{"id":2091368,"date":"2026-08-13T11:06:06","date_gmt":"2026-08-13T08:06:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2091368"},"modified":"2026-08-13T11:06:06","modified_gmt":"2026-08-13T08:06:06","slug":"where-are-all-the-vuelta-a-espana-sprinters-theyre-all-in-belgium-instead","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2091368","title":{"rendered":"Where are all the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a sprinters? They&#8217;re all in Belgium instead"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/diuRNAzua2qpYv8MF4xsEQ-2100-80.jpg&#8221;]<\/p>\n<article class=\"m-0 box-border flex flex-row items-center pr-2.5 gap-[15px] w-[278px] h-20 flex-none upnext-article-divider\" role=\"listitem\" aria-label=\"Recommended article 1 of 3\">\n<div class=\"relative flex-none w-20 h-20\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2fmbtXZ2fEd6EkmEtQgkd3-160-80.jpg.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2fmbtXZ2fEd6EkmEtQgkd3-80-80.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                                    Unstoppable? The five biggest challenges that Tadej Poga\u010dar will face at this year&#8217;s Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a\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\/xYehNdGJyBUwNetTFTfRVL-160-80.jpg.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xYehNdGJyBUwNetTFTfRVL-80-80.jpg.webp 80w\" sizes=\"80px\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex items-center justify-center absolute w-[18px] h-6 left-0 top-0 bg-white\/90 flex-none z-[1]\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"font-normal text-base leading-[17px] tracking-[1.3px] uppercase text-black flex-none\">2<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex flex-col items-center justify-center gap-1.5 w-[173px] h-20 flex-none\">\n<p class=\"font-article-heading font-medium text-base leading-[21px] text-gray-800 w-[173px] line-clamp-3 group-hover:underline\">\n                                    Tour de France team-by-team guide \u2013 Line-up, leaders and ambitions for every squad on the start list\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\/bMtR6cZLdgHbhtMvNbo2hH-160-80.jpg.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bMtR6cZLdgHbhtMvNbo2hH-80-80.jpg.webp 80w\" sizes=\"80px\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex items-center justify-center absolute w-[18px] h-6 left-0 top-0 bg-white\/90 flex-none z-[1]\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"font-normal text-base leading-[17px] tracking-[1.3px] uppercase text-black flex-none\">3<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex flex-col items-center justify-center gap-1.5 w-[173px] h-20 flex-none\">\n<p class=\"font-article-heading font-medium text-base leading-[21px] text-gray-800 w-[173px] line-clamp-3 group-hover:underline\">\n                                    As it happened: First bunch sprint of Tour de France ends with a dominant win after chaotic run-in\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>\nRoad\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>Where are all the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a sprinters? They&#8217;re all in Belgium instead<\/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 \/>\nDani Ostanek <\/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=\"2026-08-13T11:06:06Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n13 August 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Tim Merlier, Jasper Philipsen, Jonathan Milan, Olav Kooij headline sprint field at Renewi Tour while few stars join Mads Pedersen and Wout van Aert in Spain<\/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\/diuRNAzua2qpYv8MF4xsEQ-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/diuRNAzua2qpYv8MF4xsEQ-1600-80.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/diuRNAzua2qpYv8MF4xsEQ-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/diuRNAzua2qpYv8MF4xsEQ-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/diuRNAzua2qpYv8MF4xsEQ-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/diuRNAzua2qpYv8MF4xsEQ-750-80.jpg.webp 750w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/diuRNAzua2qpYv8MF4xsEQ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/diuRNAzua2qpYv8MF4xsEQ-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/diuRNAzua2qpYv8MF4xsEQ-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\">Biniam Girmay, Jasper Philipsen, TIm Merlier, Olav Kooij, and Max Kanter are among the sprinters taking their talents to Belgium rather than Spain this month<\/span><span class=\"credit font-article-copy\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\"text-copy bodyCopy auto paywall-locker\">\n<div data-analytics-id=\"utility-bar\" id=\"utility-bar\" class=\"font-ui-heading flex justify-between items-center py-2 border-t border-b border-gray-300 border-solid mb-5 mx-auto\" data-component-name=\"UtilityBar\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"utility-bar\">\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div data-component-name=\"Social:Dropdown\" role=\"menu\" id=\"utilitybar__dropdown--share\" aria-labelledby=\"utilitybar__button--share\" class=\"absolute left-0 top-full w-44 bg-white rounded-md shadow-md border border-neutral-200 z-[9996] list-none m-0 py-2 px-3 border-solid\">\n<ul class=\"m-0!\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Facebook<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>X<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Pinterest<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Email<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-share-this-article\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nShare this article\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\"><span class=\"ml-1 inline-flex h-5 px-2 shrink-0 items-center justify-center self-center overflow-hidden whitespace-nowrap rounded-[10px] bg-primary-500 text-[11px] leading-none font-ui-heading font-semibold text-white\">0<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-join-the-conversation\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nJoin the conversation\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<p>Follow us<\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-add-us-as-a-preferred-source-on-google\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nAdd us as a preferred source on Google\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-subscribe-to-our-newsletter\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nSubscribe to our newsletter\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-44d45870-96fd-11f1-a5ad-11d7b0f246b9\">With the upcoming Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a featuring seven summit finishes and just four flat stages, this year&#8217;s race is hardly catered for the sprinters of the peloton. It&#8217;s no surprise, then, that almost all of the world&#8217;s top fastmen are skipping the final Grand Tour of the season.<\/p>\n<p>The Vuelta begins with a Monaco time trial, a hilly stage in Provence, and two days in the Pyrenees, meaning there are no chances for a bunch sprint in the Vuelta&#8217;s Gran Partida.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-44d45870-96fd-11f1-a5ad-11d7b0f246b9-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Sprinters will have to suffer through mountain stages to Font-Romeu, Andorra la Vella, Aram\u00f3n Valdelinares, and the Alto de Aitana before the first real flat finish. Stage 11 in Lorca gives them the first cast-iron chance to battle it out, with only the subsequent visits to Loja, La R\u00e1bida, and Sevilla offering further opportunities.<\/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\">So, if La Vuelta says &#8216;No sprints please, we&#8217;re Spanish&#8217;, then where will the peloton&#8217;s top sprinters be racing this month?<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The cream of the crop are heading to Belgium for the Renewi Tour, which looks to offer three or four sprint opportunities in just five days of racing.<\/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\/cUiBWi6XKDEBM5QmoDuaxR-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cUiBWi6XKDEBM5QmoDuaxR-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;You have to take every opportunity you get&#8217; &#8211; After four days of suffering Tim Merlier is ready for first sprint of 2026 Tour de France<\/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\/z7b6qdBEfJfYrt4NBWKY9H-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/z7b6qdBEfJfYrt4NBWKY9H-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\">Sprinter Tim Merlier spearheads Soudal-QuickStep&#8217;s first assault on Tour de France in post-Remco Evenepoel era<\/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\/h5sukTc6SadZ9sgH6KUTS4-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/h5sukTc6SadZ9sgH6KUTS4-150-80.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\">Mathieu van der Poel to build for Tour de France via return to Tour de Suisse for first time since 2021<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Each of the sprint winners at last month&#8217;s Tour de France will be battling it out once again there, as Tim Merlier (Soudal-QuickStep), Jasper Philipsen (Alpecin-Premier Tech), Olav Kooij (Decathlon CMA CGM), and S\u00f8ren W\u00e6renskjold (Uno-X Mobility) take the start in Diest.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">They won&#8217;t be alone, though \u2013 far from it, as Jonathan Milan (Lidl-Trek), Dylan Groenewegen (Unibet Rose Rockets), Arnaud De Lie (Lotto-Intermarch\u00e9), Biniam Girmay (NSN), and more will also be racing.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-Te3vmAekB86zHK2D2DB6GE\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-Te3vmAekB86zHK2D2DB6GE 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\">Meanwhile, the Vuelta will host a handful of sprinters, more of the type who can battle over the hills and excel on tougher finishes. Headlining the sprint selection in Spain are Tour green jersey winner Mads Pedersen (Lidl-Trek), Visma-Lease a Bike pairing Wout van Aert and Matthew Brennan, and seven-time Vuelta stage winner Kaden Groves (Alpecin-Premier Tech).<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Soudal-QuickStep CEO Jurgen For\u00e9 told <em>Het Nieuwsblad<\/em> that the Vuelta is &#8220;just a little too tough&#8221; for Merlier, who already has the Tour in his legs and would have to wait half the race for a chance to sprint, while two Grand Tours in a single season is too much for 22-year-old Giro d&#8217;Italia star Paul Magnier.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Alpecin-Premier Tech manager Christoph Roodhooft added that the Vuelta, just four weeks after the Tour, is &#8220;simply unfeasible&#8221; for Philipsen to tackle.<\/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\/wGc8dDXNXjc986CqYhWbd3-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wGc8dDXNXjc986CqYhWbd3-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Lorena Wiebes makes comeback after Giro disqualification, defending champion Jordi Meeus faces tough opposition \u2013 Copenhagen Sprint contenders<\/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\/aKqhbj6iZ7snSxFMJJpDLP-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aKqhbj6iZ7snSxFMJJpDLP-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;We&#8217;ve never really had a fight&#8217; &#8211; Mathieu van der Poel and Jasper Philipsen unite again to hunt Tour de France stages<\/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\/zdXL3vHkyLC6NufjHpspRL-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zdXL3vHkyLC6NufjHpspRL-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;A luxury problem to solve later&#8217;\u00a0\u2013 Soudal-QuickStep not yet picking between top sprinters for Tour de France selection<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;You really need to be a complete sprinter to win stages in the Vuelta,&#8221; he said.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;By that I mean someone who can handle hilly courses relatively comfortably. Both Groves and Philipsen fall into that category.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Groves, likely racing his final Grand Tour with Alpecin-Premier Tech with a move to Tudor in the offing, is set for a duel with Pedersen in Spain. The pair both have two Vuelta points jerseys on their palmar\u00e8s and will be aiming for a third.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">They&#8217;ll have to overcome 58,156 metres of elevation along the way, however \u2013 a record among this year&#8217;s Grand Tours, with the Giro featuring 49,150 metres, and the Tour 54,450.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">At the Renewi Tour, meanwhile, reigning champion De Lie should duke it out with the likes of Philipsen, Girmay, and Tim Wellens (UAE Team Emirates-XRG) for overall victory.<\/p>\n<div class=\"slice-container table-wrapper slice-container-table kiosq-b\" data-component-name=\"Slice:Table\" id=\"elk-f0aa44b6-96fd-11f1-b9ca-cfa14d3dfd61\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"table__instruction\">\nSwipe to scroll horizontally<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"table__container\">\n<table class=\"table__wrapper table__wrapper--inbodyContent table__wrapper--sticky table__wrapper--divider\">\n<caption class=\"table__caption table__caption--top table__caption--left\">\nSprint fields at Renewi and Vuelta<br \/>\n<\/caption>\n<thead class=\"table__head\">\n<tr class=\"table__head__row\">\n<th class=\"table__head__heading table__head__heading--left\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Renewi Tour<\/p>\n<\/th>\n<th class=\"table__head__heading table__head__heading--left\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a<\/p>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody class=\"table__body\">\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Tim Merlier (Soudal-QuickStep)<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Mads Pedersen (Lidl-Trek)<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Jasper Philipsen (Alpecin-Premier Tech)<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Wout van Aert (Visma-Lease a Bike)<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Olav Kooij (Decathlon CMA CGM)<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Matthew Brennan (Visma-Lease a Bike)<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>S\u00f8ren W\u00e6renskjold (Uno-X Mobility)<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Kaden Groves (Alpecin-Premier Tech)<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Jonathan Milan (Lidl-Trek)<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Bryan Coquard (Cofidis)<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Dylan Groenewegen (Unibet Rose Rockets)<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Axel Laurance (Netcompany Ineos)<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Arnaud De Lie (Lotto-Intermarch\u00e9)<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Alberto Dainese (Soudal-QuickStep)<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Biniam Girmay (NSN)<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\"><span class=\"sr-only\">Row 7 &#8211; Cell 1 <\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Juan Sebastian Molano (UAE Team Emirates-XRG)<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\"><span class=\"sr-only\">Row 8 &#8211; Cell 1 <\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Max Kanter (XDS-Astana)<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\"><span class=\"sr-only\">Row 9 &#8211; Cell 1 <\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Tom Crabbe (Flanders-Baloise)<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\"><span class=\"sr-only\">Row 10 &#8211; Cell 1 <\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Sam Bennett (Pinarello-Q36.5)<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\"><span class=\"sr-only\">Row 11 &#8211; Cell 1 <\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Arvid de Kleijn (Tudor)<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\"><span class=\"sr-only\">Row 12 &#8211; Cell 1 <\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Pavel Bittner (Picnic-PostNL)<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\"><span class=\"sr-only\">Row 13 &#8211; Cell 1 <\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Sam Welsford (Netcompany Ineos)<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\"><span class=\"sr-only\">Row 14 &#8211; Cell 1 <\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Madis Mihkels (EF Education-EasyPost)<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\"><span class=\"sr-only\">Row 15 &#8211; Cell 1 <\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-bb5ee57a-9700-11f1-9905-4ffe66ac96c9\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><strong>For unbeatable coverage across road, gravel and tech, subscribe to Cyclingnews. You&#8217;ll get comprehensive race coverage of La Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a, subscriber-exclusive analysis from our expert columnists, in-depth features and industry-leading tech insight. Plus, the Cyclingnews app lets you follow the action wherever you go! <\/strong><u><strong>Join today.<\/strong><\/u><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"block mb-5\" id=\"articleTag\" data-component-name=\"PostArticleLinks\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"post-article-links\">\n<div class=\"border-b border-b-black border-solid py-2.5 text-black font-bold uppercase\">TOPICS<\/div>\n<nav class=\"py-2.5 flex gap-2.5 flex-wrap\" data-analytics-id=\"article-tag\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-tag\">\n<p>Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a<\/p>\n<p>Renewi Tour<\/p>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-Te3vmAekB86zHK2D2DB6GE\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-Te3vmAekB86zHK2D2DB6GE 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\/PSRUchRz7RcBeXHn7hDvCh-140-80.jpg.webp 140w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PSRUchRz7RcBeXHn7hDvCh.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PSRUchRz7RcBeXHn7hDvCh.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PSRUchRz7RcBeXHn7hDvCh.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\">Dani Ostanek<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__social\">\n<nav class=\"button-social-group author__social-buttons\" aria-labelledby=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">\n<div id=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">Social Links Navigation<\/div>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__role\">Senior News Writer<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>Dani Ostanek is Senior News Writer at Cyclingnews, having joined in 2017 as a freelance contributor, later being hired full-time. Her favourite races include Strade Bianche, the Tour de France Femmes, Paris-Roubaix, and Tro-Bro L\u00e9on.<\/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\/cUiBWi6XKDEBM5QmoDuaxR-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cUiBWi6XKDEBM5QmoDuaxR-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cUiBWi6XKDEBM5QmoDuaxR-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cUiBWi6XKDEBM5QmoDuaxR-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cUiBWi6XKDEBM5QmoDuaxR-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;You have to take every opportunity you get&#8217; &#8211; After four days of suffering Tim Merlier is ready for first sprint of 2026 Tour de France<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div 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\/z7b6qdBEfJfYrt4NBWKY9H-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/z7b6qdBEfJfYrt4NBWKY9H-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/z7b6qdBEfJfYrt4NBWKY9H-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/z7b6qdBEfJfYrt4NBWKY9H-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/z7b6qdBEfJfYrt4NBWKY9H-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Sprinter Tim Merlier spearheads Soudal-QuickStep&#8217;s first assault on Tour de France in post-Remco Evenepoel era<\/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\/h5sukTc6SadZ9sgH6KUTS4-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/h5sukTc6SadZ9sgH6KUTS4-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/h5sukTc6SadZ9sgH6KUTS4-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/h5sukTc6SadZ9sgH6KUTS4-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/h5sukTc6SadZ9sgH6KUTS4-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Mathieu van der Poel to build for Tour de France via return to Tour de Suisse for first time since 2021<\/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\/wGc8dDXNXjc986CqYhWbd3-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wGc8dDXNXjc986CqYhWbd3-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wGc8dDXNXjc986CqYhWbd3-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wGc8dDXNXjc986CqYhWbd3-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wGc8dDXNXjc986CqYhWbd3-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Lorena Wiebes makes comeback after Giro disqualification, defending champion Jordi Meeus faces tough opposition \u2013 Copenhagen Sprint contenders<\/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\/aKqhbj6iZ7snSxFMJJpDLP-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aKqhbj6iZ7snSxFMJJpDLP-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aKqhbj6iZ7snSxFMJJpDLP-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aKqhbj6iZ7snSxFMJJpDLP-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aKqhbj6iZ7snSxFMJJpDLP-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;We&#8217;ve never really had a fight&#8217; &#8211; Mathieu van der Poel and Jasper Philipsen unite again to hunt Tour de France stages<\/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\/zdXL3vHkyLC6NufjHpspRL-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zdXL3vHkyLC6NufjHpspRL-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zdXL3vHkyLC6NufjHpspRL-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zdXL3vHkyLC6NufjHpspRL-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zdXL3vHkyLC6NufjHpspRL-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\">&#8216;A luxury problem to solve later&#8217;\u00a0\u2013 Soudal-QuickStep not yet picking between top sprinters for Tour de France selection<\/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 Racing<\/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\/ZnVcooPLj8bwgwh37mKZbC-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZnVcooPLj8bwgwh37mKZbC-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZnVcooPLj8bwgwh37mKZbC-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZnVcooPLj8bwgwh37mKZbC-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZnVcooPLj8bwgwh37mKZbC-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Wout van Aert and Tim Merlier join defending champions Marthe Truyen and Niels Vandeputte among starters for Belgian Gravel Championships<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zL6XNHx4Y6bJ7WBTD6KxjX-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zL6XNHx4Y6bJ7WBTD6KxjX-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zL6XNHx4Y6bJ7WBTD6KxjX-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zL6XNHx4Y6bJ7WBTD6KxjX-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zL6XNHx4Y6bJ7WBTD6KxjX-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Pro Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">The Rad Dirt Fest returns to Life Time Grand Prix in 2027 for seven-event series with adjusted selection rules<\/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\/V93USPmz7tdZdgmAqwwQxB-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/V93USPmz7tdZdgmAqwwQxB-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/V93USPmz7tdZdgmAqwwQxB-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/V93USPmz7tdZdgmAqwwQxB-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/V93USPmz7tdZdgmAqwwQxB-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\">Junior time trial world champion Megan Arens makes immediate move to AG Insurance-Soudal<\/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\/FoHHZQsqENC6oTABhV8p5n-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FoHHZQsqENC6oTABhV8p5n-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FoHHZQsqENC6oTABhV8p5n-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FoHHZQsqENC6oTABhV8p5n-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FoHHZQsqENC6oTABhV8p5n-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Leadville Trail 100 MTB continues with modified route in 2026 due to area impact from wildfires<\/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\/qWD3wEE4rUnTKfRbzu9PSN-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qWD3wEE4rUnTKfRbzu9PSN-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qWD3wEE4rUnTKfRbzu9PSN-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qWD3wEE4rUnTKfRbzu9PSN-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qWD3wEE4rUnTKfRbzu9PSN-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Renewi Tour past winners<\/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\/AFDi5iZaGEERJoHqu28esa-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AFDi5iZaGEERJoHqu28esa-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AFDi5iZaGEERJoHqu28esa-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AFDi5iZaGEERJoHqu28esa-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AFDi5iZaGEERJoHqu28esa-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Volta a Portugal: Xabier Isasa sprints ahead of Rui Oliveira to win stage 6<\/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\/WjeoZtNrykoWtSvLRav7Wf-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WjeoZtNrykoWtSvLRav7Wf-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WjeoZtNrykoWtSvLRav7Wf-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WjeoZtNrykoWtSvLRav7Wf-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WjeoZtNrykoWtSvLRav7Wf-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\">&#8216;A declaration of a shared future, ambition\u00a0and trust&#8217; \u2013 Re-emerging German talent Marco Brenner signs one of the longest contracts in cycling<\/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\/3MEaXh6Srayj98D849K6fk-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3MEaXh6Srayj98D849K6fk-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3MEaXh6Srayj98D849K6fk-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3MEaXh6Srayj98D849K6fk-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3MEaXh6Srayj98D849K6fk-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;Still far from reaching his full potential&#8217; \u2013 Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe snap up Georg Steinhauser from EF Education-EasyPost<\/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\/ZnVcooPLj8bwgwh37mKZbC-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZnVcooPLj8bwgwh37mKZbC-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZnVcooPLj8bwgwh37mKZbC-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZnVcooPLj8bwgwh37mKZbC-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZnVcooPLj8bwgwh37mKZbC-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Wout van Aert and Tim Merlier join defending champions Marthe Truyen and Niels Vandeputte among starters for Belgian Gravel Championships<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/feBPM3GKhNiUugBhAd2aeh-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/feBPM3GKhNiUugBhAd2aeh-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/feBPM3GKhNiUugBhAd2aeh-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/feBPM3GKhNiUugBhAd2aeh-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/feBPM3GKhNiUugBhAd2aeh-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\">Albert Philipsen faces another injury recovery after training crash leaves him with three fractures<\/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\/zL6XNHx4Y6bJ7WBTD6KxjX-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zL6XNHx4Y6bJ7WBTD6KxjX-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zL6XNHx4Y6bJ7WBTD6KxjX-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zL6XNHx4Y6bJ7WBTD6KxjX-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zL6XNHx4Y6bJ7WBTD6KxjX-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Pro Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">The Rad Dirt Fest returns to Life Time Grand Prix in 2027 for seven-event series with adjusted selection rules<\/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\/V5jTSoXJhE5fGqyQCJa2Gi-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/V5jTSoXJhE5fGqyQCJa2Gi-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/V5jTSoXJhE5fGqyQCJa2Gi-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/V5jTSoXJhE5fGqyQCJa2Gi-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/V5jTSoXJhE5fGqyQCJa2Gi-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\">Bout with toxoplasmosis could jeopardise Thibau Nys&#8217; return at Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\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\/ZnVcooPLj8bwgwh37mKZbC-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZnVcooPLj8bwgwh37mKZbC-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZnVcooPLj8bwgwh37mKZbC-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZnVcooPLj8bwgwh37mKZbC-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>Wout van Aert and Tim Merlier join defending champions Marthe Truyen and Niels Vandeputte among starters for Belgian Gravel Championships<\/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>Albert Philipsen faces another injury recovery after training crash leaves him with three fractures<\/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>Scope R4.G wheelset review: The budget gravel wheelset in Scope\u2019s lineup is its the much better buy<\/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>The Rad Dirt Fest returns to Life Time Grand Prix in 2027 for seven-event series with adjusted selection rules<\/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>An altitude camp, 20-minute power PB, and abandoning Burgos &#8211; Inside the preparation for my first Grand Tour<\/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>\nRoad\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>Where are all the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a sprinters? They&#8217;re all in Belgium instead<\/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 \/>\nDani Ostanek <\/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=\"2026-08-13T11:06:06Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n13 August 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Tim Merlier, Jasper Philipsen, Jonathan Milan, Olav Kooij headline sprint field at Renewi Tour while few stars join Mads Pedersen and Wout van Aert in Spain<\/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\/diuRNAzua2qpYv8MF4xsEQ-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/diuRNAzua2qpYv8MF4xsEQ-1600-80.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/diuRNAzua2qpYv8MF4xsEQ-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/diuRNAzua2qpYv8MF4xsEQ-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/diuRNAzua2qpYv8MF4xsEQ-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/diuRNAzua2qpYv8MF4xsEQ-750-80.jpg.webp 750w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/diuRNAzua2qpYv8MF4xsEQ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/diuRNAzua2qpYv8MF4xsEQ-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/diuRNAzua2qpYv8MF4xsEQ-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\">Biniam Girmay, Jasper Philipsen, TIm Merlier, Olav Kooij, and Max Kanter are among the sprinters taking their talents to Belgium rather than Spain this month<\/span><span class=\"credit font-article-copy\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\"text-copy bodyCopy auto paywall-locker\">\n<div data-analytics-id=\"utility-bar\" id=\"utility-bar\" class=\"font-ui-heading flex justify-between items-center py-2 border-t border-b border-gray-300 border-solid mb-5 mx-auto\" data-component-name=\"UtilityBar\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"utility-bar\">\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div data-component-name=\"Social:Dropdown\" role=\"menu\" id=\"utilitybar__dropdown--share\" aria-labelledby=\"utilitybar__button--share\" class=\"absolute left-0 top-full w-44 bg-white rounded-md shadow-md border border-neutral-200 z-[9996] list-none m-0 py-2 px-3 border-solid\">\n<ul class=\"m-0!\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Facebook<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>X<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Pinterest<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Email<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-share-this-article\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nShare this article\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\"><span class=\"ml-1 inline-flex h-5 px-2 shrink-0 items-center justify-center self-center overflow-hidden whitespace-nowrap rounded-[10px] bg-primary-500 text-[11px] leading-none font-ui-heading font-semibold text-white\">0<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-join-the-conversation\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nJoin the conversation\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<p>Follow us<\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-add-us-as-a-preferred-source-on-google\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nAdd us as a preferred source on Google\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-subscribe-to-our-newsletter\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nSubscribe to our newsletter\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-44d45870-96fd-11f1-a5ad-11d7b0f246b9\">With the upcoming Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a featuring seven summit finishes and just four flat stages, this year&#8217;s race is hardly catered for the sprinters of the peloton. It&#8217;s no surprise, then, that almost all of the world&#8217;s top fastmen are skipping the final Grand Tour of the season.<\/p>\n<p>The Vuelta begins with a Monaco time trial, a hilly stage in Provence, and two days in the Pyrenees, meaning there are no chances for a bunch sprint in the Vuelta&#8217;s Gran Partida.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-44d45870-96fd-11f1-a5ad-11d7b0f246b9-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Sprinters will have to suffer through mountain stages to Font-Romeu, Andorra la Vella, Aram\u00f3n Valdelinares, and the Alto de Aitana before the first real flat finish. Stage 11 in Lorca gives them the first cast-iron chance to battle it out, with only the subsequent visits to Loja, La R\u00e1bida, and Sevilla offering further opportunities.<\/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\">So, if La Vuelta says &#8216;No sprints please, we&#8217;re Spanish&#8217;, then where will the peloton&#8217;s top sprinters be racing this month?<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The cream of the crop are heading to Belgium for the Renewi Tour, which looks to offer three or four sprint opportunities in just five days of racing.<\/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\/cUiBWi6XKDEBM5QmoDuaxR-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cUiBWi6XKDEBM5QmoDuaxR-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;You have to take every opportunity you get&#8217; &#8211; After four days of suffering Tim Merlier is ready for first sprint of 2026 Tour de France<\/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\/z7b6qdBEfJfYrt4NBWKY9H-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/z7b6qdBEfJfYrt4NBWKY9H-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\">Sprinter Tim Merlier spearheads Soudal-QuickStep&#8217;s first assault on Tour de France in post-Remco Evenepoel era<\/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\/h5sukTc6SadZ9sgH6KUTS4-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/h5sukTc6SadZ9sgH6KUTS4-150-80.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\">Mathieu van der Poel to build for Tour de France via return to Tour de Suisse for first time since 2021<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Each of the sprint winners at last month&#8217;s Tour de France will be battling it out once again there, as Tim Merlier (Soudal-QuickStep), Jasper Philipsen (Alpecin-Premier Tech), Olav Kooij (Decathlon CMA CGM), and S\u00f8ren W\u00e6renskjold (Uno-X Mobility) take the start in Diest.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">They won&#8217;t be alone, though \u2013 far from it, as Jonathan Milan (Lidl-Trek), Dylan Groenewegen (Unibet Rose Rockets), Arnaud De Lie (Lotto-Intermarch\u00e9), Biniam Girmay (NSN), and more will also be racing.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-Te3vmAekB86zHK2D2DB6GE\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-Te3vmAekB86zHK2D2DB6GE 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\">Meanwhile, the Vuelta will host a handful of sprinters, more of the type who can battle over the hills and excel on tougher finishes. Headlining the sprint selection in Spain are Tour green jersey winner Mads Pedersen (Lidl-Trek), Visma-Lease a Bike pairing Wout van Aert and Matthew Brennan, and seven-time Vuelta stage winner Kaden Groves (Alpecin-Premier Tech).<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Soudal-QuickStep CEO Jurgen For\u00e9 told <em>Het Nieuwsblad<\/em> that the Vuelta is &#8220;just a little too tough&#8221; for Merlier, who already has the Tour in his legs and would have to wait half the race for a chance to sprint, while two Grand Tours in a single season is too much for 22-year-old Giro d&#8217;Italia star Paul Magnier.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Alpecin-Premier Tech manager Christoph Roodhooft added that the Vuelta, just four weeks after the Tour, is &#8220;simply unfeasible&#8221; for Philipsen to tackle.<\/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\/wGc8dDXNXjc986CqYhWbd3-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wGc8dDXNXjc986CqYhWbd3-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Lorena Wiebes makes comeback after Giro disqualification, defending champion Jordi Meeus faces tough opposition \u2013 Copenhagen Sprint contenders<\/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\/aKqhbj6iZ7snSxFMJJpDLP-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aKqhbj6iZ7snSxFMJJpDLP-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;We&#8217;ve never really had a fight&#8217; &#8211; Mathieu van der Poel and Jasper Philipsen unite again to hunt Tour de France stages<\/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\/zdXL3vHkyLC6NufjHpspRL-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zdXL3vHkyLC6NufjHpspRL-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;A luxury problem to solve later&#8217;\u00a0\u2013 Soudal-QuickStep not yet picking between top sprinters for Tour de France selection<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;You really need to be a complete sprinter to win stages in the Vuelta,&#8221; he said.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;By that I mean someone who can handle hilly courses relatively comfortably. Both Groves and Philipsen fall into that category.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Groves, likely racing his final Grand Tour with Alpecin-Premier Tech with a move to Tudor in the offing, is set for a duel with Pedersen in Spain. The pair both have two Vuelta points jerseys on their palmar\u00e8s and will be aiming for a third.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">They&#8217;ll have to overcome 58,156 metres of elevation along the way, however \u2013 a record among this year&#8217;s Grand Tours, with the Giro featuring 49,150 metres, and the Tour 54,450.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">At the Renewi Tour, meanwhile, reigning champion De Lie should duke it out with the likes of Philipsen, Girmay, and Tim Wellens (UAE Team Emirates-XRG) for overall victory.<\/p>\n<div class=\"slice-container table-wrapper slice-container-table kiosq-b\" data-component-name=\"Slice:Table\" id=\"elk-f0aa44b6-96fd-11f1-b9ca-cfa14d3dfd61\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"table__instruction\">\nSwipe to scroll horizontally<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"table__container\">\n<table class=\"table__wrapper table__wrapper--inbodyContent table__wrapper--sticky table__wrapper--divider\">\n<caption class=\"table__caption table__caption--top table__caption--left\">\nSprint fields at Renewi and Vuelta<br \/>\n<\/caption>\n<thead class=\"table__head\">\n<tr class=\"table__head__row\">\n<th class=\"table__head__heading table__head__heading--left\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Renewi Tour<\/p>\n<\/th>\n<th class=\"table__head__heading table__head__heading--left\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a<\/p>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody class=\"table__body\">\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Tim Merlier (Soudal-QuickStep)<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Mads Pedersen (Lidl-Trek)<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Jasper Philipsen (Alpecin-Premier Tech)<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Wout van Aert (Visma-Lease a Bike)<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Olav Kooij (Decathlon CMA CGM)<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Matthew Brennan (Visma-Lease a Bike)<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>S\u00f8ren W\u00e6renskjold (Uno-X Mobility)<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Kaden Groves (Alpecin-Premier Tech)<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Jonathan Milan (Lidl-Trek)<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Bryan Coquard (Cofidis)<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Dylan Groenewegen (Unibet Rose Rockets)<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Axel Laurance (Netcompany Ineos)<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Arnaud De Lie (Lotto-Intermarch\u00e9)<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Alberto Dainese (Soudal-QuickStep)<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Biniam Girmay (NSN)<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\"><span class=\"sr-only\">Row 7 &#8211; Cell 1 <\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Juan Sebastian Molano (UAE Team Emirates-XRG)<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\"><span class=\"sr-only\">Row 8 &#8211; Cell 1 <\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Max Kanter (XDS-Astana)<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\"><span class=\"sr-only\">Row 9 &#8211; Cell 1 <\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Tom Crabbe (Flanders-Baloise)<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\"><span class=\"sr-only\">Row 10 &#8211; Cell 1 <\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Sam Bennett (Pinarello-Q36.5)<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\"><span class=\"sr-only\">Row 11 &#8211; Cell 1 <\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Arvid de Kleijn (Tudor)<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\"><span class=\"sr-only\">Row 12 &#8211; Cell 1 <\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Pavel Bittner (Picnic-PostNL)<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\"><span class=\"sr-only\">Row 13 &#8211; Cell 1 <\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Sam Welsford (Netcompany Ineos)<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\"><span class=\"sr-only\">Row 14 &#8211; Cell 1 <\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Madis Mihkels (EF Education-EasyPost)<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\"><span class=\"sr-only\">Row 15 &#8211; Cell 1 <\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-bb5ee57a-9700-11f1-9905-4ffe66ac96c9\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><strong>For unbeatable coverage across road, gravel and tech, subscribe to Cyclingnews. You&#8217;ll get comprehensive race coverage of La Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a, subscriber-exclusive analysis from our expert columnists, in-depth features and industry-leading tech insight. Plus, the Cyclingnews app lets you follow the action wherever you go! <\/strong><u><strong>Join today.<\/strong><\/u><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"block mb-5\" id=\"articleTag\" data-component-name=\"PostArticleLinks\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"post-article-links\">\n<div class=\"border-b border-b-black border-solid py-2.5 text-black font-bold uppercase\">TOPICS<\/div>\n<nav class=\"py-2.5 flex gap-2.5 flex-wrap\" data-analytics-id=\"article-tag\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-tag\">\n<p>Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a<\/p>\n<p>Renewi Tour<\/p>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-Te3vmAekB86zHK2D2DB6GE\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-Te3vmAekB86zHK2D2DB6GE 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\/PSRUchRz7RcBeXHn7hDvCh-140-80.jpg.webp 140w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PSRUchRz7RcBeXHn7hDvCh.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PSRUchRz7RcBeXHn7hDvCh.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PSRUchRz7RcBeXHn7hDvCh.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\">Dani Ostanek<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__social\">\n<nav class=\"button-social-group author__social-buttons\" aria-labelledby=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">\n<div id=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">Social Links Navigation<\/div>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__role\">Senior News Writer<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>Dani Ostanek is Senior News Writer at Cyclingnews, having joined in 2017 as a freelance contributor, later being hired full-time. Her favourite races include Strade Bianche, the Tour de France Femmes, Paris-Roubaix, and Tro-Bro L\u00e9on.<\/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\/cUiBWi6XKDEBM5QmoDuaxR-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cUiBWi6XKDEBM5QmoDuaxR-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cUiBWi6XKDEBM5QmoDuaxR-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cUiBWi6XKDEBM5QmoDuaxR-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cUiBWi6XKDEBM5QmoDuaxR-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;You have to take every opportunity you get&#8217; &#8211; After four days of suffering Tim Merlier is ready for first sprint of 2026 Tour de France<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div 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\/z7b6qdBEfJfYrt4NBWKY9H-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/z7b6qdBEfJfYrt4NBWKY9H-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/z7b6qdBEfJfYrt4NBWKY9H-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/z7b6qdBEfJfYrt4NBWKY9H-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/z7b6qdBEfJfYrt4NBWKY9H-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Sprinter Tim Merlier spearheads Soudal-QuickStep&#8217;s first assault on Tour de France in post-Remco Evenepoel era<\/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\/h5sukTc6SadZ9sgH6KUTS4-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/h5sukTc6SadZ9sgH6KUTS4-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/h5sukTc6SadZ9sgH6KUTS4-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/h5sukTc6SadZ9sgH6KUTS4-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/h5sukTc6SadZ9sgH6KUTS4-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Mathieu van der Poel to build for Tour de France via return to Tour de Suisse for first time since 2021<\/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\/wGc8dDXNXjc986CqYhWbd3-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wGc8dDXNXjc986CqYhWbd3-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wGc8dDXNXjc986CqYhWbd3-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wGc8dDXNXjc986CqYhWbd3-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wGc8dDXNXjc986CqYhWbd3-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Lorena Wiebes makes comeback after Giro disqualification, defending champion Jordi Meeus faces tough opposition \u2013 Copenhagen Sprint contenders<\/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\/aKqhbj6iZ7snSxFMJJpDLP-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aKqhbj6iZ7snSxFMJJpDLP-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aKqhbj6iZ7snSxFMJJpDLP-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aKqhbj6iZ7snSxFMJJpDLP-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aKqhbj6iZ7snSxFMJJpDLP-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;We&#8217;ve never really had a fight&#8217; &#8211; Mathieu van der Poel and Jasper Philipsen unite again to hunt Tour de France stages<\/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\/zdXL3vHkyLC6NufjHpspRL-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zdXL3vHkyLC6NufjHpspRL-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zdXL3vHkyLC6NufjHpspRL-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zdXL3vHkyLC6NufjHpspRL-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zdXL3vHkyLC6NufjHpspRL-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\">&#8216;A luxury problem to solve later&#8217;\u00a0\u2013 Soudal-QuickStep not yet picking between top sprinters for Tour de France selection<\/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 Racing<\/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\/ZnVcooPLj8bwgwh37mKZbC-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZnVcooPLj8bwgwh37mKZbC-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZnVcooPLj8bwgwh37mKZbC-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZnVcooPLj8bwgwh37mKZbC-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZnVcooPLj8bwgwh37mKZbC-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Wout van Aert and Tim Merlier join defending champions Marthe Truyen and Niels Vandeputte among starters for Belgian Gravel Championships<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zL6XNHx4Y6bJ7WBTD6KxjX-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zL6XNHx4Y6bJ7WBTD6KxjX-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zL6XNHx4Y6bJ7WBTD6KxjX-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zL6XNHx4Y6bJ7WBTD6KxjX-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zL6XNHx4Y6bJ7WBTD6KxjX-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Pro Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">The Rad Dirt Fest returns to Life Time Grand Prix in 2027 for seven-event series with adjusted selection rules<\/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\/V93USPmz7tdZdgmAqwwQxB-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/V93USPmz7tdZdgmAqwwQxB-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/V93USPmz7tdZdgmAqwwQxB-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/V93USPmz7tdZdgmAqwwQxB-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/V93USPmz7tdZdgmAqwwQxB-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\">Junior time trial world champion Megan Arens makes immediate move to AG Insurance-Soudal<\/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\/FoHHZQsqENC6oTABhV8p5n-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FoHHZQsqENC6oTABhV8p5n-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FoHHZQsqENC6oTABhV8p5n-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FoHHZQsqENC6oTABhV8p5n-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FoHHZQsqENC6oTABhV8p5n-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Leadville Trail 100 MTB continues with modified route in 2026 due to area impact from wildfires<\/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\/qWD3wEE4rUnTKfRbzu9PSN-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qWD3wEE4rUnTKfRbzu9PSN-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qWD3wEE4rUnTKfRbzu9PSN-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qWD3wEE4rUnTKfRbzu9PSN-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qWD3wEE4rUnTKfRbzu9PSN-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Renewi Tour past winners<\/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\/AFDi5iZaGEERJoHqu28esa-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AFDi5iZaGEERJoHqu28esa-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AFDi5iZaGEERJoHqu28esa-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AFDi5iZaGEERJoHqu28esa-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AFDi5iZaGEERJoHqu28esa-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Volta a Portugal: Xabier Isasa sprints ahead of Rui Oliveira to win stage 6<\/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\/WjeoZtNrykoWtSvLRav7Wf-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WjeoZtNrykoWtSvLRav7Wf-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WjeoZtNrykoWtSvLRav7Wf-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WjeoZtNrykoWtSvLRav7Wf-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WjeoZtNrykoWtSvLRav7Wf-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\">&#8216;A declaration of a shared future, ambition\u00a0and trust&#8217; \u2013 Re-emerging German talent Marco Brenner signs one of the longest contracts in cycling<\/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\/3MEaXh6Srayj98D849K6fk-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3MEaXh6Srayj98D849K6fk-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3MEaXh6Srayj98D849K6fk-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3MEaXh6Srayj98D849K6fk-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3MEaXh6Srayj98D849K6fk-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;Still far from reaching his full potential&#8217; \u2013 Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe snap up Georg Steinhauser from EF Education-EasyPost<\/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\/ZnVcooPLj8bwgwh37mKZbC-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZnVcooPLj8bwgwh37mKZbC-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZnVcooPLj8bwgwh37mKZbC-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZnVcooPLj8bwgwh37mKZbC-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZnVcooPLj8bwgwh37mKZbC-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Wout van Aert and Tim Merlier join defending champions Marthe Truyen and Niels Vandeputte among starters for Belgian Gravel Championships<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/feBPM3GKhNiUugBhAd2aeh-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/feBPM3GKhNiUugBhAd2aeh-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/feBPM3GKhNiUugBhAd2aeh-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/feBPM3GKhNiUugBhAd2aeh-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/feBPM3GKhNiUugBhAd2aeh-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\">Albert Philipsen faces another injury recovery after training crash leaves him with three fractures<\/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\/zL6XNHx4Y6bJ7WBTD6KxjX-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zL6XNHx4Y6bJ7WBTD6KxjX-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zL6XNHx4Y6bJ7WBTD6KxjX-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zL6XNHx4Y6bJ7WBTD6KxjX-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zL6XNHx4Y6bJ7WBTD6KxjX-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Pro Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">The Rad Dirt Fest returns to Life Time Grand Prix in 2027 for seven-event series with adjusted selection rules<\/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\/V5jTSoXJhE5fGqyQCJa2Gi-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/V5jTSoXJhE5fGqyQCJa2Gi-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/V5jTSoXJhE5fGqyQCJa2Gi-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/V5jTSoXJhE5fGqyQCJa2Gi-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/V5jTSoXJhE5fGqyQCJa2Gi-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\">Bout with toxoplasmosis could jeopardise Thibau Nys&#8217; return at Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\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\/ZnVcooPLj8bwgwh37mKZbC-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZnVcooPLj8bwgwh37mKZbC-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZnVcooPLj8bwgwh37mKZbC-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZnVcooPLj8bwgwh37mKZbC-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>Wout van Aert and Tim Merlier join defending champions Marthe Truyen and Niels Vandeputte among starters for Belgian Gravel Championships<\/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>Albert Philipsen faces another injury recovery after training crash leaves him with three fractures<\/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>Scope R4.G wheelset review: The budget gravel wheelset in Scope\u2019s lineup is its the much better buy<\/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>The Rad Dirt Fest returns to Life Time Grand Prix in 2027 for seven-event series with adjusted selection rules<\/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>An altitude camp, 20-minute power PB, and abandoning Burgos &#8211; Inside the preparation for my first Grand Tour<\/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>\nRoad\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>Where are all the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a sprinters? They&#8217;re all in Belgium instead<\/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 \/>\nDani Ostanek <\/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=\"2026-08-13T11:06:06Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n13 August 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Tim Merlier, Jasper Philipsen, Jonathan Milan, Olav Kooij headline sprint field at Renewi Tour while few stars join Mads Pedersen and Wout van Aert in Spain<\/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-44d45870-96fd-11f1-a5ad-11d7b0f246b9\">With the upcoming Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a featuring seven summit finishes and just four flat stages, this year&#8217;s race is hardly catered for the sprinters of the peloton. It&#8217;s no surprise, then, that almost all of the world&#8217;s top fastmen are skipping the final Grand Tour of the season.<\/p>\n<p>The Vuelta begins with a Monaco time trial, a hilly stage in Provence, and two days in the Pyrenees, meaning there are no chances for a bunch sprint in the Vuelta&#8217;s Gran Partida.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-44d45870-96fd-11f1-a5ad-11d7b0f246b9-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Sprinters will have to suffer through mountain stages to Font-Romeu, Andorra la Vella, Aram\u00f3n Valdelinares, and the Alto de Aitana before the first real flat finish. Stage 11 in Lorca gives them the first cast-iron chance to battle it out, with only the subsequent visits to Loja, La R\u00e1bida, and Sevilla offering further opportunities.<\/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\">So, if La Vuelta says &#8216;No sprints please, we&#8217;re Spanish&#8217;, then where will the peloton&#8217;s top sprinters be racing this month?<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The cream of the crop are heading to Belgium for the Renewi Tour, which looks to offer three or four sprint opportunities in just five days of racing.<\/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\/cUiBWi6XKDEBM5QmoDuaxR-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cUiBWi6XKDEBM5QmoDuaxR-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;You have to take every opportunity you get&#8217; &#8211; After four days of suffering Tim Merlier is ready for first sprint of 2026 Tour de France<\/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\/z7b6qdBEfJfYrt4NBWKY9H-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/z7b6qdBEfJfYrt4NBWKY9H-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\">Sprinter Tim Merlier spearheads Soudal-QuickStep&#8217;s first assault on Tour de France in post-Remco Evenepoel era<\/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\/h5sukTc6SadZ9sgH6KUTS4-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/h5sukTc6SadZ9sgH6KUTS4-150-80.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\">Mathieu van der Poel to build for Tour de France via return to Tour de Suisse for first time since 2021<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Each of the sprint winners at last month&#8217;s Tour de France will be battling it out once again there, as Tim Merlier (Soudal-QuickStep), Jasper Philipsen (Alpecin-Premier Tech), Olav Kooij (Decathlon CMA CGM), and S\u00f8ren W\u00e6renskjold (Uno-X Mobility) take the start in Diest.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">They won&#8217;t be alone, though \u2013 far from it, as Jonathan Milan (Lidl-Trek), Dylan Groenewegen (Unibet Rose Rockets), Arnaud De Lie (Lotto-Intermarch\u00e9), Biniam Girmay (NSN), and more will also be racing.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-Te3vmAekB86zHK2D2DB6GE\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-Te3vmAekB86zHK2D2DB6GE 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\">Meanwhile, the Vuelta will host a handful of sprinters, more of the type who can battle over the hills and excel on tougher finishes. Headlining the sprint selection in Spain are Tour green jersey winner Mads Pedersen (Lidl-Trek), Visma-Lease a Bike pairing Wout van Aert and Matthew Brennan, and seven-time Vuelta stage winner Kaden Groves (Alpecin-Premier Tech).<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Soudal-QuickStep CEO Jurgen For\u00e9 told <em>Het Nieuwsblad<\/em> that the Vuelta is &#8220;just a little too tough&#8221; for Merlier, who already has the Tour in his legs and would have to wait half the race for a chance to sprint, while two Grand Tours in a single season is too much for 22-year-old Giro d&#8217;Italia star Paul Magnier.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Alpecin-Premier Tech manager Christoph Roodhooft added that the Vuelta, just four weeks after the Tour, is &#8220;simply unfeasible&#8221; for Philipsen to tackle.<\/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\/wGc8dDXNXjc986CqYhWbd3-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wGc8dDXNXjc986CqYhWbd3-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Lorena Wiebes makes comeback after Giro disqualification, defending champion Jordi Meeus faces tough opposition \u2013 Copenhagen Sprint contenders<\/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\/aKqhbj6iZ7snSxFMJJpDLP-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aKqhbj6iZ7snSxFMJJpDLP-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;We&#8217;ve never really had a fight&#8217; &#8211; Mathieu van der Poel and Jasper Philipsen unite again to hunt Tour de France stages<\/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\/zdXL3vHkyLC6NufjHpspRL-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zdXL3vHkyLC6NufjHpspRL-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;A luxury problem to solve later&#8217;\u00a0\u2013 Soudal-QuickStep not yet picking between top sprinters for Tour de France selection<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;You really need to be a complete sprinter to win stages in the Vuelta,&#8221; he said.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;By that I mean someone who can handle hilly courses relatively comfortably. Both Groves and Philipsen fall into that category.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Groves, likely racing his final Grand Tour with Alpecin-Premier Tech with a move to Tudor in the offing, is set for a duel with Pedersen in Spain. The pair both have two Vuelta points jerseys on their palmar\u00e8s and will be aiming for a third.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">They&#8217;ll have to overcome 58,156 metres of elevation along the way, however \u2013 a record among this year&#8217;s Grand Tours, with the Giro featuring 49,150 metres, and the Tour 54,450.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">At the Renewi Tour, meanwhile, reigning champion De Lie should duke it out with the likes of Philipsen, Girmay, and Tim Wellens (UAE Team Emirates-XRG) for overall victory.<\/p>\n<div class=\"slice-container table-wrapper slice-container-table kiosq-b\" data-component-name=\"Slice:Table\" id=\"elk-f0aa44b6-96fd-11f1-b9ca-cfa14d3dfd61\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"table__instruction\">\nSwipe to scroll horizontally<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"table__container\">\n<table class=\"table__wrapper table__wrapper--inbodyContent table__wrapper--sticky table__wrapper--divider\">\n<caption class=\"table__caption table__caption--top table__caption--left\">\nSprint fields at Renewi and Vuelta<br \/>\n<\/caption>\n<thead class=\"table__head\">\n<tr class=\"table__head__row\">\n<th class=\"table__head__heading table__head__heading--left\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Renewi Tour<\/p>\n<\/th>\n<th class=\"table__head__heading table__head__heading--left\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a<\/p>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody class=\"table__body\">\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Tim Merlier (Soudal-QuickStep)<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Mads Pedersen (Lidl-Trek)<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Jasper Philipsen (Alpecin-Premier Tech)<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Wout van Aert (Visma-Lease a Bike)<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Olav Kooij (Decathlon CMA CGM)<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Matthew Brennan (Visma-Lease a Bike)<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>S\u00f8ren W\u00e6renskjold (Uno-X Mobility)<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Kaden Groves (Alpecin-Premier Tech)<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Jonathan Milan (Lidl-Trek)<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Bryan Coquard (Cofidis)<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Dylan Groenewegen (Unibet Rose Rockets)<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Axel Laurance (Netcompany Ineos)<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Arnaud De Lie (Lotto-Intermarch\u00e9)<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Alberto Dainese (Soudal-QuickStep)<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Biniam Girmay (NSN)<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\"><span class=\"sr-only\">Row 7 &#8211; Cell 1 <\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Juan Sebastian Molano (UAE Team Emirates-XRG)<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\"><span class=\"sr-only\">Row 8 &#8211; Cell 1 <\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Max Kanter (XDS-Astana)<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\"><span class=\"sr-only\">Row 9 &#8211; Cell 1 <\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Tom Crabbe (Flanders-Baloise)<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\"><span class=\"sr-only\">Row 10 &#8211; Cell 1 <\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Sam Bennett (Pinarello-Q36.5)<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\"><span class=\"sr-only\">Row 11 &#8211; Cell 1 <\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Arvid de Kleijn (Tudor)<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\"><span class=\"sr-only\">Row 12 &#8211; Cell 1 <\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Pavel Bittner (Picnic-PostNL)<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\"><span class=\"sr-only\">Row 13 &#8211; Cell 1 <\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Sam Welsford (Netcompany Ineos)<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\"><span class=\"sr-only\">Row 14 &#8211; Cell 1 <\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Madis Mihkels (EF Education-EasyPost)<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\"><span class=\"sr-only\">Row 15 &#8211; Cell 1 <\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-bb5ee57a-9700-11f1-9905-4ffe66ac96c9\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><strong>For unbeatable coverage across road, gravel and tech, subscribe to Cyclingnews. You&#8217;ll get comprehensive race coverage of La Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a, subscriber-exclusive analysis from our expert columnists, in-depth features and industry-leading tech insight. Plus, the Cyclingnews app lets you follow the action wherever you go! <\/strong><u><strong>Join today.<\/strong><\/u><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/racing\/where-are-all-the-vuelta-a-espana-sprinters-theyre-all-in-belgium-instead\/&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/diuRNAzua2qpYv8MF4xsEQ-2100-80.jpg&#8221;] 1 Unstoppable? The five biggest challenges that Tadej Poga\u010dar will face at this year&#8217;s Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a 2 Tour de France team-by-team guide \u2013 Line-up, leaders and ambitions for every squad on the start list 3 As it happened: First bunch sprint of Tour de France ends with a dominant win after [&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-2091368","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\/2091368","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=2091368"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2091368\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2091368"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=2091368"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=2091368"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}