions about that.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;The star [asterisk on the start list] indicates who is eligible, so we just follow what they prescribe,&#8221; she said. &#8220;We were never informed any different, so she&#8217;s in the young rider&#8217;s jersey and that&#8217;s it.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">UAE Team L&#8217;IMAD already have several goals and leaders, so whilst Blasi is in white for now, it&#8217;s not a defined ambition to try to keep it, though she does look like the strongest under-24 rider in the race.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It&#8217;ll come organically,&#8221; Pridham said. &#8220;Our focus is for the yellow jersey of course, for the GC. It&#8217;s a bit like the Queen of the Mountains \u2013 if you&#8217;re in the GC with the way the course is this year, it&#8217;s going to come organically \u2013 but our focus always remains on the GC. If the white jersey comes as a consequence of the team&#8217;s strength, then of course we will take it.&#8221;<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"why-the-change-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Why the change?\u00a0<\/h2>\n<p id=\"elk-300a03e6-8e82-11f1-99cd-81b33f10fc10\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Since the Tour de France Femmes has not publicised the change, with their own website not even reflecting the change in the rulebook, they haven&#8217;t publicly given any reasons for the change.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The youth category in women&#8217;s cycling has long been younger than in men&#8217;s racing, as there is no separate U23 racing scene in women&#8217;s racing, so riders go straight from juniors into the elite peloton.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Last year, only 12 riders were eligible for the white jersey in the Tour de France Femmes, so expanding the eligibility by one year certainly makes it more competitive and open to more riders, with 26 under-24 riders eligible for white this year.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-300a0454-8e82-11f1-a073-195488b8fec0\" 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>Road<\/p>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-FnjoSKxZfJVWQsHUHQzEZA\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-FnjoSKxZfJVWQsHUHQzEZA 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\/Tj5oYG69yfeoG3ZZq8ykCd-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Tj5oYG69yfeoG3ZZq8ykCd-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Tj5oYG69yfeoG3ZZq8ykCd-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Tj5oYG69yfeoG3ZZq8ykCd-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Tj5oYG69yfeoG3ZZq8ykCd-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;ll just be there to help the team&#8217; \u2013 2026 breakout rider Paula Blasi plays down expectations for first Tour de France Femmes participation<\/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\/ovQcZCAaSfznxUfSwAGabc-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ovQcZCAaSfznxUfSwAGabc-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ovQcZCAaSfznxUfSwAGabc-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ovQcZCAaSfznxUfSwAGabc-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ovQcZCAaSfznxUfSwAGabc-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\">Is there Tour de France Femmes tension brewing at UAE Team L&#8217;IMAD?<\/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\/nisDa35PmBuTk4Ync7Yo79-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nisDa35PmBuTk4Ync7Yo79-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nisDa35PmBuTk4Ync7Yo79-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nisDa35PmBuTk4Ync7Yo79-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nisDa35PmBuTk4Ync7Yo79-320-80.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;It&#8217;s a huge step for me&#8217; \u2013 Paula Blasi and Marion Bunel usher in new generation of Grand Tour stars at La Vuelta Femenina<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jLwHZ9NxxJ6zr25e7LCu6g-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jLwHZ9NxxJ6zr25e7LCu6g-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jLwHZ9NxxJ6zr25e7LCu6g-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jLwHZ9NxxJ6zr25e7LCu6g-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jLwHZ9NxxJ6zr25e7LCu6g-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\">La Vuelta Femenina conclusions \u2013 A new generation shines, cycling&#8217;s new Swiss Army knife, and attacking pays off<\/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\/oyF5VoqVdUaxfyRcycLKBF-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oyF5VoqVdUaxfyRcycLKBF-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oyF5VoqVdUaxfyRcycLKBF-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oyF5VoqVdUaxfyRcycLKBF-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oyF5VoqVdUaxfyRcycLKBF-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;Astonished&#8217; \u2013\u00a0SD Worx-Protime has &#8216;serious questions&#8217; about bicycle-weighing procedures at Giro d&#8217;Italia Women after Lorena Wiebes disqualified<\/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 Rules<\/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\/WqPcNvjGuvsDQ4UBTf6iPo-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WqPcNvjGuvsDQ4UBTf6iPo-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WqPcNvjGuvsDQ4UBTf6iPo-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WqPcNvjGuvsDQ4UBTf6iPo-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WqPcNvjGuvsDQ4UBTf6iPo-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Safety<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;We can learn from these situations&#8217; &#8211; Einer Rubio calls for better Tour de France safety regulations following his Alpe d&#8217;Huez 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\/2xhzZtG8Gstd6jKAFY2umN-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2xhzZtG8Gstd6jKAFY2umN-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2xhzZtG8Gstd6jKAFY2umN-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2xhzZtG8Gstd6jKAFY2umN-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2xhzZtG8Gstd6jKAFY2umN-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\">Tour de France Femmes 2026: All the yellow cards, fines, and penalties after stage 2<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DDJiEv8NbZJvhywZdNAe6B-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DDJiEv8NbZJvhywZdNAe6B-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DDJiEv8NbZJvhywZdNAe6B-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DDJiEv8NbZJvhywZdNAe6B-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DDJiEv8NbZJvhywZdNAe6B-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Safety<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Einer Rubio out of Tour de France after crashing into UAE Team Emirates car that came to a sudden stop on Alpe d&#8217;Huez<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6YKztgCxUP3MKzPH5tU736-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6YKztgCxUP3MKzPH5tU736-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6YKztgCxUP3MKzPH5tU736-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6YKztgCxUP3MKzPH5tU736-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6YKztgCxUP3MKzPH5tU736-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Doping<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">An altitude alibi: Does cycling&#8217;s anti-doping system have a major loophole?<\/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\/MVMyQy4j8kc4GNYaZbNDvN-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MVMyQy4j8kc4GNYaZbNDvN-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MVMyQy4j8kc4GNYaZbNDvN-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MVMyQy4j8kc4GNYaZbNDvN-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MVMyQy4j8kc4GNYaZbNDvN-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\">Doping<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">What to know about Tour de France nighttime testing \u2013 The rules, the results timeline, the ITA, reactions and more explained<\/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\/4N7ieQAoCSQeRqfwssjWMC-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4N7ieQAoCSQeRqfwssjWMC-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4N7ieQAoCSQeRqfwssjWMC-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4N7ieQAoCSQeRqfwssjWMC-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4N7ieQAoCSQeRqfwssjWMC-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\">Doping<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;These controls serve an overriding interest: the fight against doping&#8217; \u2013\u00a0UCI backs use of night-time tests at the Tour de France<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\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\/ZH9tPKdEpRDyEkVonao4Rf-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZH9tPKdEpRDyEkVonao4Rf-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZH9tPKdEpRDyEkVonao4Rf-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZH9tPKdEpRDyEkVonao4Rf-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZH9tPKdEpRDyEkVonao4Rf-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;At my very best, I certainly have a chance&#8217; \u2013 Wout van Aert confident in World Championships road race bid after rediscovering top form before Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a<\/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\/uxQp5fRzS4VxGsyfPN95CJ-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uxQp5fRzS4VxGsyfPN95CJ-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uxQp5fRzS4VxGsyfPN95CJ-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uxQp5fRzS4VxGsyfPN95CJ-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uxQp5fRzS4VxGsyfPN95CJ-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Tadej Poga\u010dar confirmed for first return to Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a since 2019 Grand Tour debut<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gJ2AKDvZVJJxStmNoxozVd-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gJ2AKDvZVJJxStmNoxozVd-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gJ2AKDvZVJJxStmNoxozVd-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gJ2AKDvZVJJxStmNoxozVd-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gJ2AKDvZVJJxStmNoxozVd-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\">Charlie Aldridge and Sina Frei add XCO mountain bike title to tally at European championships<\/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\/vSKG5iZEceWtT8mUiSBgZT-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vSKG5iZEceWtT8mUiSBgZT-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vSKG5iZEceWtT8mUiSBgZT-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vSKG5iZEceWtT8mUiSBgZT-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vSKG5iZEceWtT8mUiSBgZT-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;Less stressful, less sickness, less injury&#8217; \u2013 A year on from disastrous Tour de France Femmes debut Australia&#8217;s Lucie Fityus embraces new role at Picnic-PostNL<\/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\/mHuQh5dcyHXGYFsx28sM2R-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mHuQh5dcyHXGYFsx28sM2R-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mHuQh5dcyHXGYFsx28sM2R-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mHuQh5dcyHXGYFsx28sM2R-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mHuQh5dcyHXGYFsx28sM2R-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;Sitting in the wheels could be a bit boring&#8217; \u2013 C\u00e9lia Gery on the attack as FDJ United-Suez balance yellow goals and opportunism at 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\/nJSgjeasT6MpXgPAUVBYDT-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nJSgjeasT6MpXgPAUVBYDT-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nJSgjeasT6MpXgPAUVBYDT-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nJSgjeasT6MpXgPAUVBYDT-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nJSgjeasT6MpXgPAUVBYDT-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 never expected to come this close&#8217; \u2013 Riejanne Markus and Lidl-Trek 450 metres from glory as the Tour de France Femmes&#8217; great disruptors<\/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\/8cZgjmwfhaTVzqDKtVadBZ-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8cZgjmwfhaTVzqDKtVadBZ-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8cZgjmwfhaTVzqDKtVadBZ-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8cZgjmwfhaTVzqDKtVadBZ-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>Tour de Pologne: Jonathan Milan powers to victory in stage 1 bunch sprint<\/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>Unstoppable? The five biggest challenges that Tadej Poga\u010dar will face at this year&#8217;s Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a<\/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;At my very best, I certainly have a chance&#8217; \u2013 Wout van Aert confident in World Championships road race bid after rediscovering top form before Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a<\/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 stage 3 LIVE: Lorena Wiebes dropped as attacks shake-up the racing<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">5<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>Tadej Poga\u010dar confirmed for first return to Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a since 2019 Grand Tour debut<\/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>\nRules\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>Why is Paula Blasi in white? &#8211; Tour de France Femmes quietly changes under-23 jersey to under-24<\/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 max-sm:flex-col 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 \/>\nLukas Kn\u00f6fler, Matilda 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=\"2026-08-02T14:55:41Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n2 August 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Blasi donning the white jersey after stage 1 caused much confusion over the supposed under-23 classification, but apparently the rules were changed<\/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\/sX46Z2nKZfgZE8fpjfck3a-1024-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sX46Z2nKZfgZE8fpjfck3a-1024-80.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sX46Z2nKZfgZE8fpjfck3a-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sX46Z2nKZfgZE8fpjfck3a-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sX46Z2nKZfgZE8fpjfck3a-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sX46Z2nKZfgZE8fpjfck3a-750-80.jpg.webp 750w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sX46Z2nKZfgZE8fpjfck3a-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sX46Z2nKZfgZE8fpjfck3a-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sX46Z2nKZfgZE8fpjfck3a-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 600px, 100vw\" \/><figcaption class=\"font-article-copy text-(--image--text--color) font-article-copy mt-2\"><span class=\"caption-text font-article-copy\">Paula Blasi in the white jersey at this year&#8217;s Tour de France Femmes<\/span><span class=\"credit font-article-copy\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\"text-copy bodyCopy auto paywall-locker\">\n<div data-analytics-id=\"utility-bar\" id=\"utility-bar\" class=\"font-ui-heading flex justify-between items-center py-2 border-t border-b border-gray-300 border-solid mb-5 mx-auto\" data-component-name=\"UtilityBar\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"utility-bar\">\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div data-component-name=\"Social:Dropdown\" role=\"menu\" id=\"utilitybar__dropdown--share\" aria-labelledby=\"utilitybar__button--share\" class=\"absolute left-0 top-full w-44 bg-white rounded-md shadow-md border border-neutral-200 z-[9996] list-none m-0 py-2 px-3 border-solid\">\n<ul class=\"m-0!\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Facebook<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>X<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Pinterest<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Email<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-share-this-article\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nShare this article\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\"><span class=\"ml-1 inline-flex h-5 px-2 shrink-0 items-center justify-center self-center overflow-hidden whitespace-nowrap rounded-[10px] bg-primary-500 text-[11px] leading-none font-ui-heading font-semibold text-white\">0<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-join-the-conversation\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nJoin the conversation\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<p>Follow us<\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-add-us-as-a-preferred-source-on-google\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nAdd us as a preferred source on Google\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-subscribe-to-our-newsletter\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nSubscribe to our newsletter\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-300a026a-8e82-11f1-bd46-7b1f903d62a4\">There was confusion and speculation on stage 1 of the Tour de France Femmes after Paula Blasi (UAE Team L&#8217;IMAD) was awarded the first white jersey of the race, the youth classification previously contested by under-23 riders: which Blasi is not.<\/p>\n<p>In the first four editions of the Tour de France Femmes, the white jersey, sponsored by Liv, has been awarded to the highest-ranked under-23 rider, slightly younger than the under-25 classification that dictates the white jersey in the men&#8217;s Tour.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-300a026a-8e82-11f1-bd46-7b1f903d62a4-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">As a result, the assumption was that it would continue to be an under-23 category this year, with no announcements otherwise, and the Tour de France Femmes website and roadbook still listing the jersey as for &#8220;riders under 23 years of age&#8221;.<\/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\">Now, under-23 and under-25 may sound like terms that are open to interpretation, but when it comes to cycling age categories, they are not \u2013 they are clearly defined by the UCI. To be counted as an under-23 rider, a rider must be under the age of 23 on December 31 of that year. In other words, in the year in which you turn 23, you are no longer an under-23 rider.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">That means that riders like Paula Blasi, who turned 23 in February, and, for example, Millie Couzens who is 22 but will turn 23 in October are no longer under-23 riders.<\/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\/Tj5oYG69yfeoG3ZZq8ykCd-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Tj5oYG69yfeoG3ZZq8ykCd-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;ll just be there to help the team&#8217; \u2013 2026 breakout rider Paula Blasi plays down expectations for first Tour de France Femmes participation<\/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\/ovQcZCAaSfznxUfSwAGabc-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ovQcZCAaSfznxUfSwAGabc-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\">Is there Tour de France Femmes tension brewing at UAE Team L&#8217;IMAD?<\/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\/nisDa35PmBuTk4Ync7Yo79-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nisDa35PmBuTk4Ync7Yo79-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;It&#8217;s a huge step for me&#8217; \u2013 Paula Blasi and Marion Bunel usher in new generation of Grand Tour stars at La Vuelta Femenina<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Therefore, it was surprising when riders like Blasi, Couzens, Antonia Niedermaier and more 23-year-olds were marked as U23s on the Tour&#8217;s start list, and even more surprising when Blasi was awarded the jersey. Considering many of these riders just rode the Giro d&#8217;Italia, where they were not eligible, it was confusing to see them listed in the youth classification in the Tour.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">So why? Well, it seems that the Tour de France has quietly changed the parameters of the classification, with the rulebook stating that the classification is open to riders born after January 1, 2003. This is the exact same wording as last year, meaning that riders who are already 23 are now eligible.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-FnjoSKxZfJVWQsHUHQzEZA\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-FnjoSKxZfJVWQsHUHQzEZA 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\">At the start of stage two in Aigle on Sunday, <em>Cyclingnews <\/em>spoke both to UAE Team L&#8217;IMAD and Lidl-Trek, the team of Isabella Holmgren who would have expected to have been in the white jersey per normal under-23 regulations after finishing 14th on the opening stage.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Lidl-Trek were unaware of any confusion or a claim on white, with most people on the race not being aware of any rule change, but <em>Cyclingnews <\/em>now understands that the change was communicated at the directors&#8217; meeting on Friday, though not made public.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">On Saturday, there was some initial confusion with Blasi nearly missing the podium presentation for white, but that was down to a miscommunication, rather than the team not believing she was eligible, UAE Team L&#8217;IMAD director Cherie Pridham explained to <em>Cyclingnews <\/em>on Sunday.<\/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\/jLwHZ9NxxJ6zr25e7LCu6g-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jLwHZ9NxxJ6zr25e7LCu6g-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\">La Vuelta Femenina conclusions \u2013 A new generation shines, cycling&#8217;s new Swiss Army knife, and attacking pays off<\/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\/iKMftPC7fDb7GS9E8RENLm-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iKMftPC7fDb7GS9E8RENLm-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\">First yellow, but what about green? Lorena Wiebes cautious about points jersey ambitions in ultra tough 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-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\/oyF5VoqVdUaxfyRcycLKBF-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oyF5VoqVdUaxfyRcycLKBF-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;Astonished&#8217; \u2013\u00a0SD Worx-Protime has &#8216;serious questions&#8217; about bicycle-weighing procedures at Giro d&#8217;Italia Women after Lorena Wiebes disqualified<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Blasi herself said that she only found out just before the race that she would be eligible, and you can understand why she was confused, as she was not eligible for the white jersey in the Vuelta Femenina that she won in May. There was also confusion around that classification, with only under-22 riders marked as eligible initially, but that was later rectified.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Pridham was aware that the category has been moved up a year, and had no questions about that.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;The star [asterisk on the start list] indicates who is eligible, so we just follow what they prescribe,&#8221; she said. &#8220;We were never informed any different, so she&#8217;s in the young rider&#8217;s jersey and that&#8217;s it.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">UAE Team L&#8217;IMAD already have several goals and leaders, so whilst Blasi is in white for now, it&#8217;s not a defined ambition to try to keep it, though she does look like the strongest under-24 rider in the race.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It&#8217;ll come organically,&#8221; Pridham said. &#8220;Our focus is for the yellow jersey of course, for the GC. It&#8217;s a bit like the Queen of the Mountains \u2013 if you&#8217;re in the GC with the way the course is this year, it&#8217;s going to come organically \u2013 but our focus always remains on the GC. If the white jersey comes as a consequence of the team&#8217;s strength, then of course we will take it.&#8221;<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"why-the-change-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Why the change?\u00a0<\/h2>\n<p id=\"elk-300a03e6-8e82-11f1-99cd-81b33f10fc10\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Since the Tour de France Femmes has not publicised the change, with their own website not even reflecting the change in the rulebook, they haven&#8217;t publicly given any reasons for the change.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The youth category in women&#8217;s cycling has long been younger than in men&#8217;s racing, as there is no separate U23 racing scene in women&#8217;s racing, so riders go straight from juniors into the elite peloton.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Last year, only 12 riders were eligible for the white jersey in the Tour de France Femmes, so expanding the eligibility by one year certainly makes it more competitive and open to more riders, with 26 under-24 riders eligible for white this year.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-300a0454-8e82-11f1-a073-195488b8fec0\" 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>Road<\/p>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-FnjoSKxZfJVWQsHUHQzEZA\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-FnjoSKxZfJVWQsHUHQzEZA 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\/Tj5oYG69yfeoG3ZZq8ykCd-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Tj5oYG69yfeoG3ZZq8ykCd-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Tj5oYG69yfeoG3ZZq8ykCd-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Tj5oYG69yfeoG3ZZq8ykCd-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Tj5oYG69yfeoG3ZZq8ykCd-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;ll just be there to help the team&#8217; \u2013 2026 breakout rider Paula Blasi plays down expectations for first Tour de France Femmes participation<\/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\/ovQcZCAaSfznxUfSwAGabc-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ovQcZCAaSfznxUfSwAGabc-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ovQcZCAaSfznxUfSwAGabc-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ovQcZCAaSfznxUfSwAGabc-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ovQcZCAaSfznxUfSwAGabc-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\">Is there Tour de France Femmes tension brewing at UAE Team L&#8217;IMAD?<\/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\/nisDa35PmBuTk4Ync7Yo79-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nisDa35PmBuTk4Ync7Yo79-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nisDa35PmBuTk4Ync7Yo79-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nisDa35PmBuTk4Ync7Yo79-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nisDa35PmBuTk4Ync7Yo79-320-80.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;It&#8217;s a huge step for me&#8217; \u2013 Paula Blasi and Marion Bunel usher in new generation of Grand Tour stars at La Vuelta Femenina<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jLwHZ9NxxJ6zr25e7LCu6g-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jLwHZ9NxxJ6zr25e7LCu6g-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jLwHZ9NxxJ6zr25e7LCu6g-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jLwHZ9NxxJ6zr25e7LCu6g-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jLwHZ9NxxJ6zr25e7LCu6g-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\">La Vuelta Femenina conclusions \u2013 A new generation shines, cycling&#8217;s new Swiss Army knife, and attacking pays off<\/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\/oyF5VoqVdUaxfyRcycLKBF-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oyF5VoqVdUaxfyRcycLKBF-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oyF5VoqVdUaxfyRcycLKBF-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oyF5VoqVdUaxfyRcycLKBF-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oyF5VoqVdUaxfyRcycLKBF-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;Astonished&#8217; \u2013\u00a0SD Worx-Protime has &#8216;serious questions&#8217; about bicycle-weighing procedures at Giro d&#8217;Italia Women after Lorena Wiebes disqualified<\/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 Rules<\/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\/WqPcNvjGuvsDQ4UBTf6iPo-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WqPcNvjGuvsDQ4UBTf6iPo-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WqPcNvjGuvsDQ4UBTf6iPo-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WqPcNvjGuvsDQ4UBTf6iPo-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WqPcNvjGuvsDQ4UBTf6iPo-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Safety<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;We can learn from these situations&#8217; &#8211; Einer Rubio calls for better Tour de France safety regulations following his Alpe d&#8217;Huez 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\/2xhzZtG8Gstd6jKAFY2umN-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2xhzZtG8Gstd6jKAFY2umN-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2xhzZtG8Gstd6jKAFY2umN-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2xhzZtG8Gstd6jKAFY2umN-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2xhzZtG8Gstd6jKAFY2umN-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\">Tour de France Femmes 2026: All the yellow cards, fines, and penalties after stage 2<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DDJiEv8NbZJvhywZdNAe6B-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DDJiEv8NbZJvhywZdNAe6B-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DDJiEv8NbZJvhywZdNAe6B-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DDJiEv8NbZJvhywZdNAe6B-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DDJiEv8NbZJvhywZdNAe6B-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Safety<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Einer Rubio out of Tour de France after crashing into UAE Team Emirates car that came to a sudden stop on Alpe d&#8217;Huez<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6YKztgCxUP3MKzPH5tU736-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6YKztgCxUP3MKzPH5tU736-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6YKztgCxUP3MKzPH5tU736-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6YKztgCxUP3MKzPH5tU736-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6YKztgCxUP3MKzPH5tU736-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Doping<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">An altitude alibi: Does cycling&#8217;s anti-doping system have a major loophole?<\/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\/MVMyQy4j8kc4GNYaZbNDvN-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MVMyQy4j8kc4GNYaZbNDvN-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MVMyQy4j8kc4GNYaZbNDvN-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MVMyQy4j8kc4GNYaZbNDvN-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MVMyQy4j8kc4GNYaZbNDvN-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\">Doping<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">What to know about Tour de France nighttime testing \u2013 The rules, the results timeline, the ITA, reactions and more explained<\/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\/4N7ieQAoCSQeRqfwssjWMC-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4N7ieQAoCSQeRqfwssjWMC-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4N7ieQAoCSQeRqfwssjWMC-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4N7ieQAoCSQeRqfwssjWMC-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4N7ieQAoCSQeRqfwssjWMC-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\">Doping<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;These controls serve an overriding interest: the fight against doping&#8217; \u2013\u00a0UCI backs use of night-time tests at the Tour de France<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\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\/ZH9tPKdEpRDyEkVonao4Rf-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZH9tPKdEpRDyEkVonao4Rf-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZH9tPKdEpRDyEkVonao4Rf-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZH9tPKdEpRDyEkVonao4Rf-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZH9tPKdEpRDyEkVonao4Rf-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;At my very best, I certainly have a chance&#8217; \u2013 Wout van Aert confident in World Championships road race bid after rediscovering top form before Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a<\/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\/uxQp5fRzS4VxGsyfPN95CJ-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uxQp5fRzS4VxGsyfPN95CJ-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uxQp5fRzS4VxGsyfPN95CJ-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uxQp5fRzS4VxGsyfPN95CJ-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uxQp5fRzS4VxGsyfPN95CJ-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Tadej Poga\u010dar confirmed for first return to Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a since 2019 Grand Tour debut<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gJ2AKDvZVJJxStmNoxozVd-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gJ2AKDvZVJJxStmNoxozVd-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gJ2AKDvZVJJxStmNoxozVd-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gJ2AKDvZVJJxStmNoxozVd-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gJ2AKDvZVJJxStmNoxozVd-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\">Charlie Aldridge and Sina Frei add XCO mountain bike title to tally at European championships<\/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\/vSKG5iZEceWtT8mUiSBgZT-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vSKG5iZEceWtT8mUiSBgZT-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vSKG5iZEceWtT8mUiSBgZT-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vSKG5iZEceWtT8mUiSBgZT-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vSKG5iZEceWtT8mUiSBgZT-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;Less stressful, less sickness, less injury&#8217; \u2013 A year on from disastrous Tour de France Femmes debut Australia&#8217;s Lucie Fityus embraces new role at Picnic-PostNL<\/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\/mHuQh5dcyHXGYFsx28sM2R-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mHuQh5dcyHXGYFsx28sM2R-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mHuQh5dcyHXGYFsx28sM2R-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mHuQh5dcyHXGYFsx28sM2R-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mHuQh5dcyHXGYFsx28sM2R-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;Sitting in the wheels could be a bit boring&#8217; \u2013 C\u00e9lia Gery on the attack as FDJ United-Suez balance yellow goals and opportunism at 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\/nJSgjeasT6MpXgPAUVBYDT-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nJSgjeasT6MpXgPAUVBYDT-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nJSgjeasT6MpXgPAUVBYDT-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nJSgjeasT6MpXgPAUVBYDT-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nJSgjeasT6MpXgPAUVBYDT-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 never expected to come this close&#8217; \u2013 Riejanne Markus and Lidl-Trek 450 metres from glory as the Tour de France Femmes&#8217; great disruptors<\/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\/8cZgjmwfhaTVzqDKtVadBZ-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8cZgjmwfhaTVzqDKtVadBZ-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8cZgjmwfhaTVzqDKtVadBZ-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8cZgjmwfhaTVzqDKtVadBZ-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>Tour de Pologne: Jonathan Milan powers to victory in stage 1 bunch sprint<\/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>Unstoppable? The five biggest challenges that Tadej Poga\u010dar will face at this year&#8217;s Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a<\/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;At my very best, I certainly have a chance&#8217; \u2013 Wout van Aert confident in World Championships road race bid after rediscovering top form before Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a<\/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 stage 3 LIVE: Lorena Wiebes dropped as attacks shake-up the racing<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">5<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>Tadej Poga\u010dar confirmed for first return to Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a since 2019 Grand Tour debut<\/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>\nRules\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>Why is Paula Blasi in white? &#8211; Tour de France Femmes quietly changes under-23 jersey to under-24<\/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 max-sm:flex-col 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 \/>\nLukas Kn\u00f6fler, Matilda 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=\"2026-08-02T14:55:41Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n2 August 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Blasi donning the white jersey after stage 1 caused much confusion over the supposed under-23 classification, but apparently the rules were changed<\/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 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newsletter\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-300a026a-8e82-11f1-bd46-7b1f903d62a4\">There was confusion and speculation on stage 1 of the Tour de France Femmes after Paula Blasi (UAE Team L&#8217;IMAD) was awarded the first white jersey of the race, the youth classification previously contested by under-23 riders: which Blasi is not.<\/p>\n<p>In the first four editions of the Tour de France Femmes, the white jersey, sponsored by Liv, has been awarded to the highest-ranked under-23 rider, slightly younger than the under-25 classification that dictates the white jersey in the men&#8217;s Tour.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-300a026a-8e82-11f1-bd46-7b1f903d62a4-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">As a result, the assumption was that it would continue to be an under-23 category this year, with no announcements otherwise, and the Tour de France Femmes website and roadbook still listing the jersey as for &#8220;riders under 23 years of age&#8221;.<\/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\">Now, under-23 and under-25 may sound like terms that are open to interpretation, but when it comes to cycling age categories, they are not \u2013 they are clearly defined by the UCI. To be counted as an under-23 rider, a rider must be under the age of 23 on December 31 of that year. In other words, in the year in which you turn 23, you are no longer an under-23 rider.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">That means that riders like Paula Blasi, who turned 23 in February, and, for example, Millie Couzens who is 22 but will turn 23 in October are no longer under-23 riders.<\/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\/Tj5oYG69yfeoG3ZZq8ykCd-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Tj5oYG69yfeoG3ZZq8ykCd-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;ll just be there to help the team&#8217; \u2013 2026 breakout rider Paula Blasi plays down expectations for first Tour de France Femmes participation<\/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\/ovQcZCAaSfznxUfSwAGabc-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ovQcZCAaSfznxUfSwAGabc-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\">Is there Tour de France Femmes tension brewing at UAE Team L&#8217;IMAD?<\/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\/nisDa35PmBuTk4Ync7Yo79-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nisDa35PmBuTk4Ync7Yo79-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;It&#8217;s a huge step for me&#8217; \u2013 Paula Blasi and Marion Bunel usher in new generation of Grand Tour stars at La Vuelta Femenina<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Therefore, it was surprising when riders like Blasi, Couzens, Antonia Niedermaier and more 23-year-olds were marked as U23s on the Tour&#8217;s start list, and even more surprising when Blasi was awarded the jersey. Considering many of these riders just rode the Giro d&#8217;Italia, where they were not eligible, it was confusing to see them listed in the youth classification in the Tour.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">So why? Well, it seems that the Tour de France has quietly changed the parameters of the classification, with the rulebook stating that the classification is open to riders born after January 1, 2003. This is the exact same wording as last year, meaning that riders who are already 23 are now eligible.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-FnjoSKxZfJVWQsHUHQzEZA\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-FnjoSKxZfJVWQsHUHQzEZA 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\">At the start of stage two in Aigle on Sunday, <em>Cyclingnews <\/em>spoke both to UAE Team L&#8217;IMAD and Lidl-Trek, the team of Isabella Holmgren who would have expected to have been in the white jersey per normal under-23 regulations after finishing 14th on the opening stage.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Lidl-Trek were unaware of any confusion or a claim on white, with most people on the race not being aware of any rule change, but <em>Cyclingnews <\/em>now understands that the change was communicated at the directors&#8217; meeting on Friday, though not made public.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">On Saturday, there was some initial confusion with Blasi nearly missing the podium presentation for white, but that was down to a miscommunication, rather than the team not believing she was eligible, UAE Team L&#8217;IMAD director Cherie Pridham explained to <em>Cyclingnews <\/em>on Sunday.<\/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\/jLwHZ9NxxJ6zr25e7LCu6g-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jLwHZ9NxxJ6zr25e7LCu6g-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\">La Vuelta Femenina conclusions \u2013 A new generation shines, cycling&#8217;s new Swiss Army knife, and attacking pays off<\/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\/iKMftPC7fDb7GS9E8RENLm-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iKMftPC7fDb7GS9E8RENLm-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\">First yellow, but what about green? Lorena Wiebes cautious about points jersey ambitions in ultra tough 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-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\/oyF5VoqVdUaxfyRcycLKBF-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oyF5VoqVdUaxfyRcycLKBF-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;Astonished&#8217; \u2013\u00a0SD Worx-Protime has &#8216;serious questions&#8217; about bicycle-weighing procedures at Giro d&#8217;Italia Women after Lorena Wiebes disqualified<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Blasi herself said that she only found out just before the race that she would be eligible, and you can understand why she was confused, as she was not eligible for the white jersey in the Vuelta Femenina that she won in May. There was also confusion around that classification, with only under-22 riders marked as eligible initially, but that was later rectified.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Pridham was aware that the category has been moved up a year, and had no questions about that.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;The star [asterisk on the start list] indicates who is eligible, so we just follow what they prescribe,&#8221; she said. &#8220;We were never informed any different, so she&#8217;s in the young rider&#8217;s jersey and that&#8217;s it.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">UAE Team L&#8217;IMAD already have several goals and leaders, so whilst Blasi is in white for now, it&#8217;s not a defined ambition to try to keep it, though she does look like the strongest under-24 rider in the race.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It&#8217;ll come organically,&#8221; Pridham said. &#8220;Our focus is for the yellow jersey of course, for the GC. It&#8217;s a bit like the Queen of the Mountains \u2013 if you&#8217;re in the GC with the way the course is this year, it&#8217;s going to come organically \u2013 but our focus always remains on the GC. If the white jersey comes as a consequence of the team&#8217;s strength, then of course we will take it.&#8221;<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"why-the-change-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Why the change?\u00a0<\/h2>\n<p id=\"elk-300a03e6-8e82-11f1-99cd-81b33f10fc10\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Since the Tour de France Femmes has not publicised the change, with their own website not even reflecting the change in the rulebook, they haven&#8217;t publicly given any reasons for the change.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The youth category in women&#8217;s cycling has long been younger than in men&#8217;s racing, as there is no separate U23 racing scene in women&#8217;s racing, so riders go straight from juniors into the elite peloton.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Last year, only 12 riders were eligible for the white jersey in the Tour de France Femmes, so expanding the eligibility by one year certainly makes it more competitive and open to more riders, with 26 under-24 riders eligible for white this year.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-300a0454-8e82-11f1-a073-195488b8fec0\" 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\/rules\/why-is-paula-blasi-in-white-tour-de-france-femmes-quietly-changes-under-23-jersey-to-under-24\/&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sX46Z2nKZfgZE8fpjfck3a-1024-80.jpg&#8221;] 1 As it happened: The GC riders fight for the stage 1 win in Lausanne but nobody can stop the fastest sprinter in the world 2 Tour de France Femmes stage 3 LIVE: Lorena Wiebes dropped as attacks shake-up the racing 3 Tour de France Femmes contenders \u2013 Demi Vollering and Pauline [&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-2075024","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\/2075024","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=2075024"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2075024\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2075024"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=2075024"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=2075024"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}