{"id":2088846,"date":"2026-08-11T11:38:53","date_gmt":"2026-08-11T08:38:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2088846"},"modified":"2026-08-11T11:38:53","modified_gmt":"2026-08-11T08:38:53","slug":"i-wasnt-as-close-as-i-thought-i-might-be-paula-blasi-recognises-her-first-tour-de-france-femmes-was-a-tougher-learning-curve-than-expected","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2088846","title":{"rendered":"&#8216;I wasn&#8217;t as close as I thought I might be&#8217; &#8211; Paula Blasi recognises her first Tour de France Femmes was a tougher learning curve than expected"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cL5Ydc5iaoqikZ7UagtBP6-1024-80.jpg&#8221;]<\/p>\n<article class=\"m-0 box-border flex flex-row items-center pr-2.5 gap-[15px] w-[278px] h-20 flex-none upnext-article-divider\" role=\"listitem\" aria-label=\"Recommended article 1 of 3\">\n<div class=\"relative flex-none w-20 h-20\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/33tMEpLPMwZ26kuvmooFUX-160-80.jpg.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/33tMEpLPMwZ26kuvmooFUX-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                                    &#8216;I think it&#8217;s over&#8217; \u2013 Pauline Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot admits defeat in Tour de France Femmes title defence after struggles on stage 5\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\/gudJt74K2JHZiJzWScBRLT-160-80.jpg.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gudJt74K2JHZiJzWScBRLT-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                                    Eight things we learnt from a spellbinding edition of the Tour de France Femmes\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\/6NUEeJiePnSET8EhXxbGTD-160-80.jpg.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6NUEeJiePnSET8EhXxbGTD-80-80.jpg.webp 80w\" sizes=\"80px\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex items-center justify-center absolute w-[18px] h-6 left-0 top-0 bg-white\/90 flex-none z-[1]\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"font-normal text-base leading-[17px] tracking-[1.3px] uppercase text-black flex-none\">3<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex flex-col items-center justify-center gap-1.5 w-[173px] h-20 flex-none\">\n<p class=\"font-article-heading font-medium text-base leading-[21px] text-gray-800 w-[173px] line-clamp-3 group-hover:underline\">\n                                    &#8216;I felt stronger than in any other editions&#8217; \u2013 Why Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney can celebrate second at the Tour de France Femmes as much as her 2024 win\n                                <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"page-content-onecol flex-1\nnews-article article\n\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"widget-area-group widget-area-group-2col flex flex-wrap box-border\">\n<div id=\"widgetArea16\" class=\"widget-area basis-full md:basis-2\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-2-3 page-widget-area-16\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"hero\" id=\"hero\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-hero widget-hero widget-hero-hero widget-hero widget-hero-fter-news\">\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRacing\n<\/li>\n<li>\nWomen&#8217;s Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRoad\n<\/li>\n<li>\nTour de France Femmes\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>&#8216;I wasn&#8217;t as close as I thought I might be&#8217; &#8211; Paula Blasi recognises her first Tour de France Femmes was a tougher learning curve than expected<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"vds-byline-block flex flex-row flex-nowrap my-1.5 gap-2 text-left items-start justify-start\" data-component-name=\"Article:BylineBlock\">\n<p>News<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-auto vds-simple-byline\"><span class=\"inline-block vds-author\"><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nAlasdair Fotheringham <\/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=\"2026-08-11T11:38:53Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n11 August 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Up-and-coming Catalan star took fifth overall on Tour debut, now aiming at World Championships<\/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\/cL5Ydc5iaoqikZ7UagtBP6-1024-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cL5Ydc5iaoqikZ7UagtBP6-1024-80.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cL5Ydc5iaoqikZ7UagtBP6-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cL5Ydc5iaoqikZ7UagtBP6-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cL5Ydc5iaoqikZ7UagtBP6-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cL5Ydc5iaoqikZ7UagtBP6-750-80.jpg.webp 750w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cL5Ydc5iaoqikZ7UagtBP6-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cL5Ydc5iaoqikZ7UagtBP6-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cL5Ydc5iaoqikZ7UagtBP6-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 600px, 100vw\" \/><figcaption class=\"font-article-copy text-(--image--text--color) font-article-copy mt-2\"><span class=\"caption-text font-article-copy\">Paula Blasi (UAE Team L&#8217;IMAD) found the the 2026 Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift harder than expected<\/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 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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-e7133c00-9572-11f1-b7fa-4b59fdd95f46\">Up-and-coming Catalan star Paula Blasi has recognised that the 2026 Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift was a steeper learning curve than she expected, but has promised that she will be back at the Tour with a wealth of race knowledge acquired from this August&#8217;s edition.<\/p>\n<p>Blasi, 23, has already won the Vuelta Femenina, Amstel Gold Race and Volta a Catalunya in her first full season, and those breakthrough results raised expectations enormously about what she could do in her first-ever Tour de France, which she completed in fifth overall.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-e7133c00-9572-11f1-b7fa-4b59fdd95f46-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">However, a lack of initial clarity, pre-race, about her exact role in a very strong UAE Team L&#8217;IMAD line-up combined with intense media speculation. It finally faded away as the team centred increasingly on the defence of Elisa Longo Borghini&#8217;s top placing overall, and as Blasi told <em>TV3 <\/em> at the time, what had been a &#8216;massive ball of stress&#8217; lifted from her shoulders.<\/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\">Apart from Blasi&#8217;s top-five finish, her squad came away with top spot in the teams prize and third place overall for Longo Borghini, and seventh for Domenica W\u0142odarzyck, as well as a second place overall in the BYR ranking for Blasi, a classification she led for the first four days.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It&#8217;s been a real roller coaster,&#8221; was how the Catalan described her first impressions of the race on Tuesday to <em>AS<\/em>.<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            You may like<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Tj5oYG69yfeoG3ZZq8ykCd-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Tj5oYG69yfeoG3ZZq8ykCd-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;I&#8217;ll just be there to help the team&#8217; \u2013 2026 breakout rider Paula Blasi plays down expectations for first Tour de France Femmes participation<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SRLbqp8KM5CVHb2V3mnxMH-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SRLbqp8KM5CVHb2V3mnxMH-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;It just became a massive ball of stress&#8217; \u2013 Paula Blasi and UAE Team L&#8217;IMAD united on Mont Ventoux after challenging week 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\/DFXEHTypGqc3MYYtuBzdAV-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DFXEHTypGqc3MYYtuBzdAV-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 was maxing out the gears&#8217; &#8211; Zoe B\u00e4ckstedt falls short trying for first Tour de France Femmes stage win<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;There were days when things went badly, others that were a bit better. I think I really got back on terms on stage 6, but I suffered from the stress you live through in the bunch as well.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It was my first Tour, and truth to tell, it&#8217;s not like any other race. You have to get used to it.&#8221;<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-9LoCRHXhMaZnM8kSxiLW8j\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-9LoCRHXhMaZnM8kSxiLW8j 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\">As a natural optimist, Blasi argued that she would like to believe the Tour is a race she can win. But she also said it was more challenging than she had expected, too.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I&#8217;ve realised I&#8217;m not as close [to the very top] as maybe I thought. When they attack, I was lacking that extra little percent or two it takes.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;So I&#8217;ve got homework to do, and I hope to have done it in time for the next times round.&#8221;<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            What to read next<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qNvNA7BQLRZcsUYf29A7VC-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qNvNA7BQLRZcsUYf29A7VC-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 wasn&#8217;t in front to play for victory like last year, but I think I did my job&#8217; \u2013  2025 breakthrough star Ma\u00ebva Squiban celebrates different kind of Tour de France Femmes success<\/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\/AKPYwTXys5nHGBTjMjRD6H-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AKPYwTXys5nHGBTjMjRD6H-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;My first big hit out against every single big rider&#8217; \u2013 Zoe B\u00e4ckstedt relishes star-studded time trial test at debut Tour de France Femmes<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-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\/SYKZerD6xSL66QzoYu5YwF-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SYKZerD6xSL66QzoYu5YwF-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 F\u00e9minin des Pyr\u00e9n\u00e9es: Paula Blasi tames the Tourmalet to take stage 2 victory and commanding overall lead<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Blasi told <em>AS<\/em> that rather than form in itself, though, she realised that she had wasted a lot of energy due to poor placing. That was a steep learning curve that she mastered though, or as she said, &#8220;between the rider who turned up for stage 1 of the Tour and the one now\u2026 there&#8217;s a world of difference.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;From day 1, you&#8217;re going all out, full gas. I was actually surprised by that, and I told myself &#8211; hey, what happened to all that preparation you had?<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I was suffering from day 1, and that was, in theory, the easiest stage.&#8221; But then I realised positioning was fundamental. If you aren&#8217;t in the right place and you&#8217;re too far back, then you need to shift double the amount of watts. So that&#8217;s something I&#8217;ve learned.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Overall, she said, &#8220;I have to trust myself more, because when the high mountains come, the legs are there.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Having multiple cards to play in the shape of herself and Longo Borghini, the two strongest riders in UAE in terms of results, was a big advantage, she said. That was particularly the case as the race was very anarchic at times, and &#8220;the minute things started getting hectic, people were losing their teammates and ending up isolated. I think having two riders up there was a big plus.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Overall for Blasi, while the results throughout the Tour have given her a lot of confidence in the future and showed she has a role to play in cycling&#8217;s top event, she also insisted she has to keep her feet firmly on the ground and not get overly ambitious too soon.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It was my first Tour, all but my first year in the WorldTour so I don&#8217;t think I can ask for much more,&#8221; she said. &#8220;And I&#8217;m also getting more realistic.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I wanted to show myself that the legs I had in the Vuelta could also count in the Tour, that it wasn&#8217;t just a fluke.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Grand Tour racing in 2026 is now behind her, but as a bronze medallist in last year&#8217;s World&#8217;s U23 Road Race, Blasi promised that she would be heading to Canada this September to try and up her game there in Spanish national colours, too. Or as she put it to <em>AS<\/em> with her usual optimism, &#8220;That&#8217;s definitely going to happen.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-d4c9a9ba-9574-11f1-82a5-b7ae40ca4d1e\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><strong>Support our unrivalled coverage of the Tour de France Femmes and women&#8217;s cycling by subscribing to <\/strong><em><strong>Cyclingnews<\/strong><\/em><strong>. 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 <\/strong><em><strong>Cyclingnews<\/strong><\/em><strong> app lets you follow the action wherever you go! <\/strong><u><strong>Join today.<\/strong><\/u><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-9LoCRHXhMaZnM8kSxiLW8j\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-9LoCRHXhMaZnM8kSxiLW8j slice-container-authorBio\">\n<div class=\"author author__default-layout author--separator author--collapsible\" data-hydrate=\"true\">\n<div class=\"author__header\">\n<div class=\"author__avatar-block\">\n<figure class=\"image-wrapped__wrapper\" data-bordeaux-image-check=\"false\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__widthsetter\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__aspect-padding\">\n<div><source class=\"author__avatar image-wrapped__image image__image\" type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5QLhaPay9asJvmaNsCjFVZ-140-80.jpg.webp 140w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5QLhaPay9asJvmaNsCjFVZ.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5QLhaPay9asJvmaNsCjFVZ.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5QLhaPay9asJvmaNsCjFVZ.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__heading\">\n<div class=\"author__name\">Alasdair Fotheringham<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__social\">\n<nav class=\"button-social-group author__social-buttons\" aria-labelledby=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">\n<div id=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">Social Links Navigation<\/div>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>Alasdair Fotheringham has been reporting on cycling since 1991. He has covered every Tour de France since 1992 bar one, as well as numerous other bike races of all shapes and sizes, ranging from the Olympic Games in 2008 to the now sadly defunct Subida a Urkiola hill climb in Spain. As well as working for <em>Cyclingnews<\/em>, he has also written for <em>The Independent<\/em>,\u00a0 <em>The Guardian<\/em>,\u00a0 <em>ProCycling<\/em>, <em>The Express<\/em> and <em>Reuters<\/em>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<div class=\"relative max-w-[1070px] viafoura-twig-component mt-6 mx-4 lg:mx-0\" data-component-name=\"Viafoura:Comments\" data-nosnippet data-community-guidelines-text=\"&lt;p class=&apos;vfcustom-community-guidelines&apos;&gt;Please follow our &lt;a href=&quot;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/about\/#section-community-guidelines&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;community guidelines&lt;\/a&gt;.&lt;\/p&gt;\" data-join-the-conversation-text=\"Join the Conversation\">\n<div class=\"absolute top-0 left-0 w-full h-full flex items-center justify-center z-50 bg-white\/90 border-1 rounded-b-[var(--comment-widget-border-radius,0)]\">\n<div class=\"p-2 text-center\">\n<p class=\"mb-3 text-lg!\">You must confirm your public display name before commenting<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-3 text-sm!\">Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<section class=\"mx-2 my-5 sm:mx-0\">\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-adviser:hybrid\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Read more<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Tj5oYG69yfeoG3ZZq8ykCd-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Tj5oYG69yfeoG3ZZq8ykCd-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Tj5oYG69yfeoG3ZZq8ykCd-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Tj5oYG69yfeoG3ZZq8ykCd-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Tj5oYG69yfeoG3ZZq8ykCd-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I&#8217;ll just be there to help the team&#8217; \u2013 2026 breakout rider Paula Blasi plays down expectations for first Tour de France Femmes participation<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SRLbqp8KM5CVHb2V3mnxMH-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SRLbqp8KM5CVHb2V3mnxMH-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SRLbqp8KM5CVHb2V3mnxMH-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SRLbqp8KM5CVHb2V3mnxMH-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SRLbqp8KM5CVHb2V3mnxMH-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 just became a massive ball of stress&#8217; \u2013 Paula Blasi and UAE Team L&#8217;IMAD united on Mont Ventoux after challenging week 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\/DFXEHTypGqc3MYYtuBzdAV-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DFXEHTypGqc3MYYtuBzdAV-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DFXEHTypGqc3MYYtuBzdAV-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DFXEHTypGqc3MYYtuBzdAV-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DFXEHTypGqc3MYYtuBzdAV-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 was maxing out the gears&#8217; &#8211; Zoe B\u00e4ckstedt falls short trying for first Tour de France Femmes stage win<\/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\/qNvNA7BQLRZcsUYf29A7VC-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qNvNA7BQLRZcsUYf29A7VC-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qNvNA7BQLRZcsUYf29A7VC-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qNvNA7BQLRZcsUYf29A7VC-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qNvNA7BQLRZcsUYf29A7VC-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 wasn&#8217;t in front to play for victory like last year, but I think I did my job&#8217; \u2013  2025 breakthrough star Ma\u00ebva Squiban celebrates different kind of Tour de France Femmes success<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AKPYwTXys5nHGBTjMjRD6H-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AKPYwTXys5nHGBTjMjRD6H-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AKPYwTXys5nHGBTjMjRD6H-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AKPYwTXys5nHGBTjMjRD6H-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AKPYwTXys5nHGBTjMjRD6H-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;My first big hit out against every single big rider&#8217; \u2013 Zoe B\u00e4ckstedt relishes star-studded time trial test at debut Tour de France Femmes<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SYKZerD6xSL66QzoYu5YwF-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SYKZerD6xSL66QzoYu5YwF-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SYKZerD6xSL66QzoYu5YwF-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SYKZerD6xSL66QzoYu5YwF-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SYKZerD6xSL66QzoYu5YwF-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 F\u00e9minin des Pyr\u00e9n\u00e9es: Paula Blasi tames the Tourmalet to take stage 2 victory and commanding overall lead<\/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\/rqsfB3nAABzAqhgeoAv4MK-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rqsfB3nAABzAqhgeoAv4MK-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rqsfB3nAABzAqhgeoAv4MK-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rqsfB3nAABzAqhgeoAv4MK-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rqsfB3nAABzAqhgeoAv4MK-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\">Human Powered Health strikes two-year deal with Marta Lach to fuel WorldTour team&#8217;s top-level ambitions<\/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\/CzvxitAJnS2CdhCyzVkjC8-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CzvxitAJnS2CdhCyzVkjC8-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CzvxitAJnS2CdhCyzVkjC8-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CzvxitAJnS2CdhCyzVkjC8-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CzvxitAJnS2CdhCyzVkjC8-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;A historic milestone&#8217; \u2013 Tour de France Femmes breaks French television viewing records once again amid calls for race to be broadcast in full<\/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\/zk9Kk89qvDoVZebdXeLaUS-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zk9Kk89qvDoVZebdXeLaUS-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zk9Kk89qvDoVZebdXeLaUS-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zk9Kk89qvDoVZebdXeLaUS-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zk9Kk89qvDoVZebdXeLaUS-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;In every Grand Tour we are breaking records&#8217; \u2013 Elisa Longo Borghini sees a high level at the top of women&#8217;s cycling but not enough of a &#8216;base&#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\/qNvNA7BQLRZcsUYf29A7VC-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qNvNA7BQLRZcsUYf29A7VC-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qNvNA7BQLRZcsUYf29A7VC-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qNvNA7BQLRZcsUYf29A7VC-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qNvNA7BQLRZcsUYf29A7VC-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 wasn&#8217;t in front to play for victory like last year, but I think I did my job&#8217; \u2013  2025 breakthrough star Ma\u00ebva Squiban celebrates different kind of Tour de France Femmes success<\/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\/2LH57uMLxJAHcbapBJHNMa-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2LH57uMLxJAHcbapBJHNMa-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2LH57uMLxJAHcbapBJHNMa-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2LH57uMLxJAHcbapBJHNMa-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2LH57uMLxJAHcbapBJHNMa-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 the dominant to the anonymous \u2013\u00a0Rating every team&#8217;s Tour de France Femmes performance<\/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\/gz4JkzFTwRkRJKxz5fjwTM-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gz4JkzFTwRkRJKxz5fjwTM-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gz4JkzFTwRkRJKxz5fjwTM-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gz4JkzFTwRkRJKxz5fjwTM-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gz4JkzFTwRkRJKxz5fjwTM-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\">Nicole Frain wins seventh race of season at Heathland Gravel, while fellow Australian sets FKT on Icelandic Divide &#8211; Gravel Bits<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-articletype\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in News<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rqsfB3nAABzAqhgeoAv4MK-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rqsfB3nAABzAqhgeoAv4MK-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rqsfB3nAABzAqhgeoAv4MK-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rqsfB3nAABzAqhgeoAv4MK-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rqsfB3nAABzAqhgeoAv4MK-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\">Human Powered Health strikes two-year deal with Marta Lach to fuel WorldTour team&#8217;s top-level ambitions<\/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\/qHAc3KmE4Ak5KqwVFuKpCF-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qHAc3KmE4Ak5KqwVFuKpCF-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qHAc3KmE4Ak5KqwVFuKpCF-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qHAc3KmE4Ak5KqwVFuKpCF-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qHAc3KmE4Ak5KqwVFuKpCF-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\">Quinn Simmons returns to Leadville Trail 100 MTB seven years on from his extraordinary teenage debut<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CzvxitAJnS2CdhCyzVkjC8-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CzvxitAJnS2CdhCyzVkjC8-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CzvxitAJnS2CdhCyzVkjC8-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CzvxitAJnS2CdhCyzVkjC8-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CzvxitAJnS2CdhCyzVkjC8-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;A historic milestone&#8217; \u2013 Tour de France Femmes breaks French television viewing records once again amid calls for race to be broadcast in full<\/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\/zk9Kk89qvDoVZebdXeLaUS-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zk9Kk89qvDoVZebdXeLaUS-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zk9Kk89qvDoVZebdXeLaUS-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zk9Kk89qvDoVZebdXeLaUS-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zk9Kk89qvDoVZebdXeLaUS-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;In every Grand Tour we are breaking records&#8217; \u2013 Elisa Longo Borghini sees a high level at the top of women&#8217;s cycling but not enough of a &#8216;base&#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\/geXDosfonTzjdQjvyX7teX-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/geXDosfonTzjdQjvyX7teX-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/geXDosfonTzjdQjvyX7teX-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/geXDosfonTzjdQjvyX7teX-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/geXDosfonTzjdQjvyX7teX-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\">Transfers<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;His best is yet to come&#8217; \u2013 NSN Cycling add much-needed climbing quality with signing of Santiago Buitrago<\/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\/qNvNA7BQLRZcsUYf29A7VC-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qNvNA7BQLRZcsUYf29A7VC-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qNvNA7BQLRZcsUYf29A7VC-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qNvNA7BQLRZcsUYf29A7VC-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qNvNA7BQLRZcsUYf29A7VC-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 wasn&#8217;t in front to play for victory like last year, but I think I did my job&#8217; \u2013  2025 breakthrough star Ma\u00ebva Squiban celebrates different kind of Tour de France Femmes success<\/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\/rqsfB3nAABzAqhgeoAv4MK-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rqsfB3nAABzAqhgeoAv4MK-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rqsfB3nAABzAqhgeoAv4MK-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rqsfB3nAABzAqhgeoAv4MK-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>Human Powered Health strikes two-year deal with Marta Lach to fuel WorldTour team&#8217;s top-level ambitions<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">2<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>&#8216;Iconic Powerline not being part of the race is devastating but it&#8217;s even more devastating that the mountain is on fire&#8217; &#8211; Melisa Rollins aims for second win at Leadville Trail 100 MTB<\/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>Quinn Simmons returns to Leadville Trail 100 MTB seven years on from his extraordinary teenage debut<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">4<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>&#8216;A historic milestone&#8217; \u2013 Tour de France Femmes breaks French television viewing records once again amid calls for race to be broadcast in full<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">5<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>&#8216;In every Grand Tour we are breaking records&#8217; \u2013 Elisa Longo Borghini sees a high level at the top of women&#8217;s cycling but not enough of a &#8216;base&#8217;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"page-content-onecol flex-1\nnews-article article\n\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"widget-area-group widget-area-group-2col flex flex-wrap box-border\">\n<div id=\"widgetArea16\" class=\"widget-area basis-full md:basis-2\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-2-3 page-widget-area-16\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"hero\" id=\"hero\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-hero widget-hero widget-hero-hero widget-hero widget-hero-fter-news\">\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRacing\n<\/li>\n<li>\nWomen&#8217;s Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRoad\n<\/li>\n<li>\nTour de France Femmes\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>&#8216;I wasn&#8217;t as close as I thought I might be&#8217; &#8211; Paula Blasi recognises her first Tour de France Femmes was a tougher learning curve than expected<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"vds-byline-block flex flex-row flex-nowrap my-1.5 gap-2 text-left items-start justify-start\" data-component-name=\"Article:BylineBlock\">\n<p>News<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-auto vds-simple-byline\"><span class=\"inline-block vds-author\"><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nAlasdair Fotheringham <\/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=\"2026-08-11T11:38:53Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n11 August 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Up-and-coming Catalan star took fifth overall on Tour debut, now aiming at World Championships<\/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\/cL5Ydc5iaoqikZ7UagtBP6-1024-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cL5Ydc5iaoqikZ7UagtBP6-1024-80.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cL5Ydc5iaoqikZ7UagtBP6-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cL5Ydc5iaoqikZ7UagtBP6-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cL5Ydc5iaoqikZ7UagtBP6-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cL5Ydc5iaoqikZ7UagtBP6-750-80.jpg.webp 750w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cL5Ydc5iaoqikZ7UagtBP6-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cL5Ydc5iaoqikZ7UagtBP6-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cL5Ydc5iaoqikZ7UagtBP6-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 600px, 100vw\" \/><figcaption class=\"font-article-copy text-(--image--text--color) font-article-copy mt-2\"><span class=\"caption-text font-article-copy\">Paula Blasi (UAE Team L&#8217;IMAD) found the the 2026 Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift harder than expected<\/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 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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 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Race and Volta a Catalunya in her first full season, and those breakthrough results raised expectations enormously about what she could do in her first-ever Tour de France, which she completed in fifth overall.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-e7133c00-9572-11f1-b7fa-4b59fdd95f46-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">However, a lack of initial clarity, pre-race, about her exact role in a very strong UAE Team L&#8217;IMAD line-up combined with intense media speculation. It finally faded away as the team centred increasingly on the defence of Elisa Longo Borghini&#8217;s top placing overall, and as Blasi told <em>TV3 <\/em> at the time, what had been a &#8216;massive ball of stress&#8217; lifted from her shoulders.<\/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\">Apart from Blasi&#8217;s top-five finish, her squad came away with top spot in the teams prize and third place overall for Longo Borghini, and seventh for Domenica W\u0142odarzyck, as well as a second place overall in the BYR ranking for Blasi, a classification she led for the first four days.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It&#8217;s been a real roller coaster,&#8221; was how the Catalan described her first impressions of the race on Tuesday to <em>AS<\/em>.<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            You may like<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Tj5oYG69yfeoG3ZZq8ykCd-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Tj5oYG69yfeoG3ZZq8ykCd-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;I&#8217;ll just be there to help the team&#8217; \u2013 2026 breakout rider Paula Blasi plays down expectations for first Tour de France Femmes participation<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SRLbqp8KM5CVHb2V3mnxMH-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SRLbqp8KM5CVHb2V3mnxMH-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;It just became a massive ball of stress&#8217; \u2013 Paula Blasi and UAE Team L&#8217;IMAD united on Mont Ventoux after challenging week 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\/DFXEHTypGqc3MYYtuBzdAV-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DFXEHTypGqc3MYYtuBzdAV-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 was maxing out the gears&#8217; &#8211; Zoe B\u00e4ckstedt falls short trying for first Tour de France Femmes stage win<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;There were days when things went badly, others that were a bit better. I think I really got back on terms on stage 6, but I suffered from the stress you live through in the bunch as well.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It was my first Tour, and truth to tell, it&#8217;s not like any other race. You have to get used to it.&#8221;<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-9LoCRHXhMaZnM8kSxiLW8j\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-9LoCRHXhMaZnM8kSxiLW8j 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\">As a natural optimist, Blasi argued that she would like to believe the Tour is a race she can win. But she also said it was more challenging than she had expected, too.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I&#8217;ve realised I&#8217;m not as close [to the very top] as maybe I thought. When they attack, I was lacking that extra little percent or two it takes.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;So I&#8217;ve got homework to do, and I hope to have done it in time for the next times round.&#8221;<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            What to read next<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qNvNA7BQLRZcsUYf29A7VC-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qNvNA7BQLRZcsUYf29A7VC-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 wasn&#8217;t in front to play for victory like last year, but I think I did my job&#8217; \u2013  2025 breakthrough star Ma\u00ebva Squiban celebrates different kind of Tour de France Femmes success<\/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\/AKPYwTXys5nHGBTjMjRD6H-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AKPYwTXys5nHGBTjMjRD6H-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;My first big hit out against every single big rider&#8217; \u2013 Zoe B\u00e4ckstedt relishes star-studded time trial test at debut Tour de France Femmes<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-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\/SYKZerD6xSL66QzoYu5YwF-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SYKZerD6xSL66QzoYu5YwF-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 F\u00e9minin des Pyr\u00e9n\u00e9es: Paula Blasi tames the Tourmalet to take stage 2 victory and commanding overall lead<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Blasi told <em>AS<\/em> that rather than form in itself, though, she realised that she had wasted a lot of energy due to poor placing. That was a steep learning curve that she mastered though, or as she said, &#8220;between the rider who turned up for stage 1 of the Tour and the one now\u2026 there&#8217;s a world of difference.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;From day 1, you&#8217;re going all out, full gas. I was actually surprised by that, and I told myself &#8211; hey, what happened to all that preparation you had?<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I was suffering from day 1, and that was, in theory, the easiest stage.&#8221; But then I realised positioning was fundamental. If you aren&#8217;t in the right place and you&#8217;re too far back, then you need to shift double the amount of watts. So that&#8217;s something I&#8217;ve learned.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Overall, she said, &#8220;I have to trust myself more, because when the high mountains come, the legs are there.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Having multiple cards to play in the shape of herself and Longo Borghini, the two strongest riders in UAE in terms of results, was a big advantage, she said. That was particularly the case as the race was very anarchic at times, and &#8220;the minute things started getting hectic, people were losing their teammates and ending up isolated. I think having two riders up there was a big plus.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Overall for Blasi, while the results throughout the Tour have given her a lot of confidence in the future and showed she has a role to play in cycling&#8217;s top event, she also insisted she has to keep her feet firmly on the ground and not get overly ambitious too soon.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It was my first Tour, all but my first year in the WorldTour so I don&#8217;t think I can ask for much more,&#8221; she said. &#8220;And I&#8217;m also getting more realistic.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I wanted to show myself that the legs I had in the Vuelta could also count in the Tour, that it wasn&#8217;t just a fluke.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Grand Tour racing in 2026 is now behind her, but as a bronze medallist in last year&#8217;s World&#8217;s U23 Road Race, Blasi promised that she would be heading to Canada this September to try and up her game there in Spanish national colours, too. Or as she put it to <em>AS<\/em> with her usual optimism, &#8220;That&#8217;s definitely going to happen.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-d4c9a9ba-9574-11f1-82a5-b7ae40ca4d1e\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><strong>Support our unrivalled coverage of the Tour de France Femmes and women&#8217;s cycling by subscribing to <\/strong><em><strong>Cyclingnews<\/strong><\/em><strong>. 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 <\/strong><em><strong>Cyclingnews<\/strong><\/em><strong> app lets you follow the action wherever you go! <\/strong><u><strong>Join today.<\/strong><\/u><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-9LoCRHXhMaZnM8kSxiLW8j\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-9LoCRHXhMaZnM8kSxiLW8j slice-container-authorBio\">\n<div class=\"author author__default-layout author--separator author--collapsible\" data-hydrate=\"true\">\n<div class=\"author__header\">\n<div class=\"author__avatar-block\">\n<figure class=\"image-wrapped__wrapper\" data-bordeaux-image-check=\"false\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__widthsetter\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__aspect-padding\">\n<div><source class=\"author__avatar image-wrapped__image image__image\" type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5QLhaPay9asJvmaNsCjFVZ-140-80.jpg.webp 140w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5QLhaPay9asJvmaNsCjFVZ.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5QLhaPay9asJvmaNsCjFVZ.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5QLhaPay9asJvmaNsCjFVZ.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__heading\">\n<div class=\"author__name\">Alasdair Fotheringham<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__social\">\n<nav class=\"button-social-group author__social-buttons\" aria-labelledby=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">\n<div id=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">Social Links Navigation<\/div>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>Alasdair Fotheringham has been reporting on cycling since 1991. He has covered every Tour de France since 1992 bar one, as well as numerous other bike races of all shapes and sizes, ranging from the Olympic Games in 2008 to the now sadly defunct Subida a Urkiola hill climb in Spain. As well as working for <em>Cyclingnews<\/em>, he has also written for <em>The Independent<\/em>,\u00a0 <em>The Guardian<\/em>,\u00a0 <em>ProCycling<\/em>, <em>The Express<\/em> and <em>Reuters<\/em>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<div class=\"relative max-w-[1070px] viafoura-twig-component mt-6 mx-4 lg:mx-0\" data-component-name=\"Viafoura:Comments\" data-nosnippet data-community-guidelines-text=\"&lt;p class=&apos;vfcustom-community-guidelines&apos;&gt;Please follow our &lt;a href=&quot;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/about\/#section-community-guidelines&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;community guidelines&lt;\/a&gt;.&lt;\/p&gt;\" data-join-the-conversation-text=\"Join the Conversation\">\n<div class=\"absolute top-0 left-0 w-full h-full flex items-center justify-center z-50 bg-white\/90 border-1 rounded-b-[var(--comment-widget-border-radius,0)]\">\n<div class=\"p-2 text-center\">\n<p class=\"mb-3 text-lg!\">You must confirm your public display name before commenting<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-3 text-sm!\">Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<section class=\"mx-2 my-5 sm:mx-0\">\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-adviser:hybrid\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Read more<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Tj5oYG69yfeoG3ZZq8ykCd-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Tj5oYG69yfeoG3ZZq8ykCd-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Tj5oYG69yfeoG3ZZq8ykCd-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Tj5oYG69yfeoG3ZZq8ykCd-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Tj5oYG69yfeoG3ZZq8ykCd-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I&#8217;ll just be there to help the team&#8217; \u2013 2026 breakout rider Paula Blasi plays down expectations for first Tour de France Femmes participation<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SRLbqp8KM5CVHb2V3mnxMH-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SRLbqp8KM5CVHb2V3mnxMH-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SRLbqp8KM5CVHb2V3mnxMH-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SRLbqp8KM5CVHb2V3mnxMH-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SRLbqp8KM5CVHb2V3mnxMH-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 just became a massive ball of stress&#8217; \u2013 Paula Blasi and UAE Team L&#8217;IMAD united on Mont Ventoux after challenging week 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\/DFXEHTypGqc3MYYtuBzdAV-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DFXEHTypGqc3MYYtuBzdAV-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DFXEHTypGqc3MYYtuBzdAV-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DFXEHTypGqc3MYYtuBzdAV-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DFXEHTypGqc3MYYtuBzdAV-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 was maxing out the gears&#8217; &#8211; Zoe B\u00e4ckstedt falls short trying for first Tour de France Femmes stage win<\/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\/qNvNA7BQLRZcsUYf29A7VC-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qNvNA7BQLRZcsUYf29A7VC-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qNvNA7BQLRZcsUYf29A7VC-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qNvNA7BQLRZcsUYf29A7VC-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qNvNA7BQLRZcsUYf29A7VC-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 wasn&#8217;t in front to play for victory like last year, but I think I did my job&#8217; \u2013  2025 breakthrough star Ma\u00ebva Squiban celebrates different kind of Tour de France Femmes success<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AKPYwTXys5nHGBTjMjRD6H-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AKPYwTXys5nHGBTjMjRD6H-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AKPYwTXys5nHGBTjMjRD6H-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AKPYwTXys5nHGBTjMjRD6H-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AKPYwTXys5nHGBTjMjRD6H-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;My first big hit out against every single big rider&#8217; \u2013 Zoe B\u00e4ckstedt relishes star-studded time trial test at debut Tour de France Femmes<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SYKZerD6xSL66QzoYu5YwF-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SYKZerD6xSL66QzoYu5YwF-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SYKZerD6xSL66QzoYu5YwF-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SYKZerD6xSL66QzoYu5YwF-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SYKZerD6xSL66QzoYu5YwF-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 F\u00e9minin des Pyr\u00e9n\u00e9es: Paula Blasi tames the Tourmalet to take stage 2 victory and commanding overall lead<\/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\/rqsfB3nAABzAqhgeoAv4MK-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rqsfB3nAABzAqhgeoAv4MK-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rqsfB3nAABzAqhgeoAv4MK-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rqsfB3nAABzAqhgeoAv4MK-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rqsfB3nAABzAqhgeoAv4MK-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\">Human Powered Health strikes two-year deal with Marta Lach to fuel WorldTour team&#8217;s top-level ambitions<\/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\/CzvxitAJnS2CdhCyzVkjC8-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CzvxitAJnS2CdhCyzVkjC8-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CzvxitAJnS2CdhCyzVkjC8-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CzvxitAJnS2CdhCyzVkjC8-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CzvxitAJnS2CdhCyzVkjC8-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;A historic milestone&#8217; \u2013 Tour de France Femmes breaks French television viewing records once again amid calls for race to be broadcast in full<\/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\/zk9Kk89qvDoVZebdXeLaUS-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zk9Kk89qvDoVZebdXeLaUS-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zk9Kk89qvDoVZebdXeLaUS-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zk9Kk89qvDoVZebdXeLaUS-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zk9Kk89qvDoVZebdXeLaUS-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;In every Grand Tour we are breaking records&#8217; \u2013 Elisa Longo Borghini sees a high level at the top of women&#8217;s cycling but not enough of a &#8216;base&#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\/qNvNA7BQLRZcsUYf29A7VC-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qNvNA7BQLRZcsUYf29A7VC-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qNvNA7BQLRZcsUYf29A7VC-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qNvNA7BQLRZcsUYf29A7VC-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qNvNA7BQLRZcsUYf29A7VC-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 wasn&#8217;t in front to play for victory like last year, but I think I did my job&#8217; \u2013  2025 breakthrough star Ma\u00ebva Squiban celebrates different kind of Tour de France Femmes success<\/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\/2LH57uMLxJAHcbapBJHNMa-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2LH57uMLxJAHcbapBJHNMa-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2LH57uMLxJAHcbapBJHNMa-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2LH57uMLxJAHcbapBJHNMa-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2LH57uMLxJAHcbapBJHNMa-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 the dominant to the anonymous \u2013\u00a0Rating every team&#8217;s Tour de France Femmes performance<\/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\/gz4JkzFTwRkRJKxz5fjwTM-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gz4JkzFTwRkRJKxz5fjwTM-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gz4JkzFTwRkRJKxz5fjwTM-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gz4JkzFTwRkRJKxz5fjwTM-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gz4JkzFTwRkRJKxz5fjwTM-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\">Nicole Frain wins seventh race of season at Heathland Gravel, while fellow Australian sets FKT on Icelandic Divide &#8211; Gravel Bits<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-articletype\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in News<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rqsfB3nAABzAqhgeoAv4MK-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rqsfB3nAABzAqhgeoAv4MK-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rqsfB3nAABzAqhgeoAv4MK-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rqsfB3nAABzAqhgeoAv4MK-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rqsfB3nAABzAqhgeoAv4MK-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\">Human Powered Health strikes two-year deal with Marta Lach to fuel WorldTour team&#8217;s top-level ambitions<\/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\/qHAc3KmE4Ak5KqwVFuKpCF-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qHAc3KmE4Ak5KqwVFuKpCF-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qHAc3KmE4Ak5KqwVFuKpCF-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qHAc3KmE4Ak5KqwVFuKpCF-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qHAc3KmE4Ak5KqwVFuKpCF-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\">Quinn Simmons returns to Leadville Trail 100 MTB seven years on from his extraordinary teenage debut<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CzvxitAJnS2CdhCyzVkjC8-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CzvxitAJnS2CdhCyzVkjC8-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CzvxitAJnS2CdhCyzVkjC8-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CzvxitAJnS2CdhCyzVkjC8-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CzvxitAJnS2CdhCyzVkjC8-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;A historic milestone&#8217; \u2013 Tour de France Femmes breaks French television viewing records once again amid calls for race to be broadcast in full<\/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\/zk9Kk89qvDoVZebdXeLaUS-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zk9Kk89qvDoVZebdXeLaUS-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zk9Kk89qvDoVZebdXeLaUS-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zk9Kk89qvDoVZebdXeLaUS-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zk9Kk89qvDoVZebdXeLaUS-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;In every Grand Tour we are breaking records&#8217; \u2013 Elisa Longo Borghini sees a high level at the top of women&#8217;s cycling but not enough of a &#8216;base&#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\/geXDosfonTzjdQjvyX7teX-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/geXDosfonTzjdQjvyX7teX-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/geXDosfonTzjdQjvyX7teX-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/geXDosfonTzjdQjvyX7teX-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/geXDosfonTzjdQjvyX7teX-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\">Transfers<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;His best is yet to come&#8217; \u2013 NSN Cycling add much-needed climbing quality with signing of Santiago Buitrago<\/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\/qNvNA7BQLRZcsUYf29A7VC-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qNvNA7BQLRZcsUYf29A7VC-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qNvNA7BQLRZcsUYf29A7VC-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qNvNA7BQLRZcsUYf29A7VC-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qNvNA7BQLRZcsUYf29A7VC-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 wasn&#8217;t in front to play for victory like last year, but I think I did my job&#8217; \u2013  2025 breakthrough star Ma\u00ebva Squiban celebrates different kind of Tour de France Femmes success<\/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\/rqsfB3nAABzAqhgeoAv4MK-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rqsfB3nAABzAqhgeoAv4MK-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rqsfB3nAABzAqhgeoAv4MK-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rqsfB3nAABzAqhgeoAv4MK-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>Human Powered Health strikes two-year deal with Marta Lach to fuel WorldTour team&#8217;s top-level ambitions<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">2<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>&#8216;Iconic Powerline not being part of the race is devastating but it&#8217;s even more devastating that the mountain is on fire&#8217; &#8211; Melisa Rollins aims for second win at Leadville Trail 100 MTB<\/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>Quinn Simmons returns to Leadville Trail 100 MTB seven years on from his extraordinary teenage debut<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">4<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>&#8216;A historic milestone&#8217; \u2013 Tour de France Femmes breaks French television viewing records once again amid calls for race to be broadcast in full<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">5<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>&#8216;In every Grand Tour we are breaking records&#8217; \u2013 Elisa Longo Borghini sees a high level at the top of women&#8217;s cycling but not enough of a &#8216;base&#8217;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRacing\n<\/li>\n<li>\nWomen&#8217;s Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRoad\n<\/li>\n<li>\nTour de France Femmes\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>&#8216;I wasn&#8217;t as close as I thought I might be&#8217; &#8211; Paula Blasi recognises her first Tour de France Femmes was a tougher learning curve than expected<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"vds-byline-block flex flex-row flex-nowrap my-1.5 gap-2 text-left items-start justify-start\" data-component-name=\"Article:BylineBlock\">\n<p>News<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-auto vds-simple-byline\"><span class=\"inline-block vds-author\"><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nAlasdair Fotheringham <\/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=\"2026-08-11T11:38:53Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n11 August 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Up-and-coming Catalan star took fifth overall on Tour debut, now aiming at World Championships<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"text-gray-700 flex items-center mx-0 my-5 p-0 justify-start text-left\" id=\"affiliate-disclaimer\" data-component-name=\"AffiliateDisclaimer\" data-hawk-message=\"Affiliate disclaimer removed because hawk deemed there are no affiliate links on this page\">\n<p class=\"text-[color:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--text-color,inherit)] mb-2 text-[length:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--font-size,0.75rem)] leading-[18px] md:text-[13px] [&amp;&gt;a]:text-inherit [&amp;&gt;a]:underline\">\nWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here\u2019s how it works.\n<\/p>\n<\/aside>\n<\/header>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\"text-copy bodyCopy auto paywall-locker\">\n<div data-analytics-id=\"utility-bar\" id=\"utility-bar\" class=\"font-ui-heading flex justify-between items-center py-2 border-t border-b border-gray-300 border-solid mb-5 mx-auto\" data-component-name=\"UtilityBar\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"utility-bar\">\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div data-component-name=\"Social:Dropdown\" role=\"menu\" id=\"utilitybar__dropdown--share\" aria-labelledby=\"utilitybar__button--share\" class=\"absolute left-0 top-full w-44 bg-white rounded-md shadow-md border border-neutral-200 z-[9996] list-none m-0 py-2 px-3 border-solid\">\n<ul class=\"m-0!\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Facebook<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>X<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Pinterest<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Email<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-share-this-article\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nShare this article\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\"><span class=\"ml-1 inline-flex h-5 px-2 shrink-0 items-center justify-center self-center overflow-hidden whitespace-nowrap rounded-[10px] bg-primary-500 text-[11px] leading-none font-ui-heading font-semibold text-white\">0<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-join-the-conversation\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nJoin the conversation\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<p>Follow us<\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-add-us-as-a-preferred-source-on-google\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nAdd us as a preferred source on Google\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-subscribe-to-our-newsletter\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nSubscribe to our newsletter\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-e7133c00-9572-11f1-b7fa-4b59fdd95f46\">Up-and-coming Catalan star Paula Blasi has recognised that the 2026 Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift was a steeper learning curve than she expected, but has promised that she will be back at the Tour with a wealth of race knowledge acquired from this August&#8217;s edition.<\/p>\n<p>Blasi, 23, has already won the Vuelta Femenina, Amstel Gold Race and Volta a Catalunya in her first full season, and those breakthrough results raised expectations enormously about what she could do in her first-ever Tour de France, which she completed in fifth overall.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-e7133c00-9572-11f1-b7fa-4b59fdd95f46-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">However, a lack of initial clarity, pre-race, about her exact role in a very strong UAE Team L&#8217;IMAD line-up combined with intense media speculation. It finally faded away as the team centred increasingly on the defence of Elisa Longo Borghini&#8217;s top placing overall, and as Blasi told <em>TV3 <\/em> at the time, what had been a &#8216;massive ball of stress&#8217; lifted from her shoulders.<\/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\">Apart from Blasi&#8217;s top-five finish, her squad came away with top spot in the teams prize and third place overall for Longo Borghini, and seventh for Domenica W\u0142odarzyck, as well as a second place overall in the BYR ranking for Blasi, a classification she led for the first four days.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It&#8217;s been a real roller coaster,&#8221; was how the Catalan described her first impressions of the race on Tuesday to <em>AS<\/em>.<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            You may like<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Tj5oYG69yfeoG3ZZq8ykCd-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Tj5oYG69yfeoG3ZZq8ykCd-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;I&#8217;ll just be there to help the team&#8217; \u2013 2026 breakout rider Paula Blasi plays down expectations for first Tour de France Femmes participation<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SRLbqp8KM5CVHb2V3mnxMH-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SRLbqp8KM5CVHb2V3mnxMH-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;It just became a massive ball of stress&#8217; \u2013 Paula Blasi and UAE Team L&#8217;IMAD united on Mont Ventoux after challenging week 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\/DFXEHTypGqc3MYYtuBzdAV-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DFXEHTypGqc3MYYtuBzdAV-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 was maxing out the gears&#8217; &#8211; Zoe B\u00e4ckstedt falls short trying for first Tour de France Femmes stage win<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;There were days when things went badly, others that were a bit better. I think I really got back on terms on stage 6, but I suffered from the stress you live through in the bunch as well.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It was my first Tour, and truth to tell, it&#8217;s not like any other race. You have to get used to it.&#8221;<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-9LoCRHXhMaZnM8kSxiLW8j\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-9LoCRHXhMaZnM8kSxiLW8j 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\">As a natural optimist, Blasi argued that she would like to believe the Tour is a race she can win. But she also said it was more challenging than she had expected, too.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I&#8217;ve realised I&#8217;m not as close [to the very top] as maybe I thought. When they attack, I was lacking that extra little percent or two it takes.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;So I&#8217;ve got homework to do, and I hope to have done it in time for the next times round.&#8221;<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            What to read next<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qNvNA7BQLRZcsUYf29A7VC-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qNvNA7BQLRZcsUYf29A7VC-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 wasn&#8217;t in front to play for victory like last year, but I think I did my job&#8217; \u2013  2025 breakthrough star Ma\u00ebva Squiban celebrates different kind of Tour de France Femmes success<\/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\/AKPYwTXys5nHGBTjMjRD6H-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AKPYwTXys5nHGBTjMjRD6H-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;My first big hit out against every single big rider&#8217; \u2013 Zoe B\u00e4ckstedt relishes star-studded time trial test at debut Tour de France Femmes<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-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\/SYKZerD6xSL66QzoYu5YwF-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SYKZerD6xSL66QzoYu5YwF-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 F\u00e9minin des Pyr\u00e9n\u00e9es: Paula Blasi tames the Tourmalet to take stage 2 victory and commanding overall lead<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Blasi told <em>AS<\/em> that rather than form in itself, though, she realised that she had wasted a lot of energy due to poor placing. That was a steep learning curve that she mastered though, or as she said, &#8220;between the rider who turned up for stage 1 of the Tour and the one now\u2026 there&#8217;s a world of difference.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;From day 1, you&#8217;re going all out, full gas. I was actually surprised by that, and I told myself &#8211; hey, what happened to all that preparation you had?<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I was suffering from day 1, and that was, in theory, the easiest stage.&#8221; But then I realised positioning was fundamental. If you aren&#8217;t in the right place and you&#8217;re too far back, then you need to shift double the amount of watts. So that&#8217;s something I&#8217;ve learned.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Overall, she said, &#8220;I have to trust myself more, because when the high mountains come, the legs are there.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Having multiple cards to play in the shape of herself and Longo Borghini, the two strongest riders in UAE in terms of results, was a big advantage, she said. That was particularly the case as the race was very anarchic at times, and &#8220;the minute things started getting hectic, people were losing their teammates and ending up isolated. I think having two riders up there was a big plus.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Overall for Blasi, while the results throughout the Tour have given her a lot of confidence in the future and showed she has a role to play in cycling&#8217;s top event, she also insisted she has to keep her feet firmly on the ground and not get overly ambitious too soon.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It was my first Tour, all but my first year in the WorldTour so I don&#8217;t think I can ask for much more,&#8221; she said. &#8220;And I&#8217;m also getting more realistic.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I wanted to show myself that the legs I had in the Vuelta could also count in the Tour, that it wasn&#8217;t just a fluke.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Grand Tour racing in 2026 is now behind her, but as a bronze medallist in last year&#8217;s World&#8217;s U23 Road Race, Blasi promised that she would be heading to Canada this September to try and up her game there in Spanish national colours, too. Or as she put it to <em>AS<\/em> with her usual optimism, &#8220;That&#8217;s definitely going to happen.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-d4c9a9ba-9574-11f1-82a5-b7ae40ca4d1e\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><strong>Support our unrivalled coverage of the Tour de France Femmes and women&#8217;s cycling by subscribing to <\/strong><em><strong>Cyclingnews<\/strong><\/em><strong>. 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 <\/strong><em><strong>Cyclingnews<\/strong><\/em><strong> app lets you follow the action wherever you go! <\/strong><u><strong>Join today.<\/strong><\/u><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/womens-cycling\/i-wasnt-as-close-as-i-thought-i-might-be-paula-blasi-recognises-her-first-tour-de-france-femmes-was-a-tougher-learning-curve-than-expected\/&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cL5Ydc5iaoqikZ7UagtBP6-1024-80.jpg&#8221;] 1 &#8216;I think it&#8217;s over&#8217; \u2013 Pauline Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot admits defeat in Tour de France Femmes title defence after struggles on stage 5 2 Eight things we learnt from a spellbinding edition of the Tour de France Femmes 3 &#8216;I felt stronger than in any other editions&#8217; \u2013 Why Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney can celebrate [&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-2088846","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\/2088846","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=2088846"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2088846\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2088846"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=2088846"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=2088846"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}