{"id":2093487,"date":"2026-08-14T11:24:38","date_gmt":"2026-08-14T08:24:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2093487"},"modified":"2026-08-14T11:24:38","modified_gmt":"2026-08-14T08:24:38","slug":"vollerings-world-championships-quest-courtneys-worldtour-debut-and-big-transfer-intrigue-six-compelling-storylines-to-follow-in-womens-cycling-for-the-rest-of-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2093487","title":{"rendered":"Vollering&#8217;s World Championships quest, Courtney&#8217;s WorldTour debut and big transfer intrigue \u2013 Six compelling storylines to follow in women&#8217;s cycling for the rest of 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JbdtRhSzSmfnMu7pTobY6T-2500-80.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\/QD3q7s5hviXqumft5i8buM-160-80.jpg.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QD3q7s5hviXqumft5i8buM-80-80.jpg.webp 80w\" sizes=\"80px\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex items-center justify-center absolute w-4 h-6 left-0 top-0 bg-white\/90 flex-none z-[1]\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"font-normal text-base leading-[17px] tracking-[1.3px] uppercase text-black flex-none\">1<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex flex-col items-center justify-center gap-1.5 w-[173px] h-20 flex-none\">\n<p class=\"font-article-heading font-medium text-base leading-[21px] text-gray-800 w-[173px] line-clamp-3 group-hover:underline\">\n                                    As it happened: Mont Ventoux inspires a historic solo win and shakes-up the 2026 Tour de France Femmes GC battle\n                                <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"m-0 box-border flex flex-row items-center pr-2.5 gap-[15px] w-[278px] h-20 flex-none upnext-article-divider\" role=\"listitem\" aria-label=\"Recommended article 2 of 3\">\n<div class=\"relative flex-none w-20 h-20\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FTw6GTYP6AggWLv9DvSXqh-160-80.jpg.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FTw6GTYP6AggWLv9DvSXqh-80-80.jpg.webp 80w\" sizes=\"80px\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex items-center justify-center absolute w-[18px] h-6 left-0 top-0 bg-white\/90 flex-none z-[1]\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"font-normal text-base leading-[17px] tracking-[1.3px] uppercase text-black flex-none\">2<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex flex-col items-center justify-center gap-1.5 w-[173px] h-20 flex-none\">\n<p class=\"font-article-heading font-medium text-base leading-[21px] text-gray-800 w-[173px] line-clamp-3 group-hover:underline\">\n                                    As it happened: GC riders battle it out as race lead changes yet again on Tour de France Femmes stage 8\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\/4iFkHU65cMLh4S8iMhfQLS-160-80.jpg.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4iFkHU65cMLh4S8iMhfQLS-80-80.jpg.webp 80w\" sizes=\"80px\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex items-center justify-center absolute w-[18px] h-6 left-0 top-0 bg-white\/90 flex-none z-[1]\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"font-normal text-base leading-[17px] tracking-[1.3px] uppercase text-black flex-none\">3<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex flex-col items-center justify-center gap-1.5 w-[173px] h-20 flex-none\">\n<p class=\"font-article-heading font-medium text-base leading-[21px] text-gray-800 w-[173px] line-clamp-3 group-hover:underline\">\n                                    As it happened: The favourites take control in final stage of the Tour de France Femmes\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>\nTour de France Femmes\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>Vollering&#8217;s World Championships quest, Courtney&#8217;s WorldTour debut and big transfer intrigue \u2013 Six compelling storylines to follow in women&#8217;s cycling for the rest of 2026<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"vds-byline-block flex flex-row flex-nowrap my-1.5 gap-2 text-left items-start justify-start\" data-component-name=\"Article:BylineBlock\">\n<p>Features<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-auto vds-simple-byline\"><span class=\"inline-block vds-author\"><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nOwen Rogers <\/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=\"2026-08-14T11:24:38Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n14 August 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">The Tour de France Femmes is over but there&#8217;s still plenty to look forward to for the women&#8217;s peloton<\/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\/JbdtRhSzSmfnMu7pTobY6T-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JbdtRhSzSmfnMu7pTobY6T-1600-80.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JbdtRhSzSmfnMu7pTobY6T-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JbdtRhSzSmfnMu7pTobY6T-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JbdtRhSzSmfnMu7pTobY6T-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JbdtRhSzSmfnMu7pTobY6T-750-80.jpg.webp 750w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JbdtRhSzSmfnMu7pTobY6T-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JbdtRhSzSmfnMu7pTobY6T-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JbdtRhSzSmfnMu7pTobY6T-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 600px, 100vw\" \/><figcaption class=\"font-article-copy text-(--image--text--color) font-article-copy mt-2\"><span class=\"caption-text font-article-copy\">Vollering ticked off a huge goal at the Tour de France, can she take rainbow next?<\/span><span class=\"credit font-article-copy\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo\" class=\"contents\" data-only-inline=\"0\">\n<div class=\"visible flex flex-row flex-nowrap sticky max-lg:-ml-5 top-[var(--site-header-height,60px)] sm:top-0 z-[9994] w-screen lg:w-full h-[50px] bg-white p-0 mb-5 border-neutral-200 border border-solid xl:hidden\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Variants:Inline\" data-analytics-id=\"sticky-nav\" id=\"sticky-nav--inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"sticky-nav\">\n<div class=\"flex flex-row w-full h-full overflow-x-scroll overflow-y-hidden tracking-normal overscroll-x-contain\" id=\"sticky-nav__scroll-container\"><span class=\"pl-4 my-auto text-base font-semibold font-article-heading lg:pl-3 lg:text-sm whitespace-nowrap uppercase\">Jump To:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-row w-auto border-y-0\">\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\nborder-b-[3px] border-b-(--jumpto-underline-color) border-solid font-semibold \" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>The remaining races of 2026<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>Can Demi Vollering finally win a rainbow jersey?\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>Kate Courtney hits the road<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>Will anyone topple Lorena Wiebes?<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>Where will some of the top names land?<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>The route for the 2027 Tour de France Femmes<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\"text-copy bodyCopy auto paywall-locker\">\n<div data-analytics-id=\"utility-bar\" id=\"utility-bar\" class=\"font-ui-heading flex justify-between items-center py-2 border-t border-b border-gray-300 border-solid mb-5 mx-auto\" data-component-name=\"UtilityBar\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"utility-bar\">\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div data-component-name=\"Social:Dropdown\" role=\"menu\" id=\"utilitybar__dropdown--share\" aria-labelledby=\"utilitybar__button--share\" class=\"absolute left-0 top-full w-44 bg-white rounded-md shadow-md border border-neutral-200 z-[9996] list-none m-0 py-2 px-3 border-solid\">\n<ul class=\"m-0!\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Facebook<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>X<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Pinterest<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Email<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-share-this-article\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nShare this article\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\"><span class=\"ml-1 inline-flex h-5 px-2 shrink-0 items-center justify-center self-center overflow-hidden whitespace-nowrap rounded-[10px] bg-primary-500 text-[11px] leading-none font-ui-heading font-semibold text-white\">0<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-join-the-conversation\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nJoin the conversation\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<p>Follow us<\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-add-us-as-a-preferred-source-on-google\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nAdd us as a preferred source on Google\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-subscribe-to-our-newsletter\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nSubscribe to our newsletter\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-61fd7c6e-971c-11f1-8d34-5728edc1a7ff\">This year\u2019s Tour de France Femmes was arguably the best of the five editions since the race reappeared on the calendar, but what\u2019s next for the women\u2019s peloton?<\/p>\n<p>The women\u2019s sport has seen a huge expansion since the Tour\u2019s return in 2022, and the hallmark race brings in new fans and followers each summer, but sometimes the attention on the sport can fade slightly once the winner has packed away her yellow jersey and headed home.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-61fd7c6e-971c-11f1-8d34-5728edc1a7ff-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">However, there\u2019s so much going on in the women\u2019s peloton beyond the Tour as the season continues, be it the rest of the WorldTour season, the upcoming World Championships, or the transfer market.<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-6 w-full overflow-hidden rounded-[10px] lg:my-8\" data-component-name=\"JwPlayer:Carousel\" data-jwp-carousel data-jwp-carousel-payload=\"{&quot;ids&quot;:{&quot;playerID&quot;:&quot;jYDCcabO&quot;,&quot;searchPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;gwjdoYHD&quot;,&quot;divID&quot;:&quot;botr_gwjdoYHD_jYDCcabO_div&quot;,&quot;fallbackPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;gwjdoYHD&quot;,&quot;fallbackDivID&quot;:&quot;botr_gwjdoYHD_jYDCcabO_div&quot;,&quot;key&quot;:&quot;X9\/mXVGac0NphghLH9hZaqWA5d3dhAM\/Ih07grnEyMLjuO2E&quot;,&quot;tintLogo&quot;:true,&quot;useSearchPlaylist&quot;:false,&quot;enabled&quot;:true},&quot;signPostingEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;signPostingLinkEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;waitForAdLoad&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnDesktop&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnMobile&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnTablet&quot;:false}\">\n<div class=\"flex flex-nowrap items-center justify-between gap-3 bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-header>\n<div class=\"flex min-w-0 shrink items-center\"><span class=\"inline-flex items-center gap-1.5 text-sm font-article-heading capitalize leading-5 text-white whitespace-nowrap\"><span class=\"jwp-carousel-title-desktop\">Latest Videos From<\/span><span class=\"jwp-carousel-brand\">Cyclingnews<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"min-h-[44px] bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting><a class=\"invisible block truncate text-sm font-bold leading-5 text-white underline decoration-solid underline-offset-2\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting-link href target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span data-jwp-carousel-signposting-title>Watch full video here: <\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">So what have we got to look forward to in the remaining weeks of 2026, and which stories can you expect to see filling the pages here at <em>Cyclingnews<\/em>? From transfers to big races still to come, here&#8217;s six compelling storylines to keep an eye on for the rest of this year.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-the-remaining-races-of-2026\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>The remaining races of 2026<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-61fd7e44-971c-11f1-aab1-e92a6156e220\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">As the Tour de France Femmes finds its place in our collective memories, thoughts naturally turn to the next races where we can see the top riders competing, and the calendar has not been kind, with only nine days of WorldTour racing left this season. Despite this, we only have to wait until next week to see some of the Tour de France stars in action again.<\/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\/gudJt74K2JHZiJzWScBRLT-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gudJt74K2JHZiJzWScBRLT-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\">Eight things we learnt from a spellbinding edition of the Tour de France Femmes<\/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\/x2erRPrkRHSd8wS8rNtXkN-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/x2erRPrkRHSd8wS8rNtXkN-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Tour de France Femmes contenders \u2013 Demi Vollering and Pauline Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot poised for fantastic duel with Ventoux finale<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#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\/iemamTjEsJtjARAiDGwUDD-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iemamTjEsJtjARAiDGwUDD-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\">Wide open Tour de Suisse Women as Demi Vollering skips race to prepare for Tour de France Femmes &#8211; Analysing the contenders<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The Tour of Britain Women starts on Wednesday, August 19, with Tour de France stage winner Kim Le Court-Pienaar (AG Insurance-Soudal) set to return after winning the opening stage last year. Also listed is green jersey winner Lorena Wiebes and her SD Worx-Protime teammate Lotte Kopecky, and they\u2019re not the only big names. A punchy course with something for everyone is what has attracted such a stellar field, and we\u2019re almost certain to witness five days of entertaining racing.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-f11c5974-97c6-11f1-a2a8-3f7c772771f5\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hBTuiBVRYsEi7mhBHUD9D6-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hBTuiBVRYsEi7mhBHUD9D6-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hBTuiBVRYsEi7mhBHUD9D6-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hBTuiBVRYsEi7mhBHUD9D6-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hBTuiBVRYsEi7mhBHUD9D6-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hBTuiBVRYsEi7mhBHUD9D6-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Lorena Wiebes (SD Worx-Protime) is one of a number of stars slated to start the Tour of Britain Women <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-61fd7f2a-971c-11f1-a9be-cf71d503e972\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The final European race on the WorldTour calendar comes at the end of August, on the rolling roads around Plouay with the one-day Classic Lorient Agglom\u00e9ration, which always provides tense, unpredictable racing and a good start list. After that, the WorldTour takes six weeks off before heading to China for the Tour of Chongming Island. With its bridges for climbs and nailed on bunch sprints it can be a bit of a snooze-fest, but new regulations around teams\u2019 attendance at races means we should have better teams and a higher level of competition.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-FkouKjMXBsbYvQqya2qvSK\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-FkouKjMXBsbYvQqya2qvSK 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\">The paucity of top-level racing after August somewhat undermines much of the momentum the Tour de France bestows on the sport. However, there are reasons for it, with the Tour de Romandie F\u00e9minin being cancelled due to a lack of funds and the Simac Ladies Tour dropping down the race hierarchy and becoming the Eneco Tour Women.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Luckily, we do have a series of second-tier races coming up with the Pointe du Raz Ladies Classic, La Choralais Fourmies, GP Region Stuttgart, while the Italian pair of Giro dell\u2019Emilia Internazionale and Tre Valli Varesine are always excellent competitive events.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">And of course there are the World Championships, this year held in Montr\u00e9al in September.<\/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\/ePxGEBDAcx43r8MiDvwGvn-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ePxGEBDAcx43r8MiDvwGvn-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\">Five years in, this Tour de France Femmes looks like it will be the best edition yet<\/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\/RuyNbGWyNRynWWLuycEZQJ-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RuyNbGWyNRynWWLuycEZQJ-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\">Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney reigns as queen of Mont Ventoux, but the Tour de France Femmes crown is still up for grabs\u00a0\u2013 Analysis<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2LH57uMLxJAHcbapBJHNMa-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2LH57uMLxJAHcbapBJHNMa-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\">From the dominant to the anonymous \u2013\u00a0Rating every team&#8217;s Tour de France Femmes performance<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-can-demi-vollering-finally-win-a-rainbow-jersey\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Can Demi Vollering finally win a rainbow jersey?\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-61fd7fe8-971c-11f1-99c5-fff26738b2e6\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Demi Vollering (FDJ United-Suez) has won two Tours de France, the Giro d&#8217;Italia Women and Vuelta Femenina, and a host of top Classics. She\u2019s the sport\u2019s leading name, arguably its best climber, up there with the leading time trialists, and she even has the punch to mix it in a sprint finish, but she\u2019s never won the rainbow jersey. Could this be her year?<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">She\u2019s come close more than once, improving each year from 56th place in her 2019 debut. She was seventh in 2021 and has never finished outside the top 10 since. She was second to Lotte Kopecky in Glasgow in 2023, but when Kopecky won again in Switzerland the following year, the Belgian out-witted Vollering in the final before out-muscling her in the sprint.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">But Vollering is a far more savvy rider these days. Gone are the moments of poor positioning and she is far less willing to do all the work, but there are still moments when she plays the game and loses.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-f11c5a1e-97c6-11f1-897a-4fee477a9798\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jQAo5tMmjQAM9J3UuFC9Nf-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jQAo5tMmjQAM9J3UuFC9Nf-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jQAo5tMmjQAM9J3UuFC9Nf-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jQAo5tMmjQAM9J3UuFC9Nf-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jQAo5tMmjQAM9J3UuFC9Nf-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jQAo5tMmjQAM9J3UuFC9Nf-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">She&#8217;s won almost everything there is to win, but can she finally take the rainbow jersey? <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-61fd80a6-971c-11f1-b523-fd77e050914f\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Last year she was part of a group of favourites that stared each other into the abyss, as Magdeleine Vallieres took the jersey. More recently, on Mont Ventoux during the Tour de France Femmes, she and Marlen Reusser concentrated only on each other, paying the price as Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney (Canyon-SRAM) rode away to stage victory and into yellow.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">At 180km, this year\u2019s Worlds course is the longest in the race\u2019s history, more than 120km further than when Elsy Jacobs became the first woman to win the rainbow jersey in 1958, and three times the length of the last women\u2019s World Championships held in Montr\u00e9al.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The opening 60km are almost flat, with the vast majority of the 2,400m of vertical ascent coming during eight laps of a lumpy closing circuit, which is sure to make for a tough, attritional final. Whether it\u2019s a pure climber\u2019s course or not is open to conjecture, but Vollering seems to fit the bill any way you look at it.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-kate-courtney-hits-the-road\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Kate Courtney hits the road<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-61fd815a-971c-11f1-9560-599547a137e5\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Kate Courtney has long been a star of the mountain bike world, the American winning a host of the most illustrious off-road races, including multiple US titles, Cape Epic, the overall World Cup and two rainbow jerseys. At last year\u2019s Leadville Trail MTB 100 she smashed the course record en route to taking the title at her first attempt.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">However, rather than returning to Leadville to defend that title and take on the amended route, Courtney is beginning a new challenge on the road. She made her debut in UCI-level road racing earlier this year, riding for the US national team at the Tour Feminin in Czechia, finishing 13th overall and winning the final stage in the 2.2 level event.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-1e24b2ca-97c9-11f1-8832-cf7503b5f711\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/i4y3mEn3Eu9TTuZXYcmiY-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/i4y3mEn3Eu9TTuZXYcmiY-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/i4y3mEn3Eu9TTuZXYcmiY-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/i4y3mEn3Eu9TTuZXYcmiY-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/i4y3mEn3Eu9TTuZXYcmiY-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/i4y3mEn3Eu9TTuZXYcmiY-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">After switching from MTB to road what can Kate Courtney do? <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-1e24b338-97c9-11f1-b7cf-1d7d5ca56eed\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">After adding another stars and stripes jersey to her collection at the US Road Nationals in June, the 30-year-old signed with Demi Vollering\u2019s FDJ team, taking personal sponsor Red Bull with her, on a deal taking her through to the end of 2028, past her home Olympic Games.<\/p>\n<div class=\"fancy-box kiosq-b\" id=\"elk-b8ad36e2-97d2-11f1-b715-25dd8ee2675a\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"fancy_box-title\">Read more<\/div>\n<div class=\"fancy_box_body\">\n<ul>\n<li><strong>&#8216;It&#8217;s less about finding a few more watts, more about understanding the strategy&#8217; \u2013 Kate Courtney&#8217;s road discovery continues with Tour de France Femmes special appearance<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-b8ad3764-97d2-11f1-b82e-6b084638c77d\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">While some riders find the switch to the road difficult, that has not been the case for Courtney, whose programme has been greatly helped by the team\u2019s approach. After riding two lumpy, 1.1 races in France, guiding teammate Eva van Agt to victory in one of them, she headed to Belgium, essentially on a mission to learn, riding three kermesses, winning two and finishing second in the other.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">A flick through Courtney\u2019s Instagram illustrates that she knows how much she still has to learn, and we will see just how much that is next week when she starts the Tour of Britain Women. Whatever she has to learn, Courtney is clearly born to race bikes and her progress on the road will be fascinating to follow.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-will-anyone-topple-lorena-wiebes\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Will anyone topple Lorena Wiebes?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-61fd8218-971c-11f1-9844-350d93c42973\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">We\u2019ve known it for a while now, but if a race finishes in a bunch sprint and Lorena Wiebes is there, the SD Worx-Protime rider is almost certain to win. She is without doubt the best and most consistent sprinter in the peloton. We know it, her team know it, and her rivals certainly know it too.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">But, like all things, her dominance is certain to end sometime \u2013 the big question is when.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">This year does not yet count as a vintage season for Wiebes. Last year she added 25 victories to her burgeoning palmar\u00e8s; this year there have <em>only<\/em> been 15 so far. And we\u2019ve even seen her lose a bunch sprint for the first time in almost two years as Carys Lloyd (Movistar) won the Ronde van Brugge. And of course, there was that disqualification from the Giro d\u2019Italia for a bike weight infringement after crossing the line first.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">She hardly seems vulnerable, though \u2013 just look at her two stage wins at the Tour de France, both of which included more than 1,500m of vertical ascent, and both of which were conquered with relative ease.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-1e24b3b0-97c9-11f1-9549-1d42f02ca089\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/snWa7hZAgwdotGk2PtBoyV-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/snWa7hZAgwdotGk2PtBoyV-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/snWa7hZAgwdotGk2PtBoyV-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/snWa7hZAgwdotGk2PtBoyV-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/snWa7hZAgwdotGk2PtBoyV-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/snWa7hZAgwdotGk2PtBoyV-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Will Elisa Balsamo (Lidl-Trek) be the one to break Lorena Wiebes&#8217; winning spell? <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-1e24b41e-97c9-11f1-84db-dda1d8d9bbd6\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Other than her aura of invincibility, another thing working in Wiebes\u2019 favour is the lack of form among her rivals. Elisa Balsamo (Lidl-Trek) has struggled this year, Lara Gillespie (UAE Team L\u2019IMAD) hasn\u2019t yet clicked, and after a promising start to 2026, Charlotte Kool (Fenix-Premier Tech) has tailed off drastically, failing to finish the Tour after finishing OTL on Ventoux.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">With a couple of Tour of Britain stages likely to finish in a bunch kick, the other sprinters have chances of toppling Wiebes in the coming days, and the Tour of Chongming Island routinely provides three sprints. Away from the top tier, La Choralis Fourmies is one for the fast women and the Eneco Tour Women will have multiple chances. But these are chances for Wiebes too and no one would bet against her adding significantly to her 133 wins.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;There will be a point that I will be beaten in a sprint and probably the media thinks a lot about that,&#8221; she told us at the UAE Tour, where she won three stages. &#8220;But then for me just focus on the good things and keep on improving and keep on being the best version that I can be.&#8221;<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-where-will-some-of-the-top-names-land\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Where will some of the top names land?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-61fd8358-971c-11f1-b95a-a9baea94fda6\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney and Paula Blasi were two of the biggest stars of the Tour de France Femmes, but could be two of the biggest names on the transfer market this season, too.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">After winning Amstel Gold Race and the Vuelta earlier in the year, Blasi finished fifth on her debut at the Tour, one of three riders from UAE Team L&#8217;Imad in the top 10. This despite media questioning of not only the squad\u2019s leadership on the road, but also the Spaniard\u2019s continued presence on the team.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">There has been speculation over Niewiadoma-Phinney\u2019s future too, with her contract at Canyon-SRAM expiring at the end of this year and a move away apparently on the cards.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">She\u2019s been with the German team since 2018, having begun her career at Rabobank-Liv in 2013, and has flourished there, and while she is not a regular winner, when they come, her victories tend to be huge statements. A move away would be a huge loss for the team, but she\u2019s the real deal and will be an excellent addition to whichever team she joins.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-1e24b48c-97c9-11f1-8b2b-bb5bdc257e04\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xmsa2WeWHHczWw6xrWESxS-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xmsa2WeWHHczWw6xrWESxS-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xmsa2WeWHHczWw6xrWESxS-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xmsa2WeWHHczWw6xrWESxS-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xmsa2WeWHHczWw6xrWESxS-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xmsa2WeWHHczWw6xrWESxS-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Paula Blasi has ridden for UAE Team L&#8217;IMAD this year, but where will she be in 2027? <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-1e24b4f0-97c9-11f1-b9a1-2d5f0d341208\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">On the other hand, the inexperienced Blasi is more of a risk for any team willing to buy her out of her contract at UAE, which officially expires at the end of 2027. After starting her career in triathlon and duathlon, she burst onto the cycling scene last year following a season racing at club level in her native Spain.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Moving to UAE\u2019s development team, she was soon promoted to the WorldTeam, winning the mountain time trial at the Tour de Romandie F\u00e9minin. This year her development has continued, with Amstel Gold Race her own statement win, followed by the general classification at the Vuelta.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">There have been plenty of other wins since then too, and she\u2019s clearly a huge talent, but whether she can justify the prospect of being the sport\u2019s first million-Euro woman remains to be seen.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-after-such-a-brilliant-2026-tour-what-will-next-year-s-route-serve-us\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>After such a brilliant 2026 Tour what will next year&#8217;s route serve us?\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-61fd84de-971c-11f1-aba9-c1d11cf08266\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">This year\u2019s Tour was a microcosm of the women\u2019s sport itself. At the start of the week Demi Vollering was the nailed-on favourite to win overall and though she achieved that, wow, was it exciting.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">I don\u2019t believe in constantly judging women&#8217;s cycling against men&#8217;s cycling, but it&#8217;s worth noting that five riders wore yellow across the nine stages of the Tour de France Femmes against the three during the 21 stages of the men&#8217;s Tour. The sprint days were barely that, and other than the Mont Ventoux day, the rest of the stages consisted of punchy days, the route certainly contributing to the spectacle.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">So what of next year?<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The route for the 2027 race will be revealed, as usual, alongside the men\u2019s in late October. What we do know is that the opening stages will be held in the north of England, which will hopefully provide some lumpy stages through the Peak District before the team time trial in London.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">However, we\u2019ll have to wait to see what happens when the race returns to home soil. After such a successful 2026 organisers might be tempted to try a repeat, packing the race with punchy stages of varying degrees, but variety is key. Like last year there need to be editions with more than one visit to the high mountains, some seasons with a time trial and some without.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-1e24b568-97c9-11f1-8bd4-6774ba4f01b5\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vJdgewHEQSiy3jGppZ4SB4-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vJdgewHEQSiy3jGppZ4SB4-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vJdgewHEQSiy3jGppZ4SB4-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vJdgewHEQSiy3jGppZ4SB4-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vJdgewHEQSiy3jGppZ4SB4-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vJdgewHEQSiy3jGppZ4SB4-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Tour de France Femmes race director, Marion Rousse will reveal the 2027 route in October <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-1e24b5cc-97c9-11f1-974a-3304c16cdaf4\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">What they should not do, and what they have already acknowledged, is make the race too hard.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;We can make the race harder, but do we want to? Not necessarily,&#8221; race director Marion Rousse said at the conclusion of this year\u2019s event. &#8220;I don&#8217;t favour constantly raising the level of difficulty, but that&#8217;s a personal point of view.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I&#8217;ve had experience as a TV media analyst and sometimes, when it&#8217;s too tough, that kills off the suspense because riders just look at each other until the last climb.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">We\u2019ll let you know what they decide.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-61fd85a6-971c-11f1-b864-9dc8ab288891\" 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 id=\"slice-container-authorBio-FkouKjMXBsbYvQqya2qvSK\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-FkouKjMXBsbYvQqya2qvSK slice-container-authorBio\">\n<div class=\"author author__default-layout author--separator author--collapsible\" data-hydrate=\"true\">\n<div class=\"author__header\">\n<div class=\"author__heading\">\n<div class=\"author__name\">Owen Rogers<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>Owen Rogers is an experienced journalist, covering the sport for various magazines and websites for more than 10 years.<\/p>\n<p>Initially concentrating mainly on the women&#8217;s sport, he has covered hundreds of race days on the ground and interviewed some of the sport&#8217;s biggest names.<\/p>\n<p>Living near Cambridge in the UK, when he&#8217;s not working you&#8217;ll find him either riding his bike or playing drums.<\/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\/gudJt74K2JHZiJzWScBRLT-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gudJt74K2JHZiJzWScBRLT-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gudJt74K2JHZiJzWScBRLT-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gudJt74K2JHZiJzWScBRLT-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gudJt74K2JHZiJzWScBRLT-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\">Eight things we learnt from a spellbinding edition of the Tour de France Femmes<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/x2erRPrkRHSd8wS8rNtXkN-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/x2erRPrkRHSd8wS8rNtXkN-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/x2erRPrkRHSd8wS8rNtXkN-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/x2erRPrkRHSd8wS8rNtXkN-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/x2erRPrkRHSd8wS8rNtXkN-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Tour de France Femmes contenders \u2013 Demi Vollering and Pauline Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot poised for fantastic duel with Ventoux finale<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iemamTjEsJtjARAiDGwUDD-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iemamTjEsJtjARAiDGwUDD-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iemamTjEsJtjARAiDGwUDD-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iemamTjEsJtjARAiDGwUDD-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iemamTjEsJtjARAiDGwUDD-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\">Wide open Tour de Suisse Women as Demi Vollering skips race to prepare for Tour de France Femmes &#8211; Analysing the contenders<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ePxGEBDAcx43r8MiDvwGvn-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ePxGEBDAcx43r8MiDvwGvn-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ePxGEBDAcx43r8MiDvwGvn-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ePxGEBDAcx43r8MiDvwGvn-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ePxGEBDAcx43r8MiDvwGvn-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\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Five years in, this Tour de France Femmes looks like it will be the best edition yet<\/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\/RuyNbGWyNRynWWLuycEZQJ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RuyNbGWyNRynWWLuycEZQJ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RuyNbGWyNRynWWLuycEZQJ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RuyNbGWyNRynWWLuycEZQJ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RuyNbGWyNRynWWLuycEZQJ-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\">Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney reigns as queen of Mont Ventoux, but the Tour de France Femmes crown is still up for grabs\u00a0\u2013 Analysis<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2LH57uMLxJAHcbapBJHNMa-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2LH57uMLxJAHcbapBJHNMa-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2LH57uMLxJAHcbapBJHNMa-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2LH57uMLxJAHcbapBJHNMa-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2LH57uMLxJAHcbapBJHNMa-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">From the dominant to the anonymous \u2013\u00a0Rating every team&#8217;s Tour de France Femmes performance<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\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\/XipbbNg4vS7f35eVBKyQQK-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XipbbNg4vS7f35eVBKyQQK-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XipbbNg4vS7f35eVBKyQQK-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XipbbNg4vS7f35eVBKyQQK-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XipbbNg4vS7f35eVBKyQQK-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;The worst best decision I&#8217;ve ever made&#8217; \u2013 Chlo\u00e9 Dygert issues recovery update following double surgery<\/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\/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\/ftMV5A6itK5gn9kVKeYAxZ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ftMV5A6itK5gn9kVKeYAxZ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ftMV5A6itK5gn9kVKeYAxZ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ftMV5A6itK5gn9kVKeYAxZ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ftMV5A6itK5gn9kVKeYAxZ-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I don&#8217;t think the gap is that wide&#8217; \u2013 Elisa Longo Borghini already thinking about battling Vollering and Niewiadoma-Phinney at 2027 Tour de France Femmes<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/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>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-articletype\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Features<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DHDUmMFyWKjajpeGvb2Q3L-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DHDUmMFyWKjajpeGvb2Q3L-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DHDUmMFyWKjajpeGvb2Q3L-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DHDUmMFyWKjajpeGvb2Q3L-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DHDUmMFyWKjajpeGvb2Q3L-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;He created what you might call a philosophy&#8217; \u2013 Giancarlo Ferretti, the &#8216;Iron Sergeant&#8217; with a human touch \u2013 Obituary<\/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\/wiTqxZCJPWKHRiE7rappmm-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wiTqxZCJPWKHRiE7rappmm-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wiTqxZCJPWKHRiE7rappmm-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wiTqxZCJPWKHRiE7rappmm-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wiTqxZCJPWKHRiE7rappmm-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\">Overcoming RED-S, inspirational Mexican debut, and a 21-year-old in the top 10 \u2013 North American roundup from the Tour de France Femmes<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NHDWzNEDcTfKcah9ajHBbL-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NHDWzNEDcTfKcah9ajHBbL-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NHDWzNEDcTfKcah9ajHBbL-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NHDWzNEDcTfKcah9ajHBbL-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NHDWzNEDcTfKcah9ajHBbL-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\">An altitude camp, 20-minute power PB, and abandoning Burgos &#8211; Inside the preparation for my first Grand Tour<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2LH57uMLxJAHcbapBJHNMa-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2LH57uMLxJAHcbapBJHNMa-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2LH57uMLxJAHcbapBJHNMa-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2LH57uMLxJAHcbapBJHNMa-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2LH57uMLxJAHcbapBJHNMa-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">From the dominant to the anonymous \u2013\u00a0Rating every team&#8217;s Tour de France Femmes performance<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NrBE7CAKSQNnFqUy4Uwsd9-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NrBE7CAKSQNnFqUy4Uwsd9-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NrBE7CAKSQNnFqUy4Uwsd9-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NrBE7CAKSQNnFqUy4Uwsd9-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NrBE7CAKSQNnFqUy4Uwsd9-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Pro Bikes<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Battle of the brands: Who won with what at the 2026 Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift?<\/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\/gudJt74K2JHZiJzWScBRLT-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gudJt74K2JHZiJzWScBRLT-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gudJt74K2JHZiJzWScBRLT-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gudJt74K2JHZiJzWScBRLT-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gudJt74K2JHZiJzWScBRLT-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\">Eight things we learnt from a spellbinding edition of the Tour de France Femmes<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/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\/HugKUeN5YEuJpC3Be2ZtWS-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HugKUeN5YEuJpC3Be2ZtWS-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HugKUeN5YEuJpC3Be2ZtWS-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HugKUeN5YEuJpC3Be2ZtWS-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"99vw\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">1<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>Juan Ayuso focuses on Canadian Classics, World Championships and Monument debut at Il Lombardia for second half of season<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">2<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>&#8216;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<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">3<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>Tour de France Femmes stage winners Lorena Wiebes and Kim Le Court-Pienaar headline star-studded start list for Tour of Britain Women<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">4<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>&#8216;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<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">5<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>&#8216;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<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"page-content-onecol flex-1\nnews-article article\n\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"widget-area-group widget-area-group-2col flex flex-wrap box-border\">\n<div id=\"widgetArea16\" class=\"widget-area basis-full md:basis-2\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-2-3 page-widget-area-16\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"hero\" id=\"hero\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-hero widget-hero widget-hero-hero widget-hero widget-hero-fter-news\">\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRacing\n<\/li>\n<li>\nWomen&#8217;s Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nTour de France Femmes\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>Vollering&#8217;s World Championships quest, Courtney&#8217;s WorldTour debut and big transfer intrigue \u2013 Six compelling storylines to follow in women&#8217;s cycling for the rest of 2026<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"vds-byline-block flex flex-row flex-nowrap my-1.5 gap-2 text-left items-start justify-start\" data-component-name=\"Article:BylineBlock\">\n<p>Features<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-auto vds-simple-byline\"><span class=\"inline-block vds-author\"><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nOwen Rogers <\/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=\"2026-08-14T11:24:38Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n14 August 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">The Tour de France Femmes is over but there&#8217;s still plenty to look forward to for the women&#8217;s peloton<\/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\/JbdtRhSzSmfnMu7pTobY6T-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JbdtRhSzSmfnMu7pTobY6T-1600-80.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JbdtRhSzSmfnMu7pTobY6T-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JbdtRhSzSmfnMu7pTobY6T-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JbdtRhSzSmfnMu7pTobY6T-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JbdtRhSzSmfnMu7pTobY6T-750-80.jpg.webp 750w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JbdtRhSzSmfnMu7pTobY6T-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JbdtRhSzSmfnMu7pTobY6T-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JbdtRhSzSmfnMu7pTobY6T-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 600px, 100vw\" \/><figcaption class=\"font-article-copy text-(--image--text--color) font-article-copy mt-2\"><span class=\"caption-text font-article-copy\">Vollering ticked off a huge goal at the Tour de France, can she take rainbow next?<\/span><span class=\"credit font-article-copy\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo\" class=\"contents\" data-only-inline=\"0\">\n<div class=\"visible flex flex-row flex-nowrap sticky max-lg:-ml-5 top-[var(--site-header-height,60px)] sm:top-0 z-[9994] w-screen lg:w-full h-[50px] bg-white p-0 mb-5 border-neutral-200 border border-solid xl:hidden\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Variants:Inline\" data-analytics-id=\"sticky-nav\" id=\"sticky-nav--inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"sticky-nav\">\n<div class=\"flex flex-row w-full h-full overflow-x-scroll overflow-y-hidden tracking-normal overscroll-x-contain\" id=\"sticky-nav__scroll-container\"><span class=\"pl-4 my-auto text-base font-semibold font-article-heading lg:pl-3 lg:text-sm whitespace-nowrap uppercase\">Jump To:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-row w-auto border-y-0\">\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\nborder-b-[3px] border-b-(--jumpto-underline-color) border-solid font-semibold \" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>The remaining races of 2026<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>Can Demi Vollering finally win a rainbow jersey?\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>Kate Courtney hits the road<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>Will anyone topple Lorena Wiebes?<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>Where will some of the top names land?<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>The route for the 2027 Tour de France Femmes<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\"text-copy bodyCopy auto paywall-locker\">\n<div data-analytics-id=\"utility-bar\" id=\"utility-bar\" class=\"font-ui-heading flex justify-between items-center py-2 border-t border-b border-gray-300 border-solid mb-5 mx-auto\" data-component-name=\"UtilityBar\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"utility-bar\">\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div data-component-name=\"Social:Dropdown\" role=\"menu\" id=\"utilitybar__dropdown--share\" aria-labelledby=\"utilitybar__button--share\" class=\"absolute left-0 top-full w-44 bg-white rounded-md shadow-md border border-neutral-200 z-[9996] list-none m-0 py-2 px-3 border-solid\">\n<ul class=\"m-0!\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Facebook<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>X<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Pinterest<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Email<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-share-this-article\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nShare this article\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\"><span class=\"ml-1 inline-flex h-5 px-2 shrink-0 items-center justify-center self-center overflow-hidden whitespace-nowrap rounded-[10px] bg-primary-500 text-[11px] leading-none font-ui-heading font-semibold text-white\">0<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-join-the-conversation\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nJoin the conversation\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<p>Follow us<\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-add-us-as-a-preferred-source-on-google\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nAdd us as a preferred source on Google\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-subscribe-to-our-newsletter\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nSubscribe to our newsletter\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-61fd7c6e-971c-11f1-8d34-5728edc1a7ff\">This year\u2019s Tour de France Femmes was arguably the best of the five editions since the race reappeared on the calendar, but what\u2019s next for the women\u2019s peloton?<\/p>\n<p>The women\u2019s sport has seen a huge expansion since the Tour\u2019s return in 2022, and the hallmark race brings in new fans and followers each summer, but sometimes the attention on the sport can fade slightly once the winner has packed away her yellow jersey and headed home.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-61fd7c6e-971c-11f1-8d34-5728edc1a7ff-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">However, there\u2019s so much going on in the women\u2019s peloton beyond the Tour as the season continues, be it the rest of the WorldTour season, the upcoming World Championships, or the transfer market.<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-6 w-full overflow-hidden rounded-[10px] lg:my-8\" data-component-name=\"JwPlayer:Carousel\" data-jwp-carousel data-jwp-carousel-payload=\"{&quot;ids&quot;:{&quot;playerID&quot;:&quot;jYDCcabO&quot;,&quot;searchPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;gwjdoYHD&quot;,&quot;divID&quot;:&quot;botr_gwjdoYHD_jYDCcabO_div&quot;,&quot;fallbackPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;gwjdoYHD&quot;,&quot;fallbackDivID&quot;:&quot;botr_gwjdoYHD_jYDCcabO_div&quot;,&quot;key&quot;:&quot;X9\/mXVGac0NphghLH9hZaqWA5d3dhAM\/Ih07grnEyMLjuO2E&quot;,&quot;tintLogo&quot;:true,&quot;useSearchPlaylist&quot;:false,&quot;enabled&quot;:true},&quot;signPostingEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;signPostingLinkEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;waitForAdLoad&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnDesktop&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnMobile&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnTablet&quot;:false}\">\n<div class=\"flex flex-nowrap items-center justify-between gap-3 bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-header>\n<div class=\"flex min-w-0 shrink items-center\"><span class=\"inline-flex items-center gap-1.5 text-sm font-article-heading capitalize leading-5 text-white whitespace-nowrap\"><span class=\"jwp-carousel-title-desktop\">Latest Videos From<\/span><span class=\"jwp-carousel-brand\">Cyclingnews<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"min-h-[44px] bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting><a class=\"invisible block truncate text-sm font-bold leading-5 text-white underline decoration-solid underline-offset-2\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting-link href target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span data-jwp-carousel-signposting-title>Watch full video here: <\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">So what have we got to look forward to in the remaining weeks of 2026, and which stories can you expect to see filling the pages here at <em>Cyclingnews<\/em>? From transfers to big races still to come, here&#8217;s six compelling storylines to keep an eye on for the rest of this year.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-the-remaining-races-of-2026\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>The remaining races of 2026<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-61fd7e44-971c-11f1-aab1-e92a6156e220\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">As the Tour de France Femmes finds its place in our collective memories, thoughts naturally turn to the next races where we can see the top riders competing, and the calendar has not been kind, with only nine days of WorldTour racing left this season. Despite this, we only have to wait until next week to see some of the Tour de France stars in action again.<\/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\/gudJt74K2JHZiJzWScBRLT-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gudJt74K2JHZiJzWScBRLT-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\">Eight things we learnt from a spellbinding edition of the Tour de France Femmes<\/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\/x2erRPrkRHSd8wS8rNtXkN-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/x2erRPrkRHSd8wS8rNtXkN-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Tour de France Femmes contenders \u2013 Demi Vollering and Pauline Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot poised for fantastic duel with Ventoux finale<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#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\/iemamTjEsJtjARAiDGwUDD-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iemamTjEsJtjARAiDGwUDD-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\">Wide open Tour de Suisse Women as Demi Vollering skips race to prepare for Tour de France Femmes &#8211; Analysing the contenders<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The Tour of Britain Women starts on Wednesday, August 19, with Tour de France stage winner Kim Le Court-Pienaar (AG Insurance-Soudal) set to return after winning the opening stage last year. Also listed is green jersey winner Lorena Wiebes and her SD Worx-Protime teammate Lotte Kopecky, and they\u2019re not the only big names. A punchy course with something for everyone is what has attracted such a stellar field, and we\u2019re almost certain to witness five days of entertaining racing.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-f11c5974-97c6-11f1-a2a8-3f7c772771f5\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hBTuiBVRYsEi7mhBHUD9D6-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hBTuiBVRYsEi7mhBHUD9D6-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hBTuiBVRYsEi7mhBHUD9D6-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hBTuiBVRYsEi7mhBHUD9D6-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hBTuiBVRYsEi7mhBHUD9D6-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hBTuiBVRYsEi7mhBHUD9D6-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Lorena Wiebes (SD Worx-Protime) is one of a number of stars slated to start the Tour of Britain Women <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-61fd7f2a-971c-11f1-a9be-cf71d503e972\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The final European race on the WorldTour calendar comes at the end of August, on the rolling roads around Plouay with the one-day Classic Lorient Agglom\u00e9ration, which always provides tense, unpredictable racing and a good start list. After that, the WorldTour takes six weeks off before heading to China for the Tour of Chongming Island. With its bridges for climbs and nailed on bunch sprints it can be a bit of a snooze-fest, but new regulations around teams\u2019 attendance at races means we should have better teams and a higher level of competition.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-FkouKjMXBsbYvQqya2qvSK\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-FkouKjMXBsbYvQqya2qvSK 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\">The paucity of top-level racing after August somewhat undermines much of the momentum the Tour de France bestows on the sport. However, there are reasons for it, with the Tour de Romandie F\u00e9minin being cancelled due to a lack of funds and the Simac Ladies Tour dropping down the race hierarchy and becoming the Eneco Tour Women.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Luckily, we do have a series of second-tier races coming up with the Pointe du Raz Ladies Classic, La Choralais Fourmies, GP Region Stuttgart, while the Italian pair of Giro dell\u2019Emilia Internazionale and Tre Valli Varesine are always excellent competitive events.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">And of course there are the World Championships, this year held in Montr\u00e9al in September.<\/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\/ePxGEBDAcx43r8MiDvwGvn-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ePxGEBDAcx43r8MiDvwGvn-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\">Five years in, this Tour de France Femmes looks like it will be the best edition yet<\/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\/RuyNbGWyNRynWWLuycEZQJ-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RuyNbGWyNRynWWLuycEZQJ-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\">Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney reigns as queen of Mont Ventoux, but the Tour de France Femmes crown is still up for grabs\u00a0\u2013 Analysis<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2LH57uMLxJAHcbapBJHNMa-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2LH57uMLxJAHcbapBJHNMa-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\">From the dominant to the anonymous \u2013\u00a0Rating every team&#8217;s Tour de France Femmes performance<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-can-demi-vollering-finally-win-a-rainbow-jersey\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Can Demi Vollering finally win a rainbow jersey?\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-61fd7fe8-971c-11f1-99c5-fff26738b2e6\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Demi Vollering (FDJ United-Suez) has won two Tours de France, the Giro d&#8217;Italia Women and Vuelta Femenina, and a host of top Classics. She\u2019s the sport\u2019s leading name, arguably its best climber, up there with the leading time trialists, and she even has the punch to mix it in a sprint finish, but she\u2019s never won the rainbow jersey. Could this be her year?<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">She\u2019s come close more than once, improving each year from 56th place in her 2019 debut. She was seventh in 2021 and has never finished outside the top 10 since. She was second to Lotte Kopecky in Glasgow in 2023, but when Kopecky won again in Switzerland the following year, the Belgian out-witted Vollering in the final before out-muscling her in the sprint.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">But Vollering is a far more savvy rider these days. Gone are the moments of poor positioning and she is far less willing to do all the work, but there are still moments when she plays the game and loses.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-f11c5a1e-97c6-11f1-897a-4fee477a9798\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jQAo5tMmjQAM9J3UuFC9Nf-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jQAo5tMmjQAM9J3UuFC9Nf-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jQAo5tMmjQAM9J3UuFC9Nf-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jQAo5tMmjQAM9J3UuFC9Nf-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jQAo5tMmjQAM9J3UuFC9Nf-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jQAo5tMmjQAM9J3UuFC9Nf-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">She&#8217;s won almost everything there is to win, but can she finally take the rainbow jersey? <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-61fd80a6-971c-11f1-b523-fd77e050914f\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Last year she was part of a group of favourites that stared each other into the abyss, as Magdeleine Vallieres took the jersey. More recently, on Mont Ventoux during the Tour de France Femmes, she and Marlen Reusser concentrated only on each other, paying the price as Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney (Canyon-SRAM) rode away to stage victory and into yellow.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">At 180km, this year\u2019s Worlds course is the longest in the race\u2019s history, more than 120km further than when Elsy Jacobs became the first woman to win the rainbow jersey in 1958, and three times the length of the last women\u2019s World Championships held in Montr\u00e9al.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The opening 60km are almost flat, with the vast majority of the 2,400m of vertical ascent coming during eight laps of a lumpy closing circuit, which is sure to make for a tough, attritional final. Whether it\u2019s a pure climber\u2019s course or not is open to conjecture, but Vollering seems to fit the bill any way you look at it.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-kate-courtney-hits-the-road\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Kate Courtney hits the road<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-61fd815a-971c-11f1-9560-599547a137e5\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Kate Courtney has long been a star of the mountain bike world, the American winning a host of the most illustrious off-road races, including multiple US titles, Cape Epic, the overall World Cup and two rainbow jerseys. At last year\u2019s Leadville Trail MTB 100 she smashed the course record en route to taking the title at her first attempt.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">However, rather than returning to Leadville to defend that title and take on the amended route, Courtney is beginning a new challenge on the road. She made her debut in UCI-level road racing earlier this year, riding for the US national team at the Tour Feminin in Czechia, finishing 13th overall and winning the final stage in the 2.2 level event.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-1e24b2ca-97c9-11f1-8832-cf7503b5f711\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/i4y3mEn3Eu9TTuZXYcmiY-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/i4y3mEn3Eu9TTuZXYcmiY-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/i4y3mEn3Eu9TTuZXYcmiY-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/i4y3mEn3Eu9TTuZXYcmiY-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/i4y3mEn3Eu9TTuZXYcmiY-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/i4y3mEn3Eu9TTuZXYcmiY-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">After switching from MTB to road what can Kate Courtney do? <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-1e24b338-97c9-11f1-b7cf-1d7d5ca56eed\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">After adding another stars and stripes jersey to her collection at the US Road Nationals in June, the 30-year-old signed with Demi Vollering\u2019s FDJ team, taking personal sponsor Red Bull with her, on a deal taking her through to the end of 2028, past her home Olympic Games.<\/p>\n<div class=\"fancy-box kiosq-b\" id=\"elk-b8ad36e2-97d2-11f1-b715-25dd8ee2675a\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"fancy_box-title\">Read more<\/div>\n<div class=\"fancy_box_body\">\n<ul>\n<li><strong>&#8216;It&#8217;s less about finding a few more watts, more about understanding the strategy&#8217; \u2013 Kate Courtney&#8217;s road discovery continues with Tour de France Femmes special appearance<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-b8ad3764-97d2-11f1-b82e-6b084638c77d\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">While some riders find the switch to the road difficult, that has not been the case for Courtney, whose programme has been greatly helped by the team\u2019s approach. After riding two lumpy, 1.1 races in France, guiding teammate Eva van Agt to victory in one of them, she headed to Belgium, essentially on a mission to learn, riding three kermesses, winning two and finishing second in the other.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">A flick through Courtney\u2019s Instagram illustrates that she knows how much she still has to learn, and we will see just how much that is next week when she starts the Tour of Britain Women. Whatever she has to learn, Courtney is clearly born to race bikes and her progress on the road will be fascinating to follow.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-will-anyone-topple-lorena-wiebes\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Will anyone topple Lorena Wiebes?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-61fd8218-971c-11f1-9844-350d93c42973\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">We\u2019ve known it for a while now, but if a race finishes in a bunch sprint and Lorena Wiebes is there, the SD Worx-Protime rider is almost certain to win. She is without doubt the best and most consistent sprinter in the peloton. We know it, her team know it, and her rivals certainly know it too.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">But, like all things, her dominance is certain to end sometime \u2013 the big question is when.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">This year does not yet count as a vintage season for Wiebes. Last year she added 25 victories to her burgeoning palmar\u00e8s; this year there have <em>only<\/em> been 15 so far. And we\u2019ve even seen her lose a bunch sprint for the first time in almost two years as Carys Lloyd (Movistar) won the Ronde van Brugge. And of course, there was that disqualification from the Giro d\u2019Italia for a bike weight infringement after crossing the line first.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">She hardly seems vulnerable, though \u2013 just look at her two stage wins at the Tour de France, both of which included more than 1,500m of vertical ascent, and both of which were conquered with relative ease.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-1e24b3b0-97c9-11f1-9549-1d42f02ca089\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/snWa7hZAgwdotGk2PtBoyV-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/snWa7hZAgwdotGk2PtBoyV-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/snWa7hZAgwdotGk2PtBoyV-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/snWa7hZAgwdotGk2PtBoyV-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/snWa7hZAgwdotGk2PtBoyV-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/snWa7hZAgwdotGk2PtBoyV-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Will Elisa Balsamo (Lidl-Trek) be the one to break Lorena Wiebes&#8217; winning spell? <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-1e24b41e-97c9-11f1-84db-dda1d8d9bbd6\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Other than her aura of invincibility, another thing working in Wiebes\u2019 favour is the lack of form among her rivals. Elisa Balsamo (Lidl-Trek) has struggled this year, Lara Gillespie (UAE Team L\u2019IMAD) hasn\u2019t yet clicked, and after a promising start to 2026, Charlotte Kool (Fenix-Premier Tech) has tailed off drastically, failing to finish the Tour after finishing OTL on Ventoux.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">With a couple of Tour of Britain stages likely to finish in a bunch kick, the other sprinters have chances of toppling Wiebes in the coming days, and the Tour of Chongming Island routinely provides three sprints. Away from the top tier, La Choralis Fourmies is one for the fast women and the Eneco Tour Women will have multiple chances. But these are chances for Wiebes too and no one would bet against her adding significantly to her 133 wins.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;There will be a point that I will be beaten in a sprint and probably the media thinks a lot about that,&#8221; she told us at the UAE Tour, where she won three stages. &#8220;But then for me just focus on the good things and keep on improving and keep on being the best version that I can be.&#8221;<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-where-will-some-of-the-top-names-land\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Where will some of the top names land?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-61fd8358-971c-11f1-b95a-a9baea94fda6\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney and Paula Blasi were two of the biggest stars of the Tour de France Femmes, but could be two of the biggest names on the transfer market this season, too.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">After winning Amstel Gold Race and the Vuelta earlier in the year, Blasi finished fifth on her debut at the Tour, one of three riders from UAE Team L&#8217;Imad in the top 10. This despite media questioning of not only the squad\u2019s leadership on the road, but also the Spaniard\u2019s continued presence on the team.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">There has been speculation over Niewiadoma-Phinney\u2019s future too, with her contract at Canyon-SRAM expiring at the end of this year and a move away apparently on the cards.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">She\u2019s been with the German team since 2018, having begun her career at Rabobank-Liv in 2013, and has flourished there, and while she is not a regular winner, when they come, her victories tend to be huge statements. A move away would be a huge loss for the team, but she\u2019s the real deal and will be an excellent addition to whichever team she joins.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-1e24b48c-97c9-11f1-8b2b-bb5bdc257e04\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xmsa2WeWHHczWw6xrWESxS-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xmsa2WeWHHczWw6xrWESxS-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xmsa2WeWHHczWw6xrWESxS-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xmsa2WeWHHczWw6xrWESxS-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xmsa2WeWHHczWw6xrWESxS-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xmsa2WeWHHczWw6xrWESxS-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Paula Blasi has ridden for UAE Team L&#8217;IMAD this year, but where will she be in 2027? <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-1e24b4f0-97c9-11f1-b9a1-2d5f0d341208\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">On the other hand, the inexperienced Blasi is more of a risk for any team willing to buy her out of her contract at UAE, which officially expires at the end of 2027. After starting her career in triathlon and duathlon, she burst onto the cycling scene last year following a season racing at club level in her native Spain.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Moving to UAE\u2019s development team, she was soon promoted to the WorldTeam, winning the mountain time trial at the Tour de Romandie F\u00e9minin. This year her development has continued, with Amstel Gold Race her own statement win, followed by the general classification at the Vuelta.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">There have been plenty of other wins since then too, and she\u2019s clearly a huge talent, but whether she can justify the prospect of being the sport\u2019s first million-Euro woman remains to be seen.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-after-such-a-brilliant-2026-tour-what-will-next-year-s-route-serve-us\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>After such a brilliant 2026 Tour what will next year&#8217;s route serve us?\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-61fd84de-971c-11f1-aba9-c1d11cf08266\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">This year\u2019s Tour was a microcosm of the women\u2019s sport itself. At the start of the week Demi Vollering was the nailed-on favourite to win overall and though she achieved that, wow, was it exciting.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">I don\u2019t believe in constantly judging women&#8217;s cycling against men&#8217;s cycling, but it&#8217;s worth noting that five riders wore yellow across the nine stages of the Tour de France Femmes against the three during the 21 stages of the men&#8217;s Tour. The sprint days were barely that, and other than the Mont Ventoux day, the rest of the stages consisted of punchy days, the route certainly contributing to the spectacle.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">So what of next year?<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The route for the 2027 race will be revealed, as usual, alongside the men\u2019s in late October. What we do know is that the opening stages will be held in the north of England, which will hopefully provide some lumpy stages through the Peak District before the team time trial in London.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">However, we\u2019ll have to wait to see what happens when the race returns to home soil. After such a successful 2026 organisers might be tempted to try a repeat, packing the race with punchy stages of varying degrees, but variety is key. Like last year there need to be editions with more than one visit to the high mountains, some seasons with a time trial and some without.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-1e24b568-97c9-11f1-8bd4-6774ba4f01b5\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vJdgewHEQSiy3jGppZ4SB4-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vJdgewHEQSiy3jGppZ4SB4-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vJdgewHEQSiy3jGppZ4SB4-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vJdgewHEQSiy3jGppZ4SB4-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vJdgewHEQSiy3jGppZ4SB4-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vJdgewHEQSiy3jGppZ4SB4-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Tour de France Femmes race director, Marion Rousse will reveal the 2027 route in October <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-1e24b5cc-97c9-11f1-974a-3304c16cdaf4\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">What they should not do, and what they have already acknowledged, is make the race too hard.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;We can make the race harder, but do we want to? Not necessarily,&#8221; race director Marion Rousse said at the conclusion of this year\u2019s event. &#8220;I don&#8217;t favour constantly raising the level of difficulty, but that&#8217;s a personal point of view.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I&#8217;ve had experience as a TV media analyst and sometimes, when it&#8217;s too tough, that kills off the suspense because riders just look at each other until the last climb.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">We\u2019ll let you know what they decide.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-61fd85a6-971c-11f1-b864-9dc8ab288891\" 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 id=\"slice-container-authorBio-FkouKjMXBsbYvQqya2qvSK\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-FkouKjMXBsbYvQqya2qvSK slice-container-authorBio\">\n<div class=\"author author__default-layout author--separator author--collapsible\" data-hydrate=\"true\">\n<div class=\"author__header\">\n<div class=\"author__heading\">\n<div class=\"author__name\">Owen Rogers<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>Owen Rogers is an experienced journalist, covering the sport for various magazines and websites for more than 10 years.<\/p>\n<p>Initially concentrating mainly on the women&#8217;s sport, he has covered hundreds of race days on the ground and interviewed some of the sport&#8217;s biggest names.<\/p>\n<p>Living near Cambridge in the UK, when he&#8217;s not working you&#8217;ll find him either riding his bike or playing drums.<\/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\/gudJt74K2JHZiJzWScBRLT-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gudJt74K2JHZiJzWScBRLT-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gudJt74K2JHZiJzWScBRLT-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gudJt74K2JHZiJzWScBRLT-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gudJt74K2JHZiJzWScBRLT-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\">Eight things we learnt from a spellbinding edition of the Tour de France Femmes<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/x2erRPrkRHSd8wS8rNtXkN-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/x2erRPrkRHSd8wS8rNtXkN-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/x2erRPrkRHSd8wS8rNtXkN-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/x2erRPrkRHSd8wS8rNtXkN-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/x2erRPrkRHSd8wS8rNtXkN-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Tour de France Femmes contenders \u2013 Demi Vollering and Pauline Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot poised for fantastic duel with Ventoux finale<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iemamTjEsJtjARAiDGwUDD-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iemamTjEsJtjARAiDGwUDD-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iemamTjEsJtjARAiDGwUDD-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iemamTjEsJtjARAiDGwUDD-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iemamTjEsJtjARAiDGwUDD-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\">Wide open Tour de Suisse Women as Demi Vollering skips race to prepare for Tour de France Femmes &#8211; Analysing the contenders<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ePxGEBDAcx43r8MiDvwGvn-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ePxGEBDAcx43r8MiDvwGvn-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ePxGEBDAcx43r8MiDvwGvn-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ePxGEBDAcx43r8MiDvwGvn-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ePxGEBDAcx43r8MiDvwGvn-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\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Five years in, this Tour de France Femmes looks like it will be the best edition yet<\/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\/RuyNbGWyNRynWWLuycEZQJ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RuyNbGWyNRynWWLuycEZQJ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RuyNbGWyNRynWWLuycEZQJ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RuyNbGWyNRynWWLuycEZQJ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RuyNbGWyNRynWWLuycEZQJ-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\">Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney reigns as queen of Mont Ventoux, but the Tour de France Femmes crown is still up for grabs\u00a0\u2013 Analysis<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2LH57uMLxJAHcbapBJHNMa-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2LH57uMLxJAHcbapBJHNMa-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2LH57uMLxJAHcbapBJHNMa-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2LH57uMLxJAHcbapBJHNMa-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2LH57uMLxJAHcbapBJHNMa-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">From the dominant to the anonymous \u2013\u00a0Rating every team&#8217;s Tour de France Femmes performance<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\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\/XipbbNg4vS7f35eVBKyQQK-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XipbbNg4vS7f35eVBKyQQK-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XipbbNg4vS7f35eVBKyQQK-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XipbbNg4vS7f35eVBKyQQK-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XipbbNg4vS7f35eVBKyQQK-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;The worst best decision I&#8217;ve ever made&#8217; \u2013 Chlo\u00e9 Dygert issues recovery update following double surgery<\/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\/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\/ftMV5A6itK5gn9kVKeYAxZ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ftMV5A6itK5gn9kVKeYAxZ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ftMV5A6itK5gn9kVKeYAxZ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ftMV5A6itK5gn9kVKeYAxZ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ftMV5A6itK5gn9kVKeYAxZ-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I don&#8217;t think the gap is that wide&#8217; \u2013 Elisa Longo Borghini already thinking about battling Vollering and Niewiadoma-Phinney at 2027 Tour de France Femmes<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/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>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-articletype\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Features<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DHDUmMFyWKjajpeGvb2Q3L-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DHDUmMFyWKjajpeGvb2Q3L-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DHDUmMFyWKjajpeGvb2Q3L-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DHDUmMFyWKjajpeGvb2Q3L-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DHDUmMFyWKjajpeGvb2Q3L-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;He created what you might call a philosophy&#8217; \u2013 Giancarlo Ferretti, the &#8216;Iron Sergeant&#8217; with a human touch \u2013 Obituary<\/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\/wiTqxZCJPWKHRiE7rappmm-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wiTqxZCJPWKHRiE7rappmm-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wiTqxZCJPWKHRiE7rappmm-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wiTqxZCJPWKHRiE7rappmm-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wiTqxZCJPWKHRiE7rappmm-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\">Overcoming RED-S, inspirational Mexican debut, and a 21-year-old in the top 10 \u2013 North American roundup from the Tour de France Femmes<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NHDWzNEDcTfKcah9ajHBbL-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NHDWzNEDcTfKcah9ajHBbL-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NHDWzNEDcTfKcah9ajHBbL-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NHDWzNEDcTfKcah9ajHBbL-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NHDWzNEDcTfKcah9ajHBbL-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\">An altitude camp, 20-minute power PB, and abandoning Burgos &#8211; Inside the preparation for my first Grand Tour<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2LH57uMLxJAHcbapBJHNMa-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2LH57uMLxJAHcbapBJHNMa-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2LH57uMLxJAHcbapBJHNMa-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2LH57uMLxJAHcbapBJHNMa-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2LH57uMLxJAHcbapBJHNMa-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">From the dominant to the anonymous \u2013\u00a0Rating every team&#8217;s Tour de France Femmes performance<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NrBE7CAKSQNnFqUy4Uwsd9-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NrBE7CAKSQNnFqUy4Uwsd9-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NrBE7CAKSQNnFqUy4Uwsd9-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NrBE7CAKSQNnFqUy4Uwsd9-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NrBE7CAKSQNnFqUy4Uwsd9-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Pro Bikes<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Battle of the brands: Who won with what at the 2026 Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift?<\/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\/gudJt74K2JHZiJzWScBRLT-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gudJt74K2JHZiJzWScBRLT-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gudJt74K2JHZiJzWScBRLT-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gudJt74K2JHZiJzWScBRLT-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gudJt74K2JHZiJzWScBRLT-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\">Eight things we learnt from a spellbinding edition of the Tour de France Femmes<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/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\/HugKUeN5YEuJpC3Be2ZtWS-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HugKUeN5YEuJpC3Be2ZtWS-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HugKUeN5YEuJpC3Be2ZtWS-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HugKUeN5YEuJpC3Be2ZtWS-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"99vw\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">1<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>Juan Ayuso focuses on Canadian Classics, World Championships and Monument debut at Il Lombardia for second half of season<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">2<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>&#8216;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<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">3<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>Tour de France Femmes stage winners Lorena Wiebes and Kim Le Court-Pienaar headline star-studded start list for Tour of Britain Women<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">4<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>&#8216;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<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">5<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>&#8216;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<\/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>\nTour de France Femmes\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>Vollering&#8217;s World Championships quest, Courtney&#8217;s WorldTour debut and big transfer intrigue \u2013 Six compelling storylines to follow in women&#8217;s cycling for the rest of 2026<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"vds-byline-block flex flex-row flex-nowrap my-1.5 gap-2 text-left items-start justify-start\" data-component-name=\"Article:BylineBlock\">\n<p>Features<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-auto vds-simple-byline\"><span class=\"inline-block vds-author\"><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nOwen Rogers <\/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=\"2026-08-14T11:24:38Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n14 August 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">The Tour de France Femmes is over but there&#8217;s still plenty to look forward to for the women&#8217;s peloton<\/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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newsletter\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-61fd7c6e-971c-11f1-8d34-5728edc1a7ff\">This year\u2019s Tour de France Femmes was arguably the best of the five editions since the race reappeared on the calendar, but what\u2019s next for the women\u2019s peloton?<\/p>\n<p>The women\u2019s sport has seen a huge expansion since the Tour\u2019s return in 2022, and the hallmark race brings in new fans and followers each summer, but sometimes the attention on the sport can fade slightly once the winner has packed away her yellow jersey and headed home.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-61fd7c6e-971c-11f1-8d34-5728edc1a7ff-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">However, there\u2019s so much going on in the women\u2019s peloton beyond the Tour as the season continues, be it the rest of the WorldTour season, the upcoming World Championships, or the transfer market.<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-6 w-full overflow-hidden rounded-[10px] lg:my-8\" data-component-name=\"JwPlayer:Carousel\" data-jwp-carousel data-jwp-carousel-payload=\"{&quot;ids&quot;:{&quot;playerID&quot;:&quot;jYDCcabO&quot;,&quot;searchPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;gwjdoYHD&quot;,&quot;divID&quot;:&quot;botr_gwjdoYHD_jYDCcabO_div&quot;,&quot;fallbackPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;gwjdoYHD&quot;,&quot;fallbackDivID&quot;:&quot;botr_gwjdoYHD_jYDCcabO_div&quot;,&quot;key&quot;:&quot;X9\/mXVGac0NphghLH9hZaqWA5d3dhAM\/Ih07grnEyMLjuO2E&quot;,&quot;tintLogo&quot;:true,&quot;useSearchPlaylist&quot;:false,&quot;enabled&quot;:true},&quot;signPostingEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;signPostingLinkEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;waitForAdLoad&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnDesktop&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnMobile&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnTablet&quot;:false}\">\n<div class=\"flex flex-nowrap items-center justify-between gap-3 bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-header>\n<div class=\"flex min-w-0 shrink items-center\"><span class=\"inline-flex items-center gap-1.5 text-sm font-article-heading capitalize leading-5 text-white whitespace-nowrap\"><span class=\"jwp-carousel-title-desktop\">Latest Videos From<\/span><span class=\"jwp-carousel-brand\">Cyclingnews<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"min-h-[44px] bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting><a class=\"invisible block truncate text-sm font-bold leading-5 text-white underline decoration-solid underline-offset-2\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting-link href target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span data-jwp-carousel-signposting-title>Watch full video here: <\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">So what have we got to look forward to in the remaining weeks of 2026, and which stories can you expect to see filling the pages here at <em>Cyclingnews<\/em>? From transfers to big races still to come, here&#8217;s six compelling storylines to keep an eye on for the rest of this year.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-the-remaining-races-of-2026\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>The remaining races of 2026<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-61fd7e44-971c-11f1-aab1-e92a6156e220\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">As the Tour de France Femmes finds its place in our collective memories, thoughts naturally turn to the next races where we can see the top riders competing, and the calendar has not been kind, with only nine days of WorldTour racing left this season. Despite this, we only have to wait until next week to see some of the Tour de France stars in action again.<\/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\/gudJt74K2JHZiJzWScBRLT-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gudJt74K2JHZiJzWScBRLT-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\">Eight things we learnt from a spellbinding edition of the Tour de France Femmes<\/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\/x2erRPrkRHSd8wS8rNtXkN-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/x2erRPrkRHSd8wS8rNtXkN-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Tour de France Femmes contenders \u2013 Demi Vollering and Pauline Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot poised for fantastic duel with Ventoux finale<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#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\/iemamTjEsJtjARAiDGwUDD-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iemamTjEsJtjARAiDGwUDD-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\">Wide open Tour de Suisse Women as Demi Vollering skips race to prepare for Tour de France Femmes &#8211; Analysing the contenders<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The Tour of Britain Women starts on Wednesday, August 19, with Tour de France stage winner Kim Le Court-Pienaar (AG Insurance-Soudal) set to return after winning the opening stage last year. Also listed is green jersey winner Lorena Wiebes and her SD Worx-Protime teammate Lotte Kopecky, and they\u2019re not the only big names. A punchy course with something for everyone is what has attracted such a stellar field, and we\u2019re almost certain to witness five days of entertaining racing.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-f11c5974-97c6-11f1-a2a8-3f7c772771f5\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hBTuiBVRYsEi7mhBHUD9D6-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hBTuiBVRYsEi7mhBHUD9D6-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hBTuiBVRYsEi7mhBHUD9D6-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hBTuiBVRYsEi7mhBHUD9D6-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hBTuiBVRYsEi7mhBHUD9D6-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hBTuiBVRYsEi7mhBHUD9D6-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Lorena Wiebes (SD Worx-Protime) is one of a number of stars slated to start the Tour of Britain Women <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-61fd7f2a-971c-11f1-a9be-cf71d503e972\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The final European race on the WorldTour calendar comes at the end of August, on the rolling roads around Plouay with the one-day Classic Lorient Agglom\u00e9ration, which always provides tense, unpredictable racing and a good start list. After that, the WorldTour takes six weeks off before heading to China for the Tour of Chongming Island. With its bridges for climbs and nailed on bunch sprints it can be a bit of a snooze-fest, but new regulations around teams\u2019 attendance at races means we should have better teams and a higher level of competition.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-FkouKjMXBsbYvQqya2qvSK\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-FkouKjMXBsbYvQqya2qvSK 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\">The paucity of top-level racing after August somewhat undermines much of the momentum the Tour de France bestows on the sport. However, there are reasons for it, with the Tour de Romandie F\u00e9minin being cancelled due to a lack of funds and the Simac Ladies Tour dropping down the race hierarchy and becoming the Eneco Tour Women.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Luckily, we do have a series of second-tier races coming up with the Pointe du Raz Ladies Classic, La Choralais Fourmies, GP Region Stuttgart, while the Italian pair of Giro dell\u2019Emilia Internazionale and Tre Valli Varesine are always excellent competitive events.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">And of course there are the World Championships, this year held in Montr\u00e9al in September.<\/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\/ePxGEBDAcx43r8MiDvwGvn-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ePxGEBDAcx43r8MiDvwGvn-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\">Five years in, this Tour de France Femmes looks like it will be the best edition yet<\/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\/RuyNbGWyNRynWWLuycEZQJ-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RuyNbGWyNRynWWLuycEZQJ-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\">Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney reigns as queen of Mont Ventoux, but the Tour de France Femmes crown is still up for grabs\u00a0\u2013 Analysis<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2LH57uMLxJAHcbapBJHNMa-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2LH57uMLxJAHcbapBJHNMa-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\">From the dominant to the anonymous \u2013\u00a0Rating every team&#8217;s Tour de France Femmes performance<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-can-demi-vollering-finally-win-a-rainbow-jersey\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Can Demi Vollering finally win a rainbow jersey?\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-61fd7fe8-971c-11f1-99c5-fff26738b2e6\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Demi Vollering (FDJ United-Suez) has won two Tours de France, the Giro d&#8217;Italia Women and Vuelta Femenina, and a host of top Classics. She\u2019s the sport\u2019s leading name, arguably its best climber, up there with the leading time trialists, and she even has the punch to mix it in a sprint finish, but she\u2019s never won the rainbow jersey. Could this be her year?<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">She\u2019s come close more than once, improving each year from 56th place in her 2019 debut. She was seventh in 2021 and has never finished outside the top 10 since. She was second to Lotte Kopecky in Glasgow in 2023, but when Kopecky won again in Switzerland the following year, the Belgian out-witted Vollering in the final before out-muscling her in the sprint.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">But Vollering is a far more savvy rider these days. Gone are the moments of poor positioning and she is far less willing to do all the work, but there are still moments when she plays the game and loses.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-f11c5a1e-97c6-11f1-897a-4fee477a9798\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jQAo5tMmjQAM9J3UuFC9Nf-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jQAo5tMmjQAM9J3UuFC9Nf-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jQAo5tMmjQAM9J3UuFC9Nf-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jQAo5tMmjQAM9J3UuFC9Nf-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jQAo5tMmjQAM9J3UuFC9Nf-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jQAo5tMmjQAM9J3UuFC9Nf-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">She&#8217;s won almost everything there is to win, but can she finally take the rainbow jersey? <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-61fd80a6-971c-11f1-b523-fd77e050914f\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Last year she was part of a group of favourites that stared each other into the abyss, as Magdeleine Vallieres took the jersey. More recently, on Mont Ventoux during the Tour de France Femmes, she and Marlen Reusser concentrated only on each other, paying the price as Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney (Canyon-SRAM) rode away to stage victory and into yellow.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">At 180km, this year\u2019s Worlds course is the longest in the race\u2019s history, more than 120km further than when Elsy Jacobs became the first woman to win the rainbow jersey in 1958, and three times the length of the last women\u2019s World Championships held in Montr\u00e9al.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The opening 60km are almost flat, with the vast majority of the 2,400m of vertical ascent coming during eight laps of a lumpy closing circuit, which is sure to make for a tough, attritional final. Whether it\u2019s a pure climber\u2019s course or not is open to conjecture, but Vollering seems to fit the bill any way you look at it.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-kate-courtney-hits-the-road\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Kate Courtney hits the road<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-61fd815a-971c-11f1-9560-599547a137e5\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Kate Courtney has long been a star of the mountain bike world, the American winning a host of the most illustrious off-road races, including multiple US titles, Cape Epic, the overall World Cup and two rainbow jerseys. At last year\u2019s Leadville Trail MTB 100 she smashed the course record en route to taking the title at her first attempt.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">However, rather than returning to Leadville to defend that title and take on the amended route, Courtney is beginning a new challenge on the road. She made her debut in UCI-level road racing earlier this year, riding for the US national team at the Tour Feminin in Czechia, finishing 13th overall and winning the final stage in the 2.2 level event.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-1e24b2ca-97c9-11f1-8832-cf7503b5f711\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/i4y3mEn3Eu9TTuZXYcmiY-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/i4y3mEn3Eu9TTuZXYcmiY-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/i4y3mEn3Eu9TTuZXYcmiY-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/i4y3mEn3Eu9TTuZXYcmiY-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/i4y3mEn3Eu9TTuZXYcmiY-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/i4y3mEn3Eu9TTuZXYcmiY-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">After switching from MTB to road what can Kate Courtney do? <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-1e24b338-97c9-11f1-b7cf-1d7d5ca56eed\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">After adding another stars and stripes jersey to her collection at the US Road Nationals in June, the 30-year-old signed with Demi Vollering\u2019s FDJ team, taking personal sponsor Red Bull with her, on a deal taking her through to the end of 2028, past her home Olympic Games.<\/p>\n<div class=\"fancy-box kiosq-b\" id=\"elk-b8ad36e2-97d2-11f1-b715-25dd8ee2675a\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"fancy_box-title\">Read more<\/div>\n<div class=\"fancy_box_body\">\n<ul>\n<li><strong>&#8216;It&#8217;s less about finding a few more watts, more about understanding the strategy&#8217; \u2013 Kate Courtney&#8217;s road discovery continues with Tour de France Femmes special appearance<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-b8ad3764-97d2-11f1-b82e-6b084638c77d\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">While some riders find the switch to the road difficult, that has not been the case for Courtney, whose programme has been greatly helped by the team\u2019s approach. After riding two lumpy, 1.1 races in France, guiding teammate Eva van Agt to victory in one of them, she headed to Belgium, essentially on a mission to learn, riding three kermesses, winning two and finishing second in the other.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">A flick through Courtney\u2019s Instagram illustrates that she knows how much she still has to learn, and we will see just how much that is next week when she starts the Tour of Britain Women. Whatever she has to learn, Courtney is clearly born to race bikes and her progress on the road will be fascinating to follow.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-will-anyone-topple-lorena-wiebes\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Will anyone topple Lorena Wiebes?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-61fd8218-971c-11f1-9844-350d93c42973\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">We\u2019ve known it for a while now, but if a race finishes in a bunch sprint and Lorena Wiebes is there, the SD Worx-Protime rider is almost certain to win. She is without doubt the best and most consistent sprinter in the peloton. We know it, her team know it, and her rivals certainly know it too.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">But, like all things, her dominance is certain to end sometime \u2013 the big question is when.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">This year does not yet count as a vintage season for Wiebes. Last year she added 25 victories to her burgeoning palmar\u00e8s; this year there have <em>only<\/em> been 15 so far. And we\u2019ve even seen her lose a bunch sprint for the first time in almost two years as Carys Lloyd (Movistar) won the Ronde van Brugge. And of course, there was that disqualification from the Giro d\u2019Italia for a bike weight infringement after crossing the line first.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">She hardly seems vulnerable, though \u2013 just look at her two stage wins at the Tour de France, both of which included more than 1,500m of vertical ascent, and both of which were conquered with relative ease.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-1e24b3b0-97c9-11f1-9549-1d42f02ca089\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/snWa7hZAgwdotGk2PtBoyV-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/snWa7hZAgwdotGk2PtBoyV-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/snWa7hZAgwdotGk2PtBoyV-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/snWa7hZAgwdotGk2PtBoyV-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/snWa7hZAgwdotGk2PtBoyV-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/snWa7hZAgwdotGk2PtBoyV-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Will Elisa Balsamo (Lidl-Trek) be the one to break Lorena Wiebes&#8217; winning spell? <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-1e24b41e-97c9-11f1-84db-dda1d8d9bbd6\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Other than her aura of invincibility, another thing working in Wiebes\u2019 favour is the lack of form among her rivals. Elisa Balsamo (Lidl-Trek) has struggled this year, Lara Gillespie (UAE Team L\u2019IMAD) hasn\u2019t yet clicked, and after a promising start to 2026, Charlotte Kool (Fenix-Premier Tech) has tailed off drastically, failing to finish the Tour after finishing OTL on Ventoux.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">With a couple of Tour of Britain stages likely to finish in a bunch kick, the other sprinters have chances of toppling Wiebes in the coming days, and the Tour of Chongming Island routinely provides three sprints. Away from the top tier, La Choralis Fourmies is one for the fast women and the Eneco Tour Women will have multiple chances. But these are chances for Wiebes too and no one would bet against her adding significantly to her 133 wins.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;There will be a point that I will be beaten in a sprint and probably the media thinks a lot about that,&#8221; she told us at the UAE Tour, where she won three stages. &#8220;But then for me just focus on the good things and keep on improving and keep on being the best version that I can be.&#8221;<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-where-will-some-of-the-top-names-land\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Where will some of the top names land?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-61fd8358-971c-11f1-b95a-a9baea94fda6\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney and Paula Blasi were two of the biggest stars of the Tour de France Femmes, but could be two of the biggest names on the transfer market this season, too.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">After winning Amstel Gold Race and the Vuelta earlier in the year, Blasi finished fifth on her debut at the Tour, one of three riders from UAE Team L&#8217;Imad in the top 10. This despite media questioning of not only the squad\u2019s leadership on the road, but also the Spaniard\u2019s continued presence on the team.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">There has been speculation over Niewiadoma-Phinney\u2019s future too, with her contract at Canyon-SRAM expiring at the end of this year and a move away apparently on the cards.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">She\u2019s been with the German team since 2018, having begun her career at Rabobank-Liv in 2013, and has flourished there, and while she is not a regular winner, when they come, her victories tend to be huge statements. A move away would be a huge loss for the team, but she\u2019s the real deal and will be an excellent addition to whichever team she joins.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-1e24b48c-97c9-11f1-8b2b-bb5bdc257e04\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xmsa2WeWHHczWw6xrWESxS-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xmsa2WeWHHczWw6xrWESxS-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xmsa2WeWHHczWw6xrWESxS-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xmsa2WeWHHczWw6xrWESxS-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xmsa2WeWHHczWw6xrWESxS-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xmsa2WeWHHczWw6xrWESxS-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Paula Blasi has ridden for UAE Team L&#8217;IMAD this year, but where will she be in 2027? <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-1e24b4f0-97c9-11f1-b9a1-2d5f0d341208\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">On the other hand, the inexperienced Blasi is more of a risk for any team willing to buy her out of her contract at UAE, which officially expires at the end of 2027. After starting her career in triathlon and duathlon, she burst onto the cycling scene last year following a season racing at club level in her native Spain.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Moving to UAE\u2019s development team, she was soon promoted to the WorldTeam, winning the mountain time trial at the Tour de Romandie F\u00e9minin. This year her development has continued, with Amstel Gold Race her own statement win, followed by the general classification at the Vuelta.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">There have been plenty of other wins since then too, and she\u2019s clearly a huge talent, but whether she can justify the prospect of being the sport\u2019s first million-Euro woman remains to be seen.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-after-such-a-brilliant-2026-tour-what-will-next-year-s-route-serve-us\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>After such a brilliant 2026 Tour what will next year&#8217;s route serve us?\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-61fd84de-971c-11f1-aba9-c1d11cf08266\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">This year\u2019s Tour was a microcosm of the women\u2019s sport itself. At the start of the week Demi Vollering was the nailed-on favourite to win overall and though she achieved that, wow, was it exciting.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">I don\u2019t believe in constantly judging women&#8217;s cycling against men&#8217;s cycling, but it&#8217;s worth noting that five riders wore yellow across the nine stages of the Tour de France Femmes against the three during the 21 stages of the men&#8217;s Tour. The sprint days were barely that, and other than the Mont Ventoux day, the rest of the stages consisted of punchy days, the route certainly contributing to the spectacle.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">So what of next year?<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The route for the 2027 race will be revealed, as usual, alongside the men\u2019s in late October. What we do know is that the opening stages will be held in the north of England, which will hopefully provide some lumpy stages through the Peak District before the team time trial in London.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">However, we\u2019ll have to wait to see what happens when the race returns to home soil. After such a successful 2026 organisers might be tempted to try a repeat, packing the race with punchy stages of varying degrees, but variety is key. Like last year there need to be editions with more than one visit to the high mountains, some seasons with a time trial and some without.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-1e24b568-97c9-11f1-8bd4-6774ba4f01b5\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vJdgewHEQSiy3jGppZ4SB4-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vJdgewHEQSiy3jGppZ4SB4-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vJdgewHEQSiy3jGppZ4SB4-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vJdgewHEQSiy3jGppZ4SB4-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vJdgewHEQSiy3jGppZ4SB4-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vJdgewHEQSiy3jGppZ4SB4-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Tour de France Femmes race director, Marion Rousse will reveal the 2027 route in October <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-1e24b5cc-97c9-11f1-974a-3304c16cdaf4\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">What they should not do, and what they have already acknowledged, is make the race too hard.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;We can make the race harder, but do we want to? Not necessarily,&#8221; race director Marion Rousse said at the conclusion of this year\u2019s event. &#8220;I don&#8217;t favour constantly raising the level of difficulty, but that&#8217;s a personal point of view.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I&#8217;ve had experience as a TV media analyst and sometimes, when it&#8217;s too tough, that kills off the suspense because riders just look at each other until the last climb.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">We\u2019ll let you know what they decide.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-61fd85a6-971c-11f1-b864-9dc8ab288891\" 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\/vollerings-world-championships-quest-courtneys-worldtour-debut-and-big-transfer-intrigue-six-compelling-storylines-to-follow-in-womens-cycling-for-the-rest-of-2026\/&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JbdtRhSzSmfnMu7pTobY6T-2500-80.jpg&#8221;] 1 As it happened: Mont Ventoux inspires a historic solo win and shakes-up the 2026 Tour de France Femmes GC battle 2 As it happened: GC riders battle it out as race lead changes yet again on Tour de France Femmes stage 8 3 As it happened: The favourites take control in [&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-2093487","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\/2093487","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=2093487"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2093487\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2093487"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=2093487"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=2093487"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}