{"id":2105276,"date":"2026-08-20T18:44:28","date_gmt":"2026-08-20T15:44:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2105276"},"modified":"2026-08-20T18:44:28","modified_gmt":"2026-08-20T15:44:28","slug":"i-need-to-race-smart-tadej-pogacar-looking-to-complete-the-grand-slam-of-grand-tours-in-the-vuelta-a-espana-while-still-looking-ahead","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2105276","title":{"rendered":"&#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"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/r4EDHRKrKu3tRtpXMKgLsP-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\/xaPhNZ65Eb5A24MN8pQZC8-160-80.jpg.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xaPhNZ65Eb5A24MN8pQZC8-80-80.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                                    Tadej Poga\u010dar could win the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a by 10 minutes but total domination is unlikely \u2013 Philippa York analysis\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;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<\/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=\"2026-08-20T18:44:28Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n20 August 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">&#8216;Everybody that is here, I expect them to be in top shape, and there are some very, very good riders here. It&#8217;s never easy&#8217; says five-time Tour de France winner <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"text-gray-700 flex items-center mx-0 my-5 p-0 justify-start text-left\" id=\"affiliate-disclaimer\" data-component-name=\"AffiliateDisclaimer\" data-hawk-message=\"Affiliate disclaimer removed because hawk deemed there are no affiliate links on this page\">\n<p class=\"text-[color:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--text-color,inherit)] mb-2 text-[length:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--font-size,0.75rem)] leading-[18px] md:text-[13px] [&amp;&gt;a]:text-inherit [&amp;&gt;a]:underline\">\nWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. 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was Tadej Poga\u010dar&#8217;s categorical reply when asked if he thought he could win the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a without too much effort this August. &#8220;It&#8217;s going to be a very tough race.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>Speaking just hours before the race, which saw him emerge as a Grand Tour star in 2019 when he finished third overall, claimed three stages and the white jersey, Poga\u010dar&#8217;s keenly anticipated return to the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a will now see him fight for the only three-week stage race still missing from his palmares.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-f75af5e6-9cc3-11f1-a660-4578858ca3dd-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Widely considered the greatest rider in the world, perhaps even of all time, the UAE Team Emirates-XRG rider has just racked up his fifth Tour de France win in seven editions and is considered the stand-out favourite in the Spanish Grand Tour. However, he was almost scathing when asked if he thought that the Vuelta would be an easy event to win in comparison.<\/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\">&#8220;I don&#8217;t know if it&#8217;s even worth answering that question,&#8221; he said. &#8220;Here there is a very stacked competition, why say much tougher in the Tour, because here you also have amazing talents on the startline. It&#8217;s going to be a very tough race, it&#8217;s going to be a hard one. Everybody that is here, I expect them to be in top shape and there are some very, very good riders here. It&#8217;s never easy.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Poga\u010dar also pushed back at the idea that &#8211; as was almost possible in the Giro d&#8217;Italia in 2024 &#8211; he could lead the Vuelta from beginning to end. For one thing, he viewed the opening very short time trial as more one for the specialists, given its very technical format. For another, he wanted to wait until the first big mountain stages to have a chance to gauge his form, and for a third, with the Worlds, Europeans and Il Lombardia on the menu after the Vuelta, he did not want to, as he put it, &#8220;end the race destroyed.&#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            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\/uxQp5fRzS4VxGsyfPN95CJ-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uxQp5fRzS4VxGsyfPN95CJ-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\">Tadej Poga\u010dar confirmed for first return to Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a since 2019 Grand Tour debut<\/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\/2fmbtXZ2fEd6EkmEtQgkd3-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2fmbtXZ2fEd6EkmEtQgkd3-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Unstoppable? The five biggest challenges that Tadej Poga\u010dar will face at this year&#8217;s Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#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\/9aKuFwnmwjqsdAucGVxeU3-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9aKuFwnmwjqsdAucGVxeU3-150-80.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;This is the best year for Tadej Poga\u010dar to come&#8217;\u00a0\u2013\u00a0Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a director confident in Tour de France champion&#8217;s participation, with little concern over likely dominance<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I will have to see my shape in the first few stages and always thinking about the three big races afterwards,&#8221; he said. &#8220;I shouldn&#8217;t end this race completely destroyed. I need to race smart and then see in the first few stages how we approach it.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">That didn&#8217;t take away from his overriding goal, which was to win all three Grand Tours, he confirmed, and that necessarily means he will do his utmost to finish the Vuelta wearing <em>la roja <\/em>in Granada on the evening of September 13.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-WcwYt5jmHrScQUsTF2zc2n\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-WcwYt5jmHrScQUsTF2zc2n slice-container-newsletterForm\">\n<div data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"newsletter-form__wrapper newsletter-form__wrapper--inbodyContent\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__container\">\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__top-bar\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__header\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__main-section\">\n<p class=\"newsletter-form__strapline\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<footer class=\"newsletter-form__footer \">By submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.<\/footer>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It&#8217;s been quite a short time after the Tour de France to come here, but I had enough time to recover, and this starts close to my home,&#8221; Poga\u010dar said.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;So I&#8217;m looking forward to it, it is one missing goal from my career, so I will give my best to try and win.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;For me to win all three Grand Tours has been a big goal and dream for a few years now. So it&#8217;s going to be important to be good here at the Vuelta.&#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\/QqaVxzjcE5LpMpbUNGnwuV-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QqaVxzjcE5LpMpbUNGnwuV-150-80.png.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;The Vuelta is going to be arduous, even for Tadej&#8217; \u2013 UAE  performance head warns that nobody, not even Poga\u010dar, will have it easy this summer in Spain<\/span><\/li>\n<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\/EPagu256K5imY9K23G9EZb-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EPagu256K5imY9K23G9EZb-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 will see on Monday&#8217; &#8211; Tadej Poga\u010dar teases Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a decision announcement as he wins home criterium in Komenda<\/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\/PUEEi2WzDZNWhsdyiYZCF-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PUEEi2WzDZNWhsdyiYZCF-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Tadej Poga\u010dar and UAE Team Emirates meet to discuss and decide on targeting Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Poga\u010dar recognised that the fact that the Vuelta was his first ever Grand Tour had often made him want to do it sooner in his career, but his team &#8211; never in favour of having their younger riders do two Grand Tours in a single year &#8211; did not encourage that until he was older.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;For sure I have nice memories of the Vuelta, I was a young kid back there, but now there&#8217;s a completely different approach to any race. So it almost feels like my first Vuelta again.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I would sit down in December [with the team] and see if there was the potential [chance to race], and everybody would push back the Vuelta before the Tour. But in my mind I wanted to come and start here in Monaco. I can&#8217;t skip the Tour, but this year was the time.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-05b170ac-9cc4-11f1-86ca-abe39d392149\" 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 class=\"block mb-5\" id=\"articleTag\" data-component-name=\"PostArticleLinks\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"post-article-links\">\n<div class=\"border-b border-b-black border-solid py-2.5 text-black font-bold uppercase\">TOPICS<\/div>\n<nav class=\"py-2.5 flex gap-2.5 flex-wrap\" data-analytics-id=\"article-tag\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-tag\">\n<p>Road<\/p>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-WcwYt5jmHrScQUsTF2zc2n\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-WcwYt5jmHrScQUsTF2zc2n 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\/uxQp5fRzS4VxGsyfPN95CJ-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uxQp5fRzS4VxGsyfPN95CJ-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uxQp5fRzS4VxGsyfPN95CJ-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uxQp5fRzS4VxGsyfPN95CJ-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uxQp5fRzS4VxGsyfPN95CJ-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\">Tadej Poga\u010dar confirmed for first return to Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a since 2019 Grand Tour debut<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2fmbtXZ2fEd6EkmEtQgkd3-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2fmbtXZ2fEd6EkmEtQgkd3-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2fmbtXZ2fEd6EkmEtQgkd3-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2fmbtXZ2fEd6EkmEtQgkd3-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2fmbtXZ2fEd6EkmEtQgkd3-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Unstoppable? The five biggest challenges that Tadej Poga\u010dar will face at this year&#8217;s Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9aKuFwnmwjqsdAucGVxeU3-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9aKuFwnmwjqsdAucGVxeU3-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9aKuFwnmwjqsdAucGVxeU3-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9aKuFwnmwjqsdAucGVxeU3-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9aKuFwnmwjqsdAucGVxeU3-320-80.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;This is the best year for Tadej Poga\u010dar to come&#8217;\u00a0\u2013\u00a0Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a director confident in Tour de France champion&#8217;s participation, with little concern over likely dominance<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QqaVxzjcE5LpMpbUNGnwuV-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QqaVxzjcE5LpMpbUNGnwuV-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QqaVxzjcE5LpMpbUNGnwuV-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QqaVxzjcE5LpMpbUNGnwuV-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QqaVxzjcE5LpMpbUNGnwuV-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;The Vuelta is going to be arduous, even for Tadej&#8217; \u2013 UAE  performance head warns that nobody, not even Poga\u010dar, will have it easy this summer in Spain<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div 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\/EPagu256K5imY9K23G9EZb-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EPagu256K5imY9K23G9EZb-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EPagu256K5imY9K23G9EZb-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EPagu256K5imY9K23G9EZb-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EPagu256K5imY9K23G9EZb-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 will see on Monday&#8217; &#8211; Tadej Poga\u010dar teases Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a decision announcement as he wins home criterium in Komenda<\/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\/PUEEi2WzDZNWhsdyiYZCF-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PUEEi2WzDZNWhsdyiYZCF-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PUEEi2WzDZNWhsdyiYZCF-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PUEEi2WzDZNWhsdyiYZCF-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PUEEi2WzDZNWhsdyiYZCF-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\">Tadej Poga\u010dar and UAE Team Emirates meet to discuss and decide on targeting 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<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\/iSijFQzPeQBT8U9pXGDkXW-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iSijFQzPeQBT8U9pXGDkXW-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iSijFQzPeQBT8U9pXGDkXW-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iSijFQzPeQBT8U9pXGDkXW-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iSijFQzPeQBT8U9pXGDkXW-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\">Lauren Dickson returns from collarbone break to aim at World Championships debut at Tour of Britain Women<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NUkQUt9iBzjr2d4jmAyFQf-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NUkQUt9iBzjr2d4jmAyFQf-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NUkQUt9iBzjr2d4jmAyFQf-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NUkQUt9iBzjr2d4jmAyFQf-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NUkQUt9iBzjr2d4jmAyFQf-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 shame I wasn&#8217;t on Kim&#8217;s wheel in the final corner&#8217; \u2013 Liane Lippert second behind unstoppable Le Court-Pienaar on Tour of Britain Women queen stage<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/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\/YvLurAtwGrsupwv3CVbzQM-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YvLurAtwGrsupwv3CVbzQM-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YvLurAtwGrsupwv3CVbzQM-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YvLurAtwGrsupwv3CVbzQM-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YvLurAtwGrsupwv3CVbzQM-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;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<\/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\/iSijFQzPeQBT8U9pXGDkXW-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iSijFQzPeQBT8U9pXGDkXW-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iSijFQzPeQBT8U9pXGDkXW-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iSijFQzPeQBT8U9pXGDkXW-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iSijFQzPeQBT8U9pXGDkXW-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\">Lauren Dickson returns from collarbone break to aim at World Championships debut at Tour of Britain Women<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NUkQUt9iBzjr2d4jmAyFQf-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NUkQUt9iBzjr2d4jmAyFQf-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NUkQUt9iBzjr2d4jmAyFQf-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NUkQUt9iBzjr2d4jmAyFQf-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NUkQUt9iBzjr2d4jmAyFQf-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 shame I wasn&#8217;t on Kim&#8217;s wheel in the final corner&#8217; \u2013 Liane Lippert second behind unstoppable Le Court-Pienaar on Tour of Britain Women queen stage<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fXAaRtRGWr7884wyUeD2nd-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fXAaRtRGWr7884wyUeD2nd-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fXAaRtRGWr7884wyUeD2nd-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fXAaRtRGWr7884wyUeD2nd-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fXAaRtRGWr7884wyUeD2nd-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\">Doping<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">South African racer leaves Tour of Britain Women after returning out-of-competition positive test for synthetic peptide<\/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\/XP2rqy7qez9mC6UdTwJgz-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XP2rqy7qez9mC6UdTwJgz-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XP2rqy7qez9mC6UdTwJgz-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XP2rqy7qez9mC6UdTwJgz-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XP2rqy7qez9mC6UdTwJgz-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\">Wheels &amp; Tyres<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">New road and gravel tyres from Silca signal a change in strategy for the Italian company<\/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\/o9dfoYGxAgxmJ5j8ffMbSP-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/o9dfoYGxAgxmJ5j8ffMbSP-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/o9dfoYGxAgxmJ5j8ffMbSP-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/o9dfoYGxAgxmJ5j8ffMbSP-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/o9dfoYGxAgxmJ5j8ffMbSP-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\">Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a stage 1 time trial start times \u2013 When Jay Vine, Wout van Aert, Tadej Poga\u010dar and others take turns on twisting 9.6km route in Monaco<\/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\/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>\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 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&#8211; Tadej Poga\u010dar looking to complete the Grand Slam of Grand Tours in the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a, while still looking ahead<\/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=\"2026-08-20T18:44:28Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n20 August 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">&#8216;Everybody that is here, I expect them to be in top shape, and there are some very, very good riders here. It&#8217;s never easy&#8217; says five-time Tour de France winner <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"text-gray-700 flex items-center mx-0 my-5 p-0 justify-start text-left\" id=\"affiliate-disclaimer\" data-component-name=\"AffiliateDisclaimer\" data-hawk-message=\"Affiliate disclaimer removed because hawk deemed there are no affiliate links on this page\">\n<p class=\"text-[color:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--text-color,inherit)] mb-2 text-[length:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--font-size,0.75rem)] leading-[18px] md:text-[13px] [&amp;&gt;a]:text-inherit [&amp;&gt;a]:underline\">\nWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. 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was Tadej Poga\u010dar&#8217;s categorical reply when asked if he thought he could win the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a without too much effort this August. &#8220;It&#8217;s going to be a very tough race.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>Speaking just hours before the race, which saw him emerge as a Grand Tour star in 2019 when he finished third overall, claimed three stages and the white jersey, Poga\u010dar&#8217;s keenly anticipated return to the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a will now see him fight for the only three-week stage race still missing from his palmares.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-f75af5e6-9cc3-11f1-a660-4578858ca3dd-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Widely considered the greatest rider in the world, perhaps even of all time, the UAE Team Emirates-XRG rider has just racked up his fifth Tour de France win in seven editions and is considered the stand-out favourite in the Spanish Grand Tour. However, he was almost scathing when asked if he thought that the Vuelta would be an easy event to win in comparison.<\/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\">&#8220;I don&#8217;t know if it&#8217;s even worth answering that question,&#8221; he said. &#8220;Here there is a very stacked competition, why say much tougher in the Tour, because here you also have amazing talents on the startline. It&#8217;s going to be a very tough race, it&#8217;s going to be a hard one. Everybody that is here, I expect them to be in top shape and there are some very, very good riders here. It&#8217;s never easy.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Poga\u010dar also pushed back at the idea that &#8211; as was almost possible in the Giro d&#8217;Italia in 2024 &#8211; he could lead the Vuelta from beginning to end. For one thing, he viewed the opening very short time trial as more one for the specialists, given its very technical format. For another, he wanted to wait until the first big mountain stages to have a chance to gauge his form, and for a third, with the Worlds, Europeans and Il Lombardia on the menu after the Vuelta, he did not want to, as he put it, &#8220;end the race destroyed.&#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            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\/uxQp5fRzS4VxGsyfPN95CJ-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uxQp5fRzS4VxGsyfPN95CJ-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\">Tadej Poga\u010dar confirmed for first return to Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a since 2019 Grand Tour debut<\/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\/2fmbtXZ2fEd6EkmEtQgkd3-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2fmbtXZ2fEd6EkmEtQgkd3-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Unstoppable? The five biggest challenges that Tadej Poga\u010dar will face at this year&#8217;s Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#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\/9aKuFwnmwjqsdAucGVxeU3-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9aKuFwnmwjqsdAucGVxeU3-150-80.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;This is the best year for Tadej Poga\u010dar to come&#8217;\u00a0\u2013\u00a0Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a director confident in Tour de France champion&#8217;s participation, with little concern over likely dominance<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I will have to see my shape in the first few stages and always thinking about the three big races afterwards,&#8221; he said. &#8220;I shouldn&#8217;t end this race completely destroyed. I need to race smart and then see in the first few stages how we approach it.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">That didn&#8217;t take away from his overriding goal, which was to win all three Grand Tours, he confirmed, and that necessarily means he will do his utmost to finish the Vuelta wearing <em>la roja <\/em>in Granada on the evening of September 13.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-WcwYt5jmHrScQUsTF2zc2n\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-WcwYt5jmHrScQUsTF2zc2n slice-container-newsletterForm\">\n<div data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"newsletter-form__wrapper newsletter-form__wrapper--inbodyContent\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__container\">\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__top-bar\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__header\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__main-section\">\n<p class=\"newsletter-form__strapline\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<footer class=\"newsletter-form__footer \">By submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.<\/footer>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It&#8217;s been quite a short time after the Tour de France to come here, but I had enough time to recover, and this starts close to my home,&#8221; Poga\u010dar said.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;So I&#8217;m looking forward to it, it is one missing goal from my career, so I will give my best to try and win.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;For me to win all three Grand Tours has been a big goal and dream for a few years now. So it&#8217;s going to be important to be good here at the Vuelta.&#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\/QqaVxzjcE5LpMpbUNGnwuV-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QqaVxzjcE5LpMpbUNGnwuV-150-80.png.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;The Vuelta is going to be arduous, even for Tadej&#8217; \u2013 UAE  performance head warns that nobody, not even Poga\u010dar, will have it easy this summer in Spain<\/span><\/li>\n<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\/EPagu256K5imY9K23G9EZb-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EPagu256K5imY9K23G9EZb-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 will see on Monday&#8217; &#8211; Tadej Poga\u010dar teases Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a decision announcement as he wins home criterium in Komenda<\/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\/PUEEi2WzDZNWhsdyiYZCF-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PUEEi2WzDZNWhsdyiYZCF-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Tadej Poga\u010dar and UAE Team Emirates meet to discuss and decide on targeting Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Poga\u010dar recognised that the fact that the Vuelta was his first ever Grand Tour had often made him want to do it sooner in his career, but his team &#8211; never in favour of having their younger riders do two Grand Tours in a single year &#8211; did not encourage that until he was older.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;For sure I have nice memories of the Vuelta, I was a young kid back there, but now there&#8217;s a completely different approach to any race. So it almost feels like my first Vuelta again.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I would sit down in December [with the team] and see if there was the potential [chance to race], and everybody would push back the Vuelta before the Tour. But in my mind I wanted to come and start here in Monaco. I can&#8217;t skip the Tour, but this year was the time.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-05b170ac-9cc4-11f1-86ca-abe39d392149\" 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 class=\"block mb-5\" id=\"articleTag\" data-component-name=\"PostArticleLinks\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"post-article-links\">\n<div class=\"border-b border-b-black border-solid py-2.5 text-black font-bold uppercase\">TOPICS<\/div>\n<nav class=\"py-2.5 flex gap-2.5 flex-wrap\" data-analytics-id=\"article-tag\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-tag\">\n<p>Road<\/p>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-WcwYt5jmHrScQUsTF2zc2n\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-WcwYt5jmHrScQUsTF2zc2n 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\/uxQp5fRzS4VxGsyfPN95CJ-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uxQp5fRzS4VxGsyfPN95CJ-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uxQp5fRzS4VxGsyfPN95CJ-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uxQp5fRzS4VxGsyfPN95CJ-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uxQp5fRzS4VxGsyfPN95CJ-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\">Tadej Poga\u010dar confirmed for first return to Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a since 2019 Grand Tour debut<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2fmbtXZ2fEd6EkmEtQgkd3-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2fmbtXZ2fEd6EkmEtQgkd3-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2fmbtXZ2fEd6EkmEtQgkd3-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2fmbtXZ2fEd6EkmEtQgkd3-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2fmbtXZ2fEd6EkmEtQgkd3-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Unstoppable? The five biggest challenges that Tadej Poga\u010dar will face at this year&#8217;s Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9aKuFwnmwjqsdAucGVxeU3-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9aKuFwnmwjqsdAucGVxeU3-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9aKuFwnmwjqsdAucGVxeU3-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9aKuFwnmwjqsdAucGVxeU3-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9aKuFwnmwjqsdAucGVxeU3-320-80.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;This is the best year for Tadej Poga\u010dar to come&#8217;\u00a0\u2013\u00a0Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a director confident in Tour de France champion&#8217;s participation, with little concern over likely dominance<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QqaVxzjcE5LpMpbUNGnwuV-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QqaVxzjcE5LpMpbUNGnwuV-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QqaVxzjcE5LpMpbUNGnwuV-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QqaVxzjcE5LpMpbUNGnwuV-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QqaVxzjcE5LpMpbUNGnwuV-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;The Vuelta is going to be arduous, even for Tadej&#8217; \u2013 UAE  performance head warns that nobody, not even Poga\u010dar, will have it easy this summer in Spain<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div 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\/EPagu256K5imY9K23G9EZb-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EPagu256K5imY9K23G9EZb-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EPagu256K5imY9K23G9EZb-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EPagu256K5imY9K23G9EZb-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EPagu256K5imY9K23G9EZb-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 will see on Monday&#8217; &#8211; Tadej Poga\u010dar teases Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a decision announcement as he wins home criterium in Komenda<\/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\/PUEEi2WzDZNWhsdyiYZCF-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PUEEi2WzDZNWhsdyiYZCF-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PUEEi2WzDZNWhsdyiYZCF-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PUEEi2WzDZNWhsdyiYZCF-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PUEEi2WzDZNWhsdyiYZCF-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\">Tadej Poga\u010dar and UAE Team Emirates meet to discuss and decide on targeting 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<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\/iSijFQzPeQBT8U9pXGDkXW-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iSijFQzPeQBT8U9pXGDkXW-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iSijFQzPeQBT8U9pXGDkXW-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iSijFQzPeQBT8U9pXGDkXW-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iSijFQzPeQBT8U9pXGDkXW-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\">Lauren Dickson returns from collarbone break to aim at World Championships debut at Tour of Britain Women<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NUkQUt9iBzjr2d4jmAyFQf-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NUkQUt9iBzjr2d4jmAyFQf-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NUkQUt9iBzjr2d4jmAyFQf-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NUkQUt9iBzjr2d4jmAyFQf-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NUkQUt9iBzjr2d4jmAyFQf-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 shame I wasn&#8217;t on Kim&#8217;s wheel in the final corner&#8217; \u2013 Liane Lippert second behind unstoppable Le Court-Pienaar on Tour of Britain Women queen stage<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/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\/YvLurAtwGrsupwv3CVbzQM-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YvLurAtwGrsupwv3CVbzQM-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YvLurAtwGrsupwv3CVbzQM-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YvLurAtwGrsupwv3CVbzQM-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YvLurAtwGrsupwv3CVbzQM-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;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<\/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\/iSijFQzPeQBT8U9pXGDkXW-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iSijFQzPeQBT8U9pXGDkXW-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iSijFQzPeQBT8U9pXGDkXW-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iSijFQzPeQBT8U9pXGDkXW-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iSijFQzPeQBT8U9pXGDkXW-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\">Lauren Dickson returns from collarbone break to aim at World Championships debut at Tour of Britain Women<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NUkQUt9iBzjr2d4jmAyFQf-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NUkQUt9iBzjr2d4jmAyFQf-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NUkQUt9iBzjr2d4jmAyFQf-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NUkQUt9iBzjr2d4jmAyFQf-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NUkQUt9iBzjr2d4jmAyFQf-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 shame I wasn&#8217;t on Kim&#8217;s wheel in the final corner&#8217; \u2013 Liane Lippert second behind unstoppable Le Court-Pienaar on Tour of Britain Women queen stage<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fXAaRtRGWr7884wyUeD2nd-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fXAaRtRGWr7884wyUeD2nd-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fXAaRtRGWr7884wyUeD2nd-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fXAaRtRGWr7884wyUeD2nd-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fXAaRtRGWr7884wyUeD2nd-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\">Doping<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">South African racer leaves Tour of Britain Women after returning out-of-competition positive test for synthetic peptide<\/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\/XP2rqy7qez9mC6UdTwJgz-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XP2rqy7qez9mC6UdTwJgz-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XP2rqy7qez9mC6UdTwJgz-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XP2rqy7qez9mC6UdTwJgz-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XP2rqy7qez9mC6UdTwJgz-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\">Wheels &amp; Tyres<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">New road and gravel tyres from Silca signal a change in strategy for the Italian company<\/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\/o9dfoYGxAgxmJ5j8ffMbSP-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/o9dfoYGxAgxmJ5j8ffMbSP-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/o9dfoYGxAgxmJ5j8ffMbSP-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/o9dfoYGxAgxmJ5j8ffMbSP-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/o9dfoYGxAgxmJ5j8ffMbSP-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\">Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a stage 1 time trial start times \u2013 When Jay Vine, Wout van Aert, Tadej Poga\u010dar and others take turns on twisting 9.6km route in Monaco<\/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\/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>\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 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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=\"2026-08-20T18:44:28Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n20 August 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">&#8216;Everybody that is here, I expect them to be in top shape, and there are some very, very good riders here. It&#8217;s never easy&#8217; says five-time Tour de France winner <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"text-gray-700 flex items-center mx-0 my-5 p-0 justify-start text-left\" id=\"affiliate-disclaimer\" data-component-name=\"AffiliateDisclaimer\" data-hawk-message=\"Affiliate disclaimer removed because hawk deemed there are no affiliate links on this page\">\n<p class=\"text-[color:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--text-color,inherit)] mb-2 text-[length:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--font-size,0.75rem)] leading-[18px] md:text-[13px] [&amp;&gt;a]:text-inherit [&amp;&gt;a]:underline\">\nWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here\u2019s how it works.\n<\/p>\n<\/aside>\n<\/header>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\"text-copy bodyCopy auto paywall-locker\">\n<div data-analytics-id=\"utility-bar\" id=\"utility-bar\" class=\"font-ui-heading flex justify-between items-center py-2 border-t border-b border-gray-300 border-solid mb-5 mx-auto\" data-component-name=\"UtilityBar\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"utility-bar\">\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div data-component-name=\"Social:Dropdown\" role=\"menu\" id=\"utilitybar__dropdown--share\" aria-labelledby=\"utilitybar__button--share\" class=\"absolute left-0 top-full w-44 bg-white rounded-md shadow-md border border-neutral-200 z-[9996] list-none m-0 py-2 px-3 border-solid\">\n<ul class=\"m-0!\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Facebook<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>X<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Pinterest<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Email<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-share-this-article\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nShare this article\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\"><span class=\"ml-1 inline-flex h-5 px-2 shrink-0 items-center justify-center self-center overflow-hidden whitespace-nowrap rounded-[10px] bg-primary-500 text-[11px] leading-none font-ui-heading font-semibold text-white\">2<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-join-the-conversation\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nJoin the conversation\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<p>Follow us<\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-add-us-as-a-preferred-source-on-google\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nAdd us as a preferred source on Google\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-subscribe-to-our-newsletter\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nSubscribe to our newsletter\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-f75af5e6-9cc3-11f1-a660-4578858ca3dd\">&#8220;I don&#8217;t know if it&#8217;s even worth answering that question,&#8221; was Tadej Poga\u010dar&#8217;s categorical reply when asked if he thought he could win the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a without too much effort this August. &#8220;It&#8217;s going to be a very tough race.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>Speaking just hours before the race, which saw him emerge as a Grand Tour star in 2019 when he finished third overall, claimed three stages and the white jersey, Poga\u010dar&#8217;s keenly anticipated return to the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a will now see him fight for the only three-week stage race still missing from his palmares.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-f75af5e6-9cc3-11f1-a660-4578858ca3dd-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Widely considered the greatest rider in the world, perhaps even of all time, the UAE Team Emirates-XRG rider has just racked up his fifth Tour de France win in seven editions and is considered the stand-out favourite in the Spanish Grand Tour. However, he was almost scathing when asked if he thought that the Vuelta would be an easy event to win in comparison.<\/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\">&#8220;I don&#8217;t know if it&#8217;s even worth answering that question,&#8221; he said. &#8220;Here there is a very stacked competition, why say much tougher in the Tour, because here you also have amazing talents on the startline. It&#8217;s going to be a very tough race, it&#8217;s going to be a hard one. Everybody that is here, I expect them to be in top shape and there are some very, very good riders here. It&#8217;s never easy.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Poga\u010dar also pushed back at the idea that &#8211; as was almost possible in the Giro d&#8217;Italia in 2024 &#8211; he could lead the Vuelta from beginning to end. For one thing, he viewed the opening very short time trial as more one for the specialists, given its very technical format. For another, he wanted to wait until the first big mountain stages to have a chance to gauge his form, and for a third, with the Worlds, Europeans and Il Lombardia on the menu after the Vuelta, he did not want to, as he put it, &#8220;end the race destroyed.&#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            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\/uxQp5fRzS4VxGsyfPN95CJ-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uxQp5fRzS4VxGsyfPN95CJ-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\">Tadej Poga\u010dar confirmed for first return to Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a since 2019 Grand Tour debut<\/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\/2fmbtXZ2fEd6EkmEtQgkd3-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2fmbtXZ2fEd6EkmEtQgkd3-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Unstoppable? The five biggest challenges that Tadej Poga\u010dar will face at this year&#8217;s Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#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\/9aKuFwnmwjqsdAucGVxeU3-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9aKuFwnmwjqsdAucGVxeU3-150-80.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;This is the best year for Tadej Poga\u010dar to come&#8217;\u00a0\u2013\u00a0Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a director confident in Tour de France champion&#8217;s participation, with little concern over likely dominance<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I will have to see my shape in the first few stages and always thinking about the three big races afterwards,&#8221; he said. &#8220;I shouldn&#8217;t end this race completely destroyed. I need to race smart and then see in the first few stages how we approach it.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">That didn&#8217;t take away from his overriding goal, which was to win all three Grand Tours, he confirmed, and that necessarily means he will do his utmost to finish the Vuelta wearing <em>la roja <\/em>in Granada on the evening of September 13.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-WcwYt5jmHrScQUsTF2zc2n\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-WcwYt5jmHrScQUsTF2zc2n slice-container-newsletterForm\">\n<div data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"newsletter-form__wrapper newsletter-form__wrapper--inbodyContent\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__container\">\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__top-bar\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__header\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__main-section\">\n<p class=\"newsletter-form__strapline\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<footer class=\"newsletter-form__footer \">By submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.<\/footer>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It&#8217;s been quite a short time after the Tour de France to come here, but I had enough time to recover, and this starts close to my home,&#8221; Poga\u010dar said.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;So I&#8217;m looking forward to it, it is one missing goal from my career, so I will give my best to try and win.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;For me to win all three Grand Tours has been a big goal and dream for a few years now. So it&#8217;s going to be important to be good here at the Vuelta.&#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\/QqaVxzjcE5LpMpbUNGnwuV-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QqaVxzjcE5LpMpbUNGnwuV-150-80.png.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;The Vuelta is going to be arduous, even for Tadej&#8217; \u2013 UAE  performance head warns that nobody, not even Poga\u010dar, will have it easy this summer in Spain<\/span><\/li>\n<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\/EPagu256K5imY9K23G9EZb-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EPagu256K5imY9K23G9EZb-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 will see on Monday&#8217; &#8211; Tadej Poga\u010dar teases Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a decision announcement as he wins home criterium in Komenda<\/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\/PUEEi2WzDZNWhsdyiYZCF-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PUEEi2WzDZNWhsdyiYZCF-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Tadej Poga\u010dar and UAE Team Emirates meet to discuss and decide on targeting Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Poga\u010dar recognised that the fact that the Vuelta was his first ever Grand Tour had often made him want to do it sooner in his career, but his team &#8211; never in favour of having their younger riders do two Grand Tours in a single year &#8211; did not encourage that until he was older.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;For sure I have nice memories of the Vuelta, I was a young kid back there, but now there&#8217;s a completely different approach to any race. So it almost feels like my first Vuelta again.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I would sit down in December [with the team] and see if there was the potential [chance to race], and everybody would push back the Vuelta before the Tour. But in my mind I wanted to come and start here in Monaco. I can&#8217;t skip the Tour, but this year was the time.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-05b170ac-9cc4-11f1-86ca-abe39d392149\" 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\/its-going-to-be-a-very-tough-race-tadej-pogacar-looking-to-complete-the-grand-slam-of-grand-tours-in-the-vuelta-a-espana\/&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/r4EDHRKrKu3tRtpXMKgLsP-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 Tadej Poga\u010dar could [&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-2105276","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\/2105276","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=2105276"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2105276\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2105276"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=2105276"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=2105276"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}