{"id":2098600,"date":"2026-08-17T08:30:46","date_gmt":"2026-08-17T05:30:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2098600"},"modified":"2026-08-17T08:30:46","modified_gmt":"2026-08-17T05:30:46","slug":"tadej-pogacar-vs-the-rest-our-analysis-of-the-top-10-contenders-at-the-vuelta-a-espana","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2098600","title":{"rendered":"Tadej Poga\u010dar vs the rest \u2013 Our analysis of the top 10 contenders at the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mXJuYrHHFurq7oAoLSK4qF-2560-80.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\/yJ5aUr4FYgPPi8KC77ZVcW-160-80.jpg.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yJ5aUr4FYgPPi8KC77ZVcW-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                                    Leadville Trail 100 MTB contenders 2026 &#8211; Can anyone unseat Keegan Swenson and who can take the top spot vacated by Kate Courtney?\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\/tkoZJeczfkYm67bNx3xmQj-160-80.jpg.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tkoZJeczfkYm67bNx3xmQj-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                                    &#8216;My heart also sank&#8217; &#8211; Tadej Poga\u010dar talks about his relationship with compatriot Primo\u017e Rogli\u010d and that 2020 Tour de France win\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\/BA34nJiPUVCN2EN7yKmEC7-160-80.jpg.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BA34nJiPUVCN2EN7yKmEC7-80-80.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                                    Primo\u017e Rogli\u010d expected to race the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a but with no GC ambitions\n                                <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"page-content-onecol flex-1\nnews-article article\n\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"widget-area-group widget-area-group-2col flex flex-wrap box-border\">\n<div id=\"widgetArea16\" class=\"widget-area basis-full md:basis-2\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-2-3 page-widget-area-16\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"hero\" id=\"hero\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-hero widget-hero widget-hero-hero widget-hero widget-hero-fter-news\">\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRacing\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRoad\n<\/li>\n<li>\nVuelta a Espa\u00f1a\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>Tadej Poga\u010dar vs the rest \u2013 Our analysis of the top 10 contenders at the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a<\/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 max-sm:flex-col justify-start\" data-component-name=\"Article:BylineBlock\">\n<div class=\"my-auto vds-simple-byline\"><span class=\"inline-block vds-author\"><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nMatilda Price, Dani Ostanek <\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex gap-1 vds-byline-with-avatar__meta\"><span class=\"vds-date block font-normal tracking-normal normal-case text-xs\"><br \/>\nPublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-08-17T08:30:46Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n17 August 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">No rider looks likely to beat the Tour de France champion, but there are plenty of GC names to watch in Spain<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"text-gray-700 flex items-center mx-0 my-5 p-0 justify-start text-left\" id=\"affiliate-disclaimer\" data-component-name=\"AffiliateDisclaimer\" data-hawk-message=\"Affiliate disclaimer removed because hawk deemed there are no affiliate links on this page\">\n<p class=\"text-[color:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--text-color,inherit)] mb-2 text-[length:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--font-size,0.75rem)] leading-[18px] md:text-[13px] [&amp;&gt;a]:text-inherit [&amp;&gt;a]:underline\">\nWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here\u2019s how it works.\n<\/p>\n<\/aside>\n<\/header>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-widget-type=\"contentparsed\" id=\"content\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-contentparsed widget-content widget-contentparsed-content widget-content-parsed widget-content-parsed-content_document \">\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<section class=\"content-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"box less-space hero-image-wrapper\">\n<figure class=\"mb-0\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mXJuYrHHFurq7oAoLSK4qF-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mXJuYrHHFurq7oAoLSK4qF-1600-80.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mXJuYrHHFurq7oAoLSK4qF-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mXJuYrHHFurq7oAoLSK4qF-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mXJuYrHHFurq7oAoLSK4qF-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mXJuYrHHFurq7oAoLSK4qF-750-80.jpg.webp 750w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mXJuYrHHFurq7oAoLSK4qF-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mXJuYrHHFurq7oAoLSK4qF-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mXJuYrHHFurq7oAoLSK4qF-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\">Felix Gall, Tadej Poga\u010dar, and Richard Carapaz are among the top contenders for the 2026 Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a<\/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>Tadej Poga\u010dar<\/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>Felix Gall<\/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>Oscar Onley<\/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>Richard Carapaz<\/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>Mattias Skjelmose<\/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>Enric Mas<\/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>Jo\u00e3o Almeida<\/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>Matthew Riccitello<\/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>Cian Uijtdebroeks<\/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>Primo\u017e Rogli\u010d<\/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>Honourable mentions<\/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 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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-cc735542-9716-11f1-8e16-7b45601749da\">The first two men&#8217;s Grand Tours of the season are behind us, with Jonas Vingegaard and Tadej Poga\u010dar delivering comprehensive victories at the Giro d&#8217;Italia and Tour de France, respectively.<\/p>\n<p>The final of cycling&#8217;s biggest triumvirate of races comes with a trip to Spain via Monaco and France and the 81st edition of the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-cc735542-9716-11f1-8e16-7b45601749da-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">This year, following that opening time trial in Monaco and a trek through the Pyrenees, the race takes a rare heavy focus on Spain&#8217;s south and east, with no stages at all held in the mountainous north-west. The mountains of the Sierra Nevada won&#8217;t put off Poga\u010dar, though, with the world champion lining up as heavy favourite to win the red jersey as overall winner.<\/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\">It&#8217;s hard to see who exactly can beat the Slovenian, who has dominated this season like nobody else in history \u2013 barring Eddy Merckx.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">We&#8217;ve nonetheless scoured the start list to find a host of capable GC names. They may not win the race, but they&#8217;ll certainly be in the mix for the podium and top 10 in Granada. Here are our 10 contenders for the 2026 Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a.<\/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\/WHEfA8PfrwjRikdcTccTK-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WHEfA8PfrwjRikdcTccTK-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\">Who will win the Tour de France 2026? Our definitive ranking of the favourites for the yellow jersey<\/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\/Yfx4LXgSZbsiApsXpSA82U-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Yfx4LXgSZbsiApsXpSA82U-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\">Can anyone beat Tadej Poga\u010dar? Analysing the contenders for the men&#8217;s Tour de Suisse<\/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\/bJSFVkodwVvGjKmmDG6zKj-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bJSFVkodwVvGjKmmDG6zKj-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\">The importance of a Tadej Poga\u010dar gift in the race against Vingegaard for Tour de France supremacy \u2013 Barcelona Grand D\u00e9part GC analysis<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-tadej-pogacar-uae-team-emirates-xrg\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Tadej Poga\u010dar (UAE Team Emirates-XRG)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-957f0f40-971b-11f1-80bf-a19093dd5f5e\" 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\/QBaaciCEFMkELPBH5GzRfC-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QBaaciCEFMkELPBH5GzRfC-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QBaaciCEFMkELPBH5GzRfC-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QBaaciCEFMkELPBH5GzRfC-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QBaaciCEFMkELPBH5GzRfC-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QBaaciCEFMkELPBH5GzRfC-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\">Tadej Poga\u010dar is the overwhelming favourite for the win <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-cc7356e6-9716-11f1-a796-f3cb9275aaac\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">This season, the only race Tadej Poga\u010dar has lost was Paris-Roubaix. The Slovenian hasn&#8217;t raced the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a since his neo-pro season in 2019, but he can rest assured that there will be no cobbled sectors standing in his way here.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Poga\u010dar heads to Spain looking to tick off one of the few races missing from his massive palmar\u00e8s, having raced to third place with two mountain stage wins as a 20-year-old seven years ago.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-7qQCXruERKAxUZirhSjVPe\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-7qQCXruERKAxUZirhSjVPe 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\">There appears to be little possibility that he won&#8217;t succeed in his mission next month. We could be looking at a total domination of La Vuelta, as he wrought on the Giro d&#8217;Italia (six stage wins and a 10-minute winning margin) in 2024.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">He triumphed at the Tour de France with a 6:26 gap over second place, and realistically there&#8217;s nobody else here on the level of Remco Evenepoel. With the likes of Jo\u00e3o Almeida (more on him below), Jay Vine, and Pavel Sivakov supporting him, Poga\u010dar has the strongest team, too. If he can avoid illness and crashes, the Vuelta should be his. <em>(DO)<\/em><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-felix-gall-decathlon-cma-cgm\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Felix Gall (Decathlon CMA CGM)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-957f0fea-971b-11f1-a5a9-abd4bd0fac6e\" 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\/qZpBZhGQKmqhF6eYHAEp6E-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qZpBZhGQKmqhF6eYHAEp6E-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qZpBZhGQKmqhF6eYHAEp6E-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qZpBZhGQKmqhF6eYHAEp6E-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qZpBZhGQKmqhF6eYHAEp6E-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qZpBZhGQKmqhF6eYHAEp6E-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\">Felix Gall is in flying form after winning the Vuelta a Burgos <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-9c49e8f4-971b-11f1-b8b7-f5eae64cdc40\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">After finishing second overall at the Giro d&#8217;Italia, the best rider behind winner Jonas Vingegaard, Felix Gall would have had high hopes for a better result at the Vuelta, but those might have been dashed by the news of Poga\u010dar&#8217;s arrival.<\/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\/2fmbtXZ2fEd6EkmEtQgkd3-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2fmbtXZ2fEd6EkmEtQgkd3-150-80.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\">Unstoppable? The five biggest challenges that Tadej Poga\u010dar will face at this year&#8217;s Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a<\/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\/Ty569jeaw6C8tRZavL46kT-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ty569jeaw6C8tRZavL46kT-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\">No Poga\u010dar or Vingegaard but Paul Seixas faces test of Tour de France credentials against Del Toro, Ayuso and more \u2013 Analysing the contenders at Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes<\/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\/xYehNdGJyBUwNetTFTfRVL-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xYehNdGJyBUwNetTFTfRVL-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 team-by-team guide \u2013 Line-up, leaders and ambitions for every squad on the start list<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Gall isn&#8217;t the flashiest or most talked-about GC rider in the peloton, but really proved himself at the Giro this year, with his steady, considered and consistent riding style working well over three weeks and deliveirng him to his best Grand Tour result yet, adding to the top 10s he&#8217;s already achieved. He swapped the Tour for the Giro and Vuelta this year and so far it has paid off.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Since the Giro, the Austrian has kept a pretty low profile, keeping his racing load low in favour of training. He only returned a few weeks ago at San Sebasti\u00e1n, where he finished 18th, before heading to the Vuelta a Burgos which he won. Given he&#8217;s only raced six days since the Giro, we can&#8217;t really speak too much to his current form, but he&#8217;s a three-week specialist who has been working towards this race so it&#8217;s fair to expect that he&#8217;ll be starting in Monaco very well prepared.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Can he beat Tadej Poga\u010dar? In truth, probably not, but Gall has already proved once this year that he can be &#8216;best of the rest&#8217; and he&#8217;ll be aiming at no less than second overall again in Spain. <em>(MP)<\/em><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-oscar-onley-netcompany-ineos\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Oscar Onley (Netcompany Ineos)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-957f10a8-971b-11f1-bad0-8b43650b9125\" 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\/4FRQ2BZmfnKDGJqMBcbLdS-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4FRQ2BZmfnKDGJqMBcbLdS-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4FRQ2BZmfnKDGJqMBcbLdS-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4FRQ2BZmfnKDGJqMBcbLdS-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4FRQ2BZmfnKDGJqMBcbLdS-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4FRQ2BZmfnKDGJqMBcbLdS-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\">Oscar Onley leads Netcompany Ineos after a successful return to racing at the Vuelta a Burgos <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-eef2d262-9718-11f1-9c29-25520ddd34a7\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Scottish racer Oscar Onley was among last season&#8217;s standout riders, with top fives at the Tour Down Under and UAE Tour leading to third at the Tour de Suisse and fourth at the Tour de France.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">He started his 2026 well after a big move to Netcompany Ineos, racing to fourth at the Volta ao Algarve, though much of his season since has been ruined by illnesses and a major crash at the Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes. He was back in the saddle and back on form at the Vuelta a Burgos, though, racing to second place behind Gall as he took a stage win and both mountain and points jerseys.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">All is looking good for the 23-year-old, then, and he should enjoy the sharp inclines of the many mountain stages of his Vuelta debut. If he can avoid more bouts of bad luck, he&#8217;s a real podium contender.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Onley will have the likes of Laurens De Plus and Carlos Rodr\u00edguez to help him in the mountains, while Axel Laurance is one to watch in the sprints. <em>(DO)<\/em><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-richard-carapaz-ef-education-easypost\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Richard Carapaz (EF Education-EasyPost)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-957f11d4-971b-11f1-9bc3-a3ce2b9ac77e\" 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\/aWfp3V6mtpfid9nrwD9pxD-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aWfp3V6mtpfid9nrwD9pxD-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aWfp3V6mtpfid9nrwD9pxD-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aWfp3V6mtpfid9nrwD9pxD-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aWfp3V6mtpfid9nrwD9pxD-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aWfp3V6mtpfid9nrwD9pxD-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\">Richard Carapaz dominated the Alps at the Tour with two stage wins and the polka dot jersey <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-a8c5db7c-9722-11f1-9c87-857e01532abb\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Tour de France polka dot jersey winner Richard Carapaz confirmed his return to the Vuelta last Thursday, though his intentions for the race aren&#8217;t 100% clear. Is he going for another GC challenge like his second and fourth places in 2020 and 2024? Or is he hunting stage wins, as he did to great effect with three triumphs in 2022?<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Whichever turns out to be the case, Carapaz cannot be ignored as a GC candidate. Last month, he took his Grand Tour stage win tally to 10 with two Alpine victories at the Tour, also soaring to a third Grand Tour mountain classification win of his career.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The Ecuadorian rarely rides two Grand Tours back-to-back, however. In 2021, his podium at the Tour (and gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics) was followed up by an anonymous, abortive Vuelta campaign. The previous year, though, he finished strongly at the Tour before going on to narrowly lose that Vuelta to Primo\u017e Rogli\u010d.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">We may be in for a repeat performance here, but don&#8217;t be shocked if his mind is set solely on more stage wins, either. <em>(DO)<\/em><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-mattias-skjelmose-lidl-trek\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Mattias Skjelmose (Lidl-Trek)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-957f13c8-971b-11f1-af3c-630bdae2eb06\" 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\/N8U4kZx9oHamg2VL9UZCYD-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/N8U4kZx9oHamg2VL9UZCYD-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/N8U4kZx9oHamg2VL9UZCYD-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/N8U4kZx9oHamg2VL9UZCYD-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/N8U4kZx9oHamg2VL9UZCYD-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/N8U4kZx9oHamg2VL9UZCYD-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\">Can Mattias Skjelmose fight for a podium spot after racing to sixth at the Tour de France? <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-cc7359c0-9716-11f1-adee-4164a86bd983\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Mattias Skjelmose is opting for the Tour-Vuelta double this year, off the back of sixth overall at the Tour, and depending on how he has recovered from that effort, he may actually be in a better position for the Vuelta. Why is that? Well, because he won&#8217;t have Juan Ayuso with him this time, causing any GC tug-of-war. Whilst the pair both finished in the top 10 at the Tour, there was a sense by the end that if perhaps they had joined forces for one goal, one of them could have finished higher. But either way, Skjelmose&#8217;s performances reaffirmed his GC credentials after some hit-and-miss results the last few years.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">A Classics-capable climber, the tough and punchy climbs of the Vuelta should suit Skjelmose well, and given he&#8217;s already finished top 10 in one Grand Tour this year, he should be able to come to this race motivated to go for broke and race aggressively. If it doesn&#8217;t work and he can&#8217;t improve on sixth, it won&#8217;t really dampen his season, but if he can grab time or a stage win that would be a solid reward.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The things that may work against him are the two time trials \u2013 though he was actually very impressive in the Tour TT \u2013 and the kind of team Lidl-Trek send to this race. Their squad isn&#8217;t confirmed, but we aren&#8217;t expecting a super GC-centric line-up, more a group of opportunists, which may affect how much of a concerted overall campaign Skjelmose is able to put together. <em>(MP)<\/em><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-enric-mas-movistar\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Enric Mas (Movistar)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-957f1616-971b-11f1-9ecf-39f7cfa35950\" 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\/y5r7UimV85JBc3pwfGUNxD-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/y5r7UimV85JBc3pwfGUNxD-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/y5r7UimV85JBc3pwfGUNxD-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/y5r7UimV85JBc3pwfGUNxD-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/y5r7UimV85JBc3pwfGUNxD-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/y5r7UimV85JBc3pwfGUNxD-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\">Enric Mas is often at his strongest at La Vuelta, picking up four podium spots <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-cc735b78-9716-11f1-9c0d-65039d31f605\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">A rider with six top-six finishes at La Vuelta, including three runner-up spots and a third place, wouldn&#8217;t normally be this low on our list. But Enric Mas hasn&#8217;t enjoyed the best year-and-a-half of his career since his most recent Vuelta campaign.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Mas&#8217; 2024 podium, behind Rogli\u010d and Ben O&#8217;Connor, has been followed by a DNF from 18th place at last summer&#8217;s Tour de France and a 32nd place at May&#8217;s Giro d&#8217;Italia. Highlights of the past two seasons have included podiums at last year&#8217;s Itzulia Basque Country and Volta a Catalunya.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">There have been signs of renewed form recently, though, as Mas raced to fifth overall at the recent Vuelta a Burgos. He was solid throughout the race and finished 41 seconds off the winner, Felix Gall, and so surely he&#8217;ll be back in the mix here.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">He&#8217;ll race at the head of Movistar in allyship with Cian Uijtdebroeks (more below), the pair supported by a very strong lineup featuring Iv\u00e1n Romeo, Einer Rubio, Pablo Castrillo, Ra\u00fal Garc\u00eda Pierna, and the retiring Nairo Quintana. <em>(DO)<\/em><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-joao-almeida-uae-team-emirates-xrg\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Jo\u00e3o Almeida (UAE Team Emirates-XRG)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-957f1756-971b-11f1-b3ca-d1182abcf9e7\" 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\/LHG46MTQ3NfTNJwvPZQngG-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LHG46MTQ3NfTNJwvPZQngG-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LHG46MTQ3NfTNJwvPZQngG-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LHG46MTQ3NfTNJwvPZQngG-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LHG46MTQ3NfTNJwvPZQngG-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LHG46MTQ3NfTNJwvPZQngG-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\">Jo\u00e3o Almeida was second last year but has struggled with illness and injury this year <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-957f190e-971b-11f1-92ab-27596b8ec5c5\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Once upon a time Jo\u00e3o Almeida was second fiddle to Poga\u010dar at UAE Team Emirates-XRG and would be given practically as much support as the Slovenian in the races where he was leader, but his star has fallen with the rise of Isaac del Toro, and it feels like he has less and less clout these days. Case in point being the fact that, after finishing second overall at the Vuelta last year, Almeida has been demoted back to domestique this year, because Poga\u010dar wants to ride, and Poga\u010dar makes the rules.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Now, we know from the Tour that UAE absolutely can work to win a race and place their luxury domestique on the podium too, but unfortunately, Almeida is looking far from podium form right now. He hasn&#8217;t finished a stage race since March and he had to miss the Giro as a long, mystery illness derailed his season, and his recent withdrawal from the Tour of Poland hasn&#8217;t exactly convinced us that his form is returning.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">In any other situation, it would be season-saving time for Almeida, and whilst it would be good to end the year with a top 10 or good result, the Portuguese rider probably also has the luxury of &#8216;just&#8217; working for Poga\u010dar, if he wants, and knowing that the team&#8217;s performance won&#8217;t be based just on how he fares. <em>(MP)<\/em><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-matthew-riccitello-decathlon-cma-cgm\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Matthew Riccitello (Decathlon CMA CGM)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-fc6178ec-976b-11f1-b2fe-916591fa28d6\" 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\/WA5CNf3wFQgUXhCEyMTwEd-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WA5CNf3wFQgUXhCEyMTwEd-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WA5CNf3wFQgUXhCEyMTwEd-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WA5CNf3wFQgUXhCEyMTwEd-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WA5CNf3wFQgUXhCEyMTwEd-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WA5CNf3wFQgUXhCEyMTwEd-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\">Matthew Riccitello raced to fifth overall last year, but how will he cope with first time back-to-back Grand Tours <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-cc735cea-9716-11f1-aa1e-43fba51874af\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">US racer Matthew Riccitello has progressed solidly and steadily since turning pro with Israel-Premier Tech in 2023. He finished fourth at the Tour de l&#8217;Avenir that year, fifth at the Tour de Suisse in 2024, and then fifth with the young rider&#8217;s jersey on his Grand Tour debut at last year&#8217;s Vuelta.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">In 2026, Riccitello has taken wins at the Tour de la Provence and Tour du Jura to go with sixth and seventh places at the Volta ao Algarve and Tour de Suisse.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">He raced the Tour de France in support of Paul Seixas&#8217;s GC ambitions, finishing 24th himself and getting stronger in the race&#8217;s final days in the Alps. Whether he&#8217;ll carry that form forward to Spain \u2013 this will be his first time tackling back-to-back Grand Tours \u2013 remains to be seen, though he&#8217;ll certainly form a formidable pairing with teammate Felix Gall. <em>(DO)<\/em><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-cian-uijtdebroeks-movistar\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Cian Uijtdebroeks (Movistar)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-957f1a44-971b-11f1-8779-2730b2f4efbb\" 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\/XYMbeUGCxfAJqnUHH9v2nC-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XYMbeUGCxfAJqnUHH9v2nC-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XYMbeUGCxfAJqnUHH9v2nC-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XYMbeUGCxfAJqnUHH9v2nC-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XYMbeUGCxfAJqnUHH9v2nC-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XYMbeUGCxfAJqnUHH9v2nC-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\">Cian Uijtdebroeks will have be keen to perform after a difficult start to life at Movistar <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-cc735c2c-9716-11f1-b802-d1fbdd6f4cb8\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Cian Uijtdebroeks is a rider who is definitely in season-redemption territory at the Vuelta. He made his big move to Movistar in search of fast-tracked leadership at the Tour de France, but failed to capitalise this year after illness saw him withdraw in the first week, so he has a lot of questions to answer about what kind of GC rider he is, and if that move away from Visma was really justified.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Before the Tour, his season had been going relatively well, if not mind-blowing, with seventh overall at the Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes a highlight, but he&#8217;s still very much in the field of top 10 contenders, rather than serious podium challengers. He&#8217;s not raced since dropping out of the Tour, so we know very little about how he&#8217;s performing right now, and will probably only know as the Vuelta develops. With Mas there, a bit of pressure might be off Uijtdebroeks, but the young Belgian does have a lot to prove, and a second Grand Tour failure of the season wouldn&#8217;t be great for anyone&#8217;s confidence. <em>(MP)<\/em><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-primoz-roglic-red-bull-bora-hansgrohe\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Primo\u017e Rogli\u010d (Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-957f1580-971b-11f1-91b4-9bd427be96f1\" 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\/VA6Hmj72hQ5XCWoDD2wwoG-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VA6Hmj72hQ5XCWoDD2wwoG-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VA6Hmj72hQ5XCWoDD2wwoG-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VA6Hmj72hQ5XCWoDD2wwoG-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VA6Hmj72hQ5XCWoDD2wwoG-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VA6Hmj72hQ5XCWoDD2wwoG-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\">Four-time race winner Primo\u017e Rogli\u010d is looking to move clear of Roberto Heras on five <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-cc735a7e-9716-11f1-831d-cb4d318ff57c\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Primo\u017e Rogli\u010d looks set to be at the Vuelta start in Monaco after a crash derailed his preparation, but it&#8217;s unlikely that he&#8217;ll be racing for GC.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">As a four-time winner of this race, Rogli\u010d started the year looking pretty good to break the record and go for five victories, but his stock has gradually fallen as the months have gone on, with the Slovenian struggling to show off his Grand Tour-winning best very often in 2026. The participation of his compatriot and racing foil Poga\u010dar, plus his crash, has lowered his chances ever further, and to be honest even fighting for the podium feels like a big ask right now.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">But, as a four-time winner \u2013 more times than anyone except joint record-holder Roberto Heras \u2013 we can&#8217;t not include him on this list, and indeed I think it&#8217;s only fair to include him near the top. It&#8217;s true that he may be quite bashed up from his crash, but he&#8217;s been training in the mountains again recently, and let&#8217;s face it, this is a man who knows how to deal with adversity.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">With all the circumstances he&#8217;s facing, it does unfortunately feel quite unlikely that Rogli\u010d will be making it five Vuelta titles this year, but you can be sure that he will give this race his full respect and effort. With uncertainty over his future and his career certainly in its twilight, too, there is a sense that every Grand Tour could be one of Rogli\u010d&#8217;s last.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">If there&#8217;s one Grand Tour where he can pull out a phenomenal ride and add another top 10 or stage win to his storied palmar\u00e8s, it is his beloved Vuelta. So just don&#8217;t count him out. <em>(MP)<\/em><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-honourable-mentions\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Honourable mentions<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-957f1d0a-971b-11f1-bb51-ab14144dba9c\" 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\/mZX59XgAmpLKSYovHq87VW-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mZX59XgAmpLKSYovHq87VW-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mZX59XgAmpLKSYovHq87VW-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mZX59XgAmpLKSYovHq87VW-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mZX59XgAmpLKSYovHq87VW-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mZX59XgAmpLKSYovHq87VW-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\">Soudal-QuickStep enjoy one final month of Landismo before his departure to Euskaltel-Euskadi <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-cc735d9e-9716-11f1-8c7b-47a956970735\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Away from our top 10, there are plenty of other names to consider, including Basque racer <strong>Mikel Landa<\/strong>. He&#8217;ll race his final Grand Tour with Soudal-QuickStep, though this year looks a shadow of the rider he once was. He recently finished 37th at the Vuelta a Burgos and should target stage wins.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Once upon a time, Spanish fans could look forward to a host of GC favourites at their home Grand Tour. <strong>Carlos Rodr\u00edguez<\/strong> was supposed to be the heir to the likes of Mas and Landa, but the 25-year-old&#8217;s progress has really stalled since a run of four top-10s in a row at his first four Grand Tours. Can the Netcompany Ineos rider rediscover that form here?<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">There&#8217;s no doubt that <strong>Jarno Widar<\/strong> and Lotto-Intermarch\u00e9 will treat his debut Grand Tour as a learning experience. However, he&#8217;ll nonetheless be a heavily watched rider following two Giro della Valle d&#8217;Aosta wins and a second place behind Paul Seixas at the Tour de l&#8217;Avenir.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><strong>Santiago Buitrago<\/strong>, who leads the Bahrain Victorious selection, hasn&#8217;t had much to shout about in 2026, barring a seventh place at Tirreno-Adriatico, but he has finished top 10 at the Tour and Vuelta before. Can he regain that kind of form? <em>(DO)<\/em><\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-7560e24c-97b6-11f1-9fde-ed8d8fc08dce\" 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\/h3JBrffamdttkecN8JcbKE-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/h3JBrffamdttkecN8JcbKE-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/h3JBrffamdttkecN8JcbKE-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/h3JBrffamdttkecN8JcbKE-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/h3JBrffamdttkecN8JcbKE-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/h3JBrffamdttkecN8JcbKE-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\">Carlos Rodr\u00edguez&#8217;s Grand Tour progress seems to have stalled \u2013\u00a0can he refind his promising form in Spain? <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-f52361ae-97b5-11f1-b84f-71fad2547197\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><strong>J\u00f8rgen Nordhagen<\/strong> was third at the same Tour de l&#8217;Avenir last year and finished fourth at May&#8217;s Tour de Romandie. He&#8217;ll be free to ride his own race in the absence of the usual Visma-Lease a Bike GC candidates, Jonas Vingegaard, Sepp Kuss, and Matteo Jorgenson.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe have <strong>Luke Tuckwell<\/strong> in reserve if Rogli\u010d isn&#8217;t at his best. The 22-year-old, a runner-up at the Giro d&#8217;Italia Next Gen last year, has impressed several times this season, including sixth in Romandie and second at the Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes, though it&#8217;s wise to warn against too-high expectations on his Grand Tour debut.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Italian racer <strong>Lorenzo Fortunato<\/strong> recently finished 10th at the Vuelta a Burgos and is often there or thereabouts for the top 10-15 at Grand Tours. He&#8217;ll lead XDS-Astana this time around.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Among the Spanish wildcard teams, <strong>Iv\u00e1n Sosa<\/strong> (Equipo Kern Pharma) looks the best bet for a strong ride. The Colombian climber has a host of week-long stage race wins to his name and several standout results this year. He last rode a Grand Tour four years ago, though, and will likely be stage hunting rather than riding for GC.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Finally, we come to a pair of old hands in Groupama-FDJ United&#8217;s <strong>Guillaume Martin<\/strong> and NSN&#8217;s <strong>Jan Hirt<\/strong>. Like Landa, their best years are behind them, but both are capable of riding to the fringes of the top 10, with Hirt having finished 12th at this year&#8217;s Giro. <em>(DO)<\/em><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-f5236226-97b5-11f1-822b-2b5c87411e04\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><strong>For unbeatable coverage across road, gravel and tech, subscribe to Cyclingnews. You&#8217;ll get comprehensive race coverage of La Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a, subscriber-exclusive analysis from our expert columnists, in-depth features and industry-leading tech insight. Plus, the Cyclingnews app lets you follow the action wherever you go! <\/strong><u><strong>Join today.<\/strong><\/u><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-7qQCXruERKAxUZirhSjVPe\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-7qQCXruERKAxUZirhSjVPe slice-container-authorBio\">\n<div class=\"author author__default-layout author--separator author--collapsible\" data-hydrate=\"true\">\n<div class=\"author__header\">\n<div class=\"author__avatar-block\">\n<figure class=\"image-wrapped__wrapper\" data-bordeaux-image-check=\"false\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__widthsetter\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__aspect-padding\">\n<div><source class=\"author__avatar image-wrapped__image image__image\" type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sZZXd8K4JqxjkRK7teBMFc-140-80.jpg.webp 140w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sZZXd8K4JqxjkRK7teBMFc.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sZZXd8K4JqxjkRK7teBMFc.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sZZXd8K4JqxjkRK7teBMFc.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__heading\">\n<div class=\"author__name\">Dani Ostanek<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__social\">\n<nav class=\"button-social-group author__social-buttons\" aria-labelledby=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">\n<div id=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">Social Links Navigation<\/div>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__role\">Senior News Writer<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>Dani Ostanek is Senior News Writer at Cyclingnews, having joined in 2017 as a freelance contributor, later being hired full-time. Her favourite races include the Tour de France Femmes, Paris-Roubaix, Tro-Bro L\u00e9on, and cycling&#8217;s fourth Grand Tour, the Volta a Portugal.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<div class=\"relative max-w-[1070px] viafoura-twig-component mt-6 mx-4 lg:mx-0\" data-component-name=\"Viafoura:Comments\" data-nosnippet data-community-guidelines-text=\"&lt;p class=&apos;vfcustom-community-guidelines&apos;&gt;Please follow our &lt;a href=&quot;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/about\/#section-community-guidelines&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;community guidelines&lt;\/a&gt;.&lt;\/p&gt;\" data-join-the-conversation-text=\"Join the Conversation\">\n<div class=\"absolute top-0 left-0 w-full h-full flex items-center justify-center z-50 bg-white\/90 border-1 rounded-b-[var(--comment-widget-border-radius,0)]\">\n<div class=\"p-2 text-center\">\n<p class=\"mb-3 text-lg!\">You must confirm your public display name before commenting<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-3 text-sm!\">Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<section class=\"mx-2 my-5 sm:mx-0\">\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-adviser:hybrid\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Read more<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WHEfA8PfrwjRikdcTccTK-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WHEfA8PfrwjRikdcTccTK-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WHEfA8PfrwjRikdcTccTK-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WHEfA8PfrwjRikdcTccTK-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WHEfA8PfrwjRikdcTccTK-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Who will win the Tour de France 2026? Our definitive ranking of the favourites for the yellow jersey<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Yfx4LXgSZbsiApsXpSA82U-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Yfx4LXgSZbsiApsXpSA82U-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Yfx4LXgSZbsiApsXpSA82U-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Yfx4LXgSZbsiApsXpSA82U-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Yfx4LXgSZbsiApsXpSA82U-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\">Can anyone beat Tadej Poga\u010dar? Analysing the contenders for the men&#8217;s Tour de Suisse<\/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\/Ty569jeaw6C8tRZavL46kT-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ty569jeaw6C8tRZavL46kT-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ty569jeaw6C8tRZavL46kT-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ty569jeaw6C8tRZavL46kT-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ty569jeaw6C8tRZavL46kT-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\">No Poga\u010dar or Vingegaard but Paul Seixas faces test of Tour de France credentials against Del Toro, Ayuso and more \u2013 Analysing the contenders at Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes<\/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\/bJSFVkodwVvGjKmmDG6zKj-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bJSFVkodwVvGjKmmDG6zKj-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bJSFVkodwVvGjKmmDG6zKj-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bJSFVkodwVvGjKmmDG6zKj-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bJSFVkodwVvGjKmmDG6zKj-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\">The importance of a Tadej Poga\u010dar gift in the race against Vingegaard for Tour de France supremacy \u2013 Barcelona Grand D\u00e9part GC 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\/2fmbtXZ2fEd6EkmEtQgkd3-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2fmbtXZ2fEd6EkmEtQgkd3-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2fmbtXZ2fEd6EkmEtQgkd3-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2fmbtXZ2fEd6EkmEtQgkd3-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2fmbtXZ2fEd6EkmEtQgkd3-320-80.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\">Unstoppable? The five biggest challenges that Tadej Poga\u010dar will face at this year&#8217;s Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div 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\/xYehNdGJyBUwNetTFTfRVL-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xYehNdGJyBUwNetTFTfRVL-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xYehNdGJyBUwNetTFTfRVL-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xYehNdGJyBUwNetTFTfRVL-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xYehNdGJyBUwNetTFTfRVL-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\">Tour de France team-by-team guide \u2013 Line-up, leaders and ambitions for every squad on the start list<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-category\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Racing<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/f49oSFKGJLp9Q6rYAYDwTF-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/f49oSFKGJLp9Q6rYAYDwTF-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/f49oSFKGJLp9Q6rYAYDwTF-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/f49oSFKGJLp9Q6rYAYDwTF-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/f49oSFKGJLp9Q6rYAYDwTF-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\">American Criterium Cup: Aline Seitz holds off Skylar Schneider while Justin Williams earns men&#8217;s sprint victory on tight circuit in Salt Lake City<\/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\/didDWkuxCx3NhnzuvisdbR-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/didDWkuxCx3NhnzuvisdbR-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/didDWkuxCx3NhnzuvisdbR-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/didDWkuxCx3NhnzuvisdbR-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/didDWkuxCx3NhnzuvisdbR-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;The Leadville nobody knew&#8217; \u2013 Revised course eliminates final &#8216;gut punch&#8217; of Powerline climb but Columbine and elevation keep you humble<\/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\/Sn6hGjVFiD66r26MKqkJVV-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Sn6hGjVFiD66r26MKqkJVV-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Sn6hGjVFiD66r26MKqkJVV-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Sn6hGjVFiD66r26MKqkJVV-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Sn6hGjVFiD66r26MKqkJVV-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I&#8217;m certainly not done with this season yet&#8217; \u2013 Demi Vollering sends warning to her rivals ahead of the World Championships<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BA34nJiPUVCN2EN7yKmEC7-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BA34nJiPUVCN2EN7yKmEC7-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BA34nJiPUVCN2EN7yKmEC7-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BA34nJiPUVCN2EN7yKmEC7-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BA34nJiPUVCN2EN7yKmEC7-320-80.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\">Primo\u017e Rogli\u010d expected to race the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a but with no GC ambitions<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oFHHPQJ4KKJ9XpSBHAhNHC-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oFHHPQJ4KKJ9XpSBHAhNHC-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oFHHPQJ4KKJ9XpSBHAhNHC-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oFHHPQJ4KKJ9XpSBHAhNHC-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oFHHPQJ4KKJ9XpSBHAhNHC-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\">Jonas Vingegaard out for rest of season with no return possible after crash<\/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\/NzRzmTrJc2Hgn2t5F6uCzH-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NzRzmTrJc2Hgn2t5F6uCzH-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NzRzmTrJc2Hgn2t5F6uCzH-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NzRzmTrJc2Hgn2t5F6uCzH-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NzRzmTrJc2Hgn2t5F6uCzH-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;Finally had everything go to plan&#8217; \u2013 New Zealand&#8217;s Matthew Wilson moves past foiled finishes to claim first Life Time Grand Prix podium in Leadville<\/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 Previews<\/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\/yJ5aUr4FYgPPi8KC77ZVcW-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yJ5aUr4FYgPPi8KC77ZVcW-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yJ5aUr4FYgPPi8KC77ZVcW-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yJ5aUr4FYgPPi8KC77ZVcW-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yJ5aUr4FYgPPi8KC77ZVcW-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Leadville Trail 100 MTB contenders 2026 &#8211; Can anyone unseat Keegan Swenson and who can take the top spot vacated by Kate Courtney?<\/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\/ebH6UWz9YrekU3tR2sS5EM-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ebH6UWz9YrekU3tR2sS5EM-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ebH6UWz9YrekU3tR2sS5EM-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ebH6UWz9YrekU3tR2sS5EM-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ebH6UWz9YrekU3tR2sS5EM-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\">Tour de France runner-up Remco Evenepoel back to racing as Cl\u00e1sica San Sebasti\u00e1n top contender<\/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\/LrkJUcq33bAiDvGMxaGmy9-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LrkJUcq33bAiDvGMxaGmy9-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LrkJUcq33bAiDvGMxaGmy9-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LrkJUcq33bAiDvGMxaGmy9-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LrkJUcq33bAiDvGMxaGmy9-320-80.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 2026 stage 9: One last chance for glory in Nice \u2013 preview<\/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\/yrqP2bMcqmjrEMs2QFkf6-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yrqP2bMcqmjrEMs2QFkf6-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yrqP2bMcqmjrEMs2QFkf6-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yrqP2bMcqmjrEMs2QFkf6-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yrqP2bMcqmjrEMs2QFkf6-320-80.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 2026 stage 8 preview &#8211; Longest stage at 171.9km could end in a mass sprint<\/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\/RawbiQZcggVtgk5iLwFfEn-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RawbiQZcggVtgk5iLwFfEn-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RawbiQZcggVtgk5iLwFfEn-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RawbiQZcggVtgk5iLwFfEn-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RawbiQZcggVtgk5iLwFfEn-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 2026 stage 7 preview \u2013 Queen stage set to deliver GC fireworks on Mont Ventoux<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qg3ER6x9pLyzvXQRAZktUK-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qg3ER6x9pLyzvXQRAZktUK-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qg3ER6x9pLyzvXQRAZktUK-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qg3ER6x9pLyzvXQRAZktUK-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qg3ER6x9pLyzvXQRAZktUK-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 2026 stage 6: Another hot, hilly day could be one for the breakaway &#8211; Preview<\/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\/didDWkuxCx3NhnzuvisdbR-1280-80.png.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/didDWkuxCx3NhnzuvisdbR-720-80.png.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/didDWkuxCx3NhnzuvisdbR-640-80.png.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/didDWkuxCx3NhnzuvisdbR-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"99vw\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">1<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>&#8216;The Leadville nobody knew&#8217; \u2013 Revised course eliminates final &#8216;gut punch&#8217; of Powerline climb but Columbine and elevation keep you humble<\/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>Leading sprinter and Classics specialist Arnaud De Lie confirms signing with Tudor until end of 2030<\/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>Specialized&#8217;s S-Works Recon Evo are great shoes, but they come at a great expense<\/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>Pinarello-Q36.5 sign deal with talented young American racer AJ August for 2027<\/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;I&#8217;m certainly not done with this season yet&#8217; \u2013 Demi Vollering sends warning to her rivals ahead of the World Championships<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"page-content-onecol flex-1\nnews-article article\n\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"widget-area-group widget-area-group-2col flex flex-wrap box-border\">\n<div id=\"widgetArea16\" class=\"widget-area basis-full md:basis-2\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-2-3 page-widget-area-16\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"hero\" id=\"hero\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-hero widget-hero widget-hero-hero widget-hero widget-hero-fter-news\">\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRacing\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRoad\n<\/li>\n<li>\nVuelta a Espa\u00f1a\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>Tadej Poga\u010dar vs the rest \u2013 Our analysis of the top 10 contenders at the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a<\/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 max-sm:flex-col justify-start\" data-component-name=\"Article:BylineBlock\">\n<div class=\"my-auto vds-simple-byline\"><span class=\"inline-block vds-author\"><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nMatilda Price, Dani Ostanek <\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex gap-1 vds-byline-with-avatar__meta\"><span class=\"vds-date block font-normal tracking-normal normal-case text-xs\"><br \/>\nPublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-08-17T08:30:46Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n17 August 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">No rider looks likely to beat the Tour de France champion, but there are plenty of GC names to watch in Spain<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"text-gray-700 flex items-center mx-0 my-5 p-0 justify-start text-left\" id=\"affiliate-disclaimer\" data-component-name=\"AffiliateDisclaimer\" data-hawk-message=\"Affiliate disclaimer removed because hawk deemed there are no affiliate links on this page\">\n<p class=\"text-[color:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--text-color,inherit)] mb-2 text-[length:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--font-size,0.75rem)] leading-[18px] md:text-[13px] [&amp;&gt;a]:text-inherit [&amp;&gt;a]:underline\">\nWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here\u2019s how it works.\n<\/p>\n<\/aside>\n<\/header>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-widget-type=\"contentparsed\" id=\"content\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-contentparsed widget-content widget-contentparsed-content widget-content-parsed widget-content-parsed-content_document \">\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<section class=\"content-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"box less-space hero-image-wrapper\">\n<figure class=\"mb-0\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mXJuYrHHFurq7oAoLSK4qF-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mXJuYrHHFurq7oAoLSK4qF-1600-80.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mXJuYrHHFurq7oAoLSK4qF-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mXJuYrHHFurq7oAoLSK4qF-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mXJuYrHHFurq7oAoLSK4qF-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mXJuYrHHFurq7oAoLSK4qF-750-80.jpg.webp 750w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mXJuYrHHFurq7oAoLSK4qF-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mXJuYrHHFurq7oAoLSK4qF-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mXJuYrHHFurq7oAoLSK4qF-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\">Felix Gall, Tadej Poga\u010dar, and Richard Carapaz are among the top contenders for the 2026 Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a<\/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>Tadej Poga\u010dar<\/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>Felix Gall<\/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>Oscar Onley<\/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>Richard Carapaz<\/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>Mattias Skjelmose<\/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>Enric Mas<\/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>Jo\u00e3o Almeida<\/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>Matthew Riccitello<\/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>Cian Uijtdebroeks<\/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>Primo\u017e Rogli\u010d<\/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>Honourable mentions<\/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 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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-cc735542-9716-11f1-8e16-7b45601749da\">The first two men&#8217;s Grand Tours of the season are behind us, with Jonas Vingegaard and Tadej Poga\u010dar delivering comprehensive victories at the Giro d&#8217;Italia and Tour de France, respectively.<\/p>\n<p>The final of cycling&#8217;s biggest triumvirate of races comes with a trip to Spain via Monaco and France and the 81st edition of the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-cc735542-9716-11f1-8e16-7b45601749da-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">This year, following that opening time trial in Monaco and a trek through the Pyrenees, the race takes a rare heavy focus on Spain&#8217;s south and east, with no stages at all held in the mountainous north-west. The mountains of the Sierra Nevada won&#8217;t put off Poga\u010dar, though, with the world champion lining up as heavy favourite to win the red jersey as overall winner.<\/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\">It&#8217;s hard to see who exactly can beat the Slovenian, who has dominated this season like nobody else in history \u2013 barring Eddy Merckx.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">We&#8217;ve nonetheless scoured the start list to find a host of capable GC names. They may not win the race, but they&#8217;ll certainly be in the mix for the podium and top 10 in Granada. Here are our 10 contenders for the 2026 Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a.<\/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\/WHEfA8PfrwjRikdcTccTK-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WHEfA8PfrwjRikdcTccTK-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\">Who will win the Tour de France 2026? Our definitive ranking of the favourites for the yellow jersey<\/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\/Yfx4LXgSZbsiApsXpSA82U-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Yfx4LXgSZbsiApsXpSA82U-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\">Can anyone beat Tadej Poga\u010dar? Analysing the contenders for the men&#8217;s Tour de Suisse<\/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\/bJSFVkodwVvGjKmmDG6zKj-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bJSFVkodwVvGjKmmDG6zKj-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\">The importance of a Tadej Poga\u010dar gift in the race against Vingegaard for Tour de France supremacy \u2013 Barcelona Grand D\u00e9part GC analysis<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-tadej-pogacar-uae-team-emirates-xrg\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Tadej Poga\u010dar (UAE Team Emirates-XRG)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-957f0f40-971b-11f1-80bf-a19093dd5f5e\" 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\/QBaaciCEFMkELPBH5GzRfC-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QBaaciCEFMkELPBH5GzRfC-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QBaaciCEFMkELPBH5GzRfC-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QBaaciCEFMkELPBH5GzRfC-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QBaaciCEFMkELPBH5GzRfC-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QBaaciCEFMkELPBH5GzRfC-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\">Tadej Poga\u010dar is the overwhelming favourite for the win <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-cc7356e6-9716-11f1-a796-f3cb9275aaac\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">This season, the only race Tadej Poga\u010dar has lost was Paris-Roubaix. The Slovenian hasn&#8217;t raced the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a since his neo-pro season in 2019, but he can rest assured that there will be no cobbled sectors standing in his way here.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Poga\u010dar heads to Spain looking to tick off one of the few races missing from his massive palmar\u00e8s, having raced to third place with two mountain stage wins as a 20-year-old seven years ago.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-7qQCXruERKAxUZirhSjVPe\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-7qQCXruERKAxUZirhSjVPe 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\">There appears to be little possibility that he won&#8217;t succeed in his mission next month. We could be looking at a total domination of La Vuelta, as he wrought on the Giro d&#8217;Italia (six stage wins and a 10-minute winning margin) in 2024.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">He triumphed at the Tour de France with a 6:26 gap over second place, and realistically there&#8217;s nobody else here on the level of Remco Evenepoel. With the likes of Jo\u00e3o Almeida (more on him below), Jay Vine, and Pavel Sivakov supporting him, Poga\u010dar has the strongest team, too. If he can avoid illness and crashes, the Vuelta should be his. <em>(DO)<\/em><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-felix-gall-decathlon-cma-cgm\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Felix Gall (Decathlon CMA CGM)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-957f0fea-971b-11f1-a5a9-abd4bd0fac6e\" 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\/qZpBZhGQKmqhF6eYHAEp6E-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qZpBZhGQKmqhF6eYHAEp6E-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qZpBZhGQKmqhF6eYHAEp6E-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qZpBZhGQKmqhF6eYHAEp6E-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qZpBZhGQKmqhF6eYHAEp6E-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qZpBZhGQKmqhF6eYHAEp6E-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\">Felix Gall is in flying form after winning the Vuelta a Burgos <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-9c49e8f4-971b-11f1-b8b7-f5eae64cdc40\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">After finishing second overall at the Giro d&#8217;Italia, the best rider behind winner Jonas Vingegaard, Felix Gall would have had high hopes for a better result at the Vuelta, but those might have been dashed by the news of Poga\u010dar&#8217;s arrival.<\/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\/2fmbtXZ2fEd6EkmEtQgkd3-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2fmbtXZ2fEd6EkmEtQgkd3-150-80.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\">Unstoppable? The five biggest challenges that Tadej Poga\u010dar will face at this year&#8217;s Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a<\/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\/Ty569jeaw6C8tRZavL46kT-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ty569jeaw6C8tRZavL46kT-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\">No Poga\u010dar or Vingegaard but Paul Seixas faces test of Tour de France credentials against Del Toro, Ayuso and more \u2013 Analysing the contenders at Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes<\/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\/xYehNdGJyBUwNetTFTfRVL-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xYehNdGJyBUwNetTFTfRVL-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 team-by-team guide \u2013 Line-up, leaders and ambitions for every squad on the start list<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Gall isn&#8217;t the flashiest or most talked-about GC rider in the peloton, but really proved himself at the Giro this year, with his steady, considered and consistent riding style working well over three weeks and deliveirng him to his best Grand Tour result yet, adding to the top 10s he&#8217;s already achieved. He swapped the Tour for the Giro and Vuelta this year and so far it has paid off.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Since the Giro, the Austrian has kept a pretty low profile, keeping his racing load low in favour of training. He only returned a few weeks ago at San Sebasti\u00e1n, where he finished 18th, before heading to the Vuelta a Burgos which he won. Given he&#8217;s only raced six days since the Giro, we can&#8217;t really speak too much to his current form, but he&#8217;s a three-week specialist who has been working towards this race so it&#8217;s fair to expect that he&#8217;ll be starting in Monaco very well prepared.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Can he beat Tadej Poga\u010dar? In truth, probably not, but Gall has already proved once this year that he can be &#8216;best of the rest&#8217; and he&#8217;ll be aiming at no less than second overall again in Spain. <em>(MP)<\/em><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-oscar-onley-netcompany-ineos\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Oscar Onley (Netcompany Ineos)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-957f10a8-971b-11f1-bad0-8b43650b9125\" 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\/4FRQ2BZmfnKDGJqMBcbLdS-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4FRQ2BZmfnKDGJqMBcbLdS-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4FRQ2BZmfnKDGJqMBcbLdS-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4FRQ2BZmfnKDGJqMBcbLdS-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4FRQ2BZmfnKDGJqMBcbLdS-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4FRQ2BZmfnKDGJqMBcbLdS-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\">Oscar Onley leads Netcompany Ineos after a successful return to racing at the Vuelta a Burgos <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-eef2d262-9718-11f1-9c29-25520ddd34a7\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Scottish racer Oscar Onley was among last season&#8217;s standout riders, with top fives at the Tour Down Under and UAE Tour leading to third at the Tour de Suisse and fourth at the Tour de France.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">He started his 2026 well after a big move to Netcompany Ineos, racing to fourth at the Volta ao Algarve, though much of his season since has been ruined by illnesses and a major crash at the Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes. He was back in the saddle and back on form at the Vuelta a Burgos, though, racing to second place behind Gall as he took a stage win and both mountain and points jerseys.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">All is looking good for the 23-year-old, then, and he should enjoy the sharp inclines of the many mountain stages of his Vuelta debut. If he can avoid more bouts of bad luck, he&#8217;s a real podium contender.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Onley will have the likes of Laurens De Plus and Carlos Rodr\u00edguez to help him in the mountains, while Axel Laurance is one to watch in the sprints. <em>(DO)<\/em><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-richard-carapaz-ef-education-easypost\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Richard Carapaz (EF Education-EasyPost)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-957f11d4-971b-11f1-9bc3-a3ce2b9ac77e\" 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\/aWfp3V6mtpfid9nrwD9pxD-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aWfp3V6mtpfid9nrwD9pxD-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aWfp3V6mtpfid9nrwD9pxD-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aWfp3V6mtpfid9nrwD9pxD-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aWfp3V6mtpfid9nrwD9pxD-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aWfp3V6mtpfid9nrwD9pxD-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\">Richard Carapaz dominated the Alps at the Tour with two stage wins and the polka dot jersey <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-a8c5db7c-9722-11f1-9c87-857e01532abb\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Tour de France polka dot jersey winner Richard Carapaz confirmed his return to the Vuelta last Thursday, though his intentions for the race aren&#8217;t 100% clear. Is he going for another GC challenge like his second and fourth places in 2020 and 2024? Or is he hunting stage wins, as he did to great effect with three triumphs in 2022?<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Whichever turns out to be the case, Carapaz cannot be ignored as a GC candidate. Last month, he took his Grand Tour stage win tally to 10 with two Alpine victories at the Tour, also soaring to a third Grand Tour mountain classification win of his career.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The Ecuadorian rarely rides two Grand Tours back-to-back, however. In 2021, his podium at the Tour (and gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics) was followed up by an anonymous, abortive Vuelta campaign. The previous year, though, he finished strongly at the Tour before going on to narrowly lose that Vuelta to Primo\u017e Rogli\u010d.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">We may be in for a repeat performance here, but don&#8217;t be shocked if his mind is set solely on more stage wins, either. <em>(DO)<\/em><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-mattias-skjelmose-lidl-trek\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Mattias Skjelmose (Lidl-Trek)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-957f13c8-971b-11f1-af3c-630bdae2eb06\" 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\/N8U4kZx9oHamg2VL9UZCYD-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/N8U4kZx9oHamg2VL9UZCYD-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/N8U4kZx9oHamg2VL9UZCYD-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/N8U4kZx9oHamg2VL9UZCYD-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/N8U4kZx9oHamg2VL9UZCYD-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/N8U4kZx9oHamg2VL9UZCYD-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\">Can Mattias Skjelmose fight for a podium spot after racing to sixth at the Tour de France? <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-cc7359c0-9716-11f1-adee-4164a86bd983\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Mattias Skjelmose is opting for the Tour-Vuelta double this year, off the back of sixth overall at the Tour, and depending on how he has recovered from that effort, he may actually be in a better position for the Vuelta. Why is that? Well, because he won&#8217;t have Juan Ayuso with him this time, causing any GC tug-of-war. Whilst the pair both finished in the top 10 at the Tour, there was a sense by the end that if perhaps they had joined forces for one goal, one of them could have finished higher. But either way, Skjelmose&#8217;s performances reaffirmed his GC credentials after some hit-and-miss results the last few years.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">A Classics-capable climber, the tough and punchy climbs of the Vuelta should suit Skjelmose well, and given he&#8217;s already finished top 10 in one Grand Tour this year, he should be able to come to this race motivated to go for broke and race aggressively. If it doesn&#8217;t work and he can&#8217;t improve on sixth, it won&#8217;t really dampen his season, but if he can grab time or a stage win that would be a solid reward.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The things that may work against him are the two time trials \u2013 though he was actually very impressive in the Tour TT \u2013 and the kind of team Lidl-Trek send to this race. Their squad isn&#8217;t confirmed, but we aren&#8217;t expecting a super GC-centric line-up, more a group of opportunists, which may affect how much of a concerted overall campaign Skjelmose is able to put together. <em>(MP)<\/em><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-enric-mas-movistar\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Enric Mas (Movistar)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-957f1616-971b-11f1-9ecf-39f7cfa35950\" 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\/y5r7UimV85JBc3pwfGUNxD-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/y5r7UimV85JBc3pwfGUNxD-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/y5r7UimV85JBc3pwfGUNxD-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/y5r7UimV85JBc3pwfGUNxD-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/y5r7UimV85JBc3pwfGUNxD-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/y5r7UimV85JBc3pwfGUNxD-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\">Enric Mas is often at his strongest at La Vuelta, picking up four podium spots <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-cc735b78-9716-11f1-9c0d-65039d31f605\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">A rider with six top-six finishes at La Vuelta, including three runner-up spots and a third place, wouldn&#8217;t normally be this low on our list. But Enric Mas hasn&#8217;t enjoyed the best year-and-a-half of his career since his most recent Vuelta campaign.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Mas&#8217; 2024 podium, behind Rogli\u010d and Ben O&#8217;Connor, has been followed by a DNF from 18th place at last summer&#8217;s Tour de France and a 32nd place at May&#8217;s Giro d&#8217;Italia. Highlights of the past two seasons have included podiums at last year&#8217;s Itzulia Basque Country and Volta a Catalunya.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">There have been signs of renewed form recently, though, as Mas raced to fifth overall at the recent Vuelta a Burgos. He was solid throughout the race and finished 41 seconds off the winner, Felix Gall, and so surely he&#8217;ll be back in the mix here.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">He&#8217;ll race at the head of Movistar in allyship with Cian Uijtdebroeks (more below), the pair supported by a very strong lineup featuring Iv\u00e1n Romeo, Einer Rubio, Pablo Castrillo, Ra\u00fal Garc\u00eda Pierna, and the retiring Nairo Quintana. <em>(DO)<\/em><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-joao-almeida-uae-team-emirates-xrg\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Jo\u00e3o Almeida (UAE Team Emirates-XRG)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-957f1756-971b-11f1-b3ca-d1182abcf9e7\" 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\/LHG46MTQ3NfTNJwvPZQngG-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LHG46MTQ3NfTNJwvPZQngG-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LHG46MTQ3NfTNJwvPZQngG-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LHG46MTQ3NfTNJwvPZQngG-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LHG46MTQ3NfTNJwvPZQngG-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LHG46MTQ3NfTNJwvPZQngG-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\">Jo\u00e3o Almeida was second last year but has struggled with illness and injury this year <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-957f190e-971b-11f1-92ab-27596b8ec5c5\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Once upon a time Jo\u00e3o Almeida was second fiddle to Poga\u010dar at UAE Team Emirates-XRG and would be given practically as much support as the Slovenian in the races where he was leader, but his star has fallen with the rise of Isaac del Toro, and it feels like he has less and less clout these days. Case in point being the fact that, after finishing second overall at the Vuelta last year, Almeida has been demoted back to domestique this year, because Poga\u010dar wants to ride, and Poga\u010dar makes the rules.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Now, we know from the Tour that UAE absolutely can work to win a race and place their luxury domestique on the podium too, but unfortunately, Almeida is looking far from podium form right now. He hasn&#8217;t finished a stage race since March and he had to miss the Giro as a long, mystery illness derailed his season, and his recent withdrawal from the Tour of Poland hasn&#8217;t exactly convinced us that his form is returning.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">In any other situation, it would be season-saving time for Almeida, and whilst it would be good to end the year with a top 10 or good result, the Portuguese rider probably also has the luxury of &#8216;just&#8217; working for Poga\u010dar, if he wants, and knowing that the team&#8217;s performance won&#8217;t be based just on how he fares. <em>(MP)<\/em><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-matthew-riccitello-decathlon-cma-cgm\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Matthew Riccitello (Decathlon CMA CGM)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-fc6178ec-976b-11f1-b2fe-916591fa28d6\" 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\/WA5CNf3wFQgUXhCEyMTwEd-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WA5CNf3wFQgUXhCEyMTwEd-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WA5CNf3wFQgUXhCEyMTwEd-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WA5CNf3wFQgUXhCEyMTwEd-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WA5CNf3wFQgUXhCEyMTwEd-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WA5CNf3wFQgUXhCEyMTwEd-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\">Matthew Riccitello raced to fifth overall last year, but how will he cope with first time back-to-back Grand Tours <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-cc735cea-9716-11f1-aa1e-43fba51874af\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">US racer Matthew Riccitello has progressed solidly and steadily since turning pro with Israel-Premier Tech in 2023. He finished fourth at the Tour de l&#8217;Avenir that year, fifth at the Tour de Suisse in 2024, and then fifth with the young rider&#8217;s jersey on his Grand Tour debut at last year&#8217;s Vuelta.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">In 2026, Riccitello has taken wins at the Tour de la Provence and Tour du Jura to go with sixth and seventh places at the Volta ao Algarve and Tour de Suisse.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">He raced the Tour de France in support of Paul Seixas&#8217;s GC ambitions, finishing 24th himself and getting stronger in the race&#8217;s final days in the Alps. Whether he&#8217;ll carry that form forward to Spain \u2013 this will be his first time tackling back-to-back Grand Tours \u2013 remains to be seen, though he&#8217;ll certainly form a formidable pairing with teammate Felix Gall. <em>(DO)<\/em><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-cian-uijtdebroeks-movistar\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Cian Uijtdebroeks (Movistar)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-957f1a44-971b-11f1-8779-2730b2f4efbb\" 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\/XYMbeUGCxfAJqnUHH9v2nC-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XYMbeUGCxfAJqnUHH9v2nC-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XYMbeUGCxfAJqnUHH9v2nC-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XYMbeUGCxfAJqnUHH9v2nC-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XYMbeUGCxfAJqnUHH9v2nC-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XYMbeUGCxfAJqnUHH9v2nC-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\">Cian Uijtdebroeks will have be keen to perform after a difficult start to life at Movistar <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-cc735c2c-9716-11f1-b802-d1fbdd6f4cb8\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Cian Uijtdebroeks is a rider who is definitely in season-redemption territory at the Vuelta. He made his big move to Movistar in search of fast-tracked leadership at the Tour de France, but failed to capitalise this year after illness saw him withdraw in the first week, so he has a lot of questions to answer about what kind of GC rider he is, and if that move away from Visma was really justified.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Before the Tour, his season had been going relatively well, if not mind-blowing, with seventh overall at the Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes a highlight, but he&#8217;s still very much in the field of top 10 contenders, rather than serious podium challengers. He&#8217;s not raced since dropping out of the Tour, so we know very little about how he&#8217;s performing right now, and will probably only know as the Vuelta develops. With Mas there, a bit of pressure might be off Uijtdebroeks, but the young Belgian does have a lot to prove, and a second Grand Tour failure of the season wouldn&#8217;t be great for anyone&#8217;s confidence. <em>(MP)<\/em><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-primoz-roglic-red-bull-bora-hansgrohe\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Primo\u017e Rogli\u010d (Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-957f1580-971b-11f1-91b4-9bd427be96f1\" 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\/VA6Hmj72hQ5XCWoDD2wwoG-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VA6Hmj72hQ5XCWoDD2wwoG-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VA6Hmj72hQ5XCWoDD2wwoG-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VA6Hmj72hQ5XCWoDD2wwoG-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VA6Hmj72hQ5XCWoDD2wwoG-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VA6Hmj72hQ5XCWoDD2wwoG-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\">Four-time race winner Primo\u017e Rogli\u010d is looking to move clear of Roberto Heras on five <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-cc735a7e-9716-11f1-831d-cb4d318ff57c\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Primo\u017e Rogli\u010d looks set to be at the Vuelta start in Monaco after a crash derailed his preparation, but it&#8217;s unlikely that he&#8217;ll be racing for GC.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">As a four-time winner of this race, Rogli\u010d started the year looking pretty good to break the record and go for five victories, but his stock has gradually fallen as the months have gone on, with the Slovenian struggling to show off his Grand Tour-winning best very often in 2026. The participation of his compatriot and racing foil Poga\u010dar, plus his crash, has lowered his chances ever further, and to be honest even fighting for the podium feels like a big ask right now.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">But, as a four-time winner \u2013 more times than anyone except joint record-holder Roberto Heras \u2013 we can&#8217;t not include him on this list, and indeed I think it&#8217;s only fair to include him near the top. It&#8217;s true that he may be quite bashed up from his crash, but he&#8217;s been training in the mountains again recently, and let&#8217;s face it, this is a man who knows how to deal with adversity.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">With all the circumstances he&#8217;s facing, it does unfortunately feel quite unlikely that Rogli\u010d will be making it five Vuelta titles this year, but you can be sure that he will give this race his full respect and effort. With uncertainty over his future and his career certainly in its twilight, too, there is a sense that every Grand Tour could be one of Rogli\u010d&#8217;s last.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">If there&#8217;s one Grand Tour where he can pull out a phenomenal ride and add another top 10 or stage win to his storied palmar\u00e8s, it is his beloved Vuelta. So just don&#8217;t count him out. <em>(MP)<\/em><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-honourable-mentions\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Honourable mentions<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-957f1d0a-971b-11f1-bb51-ab14144dba9c\" 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\/mZX59XgAmpLKSYovHq87VW-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mZX59XgAmpLKSYovHq87VW-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mZX59XgAmpLKSYovHq87VW-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mZX59XgAmpLKSYovHq87VW-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mZX59XgAmpLKSYovHq87VW-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mZX59XgAmpLKSYovHq87VW-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\">Soudal-QuickStep enjoy one final month of Landismo before his departure to Euskaltel-Euskadi <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-cc735d9e-9716-11f1-8c7b-47a956970735\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Away from our top 10, there are plenty of other names to consider, including Basque racer <strong>Mikel Landa<\/strong>. He&#8217;ll race his final Grand Tour with Soudal-QuickStep, though this year looks a shadow of the rider he once was. He recently finished 37th at the Vuelta a Burgos and should target stage wins.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Once upon a time, Spanish fans could look forward to a host of GC favourites at their home Grand Tour. <strong>Carlos Rodr\u00edguez<\/strong> was supposed to be the heir to the likes of Mas and Landa, but the 25-year-old&#8217;s progress has really stalled since a run of four top-10s in a row at his first four Grand Tours. Can the Netcompany Ineos rider rediscover that form here?<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">There&#8217;s no doubt that <strong>Jarno Widar<\/strong> and Lotto-Intermarch\u00e9 will treat his debut Grand Tour as a learning experience. However, he&#8217;ll nonetheless be a heavily watched rider following two Giro della Valle d&#8217;Aosta wins and a second place behind Paul Seixas at the Tour de l&#8217;Avenir.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><strong>Santiago Buitrago<\/strong>, who leads the Bahrain Victorious selection, hasn&#8217;t had much to shout about in 2026, barring a seventh place at Tirreno-Adriatico, but he has finished top 10 at the Tour and Vuelta before. Can he regain that kind of form? <em>(DO)<\/em><\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-7560e24c-97b6-11f1-9fde-ed8d8fc08dce\" 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\/h3JBrffamdttkecN8JcbKE-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/h3JBrffamdttkecN8JcbKE-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/h3JBrffamdttkecN8JcbKE-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/h3JBrffamdttkecN8JcbKE-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/h3JBrffamdttkecN8JcbKE-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/h3JBrffamdttkecN8JcbKE-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\">Carlos Rodr\u00edguez&#8217;s Grand Tour progress seems to have stalled \u2013\u00a0can he refind his promising form in Spain? <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-f52361ae-97b5-11f1-b84f-71fad2547197\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><strong>J\u00f8rgen Nordhagen<\/strong> was third at the same Tour de l&#8217;Avenir last year and finished fourth at May&#8217;s Tour de Romandie. He&#8217;ll be free to ride his own race in the absence of the usual Visma-Lease a Bike GC candidates, Jonas Vingegaard, Sepp Kuss, and Matteo Jorgenson.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe have <strong>Luke Tuckwell<\/strong> in reserve if Rogli\u010d isn&#8217;t at his best. The 22-year-old, a runner-up at the Giro d&#8217;Italia Next Gen last year, has impressed several times this season, including sixth in Romandie and second at the Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes, though it&#8217;s wise to warn against too-high expectations on his Grand Tour debut.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Italian racer <strong>Lorenzo Fortunato<\/strong> recently finished 10th at the Vuelta a Burgos and is often there or thereabouts for the top 10-15 at Grand Tours. He&#8217;ll lead XDS-Astana this time around.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Among the Spanish wildcard teams, <strong>Iv\u00e1n Sosa<\/strong> (Equipo Kern Pharma) looks the best bet for a strong ride. The Colombian climber has a host of week-long stage race wins to his name and several standout results this year. He last rode a Grand Tour four years ago, though, and will likely be stage hunting rather than riding for GC.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Finally, we come to a pair of old hands in Groupama-FDJ United&#8217;s <strong>Guillaume Martin<\/strong> and NSN&#8217;s <strong>Jan Hirt<\/strong>. Like Landa, their best years are behind them, but both are capable of riding to the fringes of the top 10, with Hirt having finished 12th at this year&#8217;s Giro. <em>(DO)<\/em><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-f5236226-97b5-11f1-822b-2b5c87411e04\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><strong>For unbeatable coverage across road, gravel and tech, subscribe to Cyclingnews. You&#8217;ll get comprehensive race coverage of La Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a, subscriber-exclusive analysis from our expert columnists, in-depth features and industry-leading tech insight. Plus, the Cyclingnews app lets you follow the action wherever you go! <\/strong><u><strong>Join today.<\/strong><\/u><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-7qQCXruERKAxUZirhSjVPe\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-7qQCXruERKAxUZirhSjVPe slice-container-authorBio\">\n<div class=\"author author__default-layout author--separator author--collapsible\" data-hydrate=\"true\">\n<div class=\"author__header\">\n<div class=\"author__avatar-block\">\n<figure class=\"image-wrapped__wrapper\" data-bordeaux-image-check=\"false\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__widthsetter\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__aspect-padding\">\n<div><source class=\"author__avatar image-wrapped__image image__image\" type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sZZXd8K4JqxjkRK7teBMFc-140-80.jpg.webp 140w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sZZXd8K4JqxjkRK7teBMFc.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sZZXd8K4JqxjkRK7teBMFc.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sZZXd8K4JqxjkRK7teBMFc.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__heading\">\n<div class=\"author__name\">Dani Ostanek<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__social\">\n<nav class=\"button-social-group author__social-buttons\" aria-labelledby=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">\n<div id=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">Social Links Navigation<\/div>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__role\">Senior News Writer<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>Dani Ostanek is Senior News Writer at Cyclingnews, having joined in 2017 as a freelance contributor, later being hired full-time. Her favourite races include the Tour de France Femmes, Paris-Roubaix, Tro-Bro L\u00e9on, and cycling&#8217;s fourth Grand Tour, the Volta a Portugal.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<div class=\"relative max-w-[1070px] viafoura-twig-component mt-6 mx-4 lg:mx-0\" data-component-name=\"Viafoura:Comments\" data-nosnippet data-community-guidelines-text=\"&lt;p class=&apos;vfcustom-community-guidelines&apos;&gt;Please follow our &lt;a href=&quot;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/about\/#section-community-guidelines&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;community guidelines&lt;\/a&gt;.&lt;\/p&gt;\" data-join-the-conversation-text=\"Join the Conversation\">\n<div class=\"absolute top-0 left-0 w-full h-full flex items-center justify-center z-50 bg-white\/90 border-1 rounded-b-[var(--comment-widget-border-radius,0)]\">\n<div class=\"p-2 text-center\">\n<p class=\"mb-3 text-lg!\">You must confirm your public display name before commenting<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-3 text-sm!\">Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<section class=\"mx-2 my-5 sm:mx-0\">\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-adviser:hybrid\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Read more<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WHEfA8PfrwjRikdcTccTK-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WHEfA8PfrwjRikdcTccTK-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WHEfA8PfrwjRikdcTccTK-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WHEfA8PfrwjRikdcTccTK-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WHEfA8PfrwjRikdcTccTK-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Who will win the Tour de France 2026? Our definitive ranking of the favourites for the yellow jersey<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Yfx4LXgSZbsiApsXpSA82U-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Yfx4LXgSZbsiApsXpSA82U-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Yfx4LXgSZbsiApsXpSA82U-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Yfx4LXgSZbsiApsXpSA82U-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Yfx4LXgSZbsiApsXpSA82U-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\">Can anyone beat Tadej Poga\u010dar? Analysing the contenders for the men&#8217;s Tour de Suisse<\/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\/Ty569jeaw6C8tRZavL46kT-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ty569jeaw6C8tRZavL46kT-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ty569jeaw6C8tRZavL46kT-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ty569jeaw6C8tRZavL46kT-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ty569jeaw6C8tRZavL46kT-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\">No Poga\u010dar or Vingegaard but Paul Seixas faces test of Tour de France credentials against Del Toro, Ayuso and more \u2013 Analysing the contenders at Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes<\/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\/bJSFVkodwVvGjKmmDG6zKj-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bJSFVkodwVvGjKmmDG6zKj-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bJSFVkodwVvGjKmmDG6zKj-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bJSFVkodwVvGjKmmDG6zKj-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bJSFVkodwVvGjKmmDG6zKj-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\">The importance of a Tadej Poga\u010dar gift in the race against Vingegaard for Tour de France supremacy \u2013 Barcelona Grand D\u00e9part GC 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\/2fmbtXZ2fEd6EkmEtQgkd3-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2fmbtXZ2fEd6EkmEtQgkd3-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2fmbtXZ2fEd6EkmEtQgkd3-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2fmbtXZ2fEd6EkmEtQgkd3-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2fmbtXZ2fEd6EkmEtQgkd3-320-80.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\">Unstoppable? The five biggest challenges that Tadej Poga\u010dar will face at this year&#8217;s Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div 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\/xYehNdGJyBUwNetTFTfRVL-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xYehNdGJyBUwNetTFTfRVL-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xYehNdGJyBUwNetTFTfRVL-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xYehNdGJyBUwNetTFTfRVL-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xYehNdGJyBUwNetTFTfRVL-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\">Tour de France team-by-team guide \u2013 Line-up, leaders and ambitions for every squad on the start list<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-category\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Racing<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/f49oSFKGJLp9Q6rYAYDwTF-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/f49oSFKGJLp9Q6rYAYDwTF-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/f49oSFKGJLp9Q6rYAYDwTF-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/f49oSFKGJLp9Q6rYAYDwTF-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/f49oSFKGJLp9Q6rYAYDwTF-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\">American Criterium Cup: Aline Seitz holds off Skylar Schneider while Justin Williams earns men&#8217;s sprint victory on tight circuit in Salt Lake City<\/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\/didDWkuxCx3NhnzuvisdbR-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/didDWkuxCx3NhnzuvisdbR-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/didDWkuxCx3NhnzuvisdbR-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/didDWkuxCx3NhnzuvisdbR-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/didDWkuxCx3NhnzuvisdbR-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;The Leadville nobody knew&#8217; \u2013 Revised course eliminates final &#8216;gut punch&#8217; of Powerline climb but Columbine and elevation keep you humble<\/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\/Sn6hGjVFiD66r26MKqkJVV-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Sn6hGjVFiD66r26MKqkJVV-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Sn6hGjVFiD66r26MKqkJVV-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Sn6hGjVFiD66r26MKqkJVV-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Sn6hGjVFiD66r26MKqkJVV-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I&#8217;m certainly not done with this season yet&#8217; \u2013 Demi Vollering sends warning to her rivals ahead of the World Championships<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BA34nJiPUVCN2EN7yKmEC7-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BA34nJiPUVCN2EN7yKmEC7-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BA34nJiPUVCN2EN7yKmEC7-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BA34nJiPUVCN2EN7yKmEC7-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BA34nJiPUVCN2EN7yKmEC7-320-80.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\">Primo\u017e Rogli\u010d expected to race the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a but with no GC ambitions<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oFHHPQJ4KKJ9XpSBHAhNHC-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oFHHPQJ4KKJ9XpSBHAhNHC-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oFHHPQJ4KKJ9XpSBHAhNHC-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oFHHPQJ4KKJ9XpSBHAhNHC-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oFHHPQJ4KKJ9XpSBHAhNHC-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\">Jonas Vingegaard out for rest of season with no return possible after crash<\/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\/NzRzmTrJc2Hgn2t5F6uCzH-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NzRzmTrJc2Hgn2t5F6uCzH-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NzRzmTrJc2Hgn2t5F6uCzH-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NzRzmTrJc2Hgn2t5F6uCzH-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NzRzmTrJc2Hgn2t5F6uCzH-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;Finally had everything go to plan&#8217; \u2013 New Zealand&#8217;s Matthew Wilson moves past foiled finishes to claim first Life Time Grand Prix podium in Leadville<\/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 Previews<\/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\/yJ5aUr4FYgPPi8KC77ZVcW-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yJ5aUr4FYgPPi8KC77ZVcW-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yJ5aUr4FYgPPi8KC77ZVcW-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yJ5aUr4FYgPPi8KC77ZVcW-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yJ5aUr4FYgPPi8KC77ZVcW-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Leadville Trail 100 MTB contenders 2026 &#8211; Can anyone unseat Keegan Swenson and who can take the top spot vacated by Kate Courtney?<\/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\/ebH6UWz9YrekU3tR2sS5EM-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ebH6UWz9YrekU3tR2sS5EM-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ebH6UWz9YrekU3tR2sS5EM-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ebH6UWz9YrekU3tR2sS5EM-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ebH6UWz9YrekU3tR2sS5EM-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\">Tour de France runner-up Remco Evenepoel back to racing as Cl\u00e1sica San Sebasti\u00e1n top contender<\/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\/LrkJUcq33bAiDvGMxaGmy9-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LrkJUcq33bAiDvGMxaGmy9-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LrkJUcq33bAiDvGMxaGmy9-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LrkJUcq33bAiDvGMxaGmy9-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LrkJUcq33bAiDvGMxaGmy9-320-80.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 2026 stage 9: One last chance for glory in Nice \u2013 preview<\/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\/yrqP2bMcqmjrEMs2QFkf6-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yrqP2bMcqmjrEMs2QFkf6-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yrqP2bMcqmjrEMs2QFkf6-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yrqP2bMcqmjrEMs2QFkf6-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yrqP2bMcqmjrEMs2QFkf6-320-80.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 2026 stage 8 preview &#8211; Longest stage at 171.9km could end in a mass sprint<\/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\/RawbiQZcggVtgk5iLwFfEn-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RawbiQZcggVtgk5iLwFfEn-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RawbiQZcggVtgk5iLwFfEn-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RawbiQZcggVtgk5iLwFfEn-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RawbiQZcggVtgk5iLwFfEn-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 2026 stage 7 preview \u2013 Queen stage set to deliver GC fireworks on Mont Ventoux<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qg3ER6x9pLyzvXQRAZktUK-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qg3ER6x9pLyzvXQRAZktUK-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qg3ER6x9pLyzvXQRAZktUK-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qg3ER6x9pLyzvXQRAZktUK-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qg3ER6x9pLyzvXQRAZktUK-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 2026 stage 6: Another hot, hilly day could be one for the breakaway &#8211; Preview<\/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\/didDWkuxCx3NhnzuvisdbR-1280-80.png.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/didDWkuxCx3NhnzuvisdbR-720-80.png.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/didDWkuxCx3NhnzuvisdbR-640-80.png.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/didDWkuxCx3NhnzuvisdbR-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"99vw\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">1<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>&#8216;The Leadville nobody knew&#8217; 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\u2013 Demi Vollering sends warning to her rivals ahead of the World Championships<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRacing\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRoad\n<\/li>\n<li>\nVuelta a Espa\u00f1a\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>Tadej Poga\u010dar vs the rest \u2013 Our analysis of the top 10 contenders at the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a<\/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 max-sm:flex-col justify-start\" data-component-name=\"Article:BylineBlock\">\n<div class=\"my-auto vds-simple-byline\"><span class=\"inline-block vds-author\"><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nMatilda Price, Dani Ostanek <\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex gap-1 vds-byline-with-avatar__meta\"><span class=\"vds-date block font-normal tracking-normal normal-case text-xs\"><br \/>\nPublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-08-17T08:30:46Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n17 August 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">No rider looks likely to beat the Tour de France champion, but there are plenty of GC names to watch in Spain<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"text-gray-700 flex items-center mx-0 my-5 p-0 justify-start text-left\" id=\"affiliate-disclaimer\" data-component-name=\"AffiliateDisclaimer\" data-hawk-message=\"Affiliate disclaimer removed because hawk deemed there are no affiliate links on this page\">\n<p class=\"text-[color:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--text-color,inherit)] mb-2 text-[length:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--font-size,0.75rem)] leading-[18px] md:text-[13px] [&amp;&gt;a]:text-inherit [&amp;&gt;a]:underline\">\nWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here\u2019s how it works.\n<\/p>\n<\/aside>\n<\/header>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\"text-copy bodyCopy auto paywall-locker\">\n<div data-analytics-id=\"utility-bar\" id=\"utility-bar\" class=\"font-ui-heading flex justify-between items-center py-2 border-t border-b border-gray-300 border-solid mb-5 mx-auto\" data-component-name=\"UtilityBar\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"utility-bar\">\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div data-component-name=\"Social:Dropdown\" role=\"menu\" id=\"utilitybar__dropdown--share\" aria-labelledby=\"utilitybar__button--share\" class=\"absolute left-0 top-full w-44 bg-white rounded-md shadow-md border border-neutral-200 z-[9996] list-none m-0 py-2 px-3 border-solid\">\n<ul class=\"m-0!\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Facebook<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>X<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Pinterest<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Email<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-share-this-article\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nShare this article\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\"><span class=\"ml-1 inline-flex h-5 px-2 shrink-0 items-center justify-center self-center overflow-hidden whitespace-nowrap rounded-[10px] bg-primary-500 text-[11px] leading-none font-ui-heading font-semibold text-white\">0<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-join-the-conversation\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nJoin the conversation\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<p>Follow us<\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-add-us-as-a-preferred-source-on-google\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nAdd us as a preferred source on Google\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-subscribe-to-our-newsletter\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nSubscribe to our newsletter\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-cc735542-9716-11f1-8e16-7b45601749da\">The first two men&#8217;s Grand Tours of the season are behind us, with Jonas Vingegaard and Tadej Poga\u010dar delivering comprehensive victories at the Giro d&#8217;Italia and Tour de France, respectively.<\/p>\n<p>The final of cycling&#8217;s biggest triumvirate of races comes with a trip to Spain via Monaco and France and the 81st edition of the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-cc735542-9716-11f1-8e16-7b45601749da-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">This year, following that opening time trial in Monaco and a trek through the Pyrenees, the race takes a rare heavy focus on Spain&#8217;s south and east, with no stages at all held in the mountainous north-west. The mountains of the Sierra Nevada won&#8217;t put off Poga\u010dar, though, with the world champion lining up as heavy favourite to win the red jersey as overall winner.<\/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\">It&#8217;s hard to see who exactly can beat the Slovenian, who has dominated this season like nobody else in history \u2013 barring Eddy Merckx.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">We&#8217;ve nonetheless scoured the start list to find a host of capable GC names. They may not win the race, but they&#8217;ll certainly be in the mix for the podium and top 10 in Granada. Here are our 10 contenders for the 2026 Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a.<\/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\/WHEfA8PfrwjRikdcTccTK-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WHEfA8PfrwjRikdcTccTK-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\">Who will win the Tour de France 2026? Our definitive ranking of the favourites for the yellow jersey<\/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\/Yfx4LXgSZbsiApsXpSA82U-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Yfx4LXgSZbsiApsXpSA82U-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\">Can anyone beat Tadej Poga\u010dar? Analysing the contenders for the men&#8217;s Tour de Suisse<\/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\/bJSFVkodwVvGjKmmDG6zKj-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bJSFVkodwVvGjKmmDG6zKj-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\">The importance of a Tadej Poga\u010dar gift in the race against Vingegaard for Tour de France supremacy \u2013 Barcelona Grand D\u00e9part GC analysis<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-tadej-pogacar-uae-team-emirates-xrg\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Tadej Poga\u010dar (UAE Team Emirates-XRG)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-957f0f40-971b-11f1-80bf-a19093dd5f5e\" 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\/QBaaciCEFMkELPBH5GzRfC-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QBaaciCEFMkELPBH5GzRfC-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QBaaciCEFMkELPBH5GzRfC-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QBaaciCEFMkELPBH5GzRfC-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QBaaciCEFMkELPBH5GzRfC-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QBaaciCEFMkELPBH5GzRfC-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\">Tadej Poga\u010dar is the overwhelming favourite for the win <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-cc7356e6-9716-11f1-a796-f3cb9275aaac\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">This season, the only race Tadej Poga\u010dar has lost was Paris-Roubaix. The Slovenian hasn&#8217;t raced the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a since his neo-pro season in 2019, but he can rest assured that there will be no cobbled sectors standing in his way here.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Poga\u010dar heads to Spain looking to tick off one of the few races missing from his massive palmar\u00e8s, having raced to third place with two mountain stage wins as a 20-year-old seven years ago.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-7qQCXruERKAxUZirhSjVPe\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-7qQCXruERKAxUZirhSjVPe 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\">There appears to be little possibility that he won&#8217;t succeed in his mission next month. We could be looking at a total domination of La Vuelta, as he wrought on the Giro d&#8217;Italia (six stage wins and a 10-minute winning margin) in 2024.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">He triumphed at the Tour de France with a 6:26 gap over second place, and realistically there&#8217;s nobody else here on the level of Remco Evenepoel. With the likes of Jo\u00e3o Almeida (more on him below), Jay Vine, and Pavel Sivakov supporting him, Poga\u010dar has the strongest team, too. If he can avoid illness and crashes, the Vuelta should be his. <em>(DO)<\/em><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-felix-gall-decathlon-cma-cgm\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Felix Gall (Decathlon CMA CGM)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-957f0fea-971b-11f1-a5a9-abd4bd0fac6e\" 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\/qZpBZhGQKmqhF6eYHAEp6E-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qZpBZhGQKmqhF6eYHAEp6E-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qZpBZhGQKmqhF6eYHAEp6E-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qZpBZhGQKmqhF6eYHAEp6E-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qZpBZhGQKmqhF6eYHAEp6E-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qZpBZhGQKmqhF6eYHAEp6E-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\">Felix Gall is in flying form after winning the Vuelta a Burgos <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-9c49e8f4-971b-11f1-b8b7-f5eae64cdc40\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">After finishing second overall at the Giro d&#8217;Italia, the best rider behind winner Jonas Vingegaard, Felix Gall would have had high hopes for a better result at the Vuelta, but those might have been dashed by the news of Poga\u010dar&#8217;s arrival.<\/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\/2fmbtXZ2fEd6EkmEtQgkd3-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2fmbtXZ2fEd6EkmEtQgkd3-150-80.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\">Unstoppable? The five biggest challenges that Tadej Poga\u010dar will face at this year&#8217;s Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a<\/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\/Ty569jeaw6C8tRZavL46kT-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ty569jeaw6C8tRZavL46kT-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\">No Poga\u010dar or Vingegaard but Paul Seixas faces test of Tour de France credentials against Del Toro, Ayuso and more \u2013 Analysing the contenders at Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes<\/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\/xYehNdGJyBUwNetTFTfRVL-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xYehNdGJyBUwNetTFTfRVL-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 team-by-team guide \u2013 Line-up, leaders and ambitions for every squad on the start list<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Gall isn&#8217;t the flashiest or most talked-about GC rider in the peloton, but really proved himself at the Giro this year, with his steady, considered and consistent riding style working well over three weeks and deliveirng him to his best Grand Tour result yet, adding to the top 10s he&#8217;s already achieved. He swapped the Tour for the Giro and Vuelta this year and so far it has paid off.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Since the Giro, the Austrian has kept a pretty low profile, keeping his racing load low in favour of training. He only returned a few weeks ago at San Sebasti\u00e1n, where he finished 18th, before heading to the Vuelta a Burgos which he won. Given he&#8217;s only raced six days since the Giro, we can&#8217;t really speak too much to his current form, but he&#8217;s a three-week specialist who has been working towards this race so it&#8217;s fair to expect that he&#8217;ll be starting in Monaco very well prepared.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Can he beat Tadej Poga\u010dar? In truth, probably not, but Gall has already proved once this year that he can be &#8216;best of the rest&#8217; and he&#8217;ll be aiming at no less than second overall again in Spain. <em>(MP)<\/em><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-oscar-onley-netcompany-ineos\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Oscar Onley (Netcompany Ineos)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-957f10a8-971b-11f1-bad0-8b43650b9125\" 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\/4FRQ2BZmfnKDGJqMBcbLdS-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4FRQ2BZmfnKDGJqMBcbLdS-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4FRQ2BZmfnKDGJqMBcbLdS-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4FRQ2BZmfnKDGJqMBcbLdS-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4FRQ2BZmfnKDGJqMBcbLdS-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4FRQ2BZmfnKDGJqMBcbLdS-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\">Oscar Onley leads Netcompany Ineos after a successful return to racing at the Vuelta a Burgos <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-eef2d262-9718-11f1-9c29-25520ddd34a7\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Scottish racer Oscar Onley was among last season&#8217;s standout riders, with top fives at the Tour Down Under and UAE Tour leading to third at the Tour de Suisse and fourth at the Tour de France.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">He started his 2026 well after a big move to Netcompany Ineos, racing to fourth at the Volta ao Algarve, though much of his season since has been ruined by illnesses and a major crash at the Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes. He was back in the saddle and back on form at the Vuelta a Burgos, though, racing to second place behind Gall as he took a stage win and both mountain and points jerseys.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">All is looking good for the 23-year-old, then, and he should enjoy the sharp inclines of the many mountain stages of his Vuelta debut. If he can avoid more bouts of bad luck, he&#8217;s a real podium contender.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Onley will have the likes of Laurens De Plus and Carlos Rodr\u00edguez to help him in the mountains, while Axel Laurance is one to watch in the sprints. <em>(DO)<\/em><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-richard-carapaz-ef-education-easypost\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Richard Carapaz (EF Education-EasyPost)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-957f11d4-971b-11f1-9bc3-a3ce2b9ac77e\" 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\/aWfp3V6mtpfid9nrwD9pxD-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aWfp3V6mtpfid9nrwD9pxD-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aWfp3V6mtpfid9nrwD9pxD-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aWfp3V6mtpfid9nrwD9pxD-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aWfp3V6mtpfid9nrwD9pxD-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aWfp3V6mtpfid9nrwD9pxD-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\">Richard Carapaz dominated the Alps at the Tour with two stage wins and the polka dot jersey <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-a8c5db7c-9722-11f1-9c87-857e01532abb\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Tour de France polka dot jersey winner Richard Carapaz confirmed his return to the Vuelta last Thursday, though his intentions for the race aren&#8217;t 100% clear. Is he going for another GC challenge like his second and fourth places in 2020 and 2024? Or is he hunting stage wins, as he did to great effect with three triumphs in 2022?<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Whichever turns out to be the case, Carapaz cannot be ignored as a GC candidate. Last month, he took his Grand Tour stage win tally to 10 with two Alpine victories at the Tour, also soaring to a third Grand Tour mountain classification win of his career.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The Ecuadorian rarely rides two Grand Tours back-to-back, however. In 2021, his podium at the Tour (and gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics) was followed up by an anonymous, abortive Vuelta campaign. The previous year, though, he finished strongly at the Tour before going on to narrowly lose that Vuelta to Primo\u017e Rogli\u010d.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">We may be in for a repeat performance here, but don&#8217;t be shocked if his mind is set solely on more stage wins, either. <em>(DO)<\/em><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-mattias-skjelmose-lidl-trek\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Mattias Skjelmose (Lidl-Trek)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-957f13c8-971b-11f1-af3c-630bdae2eb06\" 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\/N8U4kZx9oHamg2VL9UZCYD-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/N8U4kZx9oHamg2VL9UZCYD-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/N8U4kZx9oHamg2VL9UZCYD-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/N8U4kZx9oHamg2VL9UZCYD-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/N8U4kZx9oHamg2VL9UZCYD-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/N8U4kZx9oHamg2VL9UZCYD-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\">Can Mattias Skjelmose fight for a podium spot after racing to sixth at the Tour de France? <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-cc7359c0-9716-11f1-adee-4164a86bd983\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Mattias Skjelmose is opting for the Tour-Vuelta double this year, off the back of sixth overall at the Tour, and depending on how he has recovered from that effort, he may actually be in a better position for the Vuelta. Why is that? Well, because he won&#8217;t have Juan Ayuso with him this time, causing any GC tug-of-war. Whilst the pair both finished in the top 10 at the Tour, there was a sense by the end that if perhaps they had joined forces for one goal, one of them could have finished higher. But either way, Skjelmose&#8217;s performances reaffirmed his GC credentials after some hit-and-miss results the last few years.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">A Classics-capable climber, the tough and punchy climbs of the Vuelta should suit Skjelmose well, and given he&#8217;s already finished top 10 in one Grand Tour this year, he should be able to come to this race motivated to go for broke and race aggressively. If it doesn&#8217;t work and he can&#8217;t improve on sixth, it won&#8217;t really dampen his season, but if he can grab time or a stage win that would be a solid reward.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The things that may work against him are the two time trials \u2013 though he was actually very impressive in the Tour TT \u2013 and the kind of team Lidl-Trek send to this race. Their squad isn&#8217;t confirmed, but we aren&#8217;t expecting a super GC-centric line-up, more a group of opportunists, which may affect how much of a concerted overall campaign Skjelmose is able to put together. <em>(MP)<\/em><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-enric-mas-movistar\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Enric Mas (Movistar)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-957f1616-971b-11f1-9ecf-39f7cfa35950\" 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\/y5r7UimV85JBc3pwfGUNxD-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/y5r7UimV85JBc3pwfGUNxD-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/y5r7UimV85JBc3pwfGUNxD-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/y5r7UimV85JBc3pwfGUNxD-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/y5r7UimV85JBc3pwfGUNxD-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/y5r7UimV85JBc3pwfGUNxD-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\">Enric Mas is often at his strongest at La Vuelta, picking up four podium spots <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-cc735b78-9716-11f1-9c0d-65039d31f605\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">A rider with six top-six finishes at La Vuelta, including three runner-up spots and a third place, wouldn&#8217;t normally be this low on our list. But Enric Mas hasn&#8217;t enjoyed the best year-and-a-half of his career since his most recent Vuelta campaign.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Mas&#8217; 2024 podium, behind Rogli\u010d and Ben O&#8217;Connor, has been followed by a DNF from 18th place at last summer&#8217;s Tour de France and a 32nd place at May&#8217;s Giro d&#8217;Italia. Highlights of the past two seasons have included podiums at last year&#8217;s Itzulia Basque Country and Volta a Catalunya.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">There have been signs of renewed form recently, though, as Mas raced to fifth overall at the recent Vuelta a Burgos. He was solid throughout the race and finished 41 seconds off the winner, Felix Gall, and so surely he&#8217;ll be back in the mix here.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">He&#8217;ll race at the head of Movistar in allyship with Cian Uijtdebroeks (more below), the pair supported by a very strong lineup featuring Iv\u00e1n Romeo, Einer Rubio, Pablo Castrillo, Ra\u00fal Garc\u00eda Pierna, and the retiring Nairo Quintana. <em>(DO)<\/em><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-joao-almeida-uae-team-emirates-xrg\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Jo\u00e3o Almeida (UAE Team Emirates-XRG)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-957f1756-971b-11f1-b3ca-d1182abcf9e7\" 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\/LHG46MTQ3NfTNJwvPZQngG-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LHG46MTQ3NfTNJwvPZQngG-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LHG46MTQ3NfTNJwvPZQngG-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LHG46MTQ3NfTNJwvPZQngG-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LHG46MTQ3NfTNJwvPZQngG-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LHG46MTQ3NfTNJwvPZQngG-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\">Jo\u00e3o Almeida was second last year but has struggled with illness and injury this year <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-957f190e-971b-11f1-92ab-27596b8ec5c5\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Once upon a time Jo\u00e3o Almeida was second fiddle to Poga\u010dar at UAE Team Emirates-XRG and would be given practically as much support as the Slovenian in the races where he was leader, but his star has fallen with the rise of Isaac del Toro, and it feels like he has less and less clout these days. Case in point being the fact that, after finishing second overall at the Vuelta last year, Almeida has been demoted back to domestique this year, because Poga\u010dar wants to ride, and Poga\u010dar makes the rules.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Now, we know from the Tour that UAE absolutely can work to win a race and place their luxury domestique on the podium too, but unfortunately, Almeida is looking far from podium form right now. He hasn&#8217;t finished a stage race since March and he had to miss the Giro as a long, mystery illness derailed his season, and his recent withdrawal from the Tour of Poland hasn&#8217;t exactly convinced us that his form is returning.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">In any other situation, it would be season-saving time for Almeida, and whilst it would be good to end the year with a top 10 or good result, the Portuguese rider probably also has the luxury of &#8216;just&#8217; working for Poga\u010dar, if he wants, and knowing that the team&#8217;s performance won&#8217;t be based just on how he fares. <em>(MP)<\/em><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-matthew-riccitello-decathlon-cma-cgm\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Matthew Riccitello (Decathlon CMA CGM)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-fc6178ec-976b-11f1-b2fe-916591fa28d6\" 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\/WA5CNf3wFQgUXhCEyMTwEd-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WA5CNf3wFQgUXhCEyMTwEd-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WA5CNf3wFQgUXhCEyMTwEd-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WA5CNf3wFQgUXhCEyMTwEd-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WA5CNf3wFQgUXhCEyMTwEd-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WA5CNf3wFQgUXhCEyMTwEd-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\">Matthew Riccitello raced to fifth overall last year, but how will he cope with first time back-to-back Grand Tours <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-cc735cea-9716-11f1-aa1e-43fba51874af\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">US racer Matthew Riccitello has progressed solidly and steadily since turning pro with Israel-Premier Tech in 2023. He finished fourth at the Tour de l&#8217;Avenir that year, fifth at the Tour de Suisse in 2024, and then fifth with the young rider&#8217;s jersey on his Grand Tour debut at last year&#8217;s Vuelta.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">In 2026, Riccitello has taken wins at the Tour de la Provence and Tour du Jura to go with sixth and seventh places at the Volta ao Algarve and Tour de Suisse.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">He raced the Tour de France in support of Paul Seixas&#8217;s GC ambitions, finishing 24th himself and getting stronger in the race&#8217;s final days in the Alps. Whether he&#8217;ll carry that form forward to Spain \u2013 this will be his first time tackling back-to-back Grand Tours \u2013 remains to be seen, though he&#8217;ll certainly form a formidable pairing with teammate Felix Gall. <em>(DO)<\/em><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-cian-uijtdebroeks-movistar\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Cian Uijtdebroeks (Movistar)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-957f1a44-971b-11f1-8779-2730b2f4efbb\" 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\/XYMbeUGCxfAJqnUHH9v2nC-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XYMbeUGCxfAJqnUHH9v2nC-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XYMbeUGCxfAJqnUHH9v2nC-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XYMbeUGCxfAJqnUHH9v2nC-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XYMbeUGCxfAJqnUHH9v2nC-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XYMbeUGCxfAJqnUHH9v2nC-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\">Cian Uijtdebroeks will have be keen to perform after a difficult start to life at Movistar <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-cc735c2c-9716-11f1-b802-d1fbdd6f4cb8\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Cian Uijtdebroeks is a rider who is definitely in season-redemption territory at the Vuelta. He made his big move to Movistar in search of fast-tracked leadership at the Tour de France, but failed to capitalise this year after illness saw him withdraw in the first week, so he has a lot of questions to answer about what kind of GC rider he is, and if that move away from Visma was really justified.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Before the Tour, his season had been going relatively well, if not mind-blowing, with seventh overall at the Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes a highlight, but he&#8217;s still very much in the field of top 10 contenders, rather than serious podium challengers. He&#8217;s not raced since dropping out of the Tour, so we know very little about how he&#8217;s performing right now, and will probably only know as the Vuelta develops. With Mas there, a bit of pressure might be off Uijtdebroeks, but the young Belgian does have a lot to prove, and a second Grand Tour failure of the season wouldn&#8217;t be great for anyone&#8217;s confidence. <em>(MP)<\/em><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-primoz-roglic-red-bull-bora-hansgrohe\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Primo\u017e Rogli\u010d (Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-957f1580-971b-11f1-91b4-9bd427be96f1\" 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\/VA6Hmj72hQ5XCWoDD2wwoG-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VA6Hmj72hQ5XCWoDD2wwoG-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VA6Hmj72hQ5XCWoDD2wwoG-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VA6Hmj72hQ5XCWoDD2wwoG-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VA6Hmj72hQ5XCWoDD2wwoG-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VA6Hmj72hQ5XCWoDD2wwoG-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\">Four-time race winner Primo\u017e Rogli\u010d is looking to move clear of Roberto Heras on five <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-cc735a7e-9716-11f1-831d-cb4d318ff57c\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Primo\u017e Rogli\u010d looks set to be at the Vuelta start in Monaco after a crash derailed his preparation, but it&#8217;s unlikely that he&#8217;ll be racing for GC.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">As a four-time winner of this race, Rogli\u010d started the year looking pretty good to break the record and go for five victories, but his stock has gradually fallen as the months have gone on, with the Slovenian struggling to show off his Grand Tour-winning best very often in 2026. The participation of his compatriot and racing foil Poga\u010dar, plus his crash, has lowered his chances ever further, and to be honest even fighting for the podium feels like a big ask right now.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">But, as a four-time winner \u2013 more times than anyone except joint record-holder Roberto Heras \u2013 we can&#8217;t not include him on this list, and indeed I think it&#8217;s only fair to include him near the top. It&#8217;s true that he may be quite bashed up from his crash, but he&#8217;s been training in the mountains again recently, and let&#8217;s face it, this is a man who knows how to deal with adversity.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">With all the circumstances he&#8217;s facing, it does unfortunately feel quite unlikely that Rogli\u010d will be making it five Vuelta titles this year, but you can be sure that he will give this race his full respect and effort. With uncertainty over his future and his career certainly in its twilight, too, there is a sense that every Grand Tour could be one of Rogli\u010d&#8217;s last.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">If there&#8217;s one Grand Tour where he can pull out a phenomenal ride and add another top 10 or stage win to his storied palmar\u00e8s, it is his beloved Vuelta. So just don&#8217;t count him out. <em>(MP)<\/em><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-honourable-mentions\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Honourable mentions<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-957f1d0a-971b-11f1-bb51-ab14144dba9c\" 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\/mZX59XgAmpLKSYovHq87VW-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mZX59XgAmpLKSYovHq87VW-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mZX59XgAmpLKSYovHq87VW-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mZX59XgAmpLKSYovHq87VW-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mZX59XgAmpLKSYovHq87VW-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mZX59XgAmpLKSYovHq87VW-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\">Soudal-QuickStep enjoy one final month of Landismo before his departure to Euskaltel-Euskadi <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-cc735d9e-9716-11f1-8c7b-47a956970735\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Away from our top 10, there are plenty of other names to consider, including Basque racer <strong>Mikel Landa<\/strong>. He&#8217;ll race his final Grand Tour with Soudal-QuickStep, though this year looks a shadow of the rider he once was. He recently finished 37th at the Vuelta a Burgos and should target stage wins.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Once upon a time, Spanish fans could look forward to a host of GC favourites at their home Grand Tour. <strong>Carlos Rodr\u00edguez<\/strong> was supposed to be the heir to the likes of Mas and Landa, but the 25-year-old&#8217;s progress has really stalled since a run of four top-10s in a row at his first four Grand Tours. Can the Netcompany Ineos rider rediscover that form here?<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">There&#8217;s no doubt that <strong>Jarno Widar<\/strong> and Lotto-Intermarch\u00e9 will treat his debut Grand Tour as a learning experience. However, he&#8217;ll nonetheless be a heavily watched rider following two Giro della Valle d&#8217;Aosta wins and a second place behind Paul Seixas at the Tour de l&#8217;Avenir.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><strong>Santiago Buitrago<\/strong>, who leads the Bahrain Victorious selection, hasn&#8217;t had much to shout about in 2026, barring a seventh place at Tirreno-Adriatico, but he has finished top 10 at the Tour and Vuelta before. Can he regain that kind of form? <em>(DO)<\/em><\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-7560e24c-97b6-11f1-9fde-ed8d8fc08dce\" 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\/h3JBrffamdttkecN8JcbKE-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/h3JBrffamdttkecN8JcbKE-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/h3JBrffamdttkecN8JcbKE-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/h3JBrffamdttkecN8JcbKE-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/h3JBrffamdttkecN8JcbKE-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/h3JBrffamdttkecN8JcbKE-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\">Carlos Rodr\u00edguez&#8217;s Grand Tour progress seems to have stalled \u2013\u00a0can he refind his promising form in Spain? <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-f52361ae-97b5-11f1-b84f-71fad2547197\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><strong>J\u00f8rgen Nordhagen<\/strong> was third at the same Tour de l&#8217;Avenir last year and finished fourth at May&#8217;s Tour de Romandie. He&#8217;ll be free to ride his own race in the absence of the usual Visma-Lease a Bike GC candidates, Jonas Vingegaard, Sepp Kuss, and Matteo Jorgenson.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe have <strong>Luke Tuckwell<\/strong> in reserve if Rogli\u010d isn&#8217;t at his best. The 22-year-old, a runner-up at the Giro d&#8217;Italia Next Gen last year, has impressed several times this season, including sixth in Romandie and second at the Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes, though it&#8217;s wise to warn against too-high expectations on his Grand Tour debut.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Italian racer <strong>Lorenzo Fortunato<\/strong> recently finished 10th at the Vuelta a Burgos and is often there or thereabouts for the top 10-15 at Grand Tours. He&#8217;ll lead XDS-Astana this time around.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Among the Spanish wildcard teams, <strong>Iv\u00e1n Sosa<\/strong> (Equipo Kern Pharma) looks the best bet for a strong ride. The Colombian climber has a host of week-long stage race wins to his name and several standout results this year. He last rode a Grand Tour four years ago, though, and will likely be stage hunting rather than riding for GC.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Finally, we come to a pair of old hands in Groupama-FDJ United&#8217;s <strong>Guillaume Martin<\/strong> and NSN&#8217;s <strong>Jan Hirt<\/strong>. Like Landa, their best years are behind them, but both are capable of riding to the fringes of the top 10, with Hirt having finished 12th at this year&#8217;s Giro. <em>(DO)<\/em><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-f5236226-97b5-11f1-822b-2b5c87411e04\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><strong>For unbeatable coverage across road, gravel and tech, subscribe to Cyclingnews. You&#8217;ll get comprehensive race coverage of La Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a, subscriber-exclusive analysis from our expert columnists, in-depth features and industry-leading tech insight. Plus, the Cyclingnews app lets you follow the action wherever you go! <\/strong><u><strong>Join today.<\/strong><\/u><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/racing\/tadej-pogacar-vs-the-rest-our-analysis-of-the-top-10-contenders-at-the-vuelta-a-espana\/&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mXJuYrHHFurq7oAoLSK4qF-2560-80.jpg&#8221;] 1 Leadville Trail 100 MTB contenders 2026 &#8211; Can anyone unseat Keegan Swenson and who can take the top spot vacated by Kate Courtney? 2 &#8216;My heart also sank&#8217; &#8211; Tadej Poga\u010dar talks about his relationship with compatriot Primo\u017e Rogli\u010d and that 2020 Tour de France win 3 Primo\u017e Rogli\u010d expected to [&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-2098600","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\/2098600","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=2098600"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2098600\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2098600"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=2098600"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=2098600"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}