{"id":2102719,"date":"2026-08-20T11:50:10","date_gmt":"2026-08-20T08:50:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2102719"},"modified":"2026-08-20T11:50:10","modified_gmt":"2026-08-20T08:50:10","slug":"weve-had-a-lot-of-setbacks-this-year-starting-with-me-non-conformist-richard-carapaz-determined-to-fight-for-vuelta-a-espana-gc-despite-injuries-blighting-ef-education-easypost-lineup","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2102719","title":{"rendered":"&#8216;We&#8217;ve had a lot of setbacks this year, starting with me&#8217; &#8211; non-conformist Richard Carapaz determined to fight for Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a GC despite injuries blighting EF Education-EasyPost lineup"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eKvy38GXi38WztdxeaKTs8-1024-80.jpg&#8221;]<\/p>\n<article class=\"m-0 box-border flex flex-row items-center pr-2.5 gap-[15px] w-[278px] h-20 flex-none upnext-article-divider\" role=\"listitem\" aria-label=\"Recommended article 1 of 3\">\n<div class=\"relative flex-none w-20 h-20\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vXx3fTTYeYfvhBsZ8FoUhF-160-80.jpg.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vXx3fTTYeYfvhBsZ8FoUhF-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                                    Tadej Poga\u010dar vs the rest \u2013 Our analysis of the top 10 contenders at the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a\n                                <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"m-0 box-border flex flex-row items-center pr-2.5 gap-[15px] w-[278px] h-20 flex-none upnext-article-divider\" role=\"listitem\" aria-label=\"Recommended article 2 of 3\">\n<div class=\"relative flex-none w-20 h-20\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QqaVxzjcE5LpMpbUNGnwuV-160-80.png.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QqaVxzjcE5LpMpbUNGnwuV-80-80.png.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;The Vuelta is going to be arduous, even for Tadej&#8217; \u2013 UAE  performance head warns that nobody, not even Poga\u010dar, will have it easy this summer in Spain\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>\nTeams &amp; Riders\n<\/li>\n<li>\nEF Education-EasyPost\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRichard Carapaz\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>&#8216;We&#8217;ve had a lot of setbacks this year, starting with me&#8217; &#8211; non-conformist Richard Carapaz determined to fight for Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a GC despite injuries blighting EF Education-EasyPost lineup<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"vds-byline-block flex flex-row flex-nowrap my-1.5 gap-2 text-left items-start justify-start\" data-component-name=\"Article:BylineBlock\">\n<p>News<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-auto vds-simple-byline\"><span class=\"inline-block vds-author\"><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nAlasdair Fotheringham <\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex gap-1 vds-byline-with-avatar__meta\"><span class=\"vds-date block font-normal tracking-normal normal-case text-xs\"><br \/>\nPublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-08-20T11:50:10Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n20 August 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Ecuadorian star sees Vuelta as first opportunity to fight for Grand Tour GC in 2026<\/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\/eKvy38GXi38WztdxeaKTs8-1024-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eKvy38GXi38WztdxeaKTs8-1024-80.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eKvy38GXi38WztdxeaKTs8-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eKvy38GXi38WztdxeaKTs8-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eKvy38GXi38WztdxeaKTs8-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eKvy38GXi38WztdxeaKTs8-750-80.jpg.webp 750w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eKvy38GXi38WztdxeaKTs8-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eKvy38GXi38WztdxeaKTs8-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eKvy38GXi38WztdxeaKTs8-320-80.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\">Richard Carapaz will fight for the GC at the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a<\/span><span class=\"credit font-article-copy\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\"text-copy bodyCopy auto paywall-locker\">\n<div data-analytics-id=\"utility-bar\" id=\"utility-bar\" class=\"font-ui-heading flex justify-between items-center py-2 border-t border-b border-gray-300 border-solid mb-5 mx-auto\" data-component-name=\"UtilityBar\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"utility-bar\">\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div data-component-name=\"Social:Dropdown\" role=\"menu\" id=\"utilitybar__dropdown--share\" aria-labelledby=\"utilitybar__button--share\" class=\"absolute left-0 top-full w-44 bg-white rounded-md shadow-md border border-neutral-200 z-[9996] list-none m-0 py-2 px-3 border-solid\">\n<ul class=\"m-0!\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Facebook<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>X<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Pinterest<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Email<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-share-this-article\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nShare this article\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\"><span class=\"ml-1 inline-flex h-5 px-2 shrink-0 items-center justify-center self-center overflow-hidden whitespace-nowrap rounded-[10px] bg-primary-500 text-[11px] leading-none font-ui-heading font-semibold text-white\">0<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-join-the-conversation\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nJoin the conversation\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<p>Follow us<\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-add-us-as-a-preferred-source-on-google\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nAdd us as a preferred source on Google\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-subscribe-to-our-newsletter\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nSubscribe to our newsletter\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-4bfaf2b8-9c8d-11f1-8657-bf8b3e96e7b2\">Richard Carapaz has never been one to reject the chance to take the fight to his rivals, no matter how difficult the circumstances, and even if Tadej Poga\u010dar (UAE Team Emirates-XRG) may seem an insurmountable barrier when it comes to winning the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a this year, Carapaz is determined to try.<\/p>\n<p>Nor is Poga\u010dar the only potential obstacle, he said. EF has been blighted by injuries and other setbacks this year, Carapaz confirmed, starting with his own challenges in the first half of the season and several riders they had hoped to be present for the Vuelta not able to participate.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-4bfaf2b8-9c8d-11f1-8657-bf8b3e96e7b2-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">But for all that, on his return to the Vuelta for the first time since he claimed fourth in 2024 &#8211; which was at the time a much-needed reconfirmation of his potential to fight for GC after two very difficult Tours, &#8211; Carapaz said he had full faith in the lineup EF have brought alongside him for the next three weeks in Spain.<\/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\">As the 33-year-old put it, &#8220;They&#8217;re young, and they are very well prepared, which is great for me, because they&#8217;ve got the right kind of mentality.&#8221; Furthermore, when it comes to bouncing back from difficult challenges, Carapaz&#8217; recent repeat King of the Mountains title and two stage wins in the Tour de France constituted ample proof that both he and his team certainly know how to reverse a downwards trend in spectacular fashion<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Inside the team, we&#8217;ve had a whole load of setbacks, with me one of the main ones to experience them at the start of the season,&#8221; Carapaz pointed out in his pre-Vuelta press conference.<\/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\/6vdna66p5oHAfXVVpGRvBP-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6vdna66p5oHAfXVVpGRvBP-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;Nerve-wracking right to the end&#8217; \u2013 How Richard Carapaz and EF Education-EasyPost hit the Tour de France jackpot on Alpe d&#8217;Huez<\/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\/vXx3fTTYeYfvhBsZ8FoUhF-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vXx3fTTYeYfvhBsZ8FoUhF-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\">Tadej Poga\u010dar vs the rest \u2013 Our analysis of the top 10 contenders at the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a<\/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\/c6VkGigAxGteshHxtBUrrB-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/c6VkGigAxGteshHxtBUrrB-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;I couldn&#8217;t stop thinking about this stage&#8217; &#8211; non-conformist Richard Carapaz makes the most of his last clear opportunity to seize Tour de France stage victory<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I had lots of problems when the year began and I know various teammates are still, as you could put it, screwed.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Neilson [Powless] had a knee problem, Harry [Sweeny] also is injured, Archie [Ryan] too, and Mikkel [Honor\u00e9] is in the same situation. These are important losses for our team, we thought we&#8217;d have in the Vuelta, and it&#8217;s not been possible. You can&#8217;t say we&#8217;ve got a broad base for a Grand Tour.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-mZ7qXLAaTvzRn93QFUNkXF\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-mZ7qXLAaTvzRn93QFUNkXF 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\">&#8220;But regarding those [teammates] who are in the Vuelta, they are young and they&#8217;re very well prepared, which is great for me, because they&#8217;ve got the right kind of mentality, and that&#8217;s the most important thing of all.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">On a personal level, Carapaz, too, is deeply motivated by a race which is where, as he pointed out, he began his Grand Tour career back in 2017 and he can always count on a huge amount of fan support from the large number of fellow-Ecuadorians that now live in Spain. But he denied that despite so narrowly losing the Vuelta to Primoz Rogli\u010d in 2020, he had any kind of unfinished business with the race. &#8220;That was a good memory of one of my best-ever Grand Tours,&#8221; he said, &#8220;but it was a long time ago now.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Once again, though, after his spectacularly successful Tour de France, he had enough time to recover and bounce back. &#8220;I&#8217;ve maintained my concentration, and my objectives are very clear, not just on a personal level. As a team, too.&#8221;<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            What to read next<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E8G8rqbGkZUMG7RJupJM8W-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E8G8rqbGkZUMG7RJupJM8W-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;We gambled it all on the third week&#8217; &#8211; Richard Carapaz fights back from tough summer of recovery to claim maximum climbing honours at Tour de France<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-2\" 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\/n99Kij7hG9GmYrgxXjpmzD-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/n99Kij7hG9GmYrgxXjpmzD-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;Rinse and repeat&#8217; formula for motivated EF Education-EasyPost leaders Richard Carapaz and Ben Healy for Tour de France stage wins and aggressive climbing<\/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\/QqaVxzjcE5LpMpbUNGnwuV-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QqaVxzjcE5LpMpbUNGnwuV-150-80.png.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;The Vuelta is going to be arduous, even for Tadej&#8217; \u2013 UAE  performance head warns that nobody, not even Poga\u010dar, will have it easy this summer in Spain<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Up to now I&#8217;ve not fought for a Grand Tour [GC] in 2026 as I&#8217;d want, but my objective is clear &#8211; it&#8217;s to go for the overall.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">While EF&#8217;s press officer made it clear before the press conference began that Carapaz would not be taking questions regarding anything other than the Vuelta &#8211; for example, concerning the World Championships &#8211; it was obvious in any case that Carapaz was determined to give Poga\u010dar as much of a run for his money as possible in the overall battle in Spain.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I had a good spell away from racing and then building up for here. I did San Sebastian&#8221; &#8211; where he was only narrowly defeated by Remco Evenepoel (Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe) &#8211; &#8220;and then I eased back before getting ready in Andorra, the usual routine.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;The key thing is that I have the legs, and that&#8217;s the most important part of it all. It&#8217;s a big challenge, but it&#8217;s not just the morale. I think I have the condition as well.&#8221;<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-4bfaf3c6-9c8d-11f1-bbb5-f3e11abb43d2\" 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\/FQd9FHgxnDbHN6WxYCebvi-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FQd9FHgxnDbHN6WxYCebvi-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FQd9FHgxnDbHN6WxYCebvi-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FQd9FHgxnDbHN6WxYCebvi-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FQd9FHgxnDbHN6WxYCebvi-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FQd9FHgxnDbHN6WxYCebvi-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 won the mountains classification at the Tour de France <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-4bfaf43e-9c8d-11f1-b832-759cc6fd6837\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Poga\u010dar&#8217;s announcement, post-Tour, that he would finally be on the Vuelta startline was something that Carapaz refused to say threw his plans for success askew. In the Tour it was noticeable, for example, even as early as the Tour de France&#8217;s stage 10 to Le Lioran where Carapaz was the first &#8211; and only &#8211; GC contender to attack the Slovenian that day, that he would not simply roll over and accept defeat. The Vuelta, Carapaz hinted strongly, would be a similar story.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I&#8217;ve just got a lot of respect for him, he&#8217;s a great rival, the best in the world, and I&#8217;ve not had the chance to fight for a Grand Vuelta against him,&#8221; Carapaz &#8211; who did finish third against Poga\u010dar in the Tour de France back in 2021, but was never in the running to beat him &#8211; said.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;The important thing is to come here and get what we can, not worry about the rest. I know I can count on total support from the team.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;If we win, great, if we do well [rather than win], then we do well. The important thing is to give it 100 %.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Everybody knows Poga\u010dar is the rival to beat,&#8221; Carapaz added, but other rivals certainly could not be ruled out either. &#8220;We don&#8217;t know what condition Primoz [Rogli\u010d, Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe] is in after his fall, and Felix Gall [Decathlon CMA CGM] knows how to do a great overall, as well.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;But in any case, the Vuelta is a race can be decided on any day, starting with Font Romeu&#8221; &#8211; the race&#8217;s first summit finish in the Pyrenees on stage 3. &#8220;You don&#8217;t just need alliances, you need to have the legs, too.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-3973652a-9c8e-11f1-9414-33d90468ea8e\" 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><strong>Join today.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"block mb-5\" id=\"articleTag\" data-component-name=\"PostArticleLinks\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"post-article-links\">\n<div class=\"border-b border-b-black border-solid py-2.5 text-black font-bold uppercase\">TOPICS<\/div>\n<nav class=\"py-2.5 flex gap-2.5 flex-wrap\" data-analytics-id=\"article-tag\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-tag\">\n<p>Road<\/p>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-mZ7qXLAaTvzRn93QFUNkXF\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-mZ7qXLAaTvzRn93QFUNkXF slice-container-authorBio\">\n<div class=\"author author__default-layout author--separator author--collapsible\" data-hydrate=\"true\">\n<div class=\"author__header\">\n<div class=\"author__avatar-block\">\n<figure class=\"image-wrapped__wrapper\" data-bordeaux-image-check=\"false\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__widthsetter\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__aspect-padding\">\n<div><source class=\"author__avatar image-wrapped__image image__image\" type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5QLhaPay9asJvmaNsCjFVZ-140-80.jpg.webp 140w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5QLhaPay9asJvmaNsCjFVZ.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5QLhaPay9asJvmaNsCjFVZ.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5QLhaPay9asJvmaNsCjFVZ.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__heading\">\n<div class=\"author__name\">Alasdair Fotheringham<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__social\">\n<nav class=\"button-social-group author__social-buttons\" aria-labelledby=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">\n<div id=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">Social Links Navigation<\/div>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>Alasdair Fotheringham has been reporting on cycling since 1991. He has covered every Tour de France since 1992 bar one, as well as numerous other bike races of all shapes and sizes, ranging from the Olympic Games in 2008 to the now sadly defunct Subida a Urkiola hill climb in Spain. As well as working for <em>Cyclingnews<\/em>, he has also written for <em>The Independent<\/em>,\u00a0 <em>The Guardian<\/em>,\u00a0 <em>ProCycling<\/em>, <em>The Express<\/em> and <em>Reuters<\/em>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<div class=\"relative max-w-[1070px] viafoura-twig-component mt-6 mx-4 lg:mx-0\" data-component-name=\"Viafoura:Comments\" data-nosnippet data-community-guidelines-text=\"&lt;p class=&apos;vfcustom-community-guidelines&apos;&gt;Please follow our &lt;a href=&quot;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/about\/#section-community-guidelines&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;community guidelines&lt;\/a&gt;.&lt;\/p&gt;\" data-join-the-conversation-text=\"Join the Conversation\">\n<div class=\"absolute top-0 left-0 w-full h-full flex items-center justify-center z-50 bg-white\/90 border-1 rounded-b-[var(--comment-widget-border-radius,0)]\">\n<div class=\"p-2 text-center\">\n<p class=\"mb-3 text-lg!\">You must confirm your public display name before commenting<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-3 text-sm!\">Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<section class=\"mx-2 my-5 sm:mx-0\">\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-adviser:hybrid\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Read more<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6vdna66p5oHAfXVVpGRvBP-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6vdna66p5oHAfXVVpGRvBP-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6vdna66p5oHAfXVVpGRvBP-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6vdna66p5oHAfXVVpGRvBP-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6vdna66p5oHAfXVVpGRvBP-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Nerve-wracking right to the end&#8217; \u2013 How Richard Carapaz and EF Education-EasyPost hit the Tour de France jackpot on Alpe d&#8217;Huez<\/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\/vXx3fTTYeYfvhBsZ8FoUhF-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vXx3fTTYeYfvhBsZ8FoUhF-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vXx3fTTYeYfvhBsZ8FoUhF-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vXx3fTTYeYfvhBsZ8FoUhF-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vXx3fTTYeYfvhBsZ8FoUhF-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\">Tadej Poga\u010dar vs the rest \u2013 Our analysis of the top 10 contenders at the 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\/c6VkGigAxGteshHxtBUrrB-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/c6VkGigAxGteshHxtBUrrB-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/c6VkGigAxGteshHxtBUrrB-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/c6VkGigAxGteshHxtBUrrB-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/c6VkGigAxGteshHxtBUrrB-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;I couldn&#8217;t stop thinking about this stage&#8217; &#8211; non-conformist Richard Carapaz makes the most of his last clear opportunity to seize Tour de France stage victory<\/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\/E8G8rqbGkZUMG7RJupJM8W-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E8G8rqbGkZUMG7RJupJM8W-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E8G8rqbGkZUMG7RJupJM8W-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E8G8rqbGkZUMG7RJupJM8W-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E8G8rqbGkZUMG7RJupJM8W-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;We gambled it all on the third week&#8217; &#8211; Richard Carapaz fights back from tough summer of recovery to claim maximum climbing honours at Tour de France<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/n99Kij7hG9GmYrgxXjpmzD-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/n99Kij7hG9GmYrgxXjpmzD-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/n99Kij7hG9GmYrgxXjpmzD-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/n99Kij7hG9GmYrgxXjpmzD-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/n99Kij7hG9GmYrgxXjpmzD-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;Rinse and repeat&#8217; formula for motivated EF Education-EasyPost leaders Richard Carapaz and Ben Healy for Tour de France stage wins and aggressive climbing<\/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\/QqaVxzjcE5LpMpbUNGnwuV-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QqaVxzjcE5LpMpbUNGnwuV-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QqaVxzjcE5LpMpbUNGnwuV-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QqaVxzjcE5LpMpbUNGnwuV-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QqaVxzjcE5LpMpbUNGnwuV-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 Vuelta is going to be arduous, even for Tadej&#8217; \u2013 UAE  performance head warns that nobody, not even Poga\u010dar, will have it easy this summer in Spain<\/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 Teams &amp; Riders<\/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\/gTFuFSJxwMREWMkPKZVrTF-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gTFuFSJxwMREWMkPKZVrTF-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gTFuFSJxwMREWMkPKZVrTF-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gTFuFSJxwMREWMkPKZVrTF-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gTFuFSJxwMREWMkPKZVrTF-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\">Josh Tarling to start Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a for Netcompany-Ineos days after the death of his brother, Finlay<\/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\/b5nsPJRARLXBNvNeWnE5KW-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/b5nsPJRARLXBNvNeWnE5KW-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/b5nsPJRARLXBNvNeWnE5KW-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/b5nsPJRARLXBNvNeWnE5KW-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/b5nsPJRARLXBNvNeWnE5KW-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Transfers<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">UAE Team Emirates-XRG have a new sprinter as young Italian is promoted from the Gen Z squad<\/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\/fYAzDdLP53z4iQ5YQLKtFo-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fYAzDdLP53z4iQ5YQLKtFo-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fYAzDdLP53z4iQ5YQLKtFo-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fYAzDdLP53z4iQ5YQLKtFo-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fYAzDdLP53z4iQ5YQLKtFo-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;A lot more excitement than pressure&#8217; \u2013 A world title defence at home already a dream for Magdeleine Vallieres<\/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\/L7jVF4Xg8bmwqFk9LoQQWc-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/L7jVF4Xg8bmwqFk9LoQQWc-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/L7jVF4Xg8bmwqFk9LoQQWc-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/L7jVF4Xg8bmwqFk9LoQQWc-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/L7jVF4Xg8bmwqFk9LoQQWc-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Transfers<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Abel Balderstone breaks contract to join UAE Team Emirates-XRG<\/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\/YzNZ46ofevTyGMxGmJDE5Y-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YzNZ46ofevTyGMxGmJDE5Y-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YzNZ46ofevTyGMxGmJDE5Y-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YzNZ46ofevTyGMxGmJDE5Y-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YzNZ46ofevTyGMxGmJDE5Y-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\">Last chance saloon \u2013 The riders and teams who need to turn their season around at the 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\/2FQ6FExGKN4uEMipgv9oG3-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2FQ6FExGKN4uEMipgv9oG3-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2FQ6FExGKN4uEMipgv9oG3-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2FQ6FExGKN4uEMipgv9oG3-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2FQ6FExGKN4uEMipgv9oG3-320-80.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\">Fundraiser for Finlay Tarling doubles its target as donations flow in<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-articletype\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in News<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qUtBWLaTFQihN9RdSStaP-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qUtBWLaTFQihN9RdSStaP-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qUtBWLaTFQihN9RdSStaP-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qUtBWLaTFQihN9RdSStaP-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qUtBWLaTFQihN9RdSStaP-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 of Britain halted for half an hour as road traffic crash blocks the course<\/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\/gTFuFSJxwMREWMkPKZVrTF-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gTFuFSJxwMREWMkPKZVrTF-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gTFuFSJxwMREWMkPKZVrTF-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gTFuFSJxwMREWMkPKZVrTF-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gTFuFSJxwMREWMkPKZVrTF-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\">Josh Tarling to start Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a for Netcompany-Ineos days after the death of his brother, Finlay<\/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\/b5nsPJRARLXBNvNeWnE5KW-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/b5nsPJRARLXBNvNeWnE5KW-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/b5nsPJRARLXBNvNeWnE5KW-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/b5nsPJRARLXBNvNeWnE5KW-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/b5nsPJRARLXBNvNeWnE5KW-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Transfers<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">UAE Team Emirates-XRG have a new sprinter as young Italian is promoted from the Gen Z squad<\/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\/fYAzDdLP53z4iQ5YQLKtFo-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fYAzDdLP53z4iQ5YQLKtFo-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fYAzDdLP53z4iQ5YQLKtFo-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fYAzDdLP53z4iQ5YQLKtFo-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fYAzDdLP53z4iQ5YQLKtFo-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;A lot more excitement than pressure&#8217; \u2013 A world title defence at home already a dream for Magdeleine Vallieres<\/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\/8JgxTxPjmbagSKAfvL2u5a-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8JgxTxPjmbagSKAfvL2u5a-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8JgxTxPjmbagSKAfvL2u5a-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8JgxTxPjmbagSKAfvL2u5a-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8JgxTxPjmbagSKAfvL2u5a-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\">SD Worx-Protime keep attacks in check and navigate narrow roads to prevail on opening stage at Tour of Britain Women<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CaJ7zUvfnutyLnhu5U7geF-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CaJ7zUvfnutyLnhu5U7geF-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CaJ7zUvfnutyLnhu5U7geF-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CaJ7zUvfnutyLnhu5U7geF-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CaJ7zUvfnutyLnhu5U7geF-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\">Cycling Tech &amp; Components<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">The Hunt Summer Sale has discounts of up to 40% on some of the best wheelsets we&#8217;ve ever tested<\/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\/gTFuFSJxwMREWMkPKZVrTF-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gTFuFSJxwMREWMkPKZVrTF-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gTFuFSJxwMREWMkPKZVrTF-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gTFuFSJxwMREWMkPKZVrTF-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"99vw\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">1<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>Josh Tarling to start Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a for Netcompany-Ineos days after the death of his brother, Finlay<\/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>Tour of Britain halted for half an hour as road traffic crash blocks the course<\/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>&#8216;We&#8217;ve had a lot of setbacks this year, starting with me&#8217; &#8211; non-conformist Richard Carapaz determined to fight for Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a GC despite injuries blighting EF Education-EasyPost lineup<\/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>UAE Team Emirates-XRG have a new sprinter as young Italian is promoted from the Gen Z squad<\/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>Tadej Poga\u010dar could win the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a by 10 minutes but total domination is unlikely \u2013 Philippa York analysis<\/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>\nTeams &amp; Riders\n<\/li>\n<li>\nEF Education-EasyPost\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRichard Carapaz\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>&#8216;We&#8217;ve had a lot of setbacks this year, starting with me&#8217; &#8211; non-conformist Richard Carapaz determined to fight for Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a GC despite injuries blighting EF Education-EasyPost lineup<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"vds-byline-block flex flex-row flex-nowrap my-1.5 gap-2 text-left items-start justify-start\" data-component-name=\"Article:BylineBlock\">\n<p>News<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-auto vds-simple-byline\"><span class=\"inline-block vds-author\"><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nAlasdair Fotheringham <\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex gap-1 vds-byline-with-avatar__meta\"><span class=\"vds-date block font-normal tracking-normal normal-case text-xs\"><br \/>\nPublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-08-20T11:50:10Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n20 August 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Ecuadorian star sees Vuelta as first opportunity to fight for Grand Tour GC in 2026<\/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\/eKvy38GXi38WztdxeaKTs8-1024-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eKvy38GXi38WztdxeaKTs8-1024-80.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eKvy38GXi38WztdxeaKTs8-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eKvy38GXi38WztdxeaKTs8-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eKvy38GXi38WztdxeaKTs8-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eKvy38GXi38WztdxeaKTs8-750-80.jpg.webp 750w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eKvy38GXi38WztdxeaKTs8-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eKvy38GXi38WztdxeaKTs8-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eKvy38GXi38WztdxeaKTs8-320-80.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\">Richard Carapaz will fight for the GC at the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a<\/span><span class=\"credit font-article-copy\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\"text-copy bodyCopy auto paywall-locker\">\n<div data-analytics-id=\"utility-bar\" id=\"utility-bar\" class=\"font-ui-heading flex justify-between items-center py-2 border-t border-b border-gray-300 border-solid mb-5 mx-auto\" data-component-name=\"UtilityBar\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"utility-bar\">\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div data-component-name=\"Social:Dropdown\" role=\"menu\" id=\"utilitybar__dropdown--share\" aria-labelledby=\"utilitybar__button--share\" class=\"absolute left-0 top-full w-44 bg-white rounded-md shadow-md border border-neutral-200 z-[9996] list-none m-0 py-2 px-3 border-solid\">\n<ul class=\"m-0!\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Facebook<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>X<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Pinterest<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Email<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-share-this-article\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nShare this article\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\"><span class=\"ml-1 inline-flex h-5 px-2 shrink-0 items-center justify-center self-center overflow-hidden whitespace-nowrap rounded-[10px] bg-primary-500 text-[11px] leading-none font-ui-heading font-semibold text-white\">0<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-join-the-conversation\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nJoin the conversation\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<p>Follow us<\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-add-us-as-a-preferred-source-on-google\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nAdd us as a preferred source on Google\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-subscribe-to-our-newsletter\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nSubscribe to our newsletter\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-4bfaf2b8-9c8d-11f1-8657-bf8b3e96e7b2\">Richard Carapaz has never been one to reject the chance to take the fight to his rivals, no matter how difficult the circumstances, and even if Tadej Poga\u010dar (UAE Team Emirates-XRG) may seem an insurmountable barrier when it comes to winning the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a this year, Carapaz is determined to try.<\/p>\n<p>Nor is Poga\u010dar the only potential obstacle, he said. EF has been blighted by injuries and other setbacks this year, Carapaz confirmed, starting with his own challenges in the first half of the season and several riders they had hoped to be present for the Vuelta not able to participate.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-4bfaf2b8-9c8d-11f1-8657-bf8b3e96e7b2-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">But for all that, on his return to the Vuelta for the first time since he claimed fourth in 2024 &#8211; which was at the time a much-needed reconfirmation of his potential to fight for GC after two very difficult Tours, &#8211; Carapaz said he had full faith in the lineup EF have brought alongside him for the next three weeks in Spain.<\/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\">As the 33-year-old put it, &#8220;They&#8217;re young, and they are very well prepared, which is great for me, because they&#8217;ve got the right kind of mentality.&#8221; Furthermore, when it comes to bouncing back from difficult challenges, Carapaz&#8217; recent repeat King of the Mountains title and two stage wins in the Tour de France constituted ample proof that both he and his team certainly know how to reverse a downwards trend in spectacular fashion<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Inside the team, we&#8217;ve had a whole load of setbacks, with me one of the main ones to experience them at the start of the season,&#8221; Carapaz pointed out in his pre-Vuelta press conference.<\/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\/6vdna66p5oHAfXVVpGRvBP-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6vdna66p5oHAfXVVpGRvBP-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;Nerve-wracking right to the end&#8217; \u2013 How Richard Carapaz and EF Education-EasyPost hit the Tour de France jackpot on Alpe d&#8217;Huez<\/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\/vXx3fTTYeYfvhBsZ8FoUhF-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vXx3fTTYeYfvhBsZ8FoUhF-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\">Tadej Poga\u010dar vs the rest \u2013 Our analysis of the top 10 contenders at the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a<\/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\/c6VkGigAxGteshHxtBUrrB-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/c6VkGigAxGteshHxtBUrrB-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;I couldn&#8217;t stop thinking about this stage&#8217; &#8211; non-conformist Richard Carapaz makes the most of his last clear opportunity to seize Tour de France stage victory<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I had lots of problems when the year began and I know various teammates are still, as you could put it, screwed.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Neilson [Powless] had a knee problem, Harry [Sweeny] also is injured, Archie [Ryan] too, and Mikkel [Honor\u00e9] is in the same situation. These are important losses for our team, we thought we&#8217;d have in the Vuelta, and it&#8217;s not been possible. You can&#8217;t say we&#8217;ve got a broad base for a Grand Tour.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-mZ7qXLAaTvzRn93QFUNkXF\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-mZ7qXLAaTvzRn93QFUNkXF 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\">&#8220;But regarding those [teammates] who are in the Vuelta, they are young and they&#8217;re very well prepared, which is great for me, because they&#8217;ve got the right kind of mentality, and that&#8217;s the most important thing of all.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">On a personal level, Carapaz, too, is deeply motivated by a race which is where, as he pointed out, he began his Grand Tour career back in 2017 and he can always count on a huge amount of fan support from the large number of fellow-Ecuadorians that now live in Spain. But he denied that despite so narrowly losing the Vuelta to Primoz Rogli\u010d in 2020, he had any kind of unfinished business with the race. &#8220;That was a good memory of one of my best-ever Grand Tours,&#8221; he said, &#8220;but it was a long time ago now.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Once again, though, after his spectacularly successful Tour de France, he had enough time to recover and bounce back. &#8220;I&#8217;ve maintained my concentration, and my objectives are very clear, not just on a personal level. As a team, too.&#8221;<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            What to read next<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E8G8rqbGkZUMG7RJupJM8W-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E8G8rqbGkZUMG7RJupJM8W-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;We gambled it all on the third week&#8217; &#8211; Richard Carapaz fights back from tough summer of recovery to claim maximum climbing honours at Tour de France<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-2\" 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\/n99Kij7hG9GmYrgxXjpmzD-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/n99Kij7hG9GmYrgxXjpmzD-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;Rinse and repeat&#8217; formula for motivated EF Education-EasyPost leaders Richard Carapaz and Ben Healy for Tour de France stage wins and aggressive climbing<\/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\/QqaVxzjcE5LpMpbUNGnwuV-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QqaVxzjcE5LpMpbUNGnwuV-150-80.png.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;The Vuelta is going to be arduous, even for Tadej&#8217; \u2013 UAE  performance head warns that nobody, not even Poga\u010dar, will have it easy this summer in Spain<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Up to now I&#8217;ve not fought for a Grand Tour [GC] in 2026 as I&#8217;d want, but my objective is clear &#8211; it&#8217;s to go for the overall.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">While EF&#8217;s press officer made it clear before the press conference began that Carapaz would not be taking questions regarding anything other than the Vuelta &#8211; for example, concerning the World Championships &#8211; it was obvious in any case that Carapaz was determined to give Poga\u010dar as much of a run for his money as possible in the overall battle in Spain.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I had a good spell away from racing and then building up for here. I did San Sebastian&#8221; &#8211; where he was only narrowly defeated by Remco Evenepoel (Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe) &#8211; &#8220;and then I eased back before getting ready in Andorra, the usual routine.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;The key thing is that I have the legs, and that&#8217;s the most important part of it all. It&#8217;s a big challenge, but it&#8217;s not just the morale. I think I have the condition as well.&#8221;<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-4bfaf3c6-9c8d-11f1-bbb5-f3e11abb43d2\" 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\/FQd9FHgxnDbHN6WxYCebvi-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FQd9FHgxnDbHN6WxYCebvi-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FQd9FHgxnDbHN6WxYCebvi-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FQd9FHgxnDbHN6WxYCebvi-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FQd9FHgxnDbHN6WxYCebvi-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FQd9FHgxnDbHN6WxYCebvi-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 won the mountains classification at the Tour de France <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-4bfaf43e-9c8d-11f1-b832-759cc6fd6837\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Poga\u010dar&#8217;s announcement, post-Tour, that he would finally be on the Vuelta startline was something that Carapaz refused to say threw his plans for success askew. In the Tour it was noticeable, for example, even as early as the Tour de France&#8217;s stage 10 to Le Lioran where Carapaz was the first &#8211; and only &#8211; GC contender to attack the Slovenian that day, that he would not simply roll over and accept defeat. The Vuelta, Carapaz hinted strongly, would be a similar story.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I&#8217;ve just got a lot of respect for him, he&#8217;s a great rival, the best in the world, and I&#8217;ve not had the chance to fight for a Grand Vuelta against him,&#8221; Carapaz &#8211; who did finish third against Poga\u010dar in the Tour de France back in 2021, but was never in the running to beat him &#8211; said.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;The important thing is to come here and get what we can, not worry about the rest. I know I can count on total support from the team.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;If we win, great, if we do well [rather than win], then we do well. The important thing is to give it 100 %.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Everybody knows Poga\u010dar is the rival to beat,&#8221; Carapaz added, but other rivals certainly could not be ruled out either. &#8220;We don&#8217;t know what condition Primoz [Rogli\u010d, Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe] is in after his fall, and Felix Gall [Decathlon CMA CGM] knows how to do a great overall, as well.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;But in any case, the Vuelta is a race can be decided on any day, starting with Font Romeu&#8221; &#8211; the race&#8217;s first summit finish in the Pyrenees on stage 3. &#8220;You don&#8217;t just need alliances, you need to have the legs, too.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-3973652a-9c8e-11f1-9414-33d90468ea8e\" 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><strong>Join today.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"block mb-5\" id=\"articleTag\" data-component-name=\"PostArticleLinks\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"post-article-links\">\n<div class=\"border-b border-b-black border-solid py-2.5 text-black font-bold uppercase\">TOPICS<\/div>\n<nav class=\"py-2.5 flex gap-2.5 flex-wrap\" data-analytics-id=\"article-tag\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-tag\">\n<p>Road<\/p>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-mZ7qXLAaTvzRn93QFUNkXF\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-mZ7qXLAaTvzRn93QFUNkXF slice-container-authorBio\">\n<div class=\"author author__default-layout author--separator author--collapsible\" data-hydrate=\"true\">\n<div class=\"author__header\">\n<div class=\"author__avatar-block\">\n<figure class=\"image-wrapped__wrapper\" data-bordeaux-image-check=\"false\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__widthsetter\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__aspect-padding\">\n<div><source class=\"author__avatar image-wrapped__image image__image\" type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5QLhaPay9asJvmaNsCjFVZ-140-80.jpg.webp 140w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5QLhaPay9asJvmaNsCjFVZ.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5QLhaPay9asJvmaNsCjFVZ.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5QLhaPay9asJvmaNsCjFVZ.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__heading\">\n<div class=\"author__name\">Alasdair Fotheringham<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__social\">\n<nav class=\"button-social-group author__social-buttons\" aria-labelledby=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">\n<div id=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">Social Links Navigation<\/div>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>Alasdair Fotheringham has been reporting on cycling since 1991. He has covered every Tour de France since 1992 bar one, as well as numerous other bike races of all shapes and sizes, ranging from the Olympic Games in 2008 to the now sadly defunct Subida a Urkiola hill climb in Spain. As well as working for <em>Cyclingnews<\/em>, he has also written for <em>The Independent<\/em>,\u00a0 <em>The Guardian<\/em>,\u00a0 <em>ProCycling<\/em>, <em>The Express<\/em> and <em>Reuters<\/em>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<div class=\"relative max-w-[1070px] viafoura-twig-component mt-6 mx-4 lg:mx-0\" data-component-name=\"Viafoura:Comments\" data-nosnippet data-community-guidelines-text=\"&lt;p class=&apos;vfcustom-community-guidelines&apos;&gt;Please follow our &lt;a href=&quot;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/about\/#section-community-guidelines&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;community guidelines&lt;\/a&gt;.&lt;\/p&gt;\" data-join-the-conversation-text=\"Join the Conversation\">\n<div class=\"absolute top-0 left-0 w-full h-full flex items-center justify-center z-50 bg-white\/90 border-1 rounded-b-[var(--comment-widget-border-radius,0)]\">\n<div class=\"p-2 text-center\">\n<p class=\"mb-3 text-lg!\">You must confirm your public display name before commenting<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-3 text-sm!\">Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<section class=\"mx-2 my-5 sm:mx-0\">\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-adviser:hybrid\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Read more<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6vdna66p5oHAfXVVpGRvBP-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6vdna66p5oHAfXVVpGRvBP-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6vdna66p5oHAfXVVpGRvBP-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6vdna66p5oHAfXVVpGRvBP-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6vdna66p5oHAfXVVpGRvBP-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Nerve-wracking right to the end&#8217; \u2013 How Richard Carapaz and EF Education-EasyPost hit the Tour de France jackpot on Alpe d&#8217;Huez<\/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\/vXx3fTTYeYfvhBsZ8FoUhF-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vXx3fTTYeYfvhBsZ8FoUhF-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vXx3fTTYeYfvhBsZ8FoUhF-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vXx3fTTYeYfvhBsZ8FoUhF-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vXx3fTTYeYfvhBsZ8FoUhF-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\">Tadej Poga\u010dar vs the rest \u2013 Our analysis of the top 10 contenders at the 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\/c6VkGigAxGteshHxtBUrrB-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/c6VkGigAxGteshHxtBUrrB-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/c6VkGigAxGteshHxtBUrrB-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/c6VkGigAxGteshHxtBUrrB-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/c6VkGigAxGteshHxtBUrrB-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;I couldn&#8217;t stop thinking about this stage&#8217; &#8211; non-conformist Richard Carapaz makes the most of his last clear opportunity to seize Tour de France stage victory<\/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\/E8G8rqbGkZUMG7RJupJM8W-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E8G8rqbGkZUMG7RJupJM8W-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E8G8rqbGkZUMG7RJupJM8W-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E8G8rqbGkZUMG7RJupJM8W-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E8G8rqbGkZUMG7RJupJM8W-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;We gambled it all on the third week&#8217; &#8211; Richard Carapaz fights back from tough summer of recovery to claim maximum climbing honours at Tour de France<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/n99Kij7hG9GmYrgxXjpmzD-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/n99Kij7hG9GmYrgxXjpmzD-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/n99Kij7hG9GmYrgxXjpmzD-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/n99Kij7hG9GmYrgxXjpmzD-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/n99Kij7hG9GmYrgxXjpmzD-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;Rinse and repeat&#8217; formula for motivated EF Education-EasyPost leaders Richard Carapaz and Ben Healy for Tour de France stage wins and aggressive climbing<\/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\/QqaVxzjcE5LpMpbUNGnwuV-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QqaVxzjcE5LpMpbUNGnwuV-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QqaVxzjcE5LpMpbUNGnwuV-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QqaVxzjcE5LpMpbUNGnwuV-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QqaVxzjcE5LpMpbUNGnwuV-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 Vuelta is going to be arduous, even for Tadej&#8217; \u2013 UAE  performance head warns that nobody, not even Poga\u010dar, will have it easy this summer in Spain<\/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 Teams &amp; Riders<\/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\/gTFuFSJxwMREWMkPKZVrTF-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gTFuFSJxwMREWMkPKZVrTF-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gTFuFSJxwMREWMkPKZVrTF-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gTFuFSJxwMREWMkPKZVrTF-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gTFuFSJxwMREWMkPKZVrTF-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\">Josh Tarling to start Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a for Netcompany-Ineos days after the death of his brother, Finlay<\/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\/b5nsPJRARLXBNvNeWnE5KW-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/b5nsPJRARLXBNvNeWnE5KW-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/b5nsPJRARLXBNvNeWnE5KW-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/b5nsPJRARLXBNvNeWnE5KW-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/b5nsPJRARLXBNvNeWnE5KW-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Transfers<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">UAE Team Emirates-XRG have a new sprinter as young Italian is promoted from the Gen Z squad<\/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\/fYAzDdLP53z4iQ5YQLKtFo-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fYAzDdLP53z4iQ5YQLKtFo-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fYAzDdLP53z4iQ5YQLKtFo-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fYAzDdLP53z4iQ5YQLKtFo-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fYAzDdLP53z4iQ5YQLKtFo-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;A lot more excitement than pressure&#8217; \u2013 A world title defence at home already a dream for Magdeleine Vallieres<\/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\/L7jVF4Xg8bmwqFk9LoQQWc-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/L7jVF4Xg8bmwqFk9LoQQWc-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/L7jVF4Xg8bmwqFk9LoQQWc-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/L7jVF4Xg8bmwqFk9LoQQWc-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/L7jVF4Xg8bmwqFk9LoQQWc-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Transfers<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Abel Balderstone breaks contract to join UAE Team Emirates-XRG<\/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\/YzNZ46ofevTyGMxGmJDE5Y-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YzNZ46ofevTyGMxGmJDE5Y-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YzNZ46ofevTyGMxGmJDE5Y-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YzNZ46ofevTyGMxGmJDE5Y-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YzNZ46ofevTyGMxGmJDE5Y-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\">Last chance saloon \u2013 The riders and teams who need to turn their season around at the 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\/2FQ6FExGKN4uEMipgv9oG3-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2FQ6FExGKN4uEMipgv9oG3-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2FQ6FExGKN4uEMipgv9oG3-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2FQ6FExGKN4uEMipgv9oG3-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2FQ6FExGKN4uEMipgv9oG3-320-80.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\">Fundraiser for Finlay Tarling doubles its target as donations flow in<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-articletype\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in News<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qUtBWLaTFQihN9RdSStaP-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qUtBWLaTFQihN9RdSStaP-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qUtBWLaTFQihN9RdSStaP-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qUtBWLaTFQihN9RdSStaP-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qUtBWLaTFQihN9RdSStaP-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 of Britain halted for half an hour as road traffic crash blocks the course<\/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\/gTFuFSJxwMREWMkPKZVrTF-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gTFuFSJxwMREWMkPKZVrTF-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gTFuFSJxwMREWMkPKZVrTF-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gTFuFSJxwMREWMkPKZVrTF-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gTFuFSJxwMREWMkPKZVrTF-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\">Josh Tarling to start Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a for Netcompany-Ineos days after the death of his brother, Finlay<\/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\/b5nsPJRARLXBNvNeWnE5KW-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/b5nsPJRARLXBNvNeWnE5KW-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/b5nsPJRARLXBNvNeWnE5KW-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/b5nsPJRARLXBNvNeWnE5KW-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/b5nsPJRARLXBNvNeWnE5KW-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Transfers<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">UAE Team Emirates-XRG have a new sprinter as young Italian is promoted from the Gen Z squad<\/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\/fYAzDdLP53z4iQ5YQLKtFo-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fYAzDdLP53z4iQ5YQLKtFo-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fYAzDdLP53z4iQ5YQLKtFo-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fYAzDdLP53z4iQ5YQLKtFo-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fYAzDdLP53z4iQ5YQLKtFo-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;A lot more excitement than pressure&#8217; \u2013 A world title defence at home already a dream for Magdeleine Vallieres<\/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\/8JgxTxPjmbagSKAfvL2u5a-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8JgxTxPjmbagSKAfvL2u5a-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8JgxTxPjmbagSKAfvL2u5a-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8JgxTxPjmbagSKAfvL2u5a-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8JgxTxPjmbagSKAfvL2u5a-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\">SD Worx-Protime keep attacks in check and navigate narrow roads to prevail on opening stage at Tour of Britain Women<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CaJ7zUvfnutyLnhu5U7geF-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CaJ7zUvfnutyLnhu5U7geF-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CaJ7zUvfnutyLnhu5U7geF-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CaJ7zUvfnutyLnhu5U7geF-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CaJ7zUvfnutyLnhu5U7geF-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\">Cycling Tech &amp; Components<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">The Hunt Summer Sale has discounts of up to 40% on some of the best wheelsets we&#8217;ve ever tested<\/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\/gTFuFSJxwMREWMkPKZVrTF-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gTFuFSJxwMREWMkPKZVrTF-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gTFuFSJxwMREWMkPKZVrTF-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gTFuFSJxwMREWMkPKZVrTF-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"99vw\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">1<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>Josh Tarling to start Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a for Netcompany-Ineos days after the death of his brother, Finlay<\/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>Tour of Britain halted for half an hour as road traffic crash blocks the course<\/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>&#8216;We&#8217;ve had a lot of setbacks this year, starting with me&#8217; &#8211; non-conformist Richard Carapaz determined to fight for Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a GC despite injuries blighting EF Education-EasyPost lineup<\/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>UAE Team Emirates-XRG have a new sprinter as young Italian is promoted from the Gen Z squad<\/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>Tadej Poga\u010dar could win the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a by 10 minutes but total domination is unlikely \u2013 Philippa York analysis<\/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>\nTeams &amp; Riders\n<\/li>\n<li>\nEF Education-EasyPost\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRichard Carapaz\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>&#8216;We&#8217;ve had a lot of setbacks this year, starting with me&#8217; &#8211; non-conformist Richard Carapaz determined to fight for Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a GC despite injuries blighting EF Education-EasyPost lineup<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"vds-byline-block flex flex-row flex-nowrap my-1.5 gap-2 text-left items-start justify-start\" data-component-name=\"Article:BylineBlock\">\n<p>News<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-auto vds-simple-byline\"><span class=\"inline-block vds-author\"><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nAlasdair Fotheringham <\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex gap-1 vds-byline-with-avatar__meta\"><span class=\"vds-date block font-normal tracking-normal normal-case text-xs\"><br \/>\nPublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-08-20T11:50:10Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n20 August 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Ecuadorian star sees Vuelta as first opportunity to fight for Grand Tour GC in 2026<\/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-4bfaf2b8-9c8d-11f1-8657-bf8b3e96e7b2\">Richard Carapaz has never been one to reject the chance to take the fight to his rivals, no matter how difficult the circumstances, and even if Tadej Poga\u010dar (UAE Team Emirates-XRG) may seem an insurmountable barrier when it comes to winning the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a this year, Carapaz is determined to try.<\/p>\n<p>Nor is Poga\u010dar the only potential obstacle, he said. EF has been blighted by injuries and other setbacks this year, Carapaz confirmed, starting with his own challenges in the first half of the season and several riders they had hoped to be present for the Vuelta not able to participate.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-4bfaf2b8-9c8d-11f1-8657-bf8b3e96e7b2-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">But for all that, on his return to the Vuelta for the first time since he claimed fourth in 2024 &#8211; which was at the time a much-needed reconfirmation of his potential to fight for GC after two very difficult Tours, &#8211; Carapaz said he had full faith in the lineup EF have brought alongside him for the next three weeks in Spain.<\/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\">As the 33-year-old put it, &#8220;They&#8217;re young, and they are very well prepared, which is great for me, because they&#8217;ve got the right kind of mentality.&#8221; Furthermore, when it comes to bouncing back from difficult challenges, Carapaz&#8217; recent repeat King of the Mountains title and two stage wins in the Tour de France constituted ample proof that both he and his team certainly know how to reverse a downwards trend in spectacular fashion<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Inside the team, we&#8217;ve had a whole load of setbacks, with me one of the main ones to experience them at the start of the season,&#8221; Carapaz pointed out in his pre-Vuelta press conference.<\/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\/6vdna66p5oHAfXVVpGRvBP-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6vdna66p5oHAfXVVpGRvBP-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;Nerve-wracking right to the end&#8217; \u2013 How Richard Carapaz and EF Education-EasyPost hit the Tour de France jackpot on Alpe d&#8217;Huez<\/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\/vXx3fTTYeYfvhBsZ8FoUhF-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vXx3fTTYeYfvhBsZ8FoUhF-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\">Tadej Poga\u010dar vs the rest \u2013 Our analysis of the top 10 contenders at the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a<\/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\/c6VkGigAxGteshHxtBUrrB-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/c6VkGigAxGteshHxtBUrrB-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;I couldn&#8217;t stop thinking about this stage&#8217; &#8211; non-conformist Richard Carapaz makes the most of his last clear opportunity to seize Tour de France stage victory<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I had lots of problems when the year began and I know various teammates are still, as you could put it, screwed.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Neilson [Powless] had a knee problem, Harry [Sweeny] also is injured, Archie [Ryan] too, and Mikkel [Honor\u00e9] is in the same situation. These are important losses for our team, we thought we&#8217;d have in the Vuelta, and it&#8217;s not been possible. You can&#8217;t say we&#8217;ve got a broad base for a Grand Tour.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-mZ7qXLAaTvzRn93QFUNkXF\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-mZ7qXLAaTvzRn93QFUNkXF 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\">&#8220;But regarding those [teammates] who are in the Vuelta, they are young and they&#8217;re very well prepared, which is great for me, because they&#8217;ve got the right kind of mentality, and that&#8217;s the most important thing of all.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">On a personal level, Carapaz, too, is deeply motivated by a race which is where, as he pointed out, he began his Grand Tour career back in 2017 and he can always count on a huge amount of fan support from the large number of fellow-Ecuadorians that now live in Spain. But he denied that despite so narrowly losing the Vuelta to Primoz Rogli\u010d in 2020, he had any kind of unfinished business with the race. &#8220;That was a good memory of one of my best-ever Grand Tours,&#8221; he said, &#8220;but it was a long time ago now.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Once again, though, after his spectacularly successful Tour de France, he had enough time to recover and bounce back. &#8220;I&#8217;ve maintained my concentration, and my objectives are very clear, not just on a personal level. As a team, too.&#8221;<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            What to read next<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E8G8rqbGkZUMG7RJupJM8W-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E8G8rqbGkZUMG7RJupJM8W-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;We gambled it all on the third week&#8217; &#8211; Richard Carapaz fights back from tough summer of recovery to claim maximum climbing honours at Tour de France<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-2\" 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\/n99Kij7hG9GmYrgxXjpmzD-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/n99Kij7hG9GmYrgxXjpmzD-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;Rinse and repeat&#8217; formula for motivated EF Education-EasyPost leaders Richard Carapaz and Ben Healy for Tour de France stage wins and aggressive climbing<\/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\/QqaVxzjcE5LpMpbUNGnwuV-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QqaVxzjcE5LpMpbUNGnwuV-150-80.png.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;The Vuelta is going to be arduous, even for Tadej&#8217; \u2013 UAE  performance head warns that nobody, not even Poga\u010dar, will have it easy this summer in Spain<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Up to now I&#8217;ve not fought for a Grand Tour [GC] in 2026 as I&#8217;d want, but my objective is clear &#8211; it&#8217;s to go for the overall.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">While EF&#8217;s press officer made it clear before the press conference began that Carapaz would not be taking questions regarding anything other than the Vuelta &#8211; for example, concerning the World Championships &#8211; it was obvious in any case that Carapaz was determined to give Poga\u010dar as much of a run for his money as possible in the overall battle in Spain.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I had a good spell away from racing and then building up for here. I did San Sebastian&#8221; &#8211; where he was only narrowly defeated by Remco Evenepoel (Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe) &#8211; &#8220;and then I eased back before getting ready in Andorra, the usual routine.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;The key thing is that I have the legs, and that&#8217;s the most important part of it all. It&#8217;s a big challenge, but it&#8217;s not just the morale. I think I have the condition as well.&#8221;<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-4bfaf3c6-9c8d-11f1-bbb5-f3e11abb43d2\" 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\/FQd9FHgxnDbHN6WxYCebvi-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FQd9FHgxnDbHN6WxYCebvi-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FQd9FHgxnDbHN6WxYCebvi-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FQd9FHgxnDbHN6WxYCebvi-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FQd9FHgxnDbHN6WxYCebvi-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FQd9FHgxnDbHN6WxYCebvi-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 won the mountains classification at the Tour de France <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-4bfaf43e-9c8d-11f1-b832-759cc6fd6837\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Poga\u010dar&#8217;s announcement, post-Tour, that he would finally be on the Vuelta startline was something that Carapaz refused to say threw his plans for success askew. In the Tour it was noticeable, for example, even as early as the Tour de France&#8217;s stage 10 to Le Lioran where Carapaz was the first &#8211; and only &#8211; GC contender to attack the Slovenian that day, that he would not simply roll over and accept defeat. The Vuelta, Carapaz hinted strongly, would be a similar story.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I&#8217;ve just got a lot of respect for him, he&#8217;s a great rival, the best in the world, and I&#8217;ve not had the chance to fight for a Grand Vuelta against him,&#8221; Carapaz &#8211; who did finish third against Poga\u010dar in the Tour de France back in 2021, but was never in the running to beat him &#8211; said.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;The important thing is to come here and get what we can, not worry about the rest. I know I can count on total support from the team.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;If we win, great, if we do well [rather than win], then we do well. The important thing is to give it 100 %.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Everybody knows Poga\u010dar is the rival to beat,&#8221; Carapaz added, but other rivals certainly could not be ruled out either. &#8220;We don&#8217;t know what condition Primoz [Rogli\u010d, Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe] is in after his fall, and Felix Gall [Decathlon CMA CGM] knows how to do a great overall, as well.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;But in any case, the Vuelta is a race can be decided on any day, starting with Font Romeu&#8221; &#8211; the race&#8217;s first summit finish in the Pyrenees on stage 3. &#8220;You don&#8217;t just need alliances, you need to have the legs, too.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-3973652a-9c8e-11f1-9414-33d90468ea8e\" 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><strong>Join today.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/teams-riders\/weve-had-a-lot-of-setbacks-this-year-starting-with-me-non-conformist-richard-carapaz-determined-to-fight-for-vuelta-a-espana-gc-despite-injuries-blighting-ef-education-easypost-lineup\/&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eKvy38GXi38WztdxeaKTs8-1024-80.jpg&#8221;] 1 Tadej Poga\u010dar vs the rest \u2013 Our analysis of the top 10 contenders at the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a 2 &#8216;The Vuelta is going to be arduous, even for Tadej&#8217; \u2013 UAE performance head warns that nobody, not even Poga\u010dar, will have it easy this summer in Spain 3 Primo\u017e Rogli\u010d expected [&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-2102719","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\/2102719","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=2102719"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2102719\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2102719"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=2102719"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=2102719"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}