{"id":2081927,"date":"2026-08-06T21:59:55","date_gmt":"2026-08-06T18:59:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2081927"},"modified":"2026-08-06T21:59:55","modified_gmt":"2026-08-06T18:59:55","slug":"despite-all-the-noise-uae-team-limads-multi-leader-approach-working-but-mont-ventoux-could-change-everything-at-the-tour-de-france-femmes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2081927","title":{"rendered":"Despite &#8216;all the noise&#8217;, UAE Team L&#8217;IMAD&#8217;s multi-leader approach working but Mont Ventoux could change everything at the Tour de France Femmes"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rDW8Se9c6SxiWPeGQP87jk-2100-80.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\/Jne4kTcfwJoM4axXspMh87-160-80.jpg.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Jne4kTcfwJoM4axXspMh87-80-80.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: Tour de France Femmes stage 4 time trial sparks big time gaps and creates a new GC battle\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\/t4yoWPhT7A6k44w4XM8pAh-160-80.jpg.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/t4yoWPhT7A6k44w4XM8pAh-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                                    As it happened: An 85km solo attack is rewarded with the stage victory and the leader&#8217;s yellow jersey\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\/XM3YQtFdC5Pz8c4Xvw5VWm-160-80.jpg.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XM3YQtFdC5Pz8c4Xvw5VWm-80-80.jpg.webp 80w\" sizes=\"80px\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex items-center justify-center absolute w-[18px] h-6 left-0 top-0 bg-white\/90 flex-none z-[1]\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"font-normal text-base leading-[17px] tracking-[1.3px] uppercase text-black flex-none\">3<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex flex-col items-center justify-center gap-1.5 w-[173px] h-20 flex-none\">\n<p class=\"font-article-heading font-medium text-base leading-[21px] text-gray-800 w-[173px] line-clamp-3 group-hover:underline\">\n                                    As it happened: Attacks in the Beaujolais hills shake up stage 5 and the GC as 2025 Tour winner falls out of contention\n                                <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"page-content-onecol flex-1\nnews-article article\n\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"widget-area-group widget-area-group-2col flex flex-wrap box-border\">\n<div id=\"widgetArea16\" class=\"widget-area basis-full md:basis-2\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-2-3 page-widget-area-16\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"hero\" id=\"hero\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-hero widget-hero widget-hero-hero widget-hero widget-hero-fter-news\">\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRacing\n<\/li>\n<li>\nWomen&#8217;s Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRoad\n<\/li>\n<li>\nTour de France Femmes\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>Despite &#8216;all the noise&#8217;, UAE Team L&#8217;IMAD&#8217;s multi-leader approach working but Mont Ventoux could change everything at the Tour de France Femmes<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"vds-byline-block flex flex-row flex-nowrap my-1.5 gap-2 text-left items-start justify-start\" data-component-name=\"Article:BylineBlock\">\n<p>Features<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-auto vds-simple-byline\"><span class=\"inline-block vds-author\"><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nMatilda Price <\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex gap-1 vds-byline-with-avatar__meta\"><span class=\"vds-date block font-normal tracking-normal normal-case text-xs\"><br \/>\nPublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-08-06T21:59:55Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n6 August 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Riders have hit back at media speculation as they want to let the road speak, and so far that means three UAE riders in the top 10, but how will they approach Ventoux?<\/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\/rDW8Se9c6SxiWPeGQP87jk-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rDW8Se9c6SxiWPeGQP87jk-1600-80.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rDW8Se9c6SxiWPeGQP87jk-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rDW8Se9c6SxiWPeGQP87jk-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rDW8Se9c6SxiWPeGQP87jk-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rDW8Se9c6SxiWPeGQP87jk-750-80.jpg.webp 750w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rDW8Se9c6SxiWPeGQP87jk-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rDW8Se9c6SxiWPeGQP87jk-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rDW8Se9c6SxiWPeGQP87jk-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\">Italian champion Elisa Longo Borghini is paced by UAE Team L&#8217;IMAD teammates at the 2026 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-6128c8e0-91ca-11f1-8761-db2f23119199\">Despite what Sports Director Cherie Pridham dubbed &#8220;all the pressure and all the noise&#8221; around some of their riders, UAE Team L&#8217;IMAD&#8217;s much-discussed multi-leader approach at the Tour de France Femmes is working so far.<\/p>\n<p>The team completed stage 6 with three riders in the overall top 10 \u2013 Elisa Longo Borghini (fourth), Dominika W\u0142odarczyk (sixth) and Paula Blasi (10th) \u2013 after Longo Borghini climbed two spots with her attacking efforts into Tournon-sur-Rh\u00f4ne.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-6128c8e0-91ca-11f1-8761-db2f23119199-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Only one other team has more than one rider in the top 10 &#8211; Canyon-SRAM with Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney and Antonia Niedermaier \u2013 which means that, despite plenty of dissection in the media, things are going well for the team.<\/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\">Longo Borghini may not have won the stage on Thursday, but she gained 28 seconds and two spots on GC after an active ride, with the team succeeding in executing the plan they&#8217;ve had all week.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;We knew it was going to be another hard day. We know we need to keep tapping away at every opportunity we can see,&#8221; Pridham told <em>Cyclingnews<\/em> at the finish.<\/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\/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-[#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\/QXGA3WyDebfiqp4Yu9ihfd-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QXGA3WyDebfiqp4Yu9ihfd-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;We&#8217;re all really united&#8217;\u00a0\u2013\u00a0After much speculation, UAE Team L&#8217;IMAD confirm dual leadership strategy at Tour de France Femmes<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kiw4M2NRFdqtTPazzFAbQ7-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kiw4M2NRFdqtTPazzFAbQ7-150-80.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 don&#8217;t think other teams know our strategy&#8217; \u2013 UAE Team L&#8217;IMAD start Tour de France Femmes with strength in depth and Longo Borghini and Blasi at the helm<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Of course the result didn&#8217;t play out the way we wanted. There was a little bit of strange tactics from the riders that maybe were not helping as much, or could benefit more from the time, but Elisa has gained some seconds. The podium is still a long way away, but tomorrow is a different kettle of fish.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">With Longo Borghini now in fourth overall, and three tough stages still to go \u2013 including that very different &#8216;kettle of fish&#8217;, Mont Ventoux on Friday \u2013 a spot on the podium is certainly within reach, and Pridham seemed confident that fourth or higher could be a goal for the team.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-gx7cdPnTRgVLCtitGvBTJK\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-gx7cdPnTRgVLCtitGvBTJK slice-container-newsletterForm\">\n<div data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"newsletter-form__wrapper newsletter-form__wrapper--inbodyContent\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__container\">\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__top-bar\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__header\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__main-section\">\n<p class=\"newsletter-form__strapline\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<footer class=\"newsletter-form__footer \">By submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.<\/footer>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I mean we&#8217;ve got to be realistic. Kasia and Demi are just super strong this year, as is the yellow jersey Reusser. We&#8217;ll do all we can as far as the team is concerned. The team is strong. Considering all the pressure and all the noise around our young rider Paula Blasi, I think the girls are managing really well,&#8221; she said.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">On the bike, the results spoke for themselves and the riders certainly were managing well, and they hadn&#8217;t shied away from standing up for themselves in the media, either, forthrightly fending off speculations of tension between the riders.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Speculation around Vuelta winner Blasi&#8217;s future \u2013 she is widely understood to be leaving the team \u2013 had only fuelled the fire, with it perfectly likely that UAE did not give leadership to a rider who is leaving, but plenty of fans and commentators excited about the up-and-coming rider&#8217;s future.<\/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\/x2erRPrkRHSd8wS8rNtXkN-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/x2erRPrkRHSd8wS8rNtXkN-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Tour de France Femmes contenders \u2013 Demi Vollering and Pauline Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot poised for fantastic duel with Ventoux finale<\/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\/FnrPiTxPi7MhH8v9XJnqub-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FnrPiTxPi7MhH8v9XJnqub-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\">Pauline Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot is nowhere near done, but don&#8217;t underestimate Marlen Reusser in yellow \u2013 Tour de France Femmes analysis<\/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\/ZLhTWBqryzGHCk2dKSRmye-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZLhTWBqryzGHCk2dKSRmye-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;Pauline will be on the same level or better; we are only focused on ourselves&#8217; \u2013 Inside FDJ United-Suez and Demi Vollering&#8217;s preparation, mindset and ambitions for the Tour de France Femmes<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Longo Borghini spoke openly to <em>Cyclingnews<\/em> after the time trial on stage 4, saying that the media were &#8220;making it up so big, bigger than it is. We are fine&#8221;.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Sometimes you should also think that we are persons. It is not nice to scroll through Instagram and see all those stupid articles saying that we do not have a good atmosphere and portraying us as though we are not a team. It hurts us. Personally, I\u2019m hurt,&#8221; she said.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">W\u0142ordarczyk echoed Longo Borghini&#8217;s feelings, batting away any assertions that there was a lack of teamwork or unity in the squad.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;We are riding like this since the beginning of the Tour. It&#8217;s the journalists who are really trying to make a drama around us,&#8221; she said to <em>SBS Sport<\/em>. &#8220;It&#8217;s really not helping at all. It&#8217;s just hurting.&#8221;<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"why-having-multiple-leaders-is-working-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Why having multiple leaders is working<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-061c8c4c-91d0-11f1-8215-5f1fcf208d3c\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nfete6MdzydL7DTVTxs6cN-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nfete6MdzydL7DTVTxs6cN-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nfete6MdzydL7DTVTxs6cN-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nfete6MdzydL7DTVTxs6cN-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nfete6MdzydL7DTVTxs6cN-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nfete6MdzydL7DTVTxs6cN-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Paula Blasi (left) rides alongside UAE teammate Maeva Squiban on stage 6 at 2026 Tour de France Femmes <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-16161924-91cb-11f1-b5c8-c7e2f7291b44\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The frustration with how the narrative and speculation have spread in the media was definitely worsened by the fact that, so far, things have gone well on the road.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Well, one clear reason was that outside of the three spotlighted riders, the teammates they have working for them are also extremely strong. It was perhaps the strongest team line-up in the race with past stage winners Mavi Garcia and Maeva Squiban as well as the ever-consistent Silvia Persico.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">It&#8217;s the work that these riders do, often in the parts of the stage that we can&#8217;t see, that means the team can still have three main riders left in the finale.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Whereas other teams may have to burn through more of their line-up to set up their leader for the final, UAE seemed to be able to rely on only two or three riders to do that work early, leaving more ammunition in the favourites group for the finale.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Pridham explained a little bit about what that work was looking like, with the key points and protections perhaps not being where we would expect.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It&#8217;s about keeping the girls well positioned. Mavi \u2013 and to a degree Paula \u2013 is also keeping Dominika and Elisa safe in the wheels, and particularly on the descents,&#8221; she said.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;On climbs like this [on stage 6] you can see that there can be massive splits [on the downhills]. It&#8217;s very important to give them that information so that they can be in good positions on the descents, because they can all climb.&#8221;<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"how-to-get-to-the-podium-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">How to get to the podium?<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-061c8cec-91d0-11f1-88e6-d59cb426f6fb\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wbewyat5MynsBmGkngWite-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wbewyat5MynsBmGkngWite-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wbewyat5MynsBmGkngWite-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wbewyat5MynsBmGkngWite-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wbewyat5MynsBmGkngWite-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wbewyat5MynsBmGkngWite-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Elisa Longo Borghini of UAE Team L&#8217;IMAD crosses the finish line in the lead group on stage 6 and moves to fourth on GC at the Tour de France Femmes <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-161619ec-91cb-11f1-876f-8543e12564ad\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The question, though, is what UAE Team L&#8217;IMAD will chase in the days to come. Longo Borghini, W\u0142odarczyk and Blasi would each surely love to preserve their place in the top 10, but is that compatible with trying to put one of them on the podium? And is one rider on the podium more valuable than three riders in fourth to 10th?<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">To a team \u2013 especially one that doesn&#8217;t need to worry about UCI points \u2013 surely third would be preferable, but it may not always be easy to convince other riders to give up their top 10 spot in pursuit of that goal.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Perhaps the fortunate thing for UAE is that Friday&#8217;s stage to Mont Ventoux seems certain to shake things up on its own, without the team necessarily having to make a call. Whoever emerges strongest on the Bald Mountain will be able to take the GC benefits that come with it.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;You&#8217;ve got to look at the heat, and the start of the stage is not easy either, so we&#8217;ve got to make sure that we are in a good position as normal from the start, and the approach to Chalet Reynard is going to be really important,&#8221; Pridham said about the team&#8217;s approach to stage 7.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Maybe we have to use some guns before there with Mavi maybe, if Persico is still there, and Ma\u00ebva. I think we need to look tonight, maybe we send a satellite rider out front.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Asked if the climb is likely to be one where teammates can make a difference or an ascent where it&#8217;s every rider for themselves, Pridham agreed with the latter.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It kind of is. I think there&#8217;s going to be 10 riders maybe by the time we come to the shoot-out,&#8221; she said. &#8220;From the bottom to Chalet Reynard is vicious in itself, and then you get to the open moonscape of the Mont Ventoux. We need to see the wind as well, I think the wind is going to play a huge aspect tomorrow.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Those hoping that UAE may come out with a statement of leadership or announce their strategy and aim before the weekend will be disappointed. Their plan is, and always has been, to &#8216;let the road speak&#8217;, to use their refrain, and indeed to take things step by step, rather than dictating a plan prematurely. And that reactive approach may last until the very end.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;We don&#8217;t stop until Nice. There&#8217;s a lot to gain. Stage 8 may look flat, and it is flat, but the final 20k&#8217;s is tasty,&#8221; Pridham said, pointing to the fact that the GC riders have been getting involved practically every day anyway.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;We go step by step, we&#8217;ve always said kilometre by kilometre, metre by metre, and we keep that philosophy.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-16161a64-91cb-11f1-80dd-4358b10d2daf\" 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><em><strong>Join today<\/strong><\/em><em><strong>.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-gx7cdPnTRgVLCtitGvBTJK\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-gx7cdPnTRgVLCtitGvBTJK 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\/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\/QXGA3WyDebfiqp4Yu9ihfd-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QXGA3WyDebfiqp4Yu9ihfd-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QXGA3WyDebfiqp4Yu9ihfd-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QXGA3WyDebfiqp4Yu9ihfd-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QXGA3WyDebfiqp4Yu9ihfd-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;We&#8217;re all really united&#8217;\u00a0\u2013\u00a0After much speculation, UAE Team L&#8217;IMAD confirm dual leadership strategy 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\/kiw4M2NRFdqtTPazzFAbQ7-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kiw4M2NRFdqtTPazzFAbQ7-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kiw4M2NRFdqtTPazzFAbQ7-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kiw4M2NRFdqtTPazzFAbQ7-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kiw4M2NRFdqtTPazzFAbQ7-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I don&#8217;t think other teams know our strategy&#8217; \u2013 UAE Team L&#8217;IMAD start Tour de France Femmes with strength in depth and Longo Borghini and Blasi at the helm<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/x2erRPrkRHSd8wS8rNtXkN-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/x2erRPrkRHSd8wS8rNtXkN-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/x2erRPrkRHSd8wS8rNtXkN-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/x2erRPrkRHSd8wS8rNtXkN-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/x2erRPrkRHSd8wS8rNtXkN-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 contenders \u2013 Demi Vollering and Pauline Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot poised for fantastic duel with Ventoux finale<\/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\/FnrPiTxPi7MhH8v9XJnqub-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FnrPiTxPi7MhH8v9XJnqub-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FnrPiTxPi7MhH8v9XJnqub-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FnrPiTxPi7MhH8v9XJnqub-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FnrPiTxPi7MhH8v9XJnqub-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\">Pauline Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot is nowhere near done, but don&#8217;t underestimate Marlen Reusser in yellow \u2013 Tour de France Femmes analysis<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZLhTWBqryzGHCk2dKSRmye-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZLhTWBqryzGHCk2dKSRmye-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZLhTWBqryzGHCk2dKSRmye-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZLhTWBqryzGHCk2dKSRmye-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZLhTWBqryzGHCk2dKSRmye-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Pauline will be on the same level or better; we are only focused on ourselves&#8217; \u2013 Inside FDJ United-Suez and Demi Vollering&#8217;s preparation, mindset and ambitions for the Tour de France Femmes<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-category\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SFTn6SXzXiMpdFPHSFxN4n-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SFTn6SXzXiMpdFPHSFxN4n-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SFTn6SXzXiMpdFPHSFxN4n-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SFTn6SXzXiMpdFPHSFxN4n-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SFTn6SXzXiMpdFPHSFxN4n-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 just a mind trip&#8217; \u2013\u00a0Riders from the Tour de France Femmes peloton recount their racing experiences of Mont Ventoux<\/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\/4kw9t6jbeQdXLJULVHWzRj-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4kw9t6jbeQdXLJULVHWzRj-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4kw9t6jbeQdXLJULVHWzRj-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4kw9t6jbeQdXLJULVHWzRj-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4kw9t6jbeQdXLJULVHWzRj-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\">A proposal, a baptism of fire and an MTB ride at 10 years old \u2013\u00a0Everyone at the Tour de France Femmes has a Mont Ventoux story<\/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\/pxfP3EdqG4djgmgPWYf5Co-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pxfP3EdqG4djgmgPWYf5Co-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pxfP3EdqG4djgmgPWYf5Co-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pxfP3EdqG4djgmgPWYf5Co-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pxfP3EdqG4djgmgPWYf5Co-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\">Leadville Trail 100 MTB loses iconic Powerline climb due to wildfire but 2026 route &#8216;closely follows the traditional course&#8217;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LgXY79pzuTDbUwGqtZqkQk-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LgXY79pzuTDbUwGqtZqkQk-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LgXY79pzuTDbUwGqtZqkQk-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LgXY79pzuTDbUwGqtZqkQk-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LgXY79pzuTDbUwGqtZqkQk-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\">From a late-night text to another stage win \u2013\u00a0Kim Le Court-Pienaar back on top in the hills at the Tour de France Femmes<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4hsSvfGBK6Wa9FSH8hKYwB-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4hsSvfGBK6Wa9FSH8hKYwB-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4hsSvfGBK6Wa9FSH8hKYwB-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4hsSvfGBK6Wa9FSH8hKYwB-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4hsSvfGBK6Wa9FSH8hKYwB-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;So many riders now are able to ride at a high level, it&#8217;s crazy&#8217; \u2013 Pauline Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot reveals she hit a power PB as she was being put to the sword 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\/bBCkPGnV8Xr6h4nYTLAuoe-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bBCkPGnV8Xr6h4nYTLAuoe-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bBCkPGnV8Xr6h4nYTLAuoe-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bBCkPGnV8Xr6h4nYTLAuoe-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bBCkPGnV8Xr6h4nYTLAuoe-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;We are where we want to be&#8217; \u2013 All going according to plan for Demi Vollering and FDJ United-SUEZ ahead of Tour de France Femmes Mont Ventoux showdown<\/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 Features<\/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\/SFTn6SXzXiMpdFPHSFxN4n-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SFTn6SXzXiMpdFPHSFxN4n-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SFTn6SXzXiMpdFPHSFxN4n-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SFTn6SXzXiMpdFPHSFxN4n-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SFTn6SXzXiMpdFPHSFxN4n-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 just a mind trip&#8217; \u2013\u00a0Riders from the Tour de France Femmes peloton recount their racing experiences of Mont Ventoux<\/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\/FnrPiTxPi7MhH8v9XJnqub-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FnrPiTxPi7MhH8v9XJnqub-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FnrPiTxPi7MhH8v9XJnqub-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FnrPiTxPi7MhH8v9XJnqub-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FnrPiTxPi7MhH8v9XJnqub-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\">Pauline Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot is nowhere near done, but don&#8217;t underestimate Marlen Reusser in yellow \u2013 Tour de France Femmes analysis<\/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\/3Q6iy5hEpuuPTZz5g4abS6-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3Q6iy5hEpuuPTZz5g4abS6-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3Q6iy5hEpuuPTZz5g4abS6-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3Q6iy5hEpuuPTZz5g4abS6-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3Q6iy5hEpuuPTZz5g4abS6-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Despite being 10 years younger than the &#8216;big kids&#8217;, multi-discipline U23 talent Kylee Hanel thriving in &#8216;long, grueling races of gravel&#8217; with Leadville looming<\/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\/pXS2FwdCCZeSSHqSgQkBnJ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pXS2FwdCCZeSSHqSgQkBnJ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pXS2FwdCCZeSSHqSgQkBnJ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pXS2FwdCCZeSSHqSgQkBnJ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pXS2FwdCCZeSSHqSgQkBnJ-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\">A very Swiss start to the Tour de France Femmes, but what next for women&#8217;s cycling in Switzerland?<\/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\/FQ7z4fqNHJphVSprCHxkq9-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FQ7z4fqNHJphVSprCHxkq9-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FQ7z4fqNHJphVSprCHxkq9-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FQ7z4fqNHJphVSprCHxkq9-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FQ7z4fqNHJphVSprCHxkq9-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Cycling Tech &amp; Components<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Hot burning knife blades on our wheels&#8217; \u2013 The controversial story of disc brake adoption in the peloton, 10 years on<\/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\/giJmhtKs3iDDjcpqdNUPpV-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/giJmhtKs3iDDjcpqdNUPpV-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/giJmhtKs3iDDjcpqdNUPpV-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/giJmhtKs3iDDjcpqdNUPpV-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/giJmhtKs3iDDjcpqdNUPpV-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\">Pro Bikes<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Tour de France Femmes Tech Gallery: Lightweight parts, custom paint and a host of clever tech tricks<\/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\/4hsSvfGBK6Wa9FSH8hKYwB-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4hsSvfGBK6Wa9FSH8hKYwB-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4hsSvfGBK6Wa9FSH8hKYwB-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4hsSvfGBK6Wa9FSH8hKYwB-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"99vw\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">1<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>&#8216;So many riders now are able to ride at a high level, it&#8217;s crazy&#8217; \u2013 Pauline Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot reveals she hit a power PB as she was being put to the sword at Tour de France Femmes<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">2<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>&#8216;Hot burning knife blades on our wheels&#8217; \u2013 The controversial story of disc brake adoption in the peloton, 10 years on<\/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;It&#8217;s just a mind trip&#8217; \u2013\u00a0Riders from the Tour de France Femmes peloton recount their racing experiences of Mont Ventoux<\/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>A proposal, a baptism of fire and an MTB ride at 10 years old \u2013\u00a0Everyone at the Tour de France Femmes has a Mont Ventoux story<\/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>Volta a Portugal: Francisco Campos claims three-up sprint to win stage 1 in Sintra<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"page-content-onecol flex-1\nnews-article article\n\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"widget-area-group widget-area-group-2col flex flex-wrap box-border\">\n<div id=\"widgetArea16\" class=\"widget-area basis-full md:basis-2\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-2-3 page-widget-area-16\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"hero\" id=\"hero\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-hero widget-hero widget-hero-hero widget-hero widget-hero-fter-news\">\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRacing\n<\/li>\n<li>\nWomen&#8217;s Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRoad\n<\/li>\n<li>\nTour de France Femmes\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>Despite &#8216;all the noise&#8217;, UAE Team L&#8217;IMAD&#8217;s multi-leader approach working but Mont Ventoux could change everything at the Tour de France Femmes<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"vds-byline-block flex flex-row flex-nowrap my-1.5 gap-2 text-left items-start justify-start\" data-component-name=\"Article:BylineBlock\">\n<p>Features<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-auto vds-simple-byline\"><span class=\"inline-block vds-author\"><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nMatilda Price <\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex gap-1 vds-byline-with-avatar__meta\"><span class=\"vds-date block font-normal tracking-normal normal-case text-xs\"><br \/>\nPublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-08-06T21:59:55Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n6 August 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Riders have hit back at media speculation as they want to let the road speak, and so far that means three UAE riders in the top 10, but how will they approach Ventoux?<\/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\/rDW8Se9c6SxiWPeGQP87jk-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rDW8Se9c6SxiWPeGQP87jk-1600-80.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rDW8Se9c6SxiWPeGQP87jk-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rDW8Se9c6SxiWPeGQP87jk-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rDW8Se9c6SxiWPeGQP87jk-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rDW8Se9c6SxiWPeGQP87jk-750-80.jpg.webp 750w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rDW8Se9c6SxiWPeGQP87jk-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rDW8Se9c6SxiWPeGQP87jk-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rDW8Se9c6SxiWPeGQP87jk-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\">Italian champion Elisa Longo Borghini is paced by UAE Team L&#8217;IMAD teammates at the 2026 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-6128c8e0-91ca-11f1-8761-db2f23119199\">Despite what Sports Director Cherie Pridham dubbed &#8220;all the pressure and all the noise&#8221; around some of their riders, UAE Team L&#8217;IMAD&#8217;s much-discussed multi-leader approach at the Tour de France Femmes is working so far.<\/p>\n<p>The team completed stage 6 with three riders in the overall top 10 \u2013 Elisa Longo Borghini (fourth), Dominika W\u0142odarczyk (sixth) and Paula Blasi (10th) \u2013 after Longo Borghini climbed two spots with her attacking efforts into Tournon-sur-Rh\u00f4ne.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-6128c8e0-91ca-11f1-8761-db2f23119199-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Only one other team has more than one rider in the top 10 &#8211; Canyon-SRAM with Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney and Antonia Niedermaier \u2013 which means that, despite plenty of dissection in the media, things are going well for the team.<\/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\">Longo Borghini may not have won the stage on Thursday, but she gained 28 seconds and two spots on GC after an active ride, with the team succeeding in executing the plan they&#8217;ve had all week.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;We knew it was going to be another hard day. We know we need to keep tapping away at every opportunity we can see,&#8221; Pridham told <em>Cyclingnews<\/em> at the finish.<\/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\/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-[#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\/QXGA3WyDebfiqp4Yu9ihfd-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QXGA3WyDebfiqp4Yu9ihfd-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;We&#8217;re all really united&#8217;\u00a0\u2013\u00a0After much speculation, UAE Team L&#8217;IMAD confirm dual leadership strategy at Tour de France Femmes<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kiw4M2NRFdqtTPazzFAbQ7-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kiw4M2NRFdqtTPazzFAbQ7-150-80.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 don&#8217;t think other teams know our strategy&#8217; \u2013 UAE Team L&#8217;IMAD start Tour de France Femmes with strength in depth and Longo Borghini and Blasi at the helm<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Of course the result didn&#8217;t play out the way we wanted. There was a little bit of strange tactics from the riders that maybe were not helping as much, or could benefit more from the time, but Elisa has gained some seconds. The podium is still a long way away, but tomorrow is a different kettle of fish.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">With Longo Borghini now in fourth overall, and three tough stages still to go \u2013 including that very different &#8216;kettle of fish&#8217;, Mont Ventoux on Friday \u2013 a spot on the podium is certainly within reach, and Pridham seemed confident that fourth or higher could be a goal for the team.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-gx7cdPnTRgVLCtitGvBTJK\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-gx7cdPnTRgVLCtitGvBTJK slice-container-newsletterForm\">\n<div data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"newsletter-form__wrapper newsletter-form__wrapper--inbodyContent\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__container\">\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__top-bar\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__header\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__main-section\">\n<p class=\"newsletter-form__strapline\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<footer class=\"newsletter-form__footer \">By submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.<\/footer>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I mean we&#8217;ve got to be realistic. Kasia and Demi are just super strong this year, as is the yellow jersey Reusser. We&#8217;ll do all we can as far as the team is concerned. The team is strong. Considering all the pressure and all the noise around our young rider Paula Blasi, I think the girls are managing really well,&#8221; she said.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">On the bike, the results spoke for themselves and the riders certainly were managing well, and they hadn&#8217;t shied away from standing up for themselves in the media, either, forthrightly fending off speculations of tension between the riders.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Speculation around Vuelta winner Blasi&#8217;s future \u2013 she is widely understood to be leaving the team \u2013 had only fuelled the fire, with it perfectly likely that UAE did not give leadership to a rider who is leaving, but plenty of fans and commentators excited about the up-and-coming rider&#8217;s future.<\/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\/x2erRPrkRHSd8wS8rNtXkN-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/x2erRPrkRHSd8wS8rNtXkN-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Tour de France Femmes contenders \u2013 Demi Vollering and Pauline Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot poised for fantastic duel with Ventoux finale<\/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\/FnrPiTxPi7MhH8v9XJnqub-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FnrPiTxPi7MhH8v9XJnqub-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\">Pauline Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot is nowhere near done, but don&#8217;t underestimate Marlen Reusser in yellow \u2013 Tour de France Femmes analysis<\/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\/ZLhTWBqryzGHCk2dKSRmye-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZLhTWBqryzGHCk2dKSRmye-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;Pauline will be on the same level or better; we are only focused on ourselves&#8217; \u2013 Inside FDJ United-Suez and Demi Vollering&#8217;s preparation, mindset and ambitions for the Tour de France Femmes<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Longo Borghini spoke openly to <em>Cyclingnews<\/em> after the time trial on stage 4, saying that the media were &#8220;making it up so big, bigger than it is. We are fine&#8221;.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Sometimes you should also think that we are persons. It is not nice to scroll through Instagram and see all those stupid articles saying that we do not have a good atmosphere and portraying us as though we are not a team. It hurts us. Personally, I\u2019m hurt,&#8221; she said.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">W\u0142ordarczyk echoed Longo Borghini&#8217;s feelings, batting away any assertions that there was a lack of teamwork or unity in the squad.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;We are riding like this since the beginning of the Tour. It&#8217;s the journalists who are really trying to make a drama around us,&#8221; she said to <em>SBS Sport<\/em>. &#8220;It&#8217;s really not helping at all. It&#8217;s just hurting.&#8221;<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"why-having-multiple-leaders-is-working-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Why having multiple leaders is working<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-061c8c4c-91d0-11f1-8215-5f1fcf208d3c\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nfete6MdzydL7DTVTxs6cN-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nfete6MdzydL7DTVTxs6cN-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nfete6MdzydL7DTVTxs6cN-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nfete6MdzydL7DTVTxs6cN-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nfete6MdzydL7DTVTxs6cN-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nfete6MdzydL7DTVTxs6cN-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Paula Blasi (left) rides alongside UAE teammate Maeva Squiban on stage 6 at 2026 Tour de France Femmes <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-16161924-91cb-11f1-b5c8-c7e2f7291b44\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The frustration with how the narrative and speculation have spread in the media was definitely worsened by the fact that, so far, things have gone well on the road.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Well, one clear reason was that outside of the three spotlighted riders, the teammates they have working for them are also extremely strong. It was perhaps the strongest team line-up in the race with past stage winners Mavi Garcia and Maeva Squiban as well as the ever-consistent Silvia Persico.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">It&#8217;s the work that these riders do, often in the parts of the stage that we can&#8217;t see, that means the team can still have three main riders left in the finale.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Whereas other teams may have to burn through more of their line-up to set up their leader for the final, UAE seemed to be able to rely on only two or three riders to do that work early, leaving more ammunition in the favourites group for the finale.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Pridham explained a little bit about what that work was looking like, with the key points and protections perhaps not being where we would expect.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It&#8217;s about keeping the girls well positioned. Mavi \u2013 and to a degree Paula \u2013 is also keeping Dominika and Elisa safe in the wheels, and particularly on the descents,&#8221; she said.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;On climbs like this [on stage 6] you can see that there can be massive splits [on the downhills]. It&#8217;s very important to give them that information so that they can be in good positions on the descents, because they can all climb.&#8221;<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"how-to-get-to-the-podium-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">How to get to the podium?<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-061c8cec-91d0-11f1-88e6-d59cb426f6fb\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wbewyat5MynsBmGkngWite-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wbewyat5MynsBmGkngWite-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wbewyat5MynsBmGkngWite-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wbewyat5MynsBmGkngWite-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wbewyat5MynsBmGkngWite-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wbewyat5MynsBmGkngWite-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Elisa Longo Borghini of UAE Team L&#8217;IMAD crosses the finish line in the lead group on stage 6 and moves to fourth on GC at the Tour de France Femmes <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-161619ec-91cb-11f1-876f-8543e12564ad\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The question, though, is what UAE Team L&#8217;IMAD will chase in the days to come. Longo Borghini, W\u0142odarczyk and Blasi would each surely love to preserve their place in the top 10, but is that compatible with trying to put one of them on the podium? And is one rider on the podium more valuable than three riders in fourth to 10th?<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">To a team \u2013 especially one that doesn&#8217;t need to worry about UCI points \u2013 surely third would be preferable, but it may not always be easy to convince other riders to give up their top 10 spot in pursuit of that goal.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Perhaps the fortunate thing for UAE is that Friday&#8217;s stage to Mont Ventoux seems certain to shake things up on its own, without the team necessarily having to make a call. Whoever emerges strongest on the Bald Mountain will be able to take the GC benefits that come with it.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;You&#8217;ve got to look at the heat, and the start of the stage is not easy either, so we&#8217;ve got to make sure that we are in a good position as normal from the start, and the approach to Chalet Reynard is going to be really important,&#8221; Pridham said about the team&#8217;s approach to stage 7.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Maybe we have to use some guns before there with Mavi maybe, if Persico is still there, and Ma\u00ebva. I think we need to look tonight, maybe we send a satellite rider out front.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Asked if the climb is likely to be one where teammates can make a difference or an ascent where it&#8217;s every rider for themselves, Pridham agreed with the latter.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It kind of is. I think there&#8217;s going to be 10 riders maybe by the time we come to the shoot-out,&#8221; she said. &#8220;From the bottom to Chalet Reynard is vicious in itself, and then you get to the open moonscape of the Mont Ventoux. We need to see the wind as well, I think the wind is going to play a huge aspect tomorrow.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Those hoping that UAE may come out with a statement of leadership or announce their strategy and aim before the weekend will be disappointed. Their plan is, and always has been, to &#8216;let the road speak&#8217;, to use their refrain, and indeed to take things step by step, rather than dictating a plan prematurely. And that reactive approach may last until the very end.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;We don&#8217;t stop until Nice. There&#8217;s a lot to gain. Stage 8 may look flat, and it is flat, but the final 20k&#8217;s is tasty,&#8221; Pridham said, pointing to the fact that the GC riders have been getting involved practically every day anyway.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;We go step by step, we&#8217;ve always said kilometre by kilometre, metre by metre, and we keep that philosophy.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-16161a64-91cb-11f1-80dd-4358b10d2daf\" 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><em><strong>Join today<\/strong><\/em><em><strong>.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-gx7cdPnTRgVLCtitGvBTJK\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-gx7cdPnTRgVLCtitGvBTJK 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\/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\/QXGA3WyDebfiqp4Yu9ihfd-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QXGA3WyDebfiqp4Yu9ihfd-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QXGA3WyDebfiqp4Yu9ihfd-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QXGA3WyDebfiqp4Yu9ihfd-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QXGA3WyDebfiqp4Yu9ihfd-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;We&#8217;re all really united&#8217;\u00a0\u2013\u00a0After much speculation, UAE Team L&#8217;IMAD confirm dual leadership strategy 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\/kiw4M2NRFdqtTPazzFAbQ7-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kiw4M2NRFdqtTPazzFAbQ7-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kiw4M2NRFdqtTPazzFAbQ7-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kiw4M2NRFdqtTPazzFAbQ7-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kiw4M2NRFdqtTPazzFAbQ7-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I don&#8217;t think other teams know our strategy&#8217; \u2013 UAE Team L&#8217;IMAD start Tour de France Femmes with strength in depth and Longo Borghini and Blasi at the helm<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/x2erRPrkRHSd8wS8rNtXkN-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/x2erRPrkRHSd8wS8rNtXkN-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/x2erRPrkRHSd8wS8rNtXkN-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/x2erRPrkRHSd8wS8rNtXkN-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/x2erRPrkRHSd8wS8rNtXkN-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 contenders \u2013 Demi Vollering and Pauline Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot poised for fantastic duel with Ventoux finale<\/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\/FnrPiTxPi7MhH8v9XJnqub-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FnrPiTxPi7MhH8v9XJnqub-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FnrPiTxPi7MhH8v9XJnqub-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FnrPiTxPi7MhH8v9XJnqub-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FnrPiTxPi7MhH8v9XJnqub-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\">Pauline Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot is nowhere near done, but don&#8217;t underestimate Marlen Reusser in yellow \u2013 Tour de France Femmes analysis<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZLhTWBqryzGHCk2dKSRmye-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZLhTWBqryzGHCk2dKSRmye-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZLhTWBqryzGHCk2dKSRmye-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZLhTWBqryzGHCk2dKSRmye-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZLhTWBqryzGHCk2dKSRmye-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Pauline will be on the same level or better; we are only focused on ourselves&#8217; \u2013 Inside FDJ United-Suez and Demi Vollering&#8217;s preparation, mindset and ambitions for the Tour de France Femmes<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-category\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SFTn6SXzXiMpdFPHSFxN4n-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SFTn6SXzXiMpdFPHSFxN4n-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SFTn6SXzXiMpdFPHSFxN4n-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SFTn6SXzXiMpdFPHSFxN4n-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SFTn6SXzXiMpdFPHSFxN4n-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 just a mind trip&#8217; \u2013\u00a0Riders from the Tour de France Femmes peloton recount their racing experiences of Mont Ventoux<\/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\/4kw9t6jbeQdXLJULVHWzRj-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4kw9t6jbeQdXLJULVHWzRj-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4kw9t6jbeQdXLJULVHWzRj-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4kw9t6jbeQdXLJULVHWzRj-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4kw9t6jbeQdXLJULVHWzRj-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\">A proposal, a baptism of fire and an MTB ride at 10 years old \u2013\u00a0Everyone at the Tour de France Femmes has a Mont Ventoux story<\/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\/pxfP3EdqG4djgmgPWYf5Co-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pxfP3EdqG4djgmgPWYf5Co-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pxfP3EdqG4djgmgPWYf5Co-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pxfP3EdqG4djgmgPWYf5Co-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pxfP3EdqG4djgmgPWYf5Co-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\">Leadville Trail 100 MTB loses iconic Powerline climb due to wildfire but 2026 route &#8216;closely follows the traditional course&#8217;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LgXY79pzuTDbUwGqtZqkQk-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LgXY79pzuTDbUwGqtZqkQk-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LgXY79pzuTDbUwGqtZqkQk-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LgXY79pzuTDbUwGqtZqkQk-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LgXY79pzuTDbUwGqtZqkQk-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\">From a late-night text to another stage win \u2013\u00a0Kim Le Court-Pienaar back on top in the hills at the Tour de France Femmes<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4hsSvfGBK6Wa9FSH8hKYwB-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4hsSvfGBK6Wa9FSH8hKYwB-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4hsSvfGBK6Wa9FSH8hKYwB-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4hsSvfGBK6Wa9FSH8hKYwB-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4hsSvfGBK6Wa9FSH8hKYwB-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;So many riders now are able to ride at a high level, it&#8217;s crazy&#8217; \u2013 Pauline Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot reveals she hit a power PB as she was being put to the sword 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\/bBCkPGnV8Xr6h4nYTLAuoe-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bBCkPGnV8Xr6h4nYTLAuoe-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bBCkPGnV8Xr6h4nYTLAuoe-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bBCkPGnV8Xr6h4nYTLAuoe-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bBCkPGnV8Xr6h4nYTLAuoe-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;We are where we want to be&#8217; \u2013 All going according to plan for Demi Vollering and FDJ United-SUEZ ahead of Tour de France Femmes Mont Ventoux showdown<\/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 Features<\/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\/SFTn6SXzXiMpdFPHSFxN4n-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SFTn6SXzXiMpdFPHSFxN4n-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SFTn6SXzXiMpdFPHSFxN4n-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SFTn6SXzXiMpdFPHSFxN4n-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SFTn6SXzXiMpdFPHSFxN4n-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 just a mind trip&#8217; \u2013\u00a0Riders from the Tour de France Femmes peloton recount their racing experiences of Mont Ventoux<\/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\/FnrPiTxPi7MhH8v9XJnqub-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FnrPiTxPi7MhH8v9XJnqub-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FnrPiTxPi7MhH8v9XJnqub-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FnrPiTxPi7MhH8v9XJnqub-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FnrPiTxPi7MhH8v9XJnqub-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\">Pauline Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot is nowhere near done, but don&#8217;t underestimate Marlen Reusser in yellow \u2013 Tour de France Femmes analysis<\/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\/3Q6iy5hEpuuPTZz5g4abS6-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3Q6iy5hEpuuPTZz5g4abS6-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3Q6iy5hEpuuPTZz5g4abS6-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3Q6iy5hEpuuPTZz5g4abS6-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3Q6iy5hEpuuPTZz5g4abS6-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Despite being 10 years younger than the &#8216;big kids&#8217;, multi-discipline U23 talent Kylee Hanel thriving in &#8216;long, grueling races of gravel&#8217; with Leadville looming<\/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\/pXS2FwdCCZeSSHqSgQkBnJ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pXS2FwdCCZeSSHqSgQkBnJ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pXS2FwdCCZeSSHqSgQkBnJ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pXS2FwdCCZeSSHqSgQkBnJ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pXS2FwdCCZeSSHqSgQkBnJ-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\">A very Swiss start to the Tour de France Femmes, but what next for women&#8217;s cycling in Switzerland?<\/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\/FQ7z4fqNHJphVSprCHxkq9-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FQ7z4fqNHJphVSprCHxkq9-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FQ7z4fqNHJphVSprCHxkq9-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FQ7z4fqNHJphVSprCHxkq9-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FQ7z4fqNHJphVSprCHxkq9-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Cycling Tech &amp; Components<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Hot burning knife blades on our wheels&#8217; \u2013 The controversial story of disc brake adoption in the peloton, 10 years on<\/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\/giJmhtKs3iDDjcpqdNUPpV-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/giJmhtKs3iDDjcpqdNUPpV-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/giJmhtKs3iDDjcpqdNUPpV-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/giJmhtKs3iDDjcpqdNUPpV-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/giJmhtKs3iDDjcpqdNUPpV-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\">Pro Bikes<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Tour de France Femmes Tech Gallery: Lightweight parts, custom paint and a host of clever tech tricks<\/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\/4hsSvfGBK6Wa9FSH8hKYwB-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4hsSvfGBK6Wa9FSH8hKYwB-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4hsSvfGBK6Wa9FSH8hKYwB-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4hsSvfGBK6Wa9FSH8hKYwB-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"99vw\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">1<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>&#8216;So many riders now are able to ride at a high level, it&#8217;s crazy&#8217; \u2013 Pauline Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot reveals she hit a power PB as she was being put to the sword at Tour de France Femmes<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">2<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>&#8216;Hot burning knife blades on our wheels&#8217; \u2013 The controversial story of disc brake adoption in the peloton, 10 years on<\/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;It&#8217;s just a mind trip&#8217; \u2013\u00a0Riders from the Tour de France Femmes peloton recount their racing experiences of Mont Ventoux<\/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>A proposal, a baptism of fire and an MTB ride at 10 years old \u2013\u00a0Everyone at the Tour de France Femmes has a Mont Ventoux story<\/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>Volta a Portugal: Francisco Campos claims three-up sprint to win stage 1 in Sintra<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRacing\n<\/li>\n<li>\nWomen&#8217;s Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRoad\n<\/li>\n<li>\nTour de France Femmes\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>Despite &#8216;all the noise&#8217;, UAE Team L&#8217;IMAD&#8217;s multi-leader approach working but Mont Ventoux could change everything at the Tour de France Femmes<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"vds-byline-block flex flex-row flex-nowrap my-1.5 gap-2 text-left items-start justify-start\" data-component-name=\"Article:BylineBlock\">\n<p>Features<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-auto vds-simple-byline\"><span class=\"inline-block vds-author\"><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nMatilda Price <\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex gap-1 vds-byline-with-avatar__meta\"><span class=\"vds-date block font-normal tracking-normal normal-case text-xs\"><br \/>\nPublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-08-06T21:59:55Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n6 August 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Riders have hit back at media speculation as they want to let the road speak, and so far that means three UAE riders in the top 10, but how will they approach Ventoux?<\/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 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Here\u2019s how it works.\n<\/p>\n<\/aside>\n<\/header>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\"text-copy bodyCopy auto paywall-locker\">\n<div data-analytics-id=\"utility-bar\" id=\"utility-bar\" class=\"font-ui-heading flex justify-between items-center py-2 border-t border-b border-gray-300 border-solid mb-5 mx-auto\" data-component-name=\"UtilityBar\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"utility-bar\">\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div data-component-name=\"Social:Dropdown\" role=\"menu\" id=\"utilitybar__dropdown--share\" aria-labelledby=\"utilitybar__button--share\" class=\"absolute left-0 top-full w-44 bg-white rounded-md shadow-md border border-neutral-200 z-[9996] list-none m-0 py-2 px-3 border-solid\">\n<ul class=\"m-0!\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Facebook<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>X<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Pinterest<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Email<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-share-this-article\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nShare this article\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\"><span class=\"ml-1 inline-flex h-5 px-2 shrink-0 items-center justify-center self-center overflow-hidden whitespace-nowrap rounded-[10px] bg-primary-500 text-[11px] leading-none font-ui-heading font-semibold text-white\">0<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-join-the-conversation\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nJoin the conversation\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<p>Follow us<\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-add-us-as-a-preferred-source-on-google\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nAdd us as a preferred source on Google\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-subscribe-to-our-newsletter\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nSubscribe to our newsletter\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-6128c8e0-91ca-11f1-8761-db2f23119199\">Despite what Sports Director Cherie Pridham dubbed &#8220;all the pressure and all the noise&#8221; around some of their riders, UAE Team L&#8217;IMAD&#8217;s much-discussed multi-leader approach at the Tour de France Femmes is working so far.<\/p>\n<p>The team completed stage 6 with three riders in the overall top 10 \u2013 Elisa Longo Borghini (fourth), Dominika W\u0142odarczyk (sixth) and Paula Blasi (10th) \u2013 after Longo Borghini climbed two spots with her attacking efforts into Tournon-sur-Rh\u00f4ne.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-6128c8e0-91ca-11f1-8761-db2f23119199-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Only one other team has more than one rider in the top 10 &#8211; Canyon-SRAM with Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney and Antonia Niedermaier \u2013 which means that, despite plenty of dissection in the media, things are going well for the team.<\/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\">Longo Borghini may not have won the stage on Thursday, but she gained 28 seconds and two spots on GC after an active ride, with the team succeeding in executing the plan they&#8217;ve had all week.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;We knew it was going to be another hard day. We know we need to keep tapping away at every opportunity we can see,&#8221; Pridham told <em>Cyclingnews<\/em> at the finish.<\/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\/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-[#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\/QXGA3WyDebfiqp4Yu9ihfd-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QXGA3WyDebfiqp4Yu9ihfd-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;We&#8217;re all really united&#8217;\u00a0\u2013\u00a0After much speculation, UAE Team L&#8217;IMAD confirm dual leadership strategy at Tour de France Femmes<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kiw4M2NRFdqtTPazzFAbQ7-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kiw4M2NRFdqtTPazzFAbQ7-150-80.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 don&#8217;t think other teams know our strategy&#8217; \u2013 UAE Team L&#8217;IMAD start Tour de France Femmes with strength in depth and Longo Borghini and Blasi at the helm<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Of course the result didn&#8217;t play out the way we wanted. There was a little bit of strange tactics from the riders that maybe were not helping as much, or could benefit more from the time, but Elisa has gained some seconds. The podium is still a long way away, but tomorrow is a different kettle of fish.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">With Longo Borghini now in fourth overall, and three tough stages still to go \u2013 including that very different &#8216;kettle of fish&#8217;, Mont Ventoux on Friday \u2013 a spot on the podium is certainly within reach, and Pridham seemed confident that fourth or higher could be a goal for the team.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-gx7cdPnTRgVLCtitGvBTJK\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-gx7cdPnTRgVLCtitGvBTJK slice-container-newsletterForm\">\n<div data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"newsletter-form__wrapper newsletter-form__wrapper--inbodyContent\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__container\">\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__top-bar\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__header\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__main-section\">\n<p class=\"newsletter-form__strapline\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<footer class=\"newsletter-form__footer \">By submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.<\/footer>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I mean we&#8217;ve got to be realistic. Kasia and Demi are just super strong this year, as is the yellow jersey Reusser. We&#8217;ll do all we can as far as the team is concerned. The team is strong. Considering all the pressure and all the noise around our young rider Paula Blasi, I think the girls are managing really well,&#8221; she said.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">On the bike, the results spoke for themselves and the riders certainly were managing well, and they hadn&#8217;t shied away from standing up for themselves in the media, either, forthrightly fending off speculations of tension between the riders.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Speculation around Vuelta winner Blasi&#8217;s future \u2013 she is widely understood to be leaving the team \u2013 had only fuelled the fire, with it perfectly likely that UAE did not give leadership to a rider who is leaving, but plenty of fans and commentators excited about the up-and-coming rider&#8217;s future.<\/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\/x2erRPrkRHSd8wS8rNtXkN-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/x2erRPrkRHSd8wS8rNtXkN-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Tour de France Femmes contenders \u2013 Demi Vollering and Pauline Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot poised for fantastic duel with Ventoux finale<\/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\/FnrPiTxPi7MhH8v9XJnqub-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FnrPiTxPi7MhH8v9XJnqub-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\">Pauline Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot is nowhere near done, but don&#8217;t underestimate Marlen Reusser in yellow \u2013 Tour de France Femmes analysis<\/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\/ZLhTWBqryzGHCk2dKSRmye-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZLhTWBqryzGHCk2dKSRmye-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;Pauline will be on the same level or better; we are only focused on ourselves&#8217; \u2013 Inside FDJ United-Suez and Demi Vollering&#8217;s preparation, mindset and ambitions for the Tour de France Femmes<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Longo Borghini spoke openly to <em>Cyclingnews<\/em> after the time trial on stage 4, saying that the media were &#8220;making it up so big, bigger than it is. We are fine&#8221;.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Sometimes you should also think that we are persons. It is not nice to scroll through Instagram and see all those stupid articles saying that we do not have a good atmosphere and portraying us as though we are not a team. It hurts us. Personally, I\u2019m hurt,&#8221; she said.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">W\u0142ordarczyk echoed Longo Borghini&#8217;s feelings, batting away any assertions that there was a lack of teamwork or unity in the squad.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;We are riding like this since the beginning of the Tour. It&#8217;s the journalists who are really trying to make a drama around us,&#8221; she said to <em>SBS Sport<\/em>. &#8220;It&#8217;s really not helping at all. It&#8217;s just hurting.&#8221;<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"why-having-multiple-leaders-is-working-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Why having multiple leaders is working<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-061c8c4c-91d0-11f1-8215-5f1fcf208d3c\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nfete6MdzydL7DTVTxs6cN-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nfete6MdzydL7DTVTxs6cN-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nfete6MdzydL7DTVTxs6cN-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nfete6MdzydL7DTVTxs6cN-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nfete6MdzydL7DTVTxs6cN-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nfete6MdzydL7DTVTxs6cN-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Paula Blasi (left) rides alongside UAE teammate Maeva Squiban on stage 6 at 2026 Tour de France Femmes <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-16161924-91cb-11f1-b5c8-c7e2f7291b44\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The frustration with how the narrative and speculation have spread in the media was definitely worsened by the fact that, so far, things have gone well on the road.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Well, one clear reason was that outside of the three spotlighted riders, the teammates they have working for them are also extremely strong. It was perhaps the strongest team line-up in the race with past stage winners Mavi Garcia and Maeva Squiban as well as the ever-consistent Silvia Persico.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">It&#8217;s the work that these riders do, often in the parts of the stage that we can&#8217;t see, that means the team can still have three main riders left in the finale.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Whereas other teams may have to burn through more of their line-up to set up their leader for the final, UAE seemed to be able to rely on only two or three riders to do that work early, leaving more ammunition in the favourites group for the finale.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Pridham explained a little bit about what that work was looking like, with the key points and protections perhaps not being where we would expect.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It&#8217;s about keeping the girls well positioned. Mavi \u2013 and to a degree Paula \u2013 is also keeping Dominika and Elisa safe in the wheels, and particularly on the descents,&#8221; she said.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;On climbs like this [on stage 6] you can see that there can be massive splits [on the downhills]. It&#8217;s very important to give them that information so that they can be in good positions on the descents, because they can all climb.&#8221;<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"how-to-get-to-the-podium-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">How to get to the podium?<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-061c8cec-91d0-11f1-88e6-d59cb426f6fb\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wbewyat5MynsBmGkngWite-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wbewyat5MynsBmGkngWite-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wbewyat5MynsBmGkngWite-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wbewyat5MynsBmGkngWite-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wbewyat5MynsBmGkngWite-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wbewyat5MynsBmGkngWite-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Elisa Longo Borghini of UAE Team L&#8217;IMAD crosses the finish line in the lead group on stage 6 and moves to fourth on GC at the Tour de France Femmes <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-161619ec-91cb-11f1-876f-8543e12564ad\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The question, though, is what UAE Team L&#8217;IMAD will chase in the days to come. Longo Borghini, W\u0142odarczyk and Blasi would each surely love to preserve their place in the top 10, but is that compatible with trying to put one of them on the podium? And is one rider on the podium more valuable than three riders in fourth to 10th?<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">To a team \u2013 especially one that doesn&#8217;t need to worry about UCI points \u2013 surely third would be preferable, but it may not always be easy to convince other riders to give up their top 10 spot in pursuit of that goal.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Perhaps the fortunate thing for UAE is that Friday&#8217;s stage to Mont Ventoux seems certain to shake things up on its own, without the team necessarily having to make a call. Whoever emerges strongest on the Bald Mountain will be able to take the GC benefits that come with it.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;You&#8217;ve got to look at the heat, and the start of the stage is not easy either, so we&#8217;ve got to make sure that we are in a good position as normal from the start, and the approach to Chalet Reynard is going to be really important,&#8221; Pridham said about the team&#8217;s approach to stage 7.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Maybe we have to use some guns before there with Mavi maybe, if Persico is still there, and Ma\u00ebva. I think we need to look tonight, maybe we send a satellite rider out front.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Asked if the climb is likely to be one where teammates can make a difference or an ascent where it&#8217;s every rider for themselves, Pridham agreed with the latter.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It kind of is. I think there&#8217;s going to be 10 riders maybe by the time we come to the shoot-out,&#8221; she said. &#8220;From the bottom to Chalet Reynard is vicious in itself, and then you get to the open moonscape of the Mont Ventoux. We need to see the wind as well, I think the wind is going to play a huge aspect tomorrow.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Those hoping that UAE may come out with a statement of leadership or announce their strategy and aim before the weekend will be disappointed. Their plan is, and always has been, to &#8216;let the road speak&#8217;, to use their refrain, and indeed to take things step by step, rather than dictating a plan prematurely. And that reactive approach may last until the very end.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;We don&#8217;t stop until Nice. There&#8217;s a lot to gain. Stage 8 may look flat, and it is flat, but the final 20k&#8217;s is tasty,&#8221; Pridham said, pointing to the fact that the GC riders have been getting involved practically every day anyway.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;We go step by step, we&#8217;ve always said kilometre by kilometre, metre by metre, and we keep that philosophy.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-16161a64-91cb-11f1-80dd-4358b10d2daf\" 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><em><strong>Join today<\/strong><\/em><em><strong>.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/womens-cycling\/despite-all-the-noise-uae-team-limads-multi-leader-approach-working-but-mont-ventoux-could-change-everything-at-the-tour-de-france-femmes\/&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rDW8Se9c6SxiWPeGQP87jk-2100-80.jpg&#8221;] 1 As it happened: Tour de France Femmes stage 4 time trial sparks big time gaps and creates a new GC battle 2 As it happened: An 85km solo attack is rewarded with the stage victory and the leader&#8217;s yellow jersey 3 As it happened: Attacks in the Beaujolais hills shake up [&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-2081927","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\/2081927","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=2081927"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2081927\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2081927"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=2081927"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=2081927"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}