{"id":2105271,"date":"2026-08-20T17:21:58","date_gmt":"2026-08-20T14:21:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2105271"},"modified":"2026-08-20T17:21:58","modified_gmt":"2026-08-20T14:21:58","slug":"just-putting-my-socks-on-these-last-three-weeks-was-the-hardest-primoz-roglic-reveals-scale-of-post-crash-injuries-and-challenge-to-reach-vuelta-a-espana-startline","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2105271","title":{"rendered":"&#8216;Just putting my socks on these last three weeks was the hardest&#8217; &#8211; Primo\u017e Rogli\u010d reveals scale of post-crash injuries and challenge to reach Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a startline"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YvLurAtwGrsupwv3CVbzQM-2000-80.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\/r4EDHRKrKu3tRtpXMKgLsP-160-80.jpg.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/r4EDHRKrKu3tRtpXMKgLsP-80-80.jpg.webp 80w\" sizes=\"80px\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex items-center justify-center absolute w-[18px] h-6 left-0 top-0 bg-white\/90 flex-none z-[1]\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"font-normal text-base leading-[17px] tracking-[1.3px] uppercase text-black flex-none\">3<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex flex-col items-center justify-center gap-1.5 w-[173px] h-20 flex-none\">\n<p class=\"font-article-heading font-medium text-base leading-[21px] text-gray-800 w-[173px] line-clamp-3 group-hover:underline\">\n                                    &#8216;I need to race smart&#8217; &#8211; Tadej Poga\u010dar looking to complete the Grand Slam of Grand Tours in the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a, while still looking ahead\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<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>&#8216;Just putting my socks on these last three weeks was the hardest&#8217; &#8211; Primo\u017e Rogli\u010d reveals scale of post-crash injuries and challenge to reach Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a startline<\/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=\"2026-08-20T17:21:58Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n20 August 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Slovenian admits after bad training crash &#8216;It&#8217;s been hard to maintain the positivity&#8217; <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"text-gray-700 flex items-center mx-0 my-5 p-0 justify-start text-left\" id=\"affiliate-disclaimer\" data-component-name=\"AffiliateDisclaimer\" data-hawk-message=\"Affiliate disclaimer removed because hawk deemed there are no affiliate links on this page\">\n<p class=\"text-[color:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--text-color,inherit)] mb-2 text-[length:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--font-size,0.75rem)] leading-[18px] md:text-[13px] [&amp;&gt;a]:text-inherit [&amp;&gt;a]:underline\">\nWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here\u2019s how it works.\n<\/p>\n<\/aside>\n<\/header>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-widget-type=\"contentparsed\" id=\"content\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-contentparsed widget-content widget-contentparsed-content widget-content-parsed widget-content-parsed-content_document \">\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<section class=\"content-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"box less-space hero-image-wrapper\">\n<figure class=\"mb-0\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YvLurAtwGrsupwv3CVbzQM-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YvLurAtwGrsupwv3CVbzQM-1600-80.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YvLurAtwGrsupwv3CVbzQM-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YvLurAtwGrsupwv3CVbzQM-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YvLurAtwGrsupwv3CVbzQM-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YvLurAtwGrsupwv3CVbzQM-750-80.jpg.webp 750w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YvLurAtwGrsupwv3CVbzQM-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YvLurAtwGrsupwv3CVbzQM-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YvLurAtwGrsupwv3CVbzQM-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\">Primo\u017e Rogli\u010d<\/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-a5f53bd0-9cb9-11f1-bca5-b9330b628b30\">Four-time Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a winner Primo\u017e Rogli\u010d has revealed the toughness of his battle to ensure he will start this year&#8217;s race on Saturday, following a bad training crash less than a month ago.<\/p>\n<p>The Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe rider had a major training crash when he was hit by a car in July. The pain from the major hematoma he suffered on his right leg as a result was so bad, he said, that as recently as &#8220;10, 14 days ago, I couldn&#8217;t do anything. Just putting my socks on these last three weeks was the hardest.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-a5f53bd0-9cb9-11f1-bca5-b9330b628b30-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Things have turned around relatively quickly, though, in the last few days, and Rogli\u010d said he could, finally, contemplate racing the Vuelta. But given how much of a hit his training has taken, his condition remains an incognito, and his ability to mount a GC challenge will be very complicated to calculate before the race hits the hardest stages.<\/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\">Rogli\u010d pulled a face when it was pointed out to him that three times in the past, in 2021, 2022 and 2024, he&#8217;s managed to return to a Vuelta GC challenge after a bad summer crash and win. This time round, he said, things were so bad &#8220;it&#8217;s been hard to maintain the positivity.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;When the car hit then, at first I thought it was not such a big thing, the speed was super-slow, and I fell on my side and on my ass. Luckily,&#8221; he joked &#8211; &#8220;my big ass saved me.<\/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\/G7j5vWEKCah5iqYzBPpAG6-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/G7j5vWEKCah5iqYzBPpAG6-150-80.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;Not the best scenario, but it&#8217;s life&#8217; \u2013 Primo\u017e Rogli\u010d hit by car driver in training, forced to miss build-up races for Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BA34nJiPUVCN2EN7yKmEC7-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BA34nJiPUVCN2EN7yKmEC7-150-80.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\">Primo\u017e Rogli\u010d expected to race the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a but with no GC ambitions<\/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\/qrT26Xteho8U5gshkKC8f9-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qrT26Xteho8U5gshkKC8f9-150-80.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 haven&#8217;t even enjoyed any training this year, it&#8217;s been that bad&#8217; &#8211; Mikel Landa in survival mode at the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;But then there was a super big hematoma; I couldn&#8217;t do much for at least three weeks. If you asked me 10 days back, I wouldn&#8217;t say I couldn&#8217;t sit on a TT bike.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Just putting socks on my feet was the hardest thing for these three weeks. Luckily, at the end I could start to move. I still cannot lie on my right side, but I feel good enough to ride my bike and come here to start the Vuelta.&#8221;<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-hnBLhThKgKaSL4gEJQF7YX\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-hnBLhThKgKaSL4gEJQF7YX slice-container-newsletterForm\">\n<div data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"newsletter-form__wrapper newsletter-form__wrapper--inbodyContent\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__container\">\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__top-bar\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__header\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__main-section\">\n<p class=\"newsletter-form__strapline\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<footer class=\"newsletter-form__footer \">By submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.<\/footer>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The idea of a full training program has clearly been out of the question, though, with Rogli\u010d summing it up succinctly that &#8220;instead of preparation, I did rehabilitation. It&#8217;s a bit different, I didn&#8217;t plan for these things, but that&#8217;s why I come here, I managed to do some training.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;After crashing, I couldn&#8217;t think about sitting, nor even riding a bike.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;As for what that means, maybe stage 1 and a 9 km time trial should be fine. But then for later on, we&#8217;ll see how it goes.&#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\/tkoZJeczfkYm67bNx3xmQj-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tkoZJeczfkYm67bNx3xmQj-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;My heart also sank&#8217; &#8211; Tadej Poga\u010dar talks about his relationship with compatriot Primo\u017e Rogli\u010d and that 2020 Tour de France win<\/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\/mekquUgc6QK5c55XaBzarY-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mekquUgc6QK5c55XaBzarY-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 have to be realistic&#8217; \u2013 Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe focus on Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a stage wins, Primo\u017e Rogli\u010d\u2019s form will be &#8216;assessed progressively&#8217;<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eKvy38GXi38WztdxeaKTs8-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eKvy38GXi38WztdxeaKTs8-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;We&#8217;ve 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<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Rogli\u010d also recognised that being nearly 37 and running out of chances was a motivation to come to the Vuelta, plus, for the first time since 2019, he has not done any other Grand Tour this year.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Although he recognised, too, that there had been conversations with Lotto-Intermarch\u00e9 about a possible contract for next year and a move on from Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe, it seems logical that that present, concern remained very much uppermost in his mind, too.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I always say, the older you get, you don&#8217;t get so many opportunities, particularly ones as big as the Vuelta, specially starting this year in Monaco, that&#8217;s something special, too.. I didn&#8217;t do any Grand Tours, yet this year, so it would be nice to race a bit longer.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Rather than focus on Poga\u010dar and what his participation meant for the Vuelta, he said, given the circumstances, he was just looking at his own chances of success or failure. However, while he played down the idea of a repeat of the Vuelta bounceback of previous years, he simply said he had to accept that whatever he could do would be as good as it got.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I would love it, but for 10 days, 14 days, I couldn&#8217;t do anything; I was still at exactly the same point as after the crash. It&#8217;s hard when that happens to maintain the positivity.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;But at the end you need to let it go, what will happen will happen. Either I&#8217;m in good shape, or I&#8217;m not. I just want to sit without too much pain and move without too much pain.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-040064fc-9cba-11f1-944e-f54a8fe2f79e\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><strong>For unbeatable coverage across road, gravel and tech, subscribe to Cyclingnews. You&#8217;ll get comprehensive race coverage of La Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a, subscriber-exclusive analysis from our expert columnists, in-depth features and industry-leading tech insight. Plus, the Cyclingnews app lets you follow the action wherever you go! <\/strong><u><strong>Join today.<\/strong><\/u><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-hnBLhThKgKaSL4gEJQF7YX\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-hnBLhThKgKaSL4gEJQF7YX 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\/G7j5vWEKCah5iqYzBPpAG6-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/G7j5vWEKCah5iqYzBPpAG6-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/G7j5vWEKCah5iqYzBPpAG6-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/G7j5vWEKCah5iqYzBPpAG6-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/G7j5vWEKCah5iqYzBPpAG6-320-80.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;Not the best scenario, but it&#8217;s life&#8217; \u2013 Primo\u017e Rogli\u010d hit by car driver in training, forced to miss build-up races for 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\/BA34nJiPUVCN2EN7yKmEC7-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BA34nJiPUVCN2EN7yKmEC7-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BA34nJiPUVCN2EN7yKmEC7-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BA34nJiPUVCN2EN7yKmEC7-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BA34nJiPUVCN2EN7yKmEC7-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Primo\u017e Rogli\u010d expected to race the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a but with no GC ambitions<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qrT26Xteho8U5gshkKC8f9-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qrT26Xteho8U5gshkKC8f9-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qrT26Xteho8U5gshkKC8f9-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qrT26Xteho8U5gshkKC8f9-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qrT26Xteho8U5gshkKC8f9-320-80.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 haven&#8217;t even enjoyed any training this year, it&#8217;s been that bad&#8217; &#8211; Mikel Landa in survival mode 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\/tkoZJeczfkYm67bNx3xmQj-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tkoZJeczfkYm67bNx3xmQj-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tkoZJeczfkYm67bNx3xmQj-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tkoZJeczfkYm67bNx3xmQj-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tkoZJeczfkYm67bNx3xmQj-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;My heart also sank&#8217; &#8211; Tadej Poga\u010dar talks about his relationship with compatriot Primo\u017e Rogli\u010d and that 2020 Tour de France win<\/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\/mekquUgc6QK5c55XaBzarY-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mekquUgc6QK5c55XaBzarY-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mekquUgc6QK5c55XaBzarY-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mekquUgc6QK5c55XaBzarY-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mekquUgc6QK5c55XaBzarY-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 have to be realistic&#8217; \u2013 Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe focus on Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a stage wins, Primo\u017e Rogli\u010d\u2019s form will be &#8216;assessed progressively&#8217;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eKvy38GXi38WztdxeaKTs8-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eKvy38GXi38WztdxeaKTs8-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eKvy38GXi38WztdxeaKTs8-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eKvy38GXi38WztdxeaKTs8-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eKvy38GXi38WztdxeaKTs8-320-80.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&#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<\/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\/m3Jt9LNmhTEMRgsrgWE9vG-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/m3Jt9LNmhTEMRgsrgWE9vG-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/m3Jt9LNmhTEMRgsrgWE9vG-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/m3Jt9LNmhTEMRgsrgWE9vG-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/m3Jt9LNmhTEMRgsrgWE9vG-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;It only depends on my legs&#8217; \u2013 Jo\u00e3o Almeida eyes possible &#8216;Plan B&#8217; GC bid alongside teammate Tadej Poga\u010dar at Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div 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\/preyXU8URFip5kJRmtcp5W-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/preyXU8URFip5kJRmtcp5W-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/preyXU8URFip5kJRmtcp5W-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/preyXU8URFip5kJRmtcp5W-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/preyXU8URFip5kJRmtcp5W-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\">Julian Alaphilippe has reportedly called an early end to his professional racing career<\/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\/qrT26Xteho8U5gshkKC8f9-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qrT26Xteho8U5gshkKC8f9-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qrT26Xteho8U5gshkKC8f9-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qrT26Xteho8U5gshkKC8f9-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qrT26Xteho8U5gshkKC8f9-320-80.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 haven&#8217;t even enjoyed any training this year, it&#8217;s been that bad&#8217; &#8211; Mikel Landa in survival mode 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\/r4EDHRKrKu3tRtpXMKgLsP-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/r4EDHRKrKu3tRtpXMKgLsP-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/r4EDHRKrKu3tRtpXMKgLsP-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/r4EDHRKrKu3tRtpXMKgLsP-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/r4EDHRKrKu3tRtpXMKgLsP-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 need to race smart&#8217; &#8211; Tadej Poga\u010dar looking to complete the Grand Slam of Grand Tours in the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a, while still looking ahead<\/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\/tfLM6usLQ7FSegycrtArMn-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tfLM6usLQ7FSegycrtArMn-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tfLM6usLQ7FSegycrtArMn-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tfLM6usLQ7FSegycrtArMn-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tfLM6usLQ7FSegycrtArMn-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;It could be an opportunity to be close in GC&#8217; &#8211; Opening time trial in Monaco enticing incentive for Wout van Aert&#8217;s return to 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\/nTZNZUUHHn5swtJ88RvBgD-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nTZNZUUHHn5swtJ88RvBgD-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nTZNZUUHHn5swtJ88RvBgD-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nTZNZUUHHn5swtJ88RvBgD-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nTZNZUUHHn5swtJ88RvBgD-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\">Jonathan Milan ordered to pull over as race leader is lapped by peloton following huge crash at Renewi Tour<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\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\/onxjykbjbXTp2YUWDDjnF3-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/onxjykbjbXTp2YUWDDjnF3-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/onxjykbjbXTp2YUWDDjnF3-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/onxjykbjbXTp2YUWDDjnF3-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/onxjykbjbXTp2YUWDDjnF3-320-80.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\">Lotte Kopecky pulls out of 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\/m3Jt9LNmhTEMRgsrgWE9vG-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/m3Jt9LNmhTEMRgsrgWE9vG-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/m3Jt9LNmhTEMRgsrgWE9vG-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/m3Jt9LNmhTEMRgsrgWE9vG-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/m3Jt9LNmhTEMRgsrgWE9vG-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;It only depends on my legs&#8217; \u2013 Jo\u00e3o Almeida eyes possible &#8216;Plan B&#8217; GC bid alongside teammate Tadej Poga\u010dar at Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div 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\/preyXU8URFip5kJRmtcp5W-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/preyXU8URFip5kJRmtcp5W-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/preyXU8URFip5kJRmtcp5W-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/preyXU8URFip5kJRmtcp5W-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/preyXU8URFip5kJRmtcp5W-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\">Julian Alaphilippe has reportedly called an early end to his professional racing career<\/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\/zVJvoGMBete8FgwMHc7JTE-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zVJvoGMBete8FgwMHc7JTE-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zVJvoGMBete8FgwMHc7JTE-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zVJvoGMBete8FgwMHc7JTE-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zVJvoGMBete8FgwMHc7JTE-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;A huge step-up and a lot to learn&#8217; \u2013 Kate Courtney swiftly adapting to WorldTour racing with FDJ United-Suez at the 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\/GM85ok5puyZs3Dy2CBdPdT-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GM85ok5puyZs3Dy2CBdPdT-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GM85ok5puyZs3Dy2CBdPdT-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GM85ok5puyZs3Dy2CBdPdT-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GM85ok5puyZs3Dy2CBdPdT-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;We can make quick decisions&#8217; &#8211; Megan Guarnier switches from driver&#8217;s seat to race bike to guide US women&#8217;s team at Philadelphia Cycling Classic<\/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\/qrT26Xteho8U5gshkKC8f9-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qrT26Xteho8U5gshkKC8f9-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qrT26Xteho8U5gshkKC8f9-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qrT26Xteho8U5gshkKC8f9-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qrT26Xteho8U5gshkKC8f9-320-80.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 haven&#8217;t even enjoyed any training this year, it&#8217;s been that bad&#8217; &#8211; Mikel Landa in survival mode 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>\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\/onxjykbjbXTp2YUWDDjnF3-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/onxjykbjbXTp2YUWDDjnF3-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/onxjykbjbXTp2YUWDDjnF3-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/onxjykbjbXTp2YUWDDjnF3-320-80.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>Lotte Kopecky pulls out of Tour of Britain Women<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">2<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>&#8216;It only depends on my legs&#8217; \u2013 Jo\u00e3o Almeida eyes possible &#8216;Plan B&#8217; GC bid alongside teammate Tadej Poga\u010dar at Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a<\/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;I haven&#8217;t even enjoyed any training this year, it&#8217;s been that bad&#8217; &#8211; Mikel Landa in survival mode at the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a.<\/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>Julian Alaphilippe has reportedly called an early end to his professional racing career<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">5<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>&#8216;A huge step-up and a lot to learn&#8217; \u2013 Kate Courtney swiftly adapting to WorldTour racing with FDJ United-Suez at the Tour of Britain Women<\/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<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>&#8216;Just putting my socks on these last three weeks was the hardest&#8217; &#8211; Primo\u017e Rogli\u010d reveals scale of post-crash injuries and challenge to reach Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a startline<\/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=\"2026-08-20T17:21:58Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n20 August 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Slovenian admits after bad training crash &#8216;It&#8217;s been hard to maintain the positivity&#8217; <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"text-gray-700 flex items-center mx-0 my-5 p-0 justify-start text-left\" id=\"affiliate-disclaimer\" data-component-name=\"AffiliateDisclaimer\" data-hawk-message=\"Affiliate disclaimer removed because hawk deemed there are no affiliate links on this page\">\n<p class=\"text-[color:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--text-color,inherit)] mb-2 text-[length:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--font-size,0.75rem)] leading-[18px] md:text-[13px] [&amp;&gt;a]:text-inherit [&amp;&gt;a]:underline\">\nWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here\u2019s how it works.\n<\/p>\n<\/aside>\n<\/header>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-widget-type=\"contentparsed\" id=\"content\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-contentparsed widget-content widget-contentparsed-content widget-content-parsed widget-content-parsed-content_document \">\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<section class=\"content-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"box less-space hero-image-wrapper\">\n<figure class=\"mb-0\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YvLurAtwGrsupwv3CVbzQM-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YvLurAtwGrsupwv3CVbzQM-1600-80.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YvLurAtwGrsupwv3CVbzQM-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YvLurAtwGrsupwv3CVbzQM-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YvLurAtwGrsupwv3CVbzQM-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YvLurAtwGrsupwv3CVbzQM-750-80.jpg.webp 750w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YvLurAtwGrsupwv3CVbzQM-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YvLurAtwGrsupwv3CVbzQM-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YvLurAtwGrsupwv3CVbzQM-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\">Primo\u017e Rogli\u010d<\/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-a5f53bd0-9cb9-11f1-bca5-b9330b628b30\">Four-time Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a winner Primo\u017e Rogli\u010d has revealed the toughness of his battle to ensure he will start this year&#8217;s race on Saturday, following a bad training crash less than a month ago.<\/p>\n<p>The Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe rider had a major training crash when he was hit by a car in July. The pain from the major hematoma he suffered on his right leg as a result was so bad, he said, that as recently as &#8220;10, 14 days ago, I couldn&#8217;t do anything. Just putting my socks on these last three weeks was the hardest.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-a5f53bd0-9cb9-11f1-bca5-b9330b628b30-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Things have turned around relatively quickly, though, in the last few days, and Rogli\u010d said he could, finally, contemplate racing the Vuelta. But given how much of a hit his training has taken, his condition remains an incognito, and his ability to mount a GC challenge will be very complicated to calculate before the race hits the hardest stages.<\/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\">Rogli\u010d pulled a face when it was pointed out to him that three times in the past, in 2021, 2022 and 2024, he&#8217;s managed to return to a Vuelta GC challenge after a bad summer crash and win. This time round, he said, things were so bad &#8220;it&#8217;s been hard to maintain the positivity.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;When the car hit then, at first I thought it was not such a big thing, the speed was super-slow, and I fell on my side and on my ass. Luckily,&#8221; he joked &#8211; &#8220;my big ass saved me.<\/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\/G7j5vWEKCah5iqYzBPpAG6-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/G7j5vWEKCah5iqYzBPpAG6-150-80.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;Not the best scenario, but it&#8217;s life&#8217; \u2013 Primo\u017e Rogli\u010d hit by car driver in training, forced to miss build-up races for Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BA34nJiPUVCN2EN7yKmEC7-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BA34nJiPUVCN2EN7yKmEC7-150-80.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\">Primo\u017e Rogli\u010d expected to race the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a but with no GC ambitions<\/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\/qrT26Xteho8U5gshkKC8f9-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qrT26Xteho8U5gshkKC8f9-150-80.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 haven&#8217;t even enjoyed any training this year, it&#8217;s been that bad&#8217; &#8211; Mikel Landa in survival mode at the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;But then there was a super big hematoma; I couldn&#8217;t do much for at least three weeks. If you asked me 10 days back, I wouldn&#8217;t say I couldn&#8217;t sit on a TT bike.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Just putting socks on my feet was the hardest thing for these three weeks. Luckily, at the end I could start to move. I still cannot lie on my right side, but I feel good enough to ride my bike and come here to start the Vuelta.&#8221;<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-hnBLhThKgKaSL4gEJQF7YX\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-hnBLhThKgKaSL4gEJQF7YX slice-container-newsletterForm\">\n<div data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"newsletter-form__wrapper newsletter-form__wrapper--inbodyContent\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__container\">\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__top-bar\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__header\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__main-section\">\n<p class=\"newsletter-form__strapline\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<footer class=\"newsletter-form__footer \">By submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.<\/footer>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The idea of a full training program has clearly been out of the question, though, with Rogli\u010d summing it up succinctly that &#8220;instead of preparation, I did rehabilitation. It&#8217;s a bit different, I didn&#8217;t plan for these things, but that&#8217;s why I come here, I managed to do some training.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;After crashing, I couldn&#8217;t think about sitting, nor even riding a bike.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;As for what that means, maybe stage 1 and a 9 km time trial should be fine. But then for later on, we&#8217;ll see how it goes.&#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\/tkoZJeczfkYm67bNx3xmQj-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tkoZJeczfkYm67bNx3xmQj-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;My heart also sank&#8217; &#8211; Tadej Poga\u010dar talks about his relationship with compatriot Primo\u017e Rogli\u010d and that 2020 Tour de France win<\/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\/mekquUgc6QK5c55XaBzarY-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mekquUgc6QK5c55XaBzarY-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 have to be realistic&#8217; \u2013 Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe focus on Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a stage wins, Primo\u017e Rogli\u010d\u2019s form will be &#8216;assessed progressively&#8217;<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eKvy38GXi38WztdxeaKTs8-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eKvy38GXi38WztdxeaKTs8-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;We&#8217;ve 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<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Rogli\u010d also recognised that being nearly 37 and running out of chances was a motivation to come to the Vuelta, plus, for the first time since 2019, he has not done any other Grand Tour this year.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Although he recognised, too, that there had been conversations with Lotto-Intermarch\u00e9 about a possible contract for next year and a move on from Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe, it seems logical that that present, concern remained very much uppermost in his mind, too.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I always say, the older you get, you don&#8217;t get so many opportunities, particularly ones as big as the Vuelta, specially starting this year in Monaco, that&#8217;s something special, too.. I didn&#8217;t do any Grand Tours, yet this year, so it would be nice to race a bit longer.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Rather than focus on Poga\u010dar and what his participation meant for the Vuelta, he said, given the circumstances, he was just looking at his own chances of success or failure. However, while he played down the idea of a repeat of the Vuelta bounceback of previous years, he simply said he had to accept that whatever he could do would be as good as it got.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I would love it, but for 10 days, 14 days, I couldn&#8217;t do anything; I was still at exactly the same point as after the crash. It&#8217;s hard when that happens to maintain the positivity.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;But at the end you need to let it go, what will happen will happen. Either I&#8217;m in good shape, or I&#8217;m not. I just want to sit without too much pain and move without too much pain.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-040064fc-9cba-11f1-944e-f54a8fe2f79e\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><strong>For unbeatable coverage across road, gravel and tech, subscribe to Cyclingnews. You&#8217;ll get comprehensive race coverage of La Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a, subscriber-exclusive analysis from our expert columnists, in-depth features and industry-leading tech insight. Plus, the Cyclingnews app lets you follow the action wherever you go! <\/strong><u><strong>Join today.<\/strong><\/u><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-hnBLhThKgKaSL4gEJQF7YX\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-hnBLhThKgKaSL4gEJQF7YX 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\/G7j5vWEKCah5iqYzBPpAG6-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/G7j5vWEKCah5iqYzBPpAG6-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/G7j5vWEKCah5iqYzBPpAG6-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/G7j5vWEKCah5iqYzBPpAG6-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/G7j5vWEKCah5iqYzBPpAG6-320-80.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;Not the best scenario, but it&#8217;s life&#8217; \u2013 Primo\u017e Rogli\u010d hit by car driver in training, forced to miss build-up races for 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\/BA34nJiPUVCN2EN7yKmEC7-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BA34nJiPUVCN2EN7yKmEC7-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BA34nJiPUVCN2EN7yKmEC7-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BA34nJiPUVCN2EN7yKmEC7-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BA34nJiPUVCN2EN7yKmEC7-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Primo\u017e Rogli\u010d expected to race the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a but with no GC ambitions<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qrT26Xteho8U5gshkKC8f9-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qrT26Xteho8U5gshkKC8f9-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qrT26Xteho8U5gshkKC8f9-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qrT26Xteho8U5gshkKC8f9-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qrT26Xteho8U5gshkKC8f9-320-80.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 haven&#8217;t even enjoyed any training this year, it&#8217;s been that bad&#8217; &#8211; Mikel Landa in survival mode 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\/tkoZJeczfkYm67bNx3xmQj-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tkoZJeczfkYm67bNx3xmQj-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tkoZJeczfkYm67bNx3xmQj-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tkoZJeczfkYm67bNx3xmQj-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tkoZJeczfkYm67bNx3xmQj-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;My heart also sank&#8217; &#8211; Tadej Poga\u010dar talks about his relationship with compatriot Primo\u017e Rogli\u010d and that 2020 Tour de France win<\/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\/mekquUgc6QK5c55XaBzarY-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mekquUgc6QK5c55XaBzarY-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mekquUgc6QK5c55XaBzarY-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mekquUgc6QK5c55XaBzarY-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mekquUgc6QK5c55XaBzarY-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 have to be realistic&#8217; \u2013 Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe focus on Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a stage wins, Primo\u017e Rogli\u010d\u2019s form will be &#8216;assessed progressively&#8217;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eKvy38GXi38WztdxeaKTs8-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eKvy38GXi38WztdxeaKTs8-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eKvy38GXi38WztdxeaKTs8-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eKvy38GXi38WztdxeaKTs8-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eKvy38GXi38WztdxeaKTs8-320-80.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&#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<\/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\/m3Jt9LNmhTEMRgsrgWE9vG-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/m3Jt9LNmhTEMRgsrgWE9vG-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/m3Jt9LNmhTEMRgsrgWE9vG-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/m3Jt9LNmhTEMRgsrgWE9vG-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/m3Jt9LNmhTEMRgsrgWE9vG-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;It only depends on my legs&#8217; \u2013 Jo\u00e3o Almeida eyes possible &#8216;Plan B&#8217; GC bid alongside teammate Tadej Poga\u010dar at Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div 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\/preyXU8URFip5kJRmtcp5W-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/preyXU8URFip5kJRmtcp5W-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/preyXU8URFip5kJRmtcp5W-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/preyXU8URFip5kJRmtcp5W-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/preyXU8URFip5kJRmtcp5W-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\">Julian Alaphilippe has reportedly called an early end to his professional racing career<\/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\/qrT26Xteho8U5gshkKC8f9-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qrT26Xteho8U5gshkKC8f9-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qrT26Xteho8U5gshkKC8f9-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qrT26Xteho8U5gshkKC8f9-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qrT26Xteho8U5gshkKC8f9-320-80.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 haven&#8217;t even enjoyed any training this year, it&#8217;s been that bad&#8217; &#8211; Mikel Landa in survival mode 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\/r4EDHRKrKu3tRtpXMKgLsP-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/r4EDHRKrKu3tRtpXMKgLsP-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/r4EDHRKrKu3tRtpXMKgLsP-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/r4EDHRKrKu3tRtpXMKgLsP-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/r4EDHRKrKu3tRtpXMKgLsP-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 need to race smart&#8217; &#8211; Tadej Poga\u010dar looking to complete the Grand Slam of Grand Tours in the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a, while still looking ahead<\/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\/tfLM6usLQ7FSegycrtArMn-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tfLM6usLQ7FSegycrtArMn-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tfLM6usLQ7FSegycrtArMn-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tfLM6usLQ7FSegycrtArMn-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tfLM6usLQ7FSegycrtArMn-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;It could be an opportunity to be close in GC&#8217; &#8211; Opening time trial in Monaco enticing incentive for Wout van Aert&#8217;s return to 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\/nTZNZUUHHn5swtJ88RvBgD-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nTZNZUUHHn5swtJ88RvBgD-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nTZNZUUHHn5swtJ88RvBgD-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nTZNZUUHHn5swtJ88RvBgD-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nTZNZUUHHn5swtJ88RvBgD-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\">Jonathan Milan ordered to pull over as race leader is lapped by peloton following huge crash at Renewi Tour<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\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\/onxjykbjbXTp2YUWDDjnF3-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/onxjykbjbXTp2YUWDDjnF3-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/onxjykbjbXTp2YUWDDjnF3-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/onxjykbjbXTp2YUWDDjnF3-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/onxjykbjbXTp2YUWDDjnF3-320-80.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\">Lotte Kopecky pulls out of 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\/m3Jt9LNmhTEMRgsrgWE9vG-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/m3Jt9LNmhTEMRgsrgWE9vG-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/m3Jt9LNmhTEMRgsrgWE9vG-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/m3Jt9LNmhTEMRgsrgWE9vG-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/m3Jt9LNmhTEMRgsrgWE9vG-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;It only depends on my legs&#8217; \u2013 Jo\u00e3o Almeida eyes possible &#8216;Plan B&#8217; GC bid alongside teammate Tadej Poga\u010dar at Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div 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\/preyXU8URFip5kJRmtcp5W-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/preyXU8URFip5kJRmtcp5W-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/preyXU8URFip5kJRmtcp5W-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/preyXU8URFip5kJRmtcp5W-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/preyXU8URFip5kJRmtcp5W-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\">Julian Alaphilippe has reportedly called an early end to his professional racing career<\/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\/zVJvoGMBete8FgwMHc7JTE-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zVJvoGMBete8FgwMHc7JTE-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zVJvoGMBete8FgwMHc7JTE-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zVJvoGMBete8FgwMHc7JTE-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zVJvoGMBete8FgwMHc7JTE-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;A huge step-up and a lot to learn&#8217; \u2013 Kate Courtney swiftly adapting to WorldTour racing with FDJ United-Suez at the 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\/GM85ok5puyZs3Dy2CBdPdT-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GM85ok5puyZs3Dy2CBdPdT-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GM85ok5puyZs3Dy2CBdPdT-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GM85ok5puyZs3Dy2CBdPdT-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GM85ok5puyZs3Dy2CBdPdT-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;We can make quick decisions&#8217; &#8211; Megan Guarnier switches from driver&#8217;s seat to race bike to guide US women&#8217;s team at Philadelphia Cycling Classic<\/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\/qrT26Xteho8U5gshkKC8f9-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qrT26Xteho8U5gshkKC8f9-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qrT26Xteho8U5gshkKC8f9-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qrT26Xteho8U5gshkKC8f9-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qrT26Xteho8U5gshkKC8f9-320-80.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 haven&#8217;t even enjoyed any training this year, it&#8217;s been that bad&#8217; &#8211; Mikel Landa in survival mode 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>\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\/onxjykbjbXTp2YUWDDjnF3-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/onxjykbjbXTp2YUWDDjnF3-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/onxjykbjbXTp2YUWDDjnF3-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/onxjykbjbXTp2YUWDDjnF3-320-80.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>Lotte Kopecky pulls out of Tour of Britain Women<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">2<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>&#8216;It only depends on my legs&#8217; \u2013 Jo\u00e3o Almeida eyes possible &#8216;Plan B&#8217; GC bid alongside teammate Tadej Poga\u010dar at Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a<\/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;I haven&#8217;t even enjoyed any training this year, it&#8217;s been that bad&#8217; &#8211; Mikel Landa in survival mode at the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a.<\/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>Julian Alaphilippe has reportedly called an early end to his professional racing career<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">5<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>&#8216;A huge step-up and a lot to learn&#8217; \u2013 Kate Courtney swiftly adapting to WorldTour racing with FDJ United-Suez at the Tour of Britain Women<\/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<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>&#8216;Just putting my socks on these last three weeks was the hardest&#8217; &#8211; Primo\u017e Rogli\u010d reveals scale of post-crash injuries and challenge to reach Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a startline<\/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=\"2026-08-20T17:21:58Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n20 August 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Slovenian admits after bad training crash &#8216;It&#8217;s been hard to maintain the positivity&#8217; 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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-a5f53bd0-9cb9-11f1-bca5-b9330b628b30\">Four-time Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a winner Primo\u017e Rogli\u010d has revealed the toughness of his battle to ensure he will start this year&#8217;s race on Saturday, following a bad training crash less than a month ago.<\/p>\n<p>The Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe rider had a major training crash when he was hit by a car in July. The pain from the major hematoma he suffered on his right leg as a result was so bad, he said, that as recently as &#8220;10, 14 days ago, I couldn&#8217;t do anything. Just putting my socks on these last three weeks was the hardest.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-a5f53bd0-9cb9-11f1-bca5-b9330b628b30-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Things have turned around relatively quickly, though, in the last few days, and Rogli\u010d said he could, finally, contemplate racing the Vuelta. But given how much of a hit his training has taken, his condition remains an incognito, and his ability to mount a GC challenge will be very complicated to calculate before the race hits the hardest stages.<\/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\">Rogli\u010d pulled a face when it was pointed out to him that three times in the past, in 2021, 2022 and 2024, he&#8217;s managed to return to a Vuelta GC challenge after a bad summer crash and win. This time round, he said, things were so bad &#8220;it&#8217;s been hard to maintain the positivity.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;When the car hit then, at first I thought it was not such a big thing, the speed was super-slow, and I fell on my side and on my ass. Luckily,&#8221; he joked &#8211; &#8220;my big ass saved me.<\/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\/G7j5vWEKCah5iqYzBPpAG6-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/G7j5vWEKCah5iqYzBPpAG6-150-80.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;Not the best scenario, but it&#8217;s life&#8217; \u2013 Primo\u017e Rogli\u010d hit by car driver in training, forced to miss build-up races for Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BA34nJiPUVCN2EN7yKmEC7-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BA34nJiPUVCN2EN7yKmEC7-150-80.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\">Primo\u017e Rogli\u010d expected to race the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a but with no GC ambitions<\/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\/qrT26Xteho8U5gshkKC8f9-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qrT26Xteho8U5gshkKC8f9-150-80.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 haven&#8217;t even enjoyed any training this year, it&#8217;s been that bad&#8217; &#8211; Mikel Landa in survival mode at the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;But then there was a super big hematoma; I couldn&#8217;t do much for at least three weeks. If you asked me 10 days back, I wouldn&#8217;t say I couldn&#8217;t sit on a TT bike.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Just putting socks on my feet was the hardest thing for these three weeks. Luckily, at the end I could start to move. I still cannot lie on my right side, but I feel good enough to ride my bike and come here to start the Vuelta.&#8221;<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-hnBLhThKgKaSL4gEJQF7YX\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-hnBLhThKgKaSL4gEJQF7YX slice-container-newsletterForm\">\n<div data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"newsletter-form__wrapper newsletter-form__wrapper--inbodyContent\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__container\">\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__top-bar\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__header\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__main-section\">\n<p class=\"newsletter-form__strapline\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<footer class=\"newsletter-form__footer \">By submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.<\/footer>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The idea of a full training program has clearly been out of the question, though, with Rogli\u010d summing it up succinctly that &#8220;instead of preparation, I did rehabilitation. It&#8217;s a bit different, I didn&#8217;t plan for these things, but that&#8217;s why I come here, I managed to do some training.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;After crashing, I couldn&#8217;t think about sitting, nor even riding a bike.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;As for what that means, maybe stage 1 and a 9 km time trial should be fine. But then for later on, we&#8217;ll see how it goes.&#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\/tkoZJeczfkYm67bNx3xmQj-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tkoZJeczfkYm67bNx3xmQj-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;My heart also sank&#8217; &#8211; Tadej Poga\u010dar talks about his relationship with compatriot Primo\u017e Rogli\u010d and that 2020 Tour de France win<\/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\/mekquUgc6QK5c55XaBzarY-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mekquUgc6QK5c55XaBzarY-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 have to be realistic&#8217; \u2013 Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe focus on Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a stage wins, Primo\u017e Rogli\u010d\u2019s form will be &#8216;assessed progressively&#8217;<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eKvy38GXi38WztdxeaKTs8-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eKvy38GXi38WztdxeaKTs8-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;We&#8217;ve 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<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Rogli\u010d also recognised that being nearly 37 and running out of chances was a motivation to come to the Vuelta, plus, for the first time since 2019, he has not done any other Grand Tour this year.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Although he recognised, too, that there had been conversations with Lotto-Intermarch\u00e9 about a possible contract for next year and a move on from Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe, it seems logical that that present, concern remained very much uppermost in his mind, too.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I always say, the older you get, you don&#8217;t get so many opportunities, particularly ones as big as the Vuelta, specially starting this year in Monaco, that&#8217;s something special, too.. I didn&#8217;t do any Grand Tours, yet this year, so it would be nice to race a bit longer.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Rather than focus on Poga\u010dar and what his participation meant for the Vuelta, he said, given the circumstances, he was just looking at his own chances of success or failure. However, while he played down the idea of a repeat of the Vuelta bounceback of previous years, he simply said he had to accept that whatever he could do would be as good as it got.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I would love it, but for 10 days, 14 days, I couldn&#8217;t do anything; I was still at exactly the same point as after the crash. It&#8217;s hard when that happens to maintain the positivity.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;But at the end you need to let it go, what will happen will happen. Either I&#8217;m in good shape, or I&#8217;m not. I just want to sit without too much pain and move without too much pain.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-040064fc-9cba-11f1-944e-f54a8fe2f79e\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><strong>For unbeatable coverage across road, gravel and tech, subscribe to Cyclingnews. You&#8217;ll get comprehensive race coverage of La Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a, subscriber-exclusive analysis from our expert columnists, in-depth features and industry-leading tech insight. Plus, the Cyclingnews app lets you follow the action wherever you go! <\/strong><u><strong>Join today.<\/strong><\/u><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/teams-riders\/just-putting-my-socks-on-these-last-three-weeks-was-the-hardest-primoz-roglic-reveals-scale-of-post-crash-injuries-and-challenge-to-reach-vuelta-a-espana-startline\/&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YvLurAtwGrsupwv3CVbzQM-2000-80.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 &#8216;I need to [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[226,68],"class_list":["post-2105271","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\/2105271","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=2105271"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2105271\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2105271"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=2105271"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=2105271"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}