{"id":2093248,"date":"2026-08-13T13:02:06","date_gmt":"2026-08-13T10:02:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2093248"},"modified":"2026-08-13T13:02:06","modified_gmt":"2026-08-13T10:02:06","slug":"i-dont-think-the-gap-is-that-wide-elisa-longo-borghini-already-thinking-about-battling-vollering-and-niewiadoma-phinney-at-2027-tour-de-france-femmes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2093248","title":{"rendered":"&#8216;I don&#8217;t think the gap is that wide&#8217; \u2013 Elisa Longo Borghini already thinking about battling Vollering and Niewiadoma-Phinney at 2027 Tour de France Femmes"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ftMV5A6itK5gn9kVKeYAxZ-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\/gudJt74K2JHZiJzWScBRLT-160-80.jpg.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gudJt74K2JHZiJzWScBRLT-80-80.jpg.webp 80w\" sizes=\"80px\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex items-center justify-center absolute w-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                                    Eight things we learnt from a spellbinding edition of the Tour de France Femmes\n                                <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"m-0 box-border flex flex-row items-center pr-2.5 gap-[15px] w-[278px] h-20 flex-none 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\/AzUcQpkW3cpx2YW5cPSS8B-160-80.jpg.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AzUcQpkW3cpx2YW5cPSS8B-80-80.jpg.webp 80w\" sizes=\"80px\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex items-center justify-center absolute w-[18px] h-6 left-0 top-0 bg-white\/90 flex-none z-[1]\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"font-normal text-base leading-[17px] tracking-[1.3px] uppercase text-black flex-none\">2<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex flex-col items-center justify-center gap-1.5 w-[173px] h-20 flex-none\">\n<p class=\"font-article-heading font-medium text-base leading-[21px] text-gray-800 w-[173px] line-clamp-3 group-hover:underline\">\n                                    Tour de France Femmes: Demi Vollering drops Niewiadoma-Phinney to seal overall with solo final stage victory in Nice\n                                <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"m-0 box-border flex flex-row items-center pr-2.5 gap-[15px] w-[278px] h-20 flex-none\" role=\"listitem\" aria-label=\"Recommended article 3 of 3\">\n<div class=\"relative flex-none w-20 h-20\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6NUEeJiePnSET8EhXxbGTD-160-80.jpg.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6NUEeJiePnSET8EhXxbGTD-80-80.jpg.webp 80w\" sizes=\"80px\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex items-center justify-center absolute w-[18px] h-6 left-0 top-0 bg-white\/90 flex-none z-[1]\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"font-normal text-base leading-[17px] tracking-[1.3px] uppercase text-black flex-none\">3<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex flex-col items-center justify-center gap-1.5 w-[173px] h-20 flex-none\">\n<p class=\"font-article-heading font-medium text-base leading-[21px] text-gray-800 w-[173px] line-clamp-3 group-hover:underline\">\n                                    &#8216;I felt stronger than in any other editions&#8217; \u2013 Why Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney can celebrate second at the Tour de France Femmes as much as her 2024 win\n                                <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"page-content-onecol flex-1\nnews-article article\n\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"widget-area-group widget-area-group-2col flex flex-wrap box-border\">\n<div id=\"widgetArea16\" class=\"widget-area basis-full md:basis-2\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-2-3 page-widget-area-16\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"hero\" id=\"hero\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-hero widget-hero widget-hero-hero widget-hero widget-hero-fter-news\">\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRacing\n<\/li>\n<li>\nWomen&#8217;s Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRoad\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>&#8216;I don&#8217;t think the gap is that wide&#8217; \u2013 Elisa Longo Borghini already thinking about battling Vollering and Niewiadoma-Phinney at 2027 Tour de France Femmes<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"vds-byline-block flex flex-row flex-nowrap my-1.5 gap-2 text-left items-start justify-start\" data-component-name=\"Article:BylineBlock\">\n<p>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=\"2026-08-13T13:02:06Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n13 August 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Italian admits doubts during Tour \u2013 &#8216;I&#8217;d wake up and think about withdrawing from the Tour and from cycling altogether. But obviously, you can take that as hyperbole&#8217;<\/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\/ftMV5A6itK5gn9kVKeYAxZ-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ftMV5A6itK5gn9kVKeYAxZ-1600-80.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ftMV5A6itK5gn9kVKeYAxZ-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ftMV5A6itK5gn9kVKeYAxZ-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ftMV5A6itK5gn9kVKeYAxZ-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ftMV5A6itK5gn9kVKeYAxZ-750-80.jpg.webp 750w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ftMV5A6itK5gn9kVKeYAxZ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ftMV5A6itK5gn9kVKeYAxZ-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ftMV5A6itK5gn9kVKeYAxZ-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 600px, 100vw\" \/><figcaption class=\"font-article-copy text-(--image--text--color) font-article-copy mt-2\"><span class=\"credit font-article-copy\">(Image credit: 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\">2<\/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-cffba19e-9714-11f1-9fcc-851c94588597\">Following her third place at the Tour de France Femmes, Elisa Longo Borghini has said that she&#8217;ll be back to win it all next year, claiming, &#8220;I don&#8217;t think the gap is that wide&#8221; to the two riders who finished ahead of her, Demi Vollering and Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney.<\/p>\n<p>The Italian improved as the Tour went on, going from seventh place in Poligny to fourth before the final weekend, and then third overall after Marlen Reusser was dropped and crashed on the final stage in Nice.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-cffba19e-9714-11f1-9fcc-851c94588597-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">She ended her race 4:19 down on Vollering, 3:01 off Niewiadoma-Phinney, the majority of the time shed in the hills of the Jura on stage 5 and up Mont Ventoux two days later.<\/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\">Speaking to <em>La Gazzetta dello Sport<\/em>, Longo Borghini said she believes she can close those gaps, especially given the disrupted year she had leading up to August.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I&#8217;ll be back at the Tour to win it next year. Considering the problems and the setback I&#8217;ve had, I don&#8217;t think the gap is that wide,&#8221; she said.<\/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\/Dhej3kL7jYmTY7pJP5yWzc-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Dhej3kL7jYmTY7pJP5yWzc-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;I did a decent race, I can&#8217;t complain&#8217; &#8211; Elisa Longo Borghini underlines team collaboration after outpowering Tour de France Femmes race leader Marlen Reusser for third on Ventoux<\/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\/unRDn6ZgMBJXVN2sNMEhg4-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/unRDn6ZgMBJXVN2sNMEhg4-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;I just want to sleep for a week&#8217; &#8211; Elisa Longo Borghini lands Tour de France Femmes podium on final stage<\/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\/EDPjfpnhV79c7ocU8QDQSS-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EDPjfpnhV79c7ocU8QDQSS-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;Demi just motivates me to get stronger&#8217; \u2013 Kasia Niewiadoma already hungry for another tilt at the Tour de France Femmes yellow jersey<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It has been a bit of a strange year for me so far. In spring, I lost a month to bronchitis. I spent a great deal of time playing catch-up, like at the Giro d&#8217;Italia Women, which went well with fourth place and a stage win, but not brilliantly.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Even at this Tour, I was chasing the leaders a lot, but at a certain point, the pieces of the puzzle started to fit together better.&#8221;<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-f6gHWGX2AS3xkdbFG52L2f\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-f6gHWGX2AS3xkdbFG52L2f 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\">Speaking in her post-Tour press conference, Longo Borghini said she &#8220;never stopped believing&#8221; in making the Tour podium, adding that it was the &#8220;cherry on the cake&#8221; of her race. She told <em>Gazzetta<\/em> that she took immense pride in her achievement.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;The feeling on the final day was incredible, a real adrenaline rush,&#8221; she said.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;[I&#8217;m proud of] the fact that I started in fourth place, but I wanted \u2013 and had to \u2013 go all out. I was only interested in the podium, nothing else. All-in.&#8221;<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            What to read next<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YbJTLfrS6PRMEczmLr7cGN-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YbJTLfrS6PRMEczmLr7cGN-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;I really should have closed the gap straight away&#8217; \u2013 Demi Vollering harbours Mont Ventoux regrets as Niewiadoma-Phinney soars into Tour de France Femmes lead<\/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\/zk9Kk89qvDoVZebdXeLaUS-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zk9Kk89qvDoVZebdXeLaUS-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;In every Grand Tour we are breaking records&#8217; \u2013 Elisa Longo Borghini sees a high level at the top of women&#8217;s cycling but not enough of a &#8216;base&#8217;<\/span><\/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\/5YeMxtZbaunL8YAM3KCtXU-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5YeMxtZbaunL8YAM3KCtXU-150-80.png.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 really uncertain moment for me&#8217; \u2013 After spring goals were sunk by illness, can Elisa Longo Borghini float back to the top at the Giro d&#8217;Italia Women?<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The result came after sleepless nights at the Tour, where Longo Borghini&#8217;s doubts saw her consider abandoning the race, she said.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I&#8217;d wake up and think about the details, what hadn&#8217;t gone right, the fact that things could end up even worse the next day, even about withdrawing from the Tour and from cycling altogether.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;But obviously, you can take that as hyperbole. I think everyone has strange thoughts at night from time to time. It was nice, then, to see how I reacted.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Following her Tour success \u2013 her best result to date in four starts \u2013 one big goal for 2026 lies ahead for Longo Borghini. She&#8217;s set to lead the Italian selection at the Road World Championships.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The road race in Montr\u00e9al is set to be the 15th of her career, among which she has scored three bronze medals. Vollering, the favourite to take the rainbow stripes on a hilly course, is once again in her sights.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Now it&#8217;s all about the Road World Championships, where Demi will always be the woman to beat. On September 26 in Montr\u00e9al, I want to be ready.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-cffba2ac-9714-11f1-84c7-fd530142c94e\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><em><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><\/em><u><em><strong>Join today.<\/strong><\/em><\/u><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"block mb-5\" id=\"articleTag\" data-component-name=\"PostArticleLinks\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"post-article-links\">\n<div class=\"border-b border-b-black border-solid py-2.5 text-black font-bold uppercase\">TOPICS<\/div>\n<nav class=\"py-2.5 flex gap-2.5 flex-wrap\" data-analytics-id=\"article-tag\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-tag\">\n<p>Tour de France Femmes<\/p>\n<p>UCI Road World Championships<\/p>\n<\/nav>\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\">CATEGORIES<\/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>Teams &amp; Riders<\/p>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-f6gHWGX2AS3xkdbFG52L2f\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-f6gHWGX2AS3xkdbFG52L2f 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\/sZZXd8K4JqxjkRK7teBMFc-140-80.jpg.webp 140w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sZZXd8K4JqxjkRK7teBMFc.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sZZXd8K4JqxjkRK7teBMFc.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sZZXd8K4JqxjkRK7teBMFc.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 the Tour de France Femmes, Paris-Roubaix, Tro-Bro L\u00e9on, and cycling&#8217;s fourth Grand Tour, the mad world of the Volta a Portugal.<\/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\/Dhej3kL7jYmTY7pJP5yWzc-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Dhej3kL7jYmTY7pJP5yWzc-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Dhej3kL7jYmTY7pJP5yWzc-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Dhej3kL7jYmTY7pJP5yWzc-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Dhej3kL7jYmTY7pJP5yWzc-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I did a decent race, I can&#8217;t complain&#8217; &#8211; Elisa Longo Borghini underlines team collaboration after outpowering Tour de France Femmes race leader Marlen Reusser for third on Ventoux<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/unRDn6ZgMBJXVN2sNMEhg4-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/unRDn6ZgMBJXVN2sNMEhg4-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/unRDn6ZgMBJXVN2sNMEhg4-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/unRDn6ZgMBJXVN2sNMEhg4-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/unRDn6ZgMBJXVN2sNMEhg4-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I just want to sleep for a week&#8217; &#8211; Elisa Longo Borghini lands Tour de France Femmes podium on final stage<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EDPjfpnhV79c7ocU8QDQSS-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EDPjfpnhV79c7ocU8QDQSS-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EDPjfpnhV79c7ocU8QDQSS-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EDPjfpnhV79c7ocU8QDQSS-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EDPjfpnhV79c7ocU8QDQSS-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Demi just motivates me to get stronger&#8217; \u2013 Kasia Niewiadoma already hungry for another tilt at the Tour de France Femmes yellow jersey<\/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\/YbJTLfrS6PRMEczmLr7cGN-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YbJTLfrS6PRMEczmLr7cGN-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YbJTLfrS6PRMEczmLr7cGN-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YbJTLfrS6PRMEczmLr7cGN-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YbJTLfrS6PRMEczmLr7cGN-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I really should have closed the gap straight away&#8217; \u2013 Demi Vollering harbours Mont Ventoux regrets as Niewiadoma-Phinney soars into Tour de France Femmes lead<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zk9Kk89qvDoVZebdXeLaUS-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zk9Kk89qvDoVZebdXeLaUS-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zk9Kk89qvDoVZebdXeLaUS-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zk9Kk89qvDoVZebdXeLaUS-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zk9Kk89qvDoVZebdXeLaUS-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;In every Grand Tour we are breaking records&#8217; \u2013 Elisa Longo Borghini sees a high level at the top of women&#8217;s cycling but not enough of a &#8216;base&#8217;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5YeMxtZbaunL8YAM3KCtXU-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5YeMxtZbaunL8YAM3KCtXU-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5YeMxtZbaunL8YAM3KCtXU-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5YeMxtZbaunL8YAM3KCtXU-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5YeMxtZbaunL8YAM3KCtXU-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;A really uncertain moment for me&#8217; \u2013 After spring goals were sunk by illness, can Elisa Longo Borghini float back to the top at the Giro d&#8217;Italia Women?<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-category\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/c6kaKYska32a4MojE9XapD-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/c6kaKYska32a4MojE9XapD-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/c6kaKYska32a4MojE9XapD-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/c6kaKYska32a4MojE9XapD-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/c6kaKYska32a4MojE9XapD-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Tour de France Femmes stage winners Lorena Wiebes and Kim Le Court-Pienaar headline star-studded start list for Tour of Britain Women<\/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\/K3DAJ6EKvQ44CL2uxmQSi9-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/K3DAJ6EKvQ44CL2uxmQSi9-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/K3DAJ6EKvQ44CL2uxmQSi9-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/K3DAJ6EKvQ44CL2uxmQSi9-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/K3DAJ6EKvQ44CL2uxmQSi9-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I really enjoy it when a race becomes difficult&#8217; \u2013 Femke Markus strengthens Visma-Lease a Bike Classics squad with switch from SD Worx-Protime<\/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\/ivmujjipPCTfRjAjt3eVGb-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ivmujjipPCTfRjAjt3eVGb-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ivmujjipPCTfRjAjt3eVGb-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ivmujjipPCTfRjAjt3eVGb-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ivmujjipPCTfRjAjt3eVGb-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;We still have Columbine, it&#8217;s still a climbing race&#8217; &#8211; Lauren Stephens returns from last year&#8217;s Leadville DSQ for attempt at victory 16 years in the making<\/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\/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 TT world champion Megan Arens terminates Picnic-PostNL contract to make mid-season transfer<\/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\/HugKUeN5YEuJpC3Be2ZtWS-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HugKUeN5YEuJpC3Be2ZtWS-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HugKUeN5YEuJpC3Be2ZtWS-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HugKUeN5YEuJpC3Be2ZtWS-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HugKUeN5YEuJpC3Be2ZtWS-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\">Juan Ayuso focuses on Canadian Classics, World Championships and Monument debut at Il Lombardia for second half of season<\/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\/c6kaKYska32a4MojE9XapD-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/c6kaKYska32a4MojE9XapD-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/c6kaKYska32a4MojE9XapD-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/c6kaKYska32a4MojE9XapD-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/c6kaKYska32a4MojE9XapD-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Tour de France Femmes stage winners Lorena Wiebes and Kim Le Court-Pienaar headline star-studded start list for Tour of Britain Women<\/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\/dgW9YcJG8C9XMsYveNfKnK-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dgW9YcJG8C9XMsYveNfKnK-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dgW9YcJG8C9XMsYveNfKnK-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dgW9YcJG8C9XMsYveNfKnK-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dgW9YcJG8C9XMsYveNfKnK-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;Incredibly frustrating and disappointing&#8217; \u2013 Three UAE Team Emirates-XRG riders eliminated from Volta a Portugal amid claims that time limit was changed mid-stage<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/K3DAJ6EKvQ44CL2uxmQSi9-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/K3DAJ6EKvQ44CL2uxmQSi9-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/K3DAJ6EKvQ44CL2uxmQSi9-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/K3DAJ6EKvQ44CL2uxmQSi9-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/K3DAJ6EKvQ44CL2uxmQSi9-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I really enjoy it when a race becomes difficult&#8217; \u2013 Femke Markus strengthens Visma-Lease a Bike Classics squad with switch from SD Worx-Protime<\/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\/ivmujjipPCTfRjAjt3eVGb-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ivmujjipPCTfRjAjt3eVGb-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ivmujjipPCTfRjAjt3eVGb-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ivmujjipPCTfRjAjt3eVGb-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ivmujjipPCTfRjAjt3eVGb-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;We still have Columbine, it&#8217;s still a climbing race&#8217; &#8211; Lauren Stephens returns from last year&#8217;s Leadville DSQ for attempt at victory 16 years in the making<\/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\/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>\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 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class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRacing\n<\/li>\n<li>\nWomen&#8217;s Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRoad\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>&#8216;I don&#8217;t think the gap is that wide&#8217; \u2013 Elisa Longo Borghini already thinking about battling Vollering and Niewiadoma-Phinney at 2027 Tour de France Femmes<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"vds-byline-block flex flex-row flex-nowrap my-1.5 gap-2 text-left items-start justify-start\" data-component-name=\"Article:BylineBlock\">\n<p>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=\"2026-08-13T13:02:06Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n13 August 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Italian admits doubts during Tour \u2013 &#8216;I&#8217;d wake up and think about withdrawing from the Tour and from cycling altogether. But obviously, you can take that as hyperbole&#8217;<\/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. 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to the two riders who finished ahead of her, Demi Vollering and Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney.<\/p>\n<p>The Italian improved as the Tour went on, going from seventh place in Poligny to fourth before the final weekend, and then third overall after Marlen Reusser was dropped and crashed on the final stage in Nice.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-cffba19e-9714-11f1-9fcc-851c94588597-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">She ended her race 4:19 down on Vollering, 3:01 off Niewiadoma-Phinney, the majority of the time shed in the hills of the Jura on stage 5 and up Mont Ventoux two days later.<\/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\">Speaking to <em>La Gazzetta dello Sport<\/em>, Longo Borghini said she believes she can close those gaps, especially given the disrupted year she had leading up to August.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I&#8217;ll be back at the Tour to win it next year. Considering the problems and the setback I&#8217;ve had, I don&#8217;t think the gap is that wide,&#8221; she said.<\/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\/Dhej3kL7jYmTY7pJP5yWzc-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Dhej3kL7jYmTY7pJP5yWzc-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;I did a decent race, I can&#8217;t complain&#8217; &#8211; Elisa Longo Borghini underlines team collaboration after outpowering Tour de France Femmes race leader Marlen Reusser for third on Ventoux<\/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\/unRDn6ZgMBJXVN2sNMEhg4-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/unRDn6ZgMBJXVN2sNMEhg4-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;I just want to sleep for a week&#8217; &#8211; Elisa Longo Borghini lands Tour de France Femmes podium on final stage<\/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\/EDPjfpnhV79c7ocU8QDQSS-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EDPjfpnhV79c7ocU8QDQSS-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;Demi just motivates me to get stronger&#8217; \u2013 Kasia Niewiadoma already hungry for another tilt at the Tour de France Femmes yellow jersey<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It has been a bit of a strange year for me so far. In spring, I lost a month to bronchitis. I spent a great deal of time playing catch-up, like at the Giro d&#8217;Italia Women, which went well with fourth place and a stage win, but not brilliantly.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Even at this Tour, I was chasing the leaders a lot, but at a certain point, the pieces of the puzzle started to fit together better.&#8221;<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-f6gHWGX2AS3xkdbFG52L2f\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-f6gHWGX2AS3xkdbFG52L2f 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\">Speaking in her post-Tour press conference, Longo Borghini said she &#8220;never stopped believing&#8221; in making the Tour podium, adding that it was the &#8220;cherry on the cake&#8221; of her race. She told <em>Gazzetta<\/em> that she took immense pride in her achievement.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;The feeling on the final day was incredible, a real adrenaline rush,&#8221; she said.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;[I&#8217;m proud of] the fact that I started in fourth place, but I wanted \u2013 and had to \u2013 go all out. I was only interested in the podium, nothing else. All-in.&#8221;<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            What to read next<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YbJTLfrS6PRMEczmLr7cGN-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YbJTLfrS6PRMEczmLr7cGN-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;I really should have closed the gap straight away&#8217; \u2013 Demi Vollering harbours Mont Ventoux regrets as Niewiadoma-Phinney soars into Tour de France Femmes lead<\/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\/zk9Kk89qvDoVZebdXeLaUS-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zk9Kk89qvDoVZebdXeLaUS-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;In every Grand Tour we are breaking records&#8217; \u2013 Elisa Longo Borghini sees a high level at the top of women&#8217;s cycling but not enough of a &#8216;base&#8217;<\/span><\/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\/5YeMxtZbaunL8YAM3KCtXU-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5YeMxtZbaunL8YAM3KCtXU-150-80.png.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 really uncertain moment for me&#8217; \u2013 After spring goals were sunk by illness, can Elisa Longo Borghini float back to the top at the Giro d&#8217;Italia Women?<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The result came after sleepless nights at the Tour, where Longo Borghini&#8217;s doubts saw her consider abandoning the race, she said.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I&#8217;d wake up and think about the details, what hadn&#8217;t gone right, the fact that things could end up even worse the next day, even about withdrawing from the Tour and from cycling altogether.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;But obviously, you can take that as hyperbole. I think everyone has strange thoughts at night from time to time. It was nice, then, to see how I reacted.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Following her Tour success \u2013 her best result to date in four starts \u2013 one big goal for 2026 lies ahead for Longo Borghini. She&#8217;s set to lead the Italian selection at the Road World Championships.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The road race in Montr\u00e9al is set to be the 15th of her career, among which she has scored three bronze medals. Vollering, the favourite to take the rainbow stripes on a hilly course, is once again in her sights.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Now it&#8217;s all about the Road World Championships, where Demi will always be the woman to beat. On September 26 in Montr\u00e9al, I want to be ready.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-cffba2ac-9714-11f1-84c7-fd530142c94e\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><em><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><\/em><u><em><strong>Join today.<\/strong><\/em><\/u><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"block mb-5\" id=\"articleTag\" data-component-name=\"PostArticleLinks\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"post-article-links\">\n<div class=\"border-b border-b-black border-solid py-2.5 text-black font-bold uppercase\">TOPICS<\/div>\n<nav class=\"py-2.5 flex gap-2.5 flex-wrap\" data-analytics-id=\"article-tag\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-tag\">\n<p>Tour de France Femmes<\/p>\n<p>UCI Road World Championships<\/p>\n<\/nav>\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\">CATEGORIES<\/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>Teams &amp; Riders<\/p>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-f6gHWGX2AS3xkdbFG52L2f\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-f6gHWGX2AS3xkdbFG52L2f 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\/sZZXd8K4JqxjkRK7teBMFc-140-80.jpg.webp 140w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sZZXd8K4JqxjkRK7teBMFc.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sZZXd8K4JqxjkRK7teBMFc.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sZZXd8K4JqxjkRK7teBMFc.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 the Tour de France Femmes, Paris-Roubaix, Tro-Bro L\u00e9on, and cycling&#8217;s fourth Grand Tour, the mad world of the Volta a Portugal.<\/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\/Dhej3kL7jYmTY7pJP5yWzc-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Dhej3kL7jYmTY7pJP5yWzc-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Dhej3kL7jYmTY7pJP5yWzc-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Dhej3kL7jYmTY7pJP5yWzc-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Dhej3kL7jYmTY7pJP5yWzc-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I did a decent race, I can&#8217;t complain&#8217; &#8211; Elisa Longo Borghini underlines team collaboration after outpowering Tour de France Femmes race leader Marlen Reusser for third on Ventoux<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/unRDn6ZgMBJXVN2sNMEhg4-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/unRDn6ZgMBJXVN2sNMEhg4-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/unRDn6ZgMBJXVN2sNMEhg4-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/unRDn6ZgMBJXVN2sNMEhg4-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/unRDn6ZgMBJXVN2sNMEhg4-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I just want to sleep for a week&#8217; &#8211; Elisa Longo Borghini lands Tour de France Femmes podium on final stage<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EDPjfpnhV79c7ocU8QDQSS-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EDPjfpnhV79c7ocU8QDQSS-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EDPjfpnhV79c7ocU8QDQSS-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EDPjfpnhV79c7ocU8QDQSS-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EDPjfpnhV79c7ocU8QDQSS-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Demi just motivates me to get stronger&#8217; \u2013 Kasia Niewiadoma already hungry for another tilt at the Tour de France Femmes yellow jersey<\/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\/YbJTLfrS6PRMEczmLr7cGN-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YbJTLfrS6PRMEczmLr7cGN-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YbJTLfrS6PRMEczmLr7cGN-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YbJTLfrS6PRMEczmLr7cGN-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YbJTLfrS6PRMEczmLr7cGN-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I really should have closed the gap straight away&#8217; \u2013 Demi Vollering harbours Mont Ventoux regrets as Niewiadoma-Phinney soars into Tour de France Femmes lead<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zk9Kk89qvDoVZebdXeLaUS-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zk9Kk89qvDoVZebdXeLaUS-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zk9Kk89qvDoVZebdXeLaUS-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zk9Kk89qvDoVZebdXeLaUS-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zk9Kk89qvDoVZebdXeLaUS-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;In every Grand Tour we are breaking records&#8217; \u2013 Elisa Longo Borghini sees a high level at the top of women&#8217;s cycling but not enough of a &#8216;base&#8217;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5YeMxtZbaunL8YAM3KCtXU-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5YeMxtZbaunL8YAM3KCtXU-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5YeMxtZbaunL8YAM3KCtXU-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5YeMxtZbaunL8YAM3KCtXU-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5YeMxtZbaunL8YAM3KCtXU-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;A really uncertain moment for me&#8217; \u2013 After spring goals were sunk by illness, can Elisa Longo Borghini float back to the top at the Giro d&#8217;Italia Women?<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-category\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/c6kaKYska32a4MojE9XapD-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/c6kaKYska32a4MojE9XapD-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/c6kaKYska32a4MojE9XapD-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/c6kaKYska32a4MojE9XapD-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/c6kaKYska32a4MojE9XapD-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Tour de France Femmes stage winners Lorena Wiebes and Kim Le Court-Pienaar headline star-studded start list for Tour of Britain Women<\/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\/K3DAJ6EKvQ44CL2uxmQSi9-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/K3DAJ6EKvQ44CL2uxmQSi9-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/K3DAJ6EKvQ44CL2uxmQSi9-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/K3DAJ6EKvQ44CL2uxmQSi9-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/K3DAJ6EKvQ44CL2uxmQSi9-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I really enjoy it when a race becomes difficult&#8217; \u2013 Femke Markus strengthens Visma-Lease a Bike Classics squad with switch from SD Worx-Protime<\/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\/ivmujjipPCTfRjAjt3eVGb-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ivmujjipPCTfRjAjt3eVGb-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ivmujjipPCTfRjAjt3eVGb-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ivmujjipPCTfRjAjt3eVGb-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ivmujjipPCTfRjAjt3eVGb-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;We still have Columbine, it&#8217;s still a climbing race&#8217; &#8211; Lauren Stephens returns from last year&#8217;s Leadville DSQ for attempt at victory 16 years in the making<\/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\/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 TT world champion Megan Arens terminates Picnic-PostNL contract to make mid-season transfer<\/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\/HugKUeN5YEuJpC3Be2ZtWS-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HugKUeN5YEuJpC3Be2ZtWS-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HugKUeN5YEuJpC3Be2ZtWS-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HugKUeN5YEuJpC3Be2ZtWS-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HugKUeN5YEuJpC3Be2ZtWS-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\">Juan Ayuso focuses on Canadian Classics, World Championships and Monument debut at Il Lombardia for second half of season<\/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\/c6kaKYska32a4MojE9XapD-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/c6kaKYska32a4MojE9XapD-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/c6kaKYska32a4MojE9XapD-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/c6kaKYska32a4MojE9XapD-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/c6kaKYska32a4MojE9XapD-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Tour de France Femmes stage winners Lorena Wiebes and Kim Le Court-Pienaar headline star-studded start list for Tour of Britain Women<\/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\/dgW9YcJG8C9XMsYveNfKnK-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dgW9YcJG8C9XMsYveNfKnK-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dgW9YcJG8C9XMsYveNfKnK-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dgW9YcJG8C9XMsYveNfKnK-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dgW9YcJG8C9XMsYveNfKnK-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;Incredibly frustrating and disappointing&#8217; \u2013 Three UAE Team Emirates-XRG riders eliminated from Volta a Portugal amid claims that time limit was changed mid-stage<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/K3DAJ6EKvQ44CL2uxmQSi9-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/K3DAJ6EKvQ44CL2uxmQSi9-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/K3DAJ6EKvQ44CL2uxmQSi9-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/K3DAJ6EKvQ44CL2uxmQSi9-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/K3DAJ6EKvQ44CL2uxmQSi9-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I really enjoy it when a race becomes difficult&#8217; \u2013 Femke Markus strengthens Visma-Lease a Bike Classics squad with switch from SD Worx-Protime<\/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\/ivmujjipPCTfRjAjt3eVGb-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ivmujjipPCTfRjAjt3eVGb-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ivmujjipPCTfRjAjt3eVGb-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ivmujjipPCTfRjAjt3eVGb-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ivmujjipPCTfRjAjt3eVGb-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;We still have Columbine, it&#8217;s still a climbing race&#8217; &#8211; Lauren Stephens returns from last year&#8217;s Leadville DSQ for attempt at victory 16 years in the making<\/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\/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>\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\/ivmujjipPCTfRjAjt3eVGb-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ivmujjipPCTfRjAjt3eVGb-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, 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class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">5<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>&#8216;He created what you might call a philosophy&#8217; \u2013 Giancarlo Ferretti, the &#8216;Iron Sergeant&#8217; with a human touch \u2013 Obituary<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRacing\n<\/li>\n<li>\nWomen&#8217;s Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRoad\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>&#8216;I don&#8217;t think the gap is that wide&#8217; \u2013 Elisa Longo Borghini already thinking about battling Vollering and Niewiadoma-Phinney at 2027 Tour de France Femmes<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"vds-byline-block flex flex-row flex-nowrap my-1.5 gap-2 text-left items-start justify-start\" data-component-name=\"Article:BylineBlock\">\n<p>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=\"2026-08-13T13:02:06Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n13 August 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Italian admits doubts during Tour \u2013 &#8216;I&#8217;d wake up and think about withdrawing from the Tour and from cycling altogether. But obviously, you can take that as hyperbole&#8217;<\/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\">2<\/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-cffba19e-9714-11f1-9fcc-851c94588597\">Following her third place at the Tour de France Femmes, Elisa Longo Borghini has said that she&#8217;ll be back to win it all next year, claiming, &#8220;I don&#8217;t think the gap is that wide&#8221; to the two riders who finished ahead of her, Demi Vollering and Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney.<\/p>\n<p>The Italian improved as the Tour went on, going from seventh place in Poligny to fourth before the final weekend, and then third overall after Marlen Reusser was dropped and crashed on the final stage in Nice.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-cffba19e-9714-11f1-9fcc-851c94588597-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">She ended her race 4:19 down on Vollering, 3:01 off Niewiadoma-Phinney, the majority of the time shed in the hills of the Jura on stage 5 and up Mont Ventoux two days later.<\/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\">Speaking to <em>La Gazzetta dello Sport<\/em>, Longo Borghini said she believes she can close those gaps, especially given the disrupted year she had leading up to August.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I&#8217;ll be back at the Tour to win it next year. Considering the problems and the setback I&#8217;ve had, I don&#8217;t think the gap is that wide,&#8221; she said.<\/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\/Dhej3kL7jYmTY7pJP5yWzc-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Dhej3kL7jYmTY7pJP5yWzc-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;I did a decent race, I can&#8217;t complain&#8217; &#8211; Elisa Longo Borghini underlines team collaboration after outpowering Tour de France Femmes race leader Marlen Reusser for third on Ventoux<\/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\/unRDn6ZgMBJXVN2sNMEhg4-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/unRDn6ZgMBJXVN2sNMEhg4-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;I just want to sleep for a week&#8217; &#8211; Elisa Longo Borghini lands Tour de France Femmes podium on final stage<\/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\/EDPjfpnhV79c7ocU8QDQSS-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EDPjfpnhV79c7ocU8QDQSS-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;Demi just motivates me to get stronger&#8217; \u2013 Kasia Niewiadoma already hungry for another tilt at the Tour de France Femmes yellow jersey<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It has been a bit of a strange year for me so far. In spring, I lost a month to bronchitis. I spent a great deal of time playing catch-up, like at the Giro d&#8217;Italia Women, which went well with fourth place and a stage win, but not brilliantly.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Even at this Tour, I was chasing the leaders a lot, but at a certain point, the pieces of the puzzle started to fit together better.&#8221;<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-f6gHWGX2AS3xkdbFG52L2f\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-f6gHWGX2AS3xkdbFG52L2f 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\">Speaking in her post-Tour press conference, Longo Borghini said she &#8220;never stopped believing&#8221; in making the Tour podium, adding that it was the &#8220;cherry on the cake&#8221; of her race. She told <em>Gazzetta<\/em> that she took immense pride in her achievement.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;The feeling on the final day was incredible, a real adrenaline rush,&#8221; she said.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;[I&#8217;m proud of] the fact that I started in fourth place, but I wanted \u2013 and had to \u2013 go all out. I was only interested in the podium, nothing else. All-in.&#8221;<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            What to read next<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YbJTLfrS6PRMEczmLr7cGN-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YbJTLfrS6PRMEczmLr7cGN-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;I really should have closed the gap straight away&#8217; \u2013 Demi Vollering harbours Mont Ventoux regrets as Niewiadoma-Phinney soars into Tour de France Femmes lead<\/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\/zk9Kk89qvDoVZebdXeLaUS-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zk9Kk89qvDoVZebdXeLaUS-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;In every Grand Tour we are breaking records&#8217; \u2013 Elisa Longo Borghini sees a high level at the top of women&#8217;s cycling but not enough of a &#8216;base&#8217;<\/span><\/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\/5YeMxtZbaunL8YAM3KCtXU-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5YeMxtZbaunL8YAM3KCtXU-150-80.png.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 really uncertain moment for me&#8217; \u2013 After spring goals were sunk by illness, can Elisa Longo Borghini float back to the top at the Giro d&#8217;Italia Women?<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The result came after sleepless nights at the Tour, where Longo Borghini&#8217;s doubts saw her consider abandoning the race, she said.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I&#8217;d wake up and think about the details, what hadn&#8217;t gone right, the fact that things could end up even worse the next day, even about withdrawing from the Tour and from cycling altogether.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;But obviously, you can take that as hyperbole. I think everyone has strange thoughts at night from time to time. It was nice, then, to see how I reacted.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Following her Tour success \u2013 her best result to date in four starts \u2013 one big goal for 2026 lies ahead for Longo Borghini. She&#8217;s set to lead the Italian selection at the Road World Championships.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The road race in Montr\u00e9al is set to be the 15th of her career, among which she has scored three bronze medals. Vollering, the favourite to take the rainbow stripes on a hilly course, is once again in her sights.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Now it&#8217;s all about the Road World Championships, where Demi will always be the woman to beat. On September 26 in Montr\u00e9al, I want to be ready.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-cffba2ac-9714-11f1-84c7-fd530142c94e\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><em><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><\/em><u><em><strong>Join today.<\/strong><\/em><\/u><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/womens-cycling\/i-dont-think-the-gap-is-that-wide-elisa-longo-borghini-already-thinking-about-battling-vollering-and-niewiadom-phinney-at-2027-tour-de-france-femmes\/&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ftMV5A6itK5gn9kVKeYAxZ-2100-80.jpg&#8221;] 1 Eight things we learnt from a spellbinding edition of the Tour de France Femmes 2 Tour de France Femmes: Demi Vollering drops Niewiadoma-Phinney to seal overall with solo final stage victory in Nice 3 &#8216;I felt stronger than in any other editions&#8217; \u2013 Why Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney can celebrate second at the [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[226,68],"class_list":["post-2093248","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\/2093248","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=2093248"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2093248\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2093248"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=2093248"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=2093248"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}