{"id":2106187,"date":"2026-08-22T10:25:21","date_gmt":"2026-08-22T07:25:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2106187"},"modified":"2026-08-22T10:25:21","modified_gmt":"2026-08-22T07:25:21","slug":"cyclings-next-generation-heads-to-spain-young-riders-to-watch-at-the-vuelta-a-espana","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2106187","title":{"rendered":"Cycling&#8217;s next generation heads to Spain \u2013\u00a0Young riders to watch at the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YRwfVqwMR8DbCZXjkpqxeT-2000-80.jpghttps:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8uMhZAn7EnCuBocA936yAC-2560-80.jpg&#8221;]<\/p>\n<article class=\"m-0 box-border flex flex-row items-center pr-2.5 gap-[15px] w-[278px] h-20 flex-none upnext-article-divider\" role=\"listitem\" aria-label=\"Recommended article 1 of 3\">\n<div class=\"relative flex-none w-20 h-20\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/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<li>\nEmerging Talents\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>Cycling&#8217;s next generation heads to Spain \u2013\u00a0Young riders to watch at the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"vds-byline-block flex flex-row flex-nowrap my-1.5 gap-2 text-left items-start justify-start\" data-component-name=\"Article:BylineBlock\">\n<p>Features<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-auto vds-simple-byline\"><span class=\"inline-block vds-author\"><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nDani Ostanek <\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex gap-1 vds-byline-with-avatar__meta\"><span class=\"vds-date block font-normal tracking-normal normal-case text-xs\"><br \/>\nPublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-08-22T10:25:21Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n22 August 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">We take a look at a host of top talents taking on the final Grand Tour of the season, including Cyclingnews columnist Luke Tuckwell<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"text-gray-700 flex items-center mx-0 my-5 p-0 justify-start text-left\" id=\"affiliate-disclaimer\" data-component-name=\"AffiliateDisclaimer\" data-hawk-message=\"Affiliate disclaimer removed because hawk deemed there are no affiliate links on this page\">\n<p class=\"text-[color:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--text-color,inherit)] mb-2 text-[length:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--font-size,0.75rem)] leading-[18px] md:text-[13px] [&amp;&gt;a]:text-inherit [&amp;&gt;a]:underline\">\nWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here\u2019s how it works.\n<\/p>\n<\/aside>\n<\/header>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-widget-type=\"contentparsed\" id=\"content\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-contentparsed widget-content widget-contentparsed-content widget-content-parsed widget-content-parsed-content_document \">\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<section class=\"content-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"box less-space hero-image-wrapper\">\n<figure class=\"mb-0\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8uMhZAn7EnCuBocA936yAC-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8uMhZAn7EnCuBocA936yAC-1600-80.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8uMhZAn7EnCuBocA936yAC-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8uMhZAn7EnCuBocA936yAC-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8uMhZAn7EnCuBocA936yAC-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8uMhZAn7EnCuBocA936yAC-750-80.jpg.webp 750w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8uMhZAn7EnCuBocA936yAC-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8uMhZAn7EnCuBocA936yAC-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8uMhZAn7EnCuBocA936yAC-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 600px, 100vw\" \/><figcaption class=\"font-article-copy text-(--image--text--color) font-article-copy mt-2\"><span class=\"caption-text font-article-copy\">Luke Tuckwell, Iv\u00e1n Romeo, and L\u00e9o Bisiaux are among our young riders to watch at the 2026 Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a<\/span><span class=\"credit font-article-copy\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo\" class=\"contents\" data-only-inline=\"1\">\n<div class=\"visible flex flex-row flex-nowrap sticky max-lg:-ml-5 top-[var(--site-header-height,60px)] sm:top-0 z-[9994] w-screen lg:w-full h-[50px] bg-white p-0 mb-5 border-neutral-200 border border-solid\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Variants:Inline\" data-analytics-id=\"sticky-nav\" id=\"sticky-nav--inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"sticky-nav\">\n<div class=\"flex flex-row w-full h-full overflow-x-scroll overflow-y-hidden tracking-normal overscroll-x-contain\" id=\"sticky-nav__scroll-container\"><span class=\"pl-4 my-auto text-base font-semibold font-article-heading lg:pl-3 lg:text-sm whitespace-nowrap uppercase\">Jump To:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-row w-auto border-y-0\">\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\nborder-b-[3px] border-b-(--jumpto-underline-color) border-solid font-semibold \" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>Jarno Widar<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>Matthew Brennan<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>Luke Tuckwell<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>Marco Brenner<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>Pablo Torres<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>L\u00e9o Bisiaux<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>Iv\u00e1n Romeo<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>J\u00f8rgen Nordhagen<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>Thibau Nys<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>Markel Beloki<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>Others to watch<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\"text-copy bodyCopy auto paywall-locker\">\n<div data-analytics-id=\"utility-bar\" id=\"utility-bar\" class=\"font-ui-heading flex justify-between items-center py-2 border-t border-b border-gray-300 border-solid mb-5 mx-auto\" data-component-name=\"UtilityBar\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"utility-bar\">\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div data-component-name=\"Social:Dropdown\" role=\"menu\" id=\"utilitybar__dropdown--share\" aria-labelledby=\"utilitybar__button--share\" class=\"absolute left-0 top-full w-44 bg-white rounded-md shadow-md border border-neutral-200 z-[9996] list-none m-0 py-2 px-3 border-solid\">\n<ul class=\"m-0!\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Facebook<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>X<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Pinterest<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Email<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-share-this-article\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nShare this article\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\"><span class=\"ml-1 inline-flex h-5 px-2 shrink-0 items-center justify-center self-center overflow-hidden whitespace-nowrap rounded-[10px] bg-primary-500 text-[11px] leading-none font-ui-heading font-semibold text-white\">0<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-join-the-conversation\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nJoin the conversation\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<p>Follow us<\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-add-us-as-a-preferred-source-on-google\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nAdd us as a preferred source on Google\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-subscribe-to-our-newsletter\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nSubscribe to our newsletter\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-12b87572-97cc-11f1-9725-1d87817267d0\"><em>\u00a1El futuro es ahora! <\/em><\/p>\n<p>The future is now, and it&#8217;s coming to the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a as a host of the sport&#8217;s top young riders head to Spain for the final Grand Tour of the season.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-12b87572-97cc-11f1-9725-1d87817267d0-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">This year&#8217;s trek around Spain \u2013 starting from Monaco and ending in Granada \u2013 is, on paper, more challenging than both the Giro d&#8217;Italia and the Tour de France. It features a mammoth 58,156 metres of elevation, well above its sister Grand Tours.<\/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\">That fact, plus the presence of the world&#8217;s most dominant rider, Tadej Poga\u010dar, hasn&#8217;t put off some of the youngest riders in the WorldTour peloton from heading to Spain. Among the host of youngsters at the Vuelta are 15 riders aged 21 or under, including four 20-year-olds.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">These riders, ranging from climbers and future GC hopefuls to Classics-style fast finishers and those just hoping to learn at their first Grand Tour proving ground, will face an arduous task ahead, battling the late-summer Spanish heat and seven summit finishes.<\/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\/vXx3fTTYeYfvhBsZ8FoUhF-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vXx3fTTYeYfvhBsZ8FoUhF-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Tadej Poga\u010dar vs the rest \u2013 Our analysis of the top 10 contenders at the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#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\/WHEfA8PfrwjRikdcTccTK-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WHEfA8PfrwjRikdcTccTK-150-80.png.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Who will win the Tour de France 2026? Our definitive ranking of the favourites for the yellow jersey<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#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\/Ty569jeaw6C8tRZavL46kT-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ty569jeaw6C8tRZavL46kT-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">No Poga\u010dar or Vingegaard but Paul Seixas faces test of Tour de France credentials against Del Toro, Ayuso and more \u2013 Analysing the contenders at Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">We&#8217;ve decided to omit a handful of young riders from our list even if they meet the criteria for the white best young rider&#8217;s jersey. For example, the likes of Oscar Onley, Matthew Riccitello, and Cian Uijtdebroeks are proven GC contenders with top Grand Tour results to their name.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">With our analysis of the Vuelta&#8217;s main GC contenders and the race&#8217;s five key stages done, here&#8217;s our look at the young talents who will grace the final Grand Tour of the season.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-pEk2oV89VjgQftWvFxbuL5\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-pEk2oV89VjgQftWvFxbuL5 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<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-jarno-widar-lotto-intermarche\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Jarno Widar (Lotto-Intermarch\u00e9)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-90c14f48-97d1-11f1-ab14-21574cf9328f\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RNnq7GioB7tDwCCrYTgBaU-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RNnq7GioB7tDwCCrYTgBaU-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RNnq7GioB7tDwCCrYTgBaU-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RNnq7GioB7tDwCCrYTgBaU-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RNnq7GioB7tDwCCrYTgBaU-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RNnq7GioB7tDwCCrYTgBaU-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Lotto-Intermarch\u00e9 leader Jarno Widar is a GC name to watch for the future <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<ul id=\"elk-e2123dc8-9afe-11f1-a23b-5bf0e3ba2e3d\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">\n<li><strong>Age:<\/strong> 20<\/li>\n<li><strong>Role: <\/strong>GC leader<\/li>\n<li><strong>Where to watch:<\/strong> In the high mountains and summit finishes<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p id=\"elk-12b876f8-97cc-11f1-b0d0-5f29910fb029\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Belgian racer Jarno Widar has been populating lists of up-and-coming GC starlets for some time now. He lit up the junior ranks with wins at races including the Tour of Flanders, National Championships, Classique des Alpes, Philippe Gilbert Juniors, and Kuurne-Brussel-Kuurne.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Then, in 2024, he won the Alpes Is\u00e8re Tour, Giro d&#8217;Italia Next Gen, and Giro della Valle d&#8217;Aosta. Last season, he won the Ronde de l&#8217;Isard and Valle d&#8217;Aosta before finishing second behind Paul Seixas at the Tour de l&#8217;Avenir.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Still just 20, he&#8217;s already racked up a series of promising results in his first year as a pro with Lotto, despite a knee injury early in the season. Standouts include fourth places on Malh\u00e3o at the Volta ao Algarve, in Villars-sur-Olon at the Tour de Suisse, and on the Pineda de la Sierra at the recent Vuelta a Burgos.<\/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\/xYehNdGJyBUwNetTFTfRVL-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xYehNdGJyBUwNetTFTfRVL-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Tour de France team-by-team guide \u2013 Line-up, leaders and ambitions for every squad on the start list<\/span><\/li>\n<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\/EeMC5xdbm8kJHhaRgS22sF-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EeMC5xdbm8kJHhaRgS22sF-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\">Aussies on Tour \u2013 The 11 riders from Australia lining up for the Tour de France 2026<\/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\/Yfx4LXgSZbsiApsXpSA82U-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Yfx4LXgSZbsiApsXpSA82U-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Can anyone beat Tadej Poga\u010dar? Analysing the contenders for the men&#8217;s Tour de Suisse<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I know the Vuelta route practically by heart. Burgos might give me some indication of what to expect. And do you know what I&#8217;ve got to do after Burgos? The most tedious training sessions you can imagine \u2013 putting on as many layers of clothing as possible and then training on the rollers in the heat. I&#8217;m not looking forward to the heat, but I&#8217;m preparing for it,&#8221; he told <em>Het Nieuwsblad<\/em> two weeks ago.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">In Burgos, Widar fell ill with an infection, but will hopefully be back to full health for the Vuelta, where there&#8217;s no pressure on a big GC ride, his team has said. He hasn&#8217;t raced more than eight consecutive days in his career to date, so his debut Grand Tour at the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a will be a big next step, but he&#8217;ll certainly be one to watch on select mountain days.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-matthew-brennan-visma-lease-a-bike\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Matthew Brennan (Visma-Lease a Bike)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-90c14fd4-97d1-11f1-b275-59aa252710bb\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vTNYwWyo9F9ztUFfvjpMaU-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vTNYwWyo9F9ztUFfvjpMaU-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vTNYwWyo9F9ztUFfvjpMaU-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vTNYwWyo9F9ztUFfvjpMaU-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vTNYwWyo9F9ztUFfvjpMaU-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vTNYwWyo9F9ztUFfvjpMaU-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">British sprinter Matthew Brennan is among the quickest pure finishers in the race <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<ul id=\"elk-e2123e54-9afe-11f1-992e-49222de2ed65\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">\n<li><strong>Age:<\/strong> 21<\/li>\n<li><strong>Role: <\/strong>Versatile sprinter<\/li>\n<li><strong>Where to watch:<\/strong> Flat finishes, breakaway days, possibly the green jersey fight<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p id=\"elk-12b877e8-97cc-11f1-b7ee-cf0f2e245fc0\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">By now, Matthew Brennan is a known quantity, which is incredible to say of a 21-year-old. The Briton only turned pro last year and finished his neo-pro season ranked seventh in wins in world cycling.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">His victories included the cobbles (GP de Denain), hilly WorldTour days (four stages across the Volta a Catalunya, Tour de Romandie, and Tour de Pologne), and flat sprints (three stages at the Deutschland Tour and Tour of Britain).<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">He&#8217;s scored seven more this season, with Kuurne-Brussel-Kuurne the standout result, and he&#8217;s in fine form heading to the Vuelta, too. He won two stages at the Vuelta a Burgos, the first of which came in a one-two with Visma teammate Ben Tulett, another youngster racing here.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Those victories came on hillier days rather than pan-flat sprints, suggesting that he and Wout van Aert should combine as a fearsome duo in the battle for the green jersey against Mads Pedersen. Like Widar, Brennan will be training hard to adapt to the sweltering temperatures in Spain.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I was slowly roasting from the inside out,&#8221; Brennan said after his second win in Burgos. &#8220;I\u2019m glad I could finish it off in the end because it was a tough day in the heat. It felt like we were riding through a desert all day.&#8221;<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-luke-tuckwell-red-bull-bora-hansgrohe\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Luke Tuckwell (Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-90c1504c-97d1-11f1-b67c-85740d133606\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Sb9Rk33FkZ6HSEAn46mGNU-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Sb9Rk33FkZ6HSEAn46mGNU-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Sb9Rk33FkZ6HSEAn46mGNU-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Sb9Rk33FkZ6HSEAn46mGNU-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Sb9Rk33FkZ6HSEAn46mGNU-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Sb9Rk33FkZ6HSEAn46mGNU-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Luke Tuckwell burst onto the scene with a top ride at the Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes in June <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<ul id=\"elk-e21240fc-9afe-11f1-bd2b-8746febcb606\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">\n<li><strong>Age:<\/strong> 22<\/li>\n<li><strong>Role: <\/strong>Stage hunter, domestique<\/li>\n<li><strong>Where to watch:<\/strong> Breakaways on hilly and mountain stages<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p id=\"elk-12b87ab8-97cc-11f1-a0a7-e791e617d81f\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Australian neo-pro Luke Tuckwell has enjoyed a flying start to his professional career with Red Bull this year, racing to sixth place at May&#8217;s Tour de Romandie and two days in yellow en route to a stunning second overall at the Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes the next month.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">This rapid rise comes after the 22-year-old started slowly as a junior in Australia before a message from Simon Clarke kick-started his European racing career, he wrote in his column for <em>Cyclingnews<\/em> earlier this season.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">He joined Trinity as an under-23, racing to top-10 finishes at the Ronde de l&#8217;Isard and Giro Next Gen, before switching to the Red Bull Rookies setup last year. The resulting spell in pink and overall second place at the Giro Next Gen saw him sign his first WorldTour contract.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">This week, Tuckwell wrote about his Vuelta preparation for <em>Cyclingnews<\/em>. A family illness made his pre-race altitude training camp more challenging, while he rode strongly at the Vuelta a Burgos, equalling his best-ever 20-minute power output before falling ill ahead of the final stage.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Like several others on this list, Tuckwell has never tackled such a long race before \u2013 &#8220;I&#8217;m also getting slightly nervous about what lies ahead,&#8221; he wrote \u2013 but he&#8217;s also excited about the challenge and excited to pen more dispatches from Spain.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-marco-brenner-tudor\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Marco Brenner (Tudor)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-90bf56e0-9b21-11f1-a817-3366c0bc8046\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HufTK24Xiu667Ct6Tb57PM-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HufTK24Xiu667Ct6Tb57PM-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HufTK24Xiu667Ct6Tb57PM-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HufTK24Xiu667Ct6Tb57PM-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HufTK24Xiu667Ct6Tb57PM-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HufTK24Xiu667Ct6Tb57PM-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Marco Brenner heads to Spain with overall victory at the Tour de Pologne in the bag <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<ul id=\"elk-87b1b5dc-9b1e-11f1-9126-8d02cb17bcee\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">\n<li><strong>Age:<\/strong> 23<\/li>\n<li><strong>Role: <\/strong>GC leader, stage hunter<\/li>\n<li><strong>Where to watch:<\/strong> In the hills, mountains, and possibly breakaways<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p id=\"elk-87b1b654-9b1e-11f1-b998-2f538eaec15e\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">German rider Marco Brenner has not yet lived up to the massive hype that surrounded him as he swept almost all before him as a junior. This season, his third at Tudor, has been his best yet since turning pro at 18 back in 2021, though.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The former German road champion started his season in good form with fourth place at the Tour Down Under and fourth at the Tour des Alpes-Maritimes before racing to a top-10 finish at the Boucles de la Mayenne. He heads to the Vuelta with the best result of his career to date in the bag, too, having triumphed at the recent Tour de Pologne after a week of consistent riding.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">He&#8217;ll take confidence from that and from a newly signed contract extension to 2030, and he&#8217;ll have freedom to race for his own results in Spain. Tudor have no top GC rider or sprinter to protect, so he and Will Barta will be &#8220;targeting the decisive climbing stages, both eager to break new ground as they take on the challenge of Grand Tour leadership&#8221;, the team says.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The Vuelta will be his second outing at the race, having made his Grand Tour debut here four years ago. Back then, his best result was fifth place from the break on the summit finish of Estepona behind Richard Carapaz. Watch out for him in the hills and mountains again this time around.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-pablo-torres-uae-team-emirates-xrg\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Pablo Torres (UAE Team Emirates-XRG)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-90c150c4-97d1-11f1-b395-6f925f9b4ab9\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZQWbmwnpgoNDNFvGtdYnYU-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZQWbmwnpgoNDNFvGtdYnYU-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZQWbmwnpgoNDNFvGtdYnYU-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZQWbmwnpgoNDNFvGtdYnYU-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZQWbmwnpgoNDNFvGtdYnYU-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZQWbmwnpgoNDNFvGtdYnYU-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Spanish youngster Pablo Torres will be learning from the master, his teammate Tadej Poga\u010dar, in Spain <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<ul id=\"elk-e212419c-9afe-11f1-8379-198a0117ef0b\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">\n<li><strong>Age:<\/strong> 20<\/li>\n<li><strong>Role: <\/strong>Domestique<\/li>\n<li><strong>Where to watch:<\/strong> Working in Tadej Poga\u010dar&#8217;s mountain train<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p id=\"elk-12b878d8-97cc-11f1-807a-374d041e9800\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Spanish talent Pablo Torres, 20, will be keenly watched by home fans, even if he&#8217;s set to spend the race working for Tadej Poga\u010dar, rather than riding for his own chances.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Torres is from a cycling family, with his brother and sister, both 18, also riding for UAE among the development setup.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The trio hail from Madrid, and Torres will one day hope to emulate several other riders from the region, including past Grand Tour stars Alberto Contador and Carlos Sastre. This Vuelta marks his Grand Tour debut, though, so it may be a while before he can reach a similar level.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Torres won plenty in the junior ranks, while a glittering 2024 saw him take second places at the Giro Next Gen and Tour de l&#8217;Avenir, winning the Colle delle Finestre mountain stage at the latter by almost four minutes.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Last season, his first in the pro ranks, was a learning year, while this year he has a narrow bronze in the Spanish TT Championships and 11th at the Vuelta a Burgos to his name. Torres should slot in among Pavel Sivakov, Jo\u00e3o Almeida, and Jay Vine to do the work for Poga\u010dar in the mountains, so we should see him pushing some big watts in the Sierra Nevada in the coming weeks.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-leo-bisiaux-decathlon-cma-cgm\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>L\u00e9o Bisiaux (Decathlon CMA CGM)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-90c15150-97d1-11f1-8ec8-315f9da39ac7\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XrUaUMtAp4BULCQPHUrhNU-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XrUaUMtAp4BULCQPHUrhNU-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XrUaUMtAp4BULCQPHUrhNU-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XrUaUMtAp4BULCQPHUrhNU-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XrUaUMtAp4BULCQPHUrhNU-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XrUaUMtAp4BULCQPHUrhNU-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">It&#8217;s not all about Paul Seixas at Decathlon CMA CGM \u2013 L\u00e9o Bisiaux is one to watch at La Vuelta <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<ul id=\"elk-e2124228-9afe-11f1-ba64-25c6327ecd5b\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">\n<li><strong>Age:<\/strong> 21<\/li>\n<li><strong>Role: <\/strong>Stage hunter, puncheur<\/li>\n<li><strong>Where to watch:<\/strong> Hilly stages rather than high mountains<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p id=\"elk-12b879be-97cc-11f1-b0e4-f197c2586b50\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Paul Seixas may have been the talk of the cycling world this season, the 19-year-old phenom having raced to fourth at the Tour de France last month, but he&#8217;s not the only young talent on the French Decathlon CMA CGM team. Step forward 21-year-old L\u00e9o Bisiaux, a former fourth-place finisher at the Tour de l&#8217;Avenir now in his second season as a pro.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Bisiaux has already made his Grand Tour debut, racing last year&#8217;s Vuelta in support of Felix Gall, and he headed into the race with third place and a stage win at the Vuelta a Burgos.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">This year he&#8217;s been stronger still, scoring podiums at the Tour du Jura and Mercan&#8217;Tour Classic Alpes-Maritimes, 10th at the Donostia San Sebasti\u00e1n Klasikoa, and 12th at Li\u00e8ge-Bastogne-Li\u00e8ge. He took seventh at the Vuelta a Burgos this year, also taking home the best young rider jersey in the process as he supported Gall to overall victory.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Bisiaux will again be at the service of the Austrian climber and US racer Matthew Riccitello in the high mountains but should get his own chances here and there, too.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-ivan-romeo-movistar\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Iv\u00e1n Romeo (Movistar)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-90c151d2-97d1-11f1-aeab-356dfce0224a\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nb4w7spwQwAac2cNrKEchQ-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nb4w7spwQwAac2cNrKEchQ-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nb4w7spwQwAac2cNrKEchQ-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nb4w7spwQwAac2cNrKEchQ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nb4w7spwQwAac2cNrKEchQ-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nb4w7spwQwAac2cNrKEchQ-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Home fans will be looking out for Iv\u00e1n Romeo in the hills <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<ul id=\"elk-e21242b4-9afe-11f1-8dca-c5ae95e640b4\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">\n<li><strong>Age:<\/strong> 22<\/li>\n<li><strong>Role: <\/strong>Domestique, puncheur, time triallist<\/li>\n<li><strong>Where to watch:<\/strong> Monaco TT, hilly stages, working for team leaders<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p id=\"elk-12b87b9e-97cc-11f1-bbee-274554a4a005\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Iv\u00e1n Romeo has been around a while, having turned pro with Movistar back in 2023, but the Spaniard&#8217;s story has been one of gradual progress rather than a single big breakthrough, and this year he&#8217;s stepped up another level again.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The man from Valladolid is one for the hills rather than high mountains. He&#8217;s a strong time triallist, too, having been under-23 world champion in the discipline and finished seventh in the Caen TT at last year&#8217;s Tour de France.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">He raced the past year as Spanish road champion, while this year&#8217;s top results have included overall victory at the Vuelta a Andaluc\u00eda \u2013 ahead of Tom Pidcock \u2013 plus a stage win and fifth overall at O Gran Cami\u00f1o. A successful lead-in to the Vuelta saw him race to third overall at the recent Tour de Pologne.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">This debut at his home Grand Tour will see him working for Movistar leaders Cian Uijtdebroeks and Enric Mas, though he should get opportunities to send it in the hills \u2013 and watch out for him in the opening time trial in Monaco.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-joergen-nordhagen-visma-lease-a-bike\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>J\u00f8rgen Nordhagen (Visma-Lease a Bike)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-90c152ea-97d1-11f1-bfce-01404c2d90fb\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CMuxZVeKMmfHcGWBpNenaQ-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CMuxZVeKMmfHcGWBpNenaQ-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CMuxZVeKMmfHcGWBpNenaQ-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CMuxZVeKMmfHcGWBpNenaQ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CMuxZVeKMmfHcGWBpNenaQ-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CMuxZVeKMmfHcGWBpNenaQ-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Visma-Lease a Bike hand a Grand Tour debut to Norwegian racer J\u00f8rgen Nordhagen <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<ul id=\"elk-e2124340-9afe-11f1-a422-efe5f04e4e86\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">\n<li><strong>Age:<\/strong> 21<\/li>\n<li><strong>Role: <\/strong>Stage hunter<\/li>\n<li><strong>Where to watch:<\/strong> Mountain stages, breakaways<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p id=\"elk-12b87d6a-97cc-11f1-a927-a78e07542179\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">While Brennan will be active in the sprints for Visma-Lease a Bike, the Dutch squad have another young rider for the hills and mountains. Norwegian racer J\u00f8rgen Nordhagen is their man, with no Jonas Vingegaard or Matteo Jorgenson in the line-up. Instead, he&#8217;ll look to former race winner Sepp Kuss for guidance.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The 21-year-old was a top prospect in the junior ranks, winning the Course de la Paix and Eroica Juniores before joining the Visma development setup, winning the Giro Friulio Venezia Giulia before taking fourth at the Giro Next Gen and third at the Tour de l&#8217;Avenir.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">His progression has continued this season, with a second place at O Gran Cami\u00f1o and a fourth at the Tour de Romandie among his highlight results. A seventh place at Lagunas de Neila at the recent Vuelta a Burgos shows he has his climbing legs for his Grand Tour debut.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-thibau-nys-lidl-trek\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Thibau Nys (Lidl-Trek)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-b831b7f2-9afb-11f1-9bf8-73dd67eeab37\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DEK8WoF7Ya7hrK7rnTN9La-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DEK8WoF7Ya7hrK7rnTN9La-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DEK8WoF7Ya7hrK7rnTN9La-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DEK8WoF7Ya7hrK7rnTN9La-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DEK8WoF7Ya7hrK7rnTN9La-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DEK8WoF7Ya7hrK7rnTN9La-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Thibau Nys will be hoping to bounce back after a ruined 2026 campaign <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<ul id=\"elk-91efd2d6-9b00-11f1-94de-254eebe673d7\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">\n<li><strong>Age:<\/strong> 23<\/li>\n<li><strong>Role: <\/strong>Stage hunter, puncheur<\/li>\n<li><strong>Where to watch:<\/strong> Hilly stages<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p id=\"elk-655545c6-9afb-11f1-9452-03eacd906dbc\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Belgian racer Thibau Nys will be looking to restart what has been a disastrous season to date in Spain, having missed the entirety of the spring after undergoing knee surgery and then falling ill with toxoplasmosis in June.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Nys has attributed his illness to eating a contaminated steak tartare during a team training camp in Mallorca. He&#8217;s undergone a 12-day course of antibiotics to be fit for the Vuelta, and will now return to racing as part of Lidl-Trek&#8217;s selection.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The German team will be competing on several fronts in Spain, with Mattias Skjelmose aiming for a top GC result to go with his sixth place at the Tour de France, and fellow Dane Mads Pedersen targeting the sprints and another points jersey, having won two here before.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Nys, who in 2024 won stages at the Tour de Romandie, Tour de Suisse, and Tour de Pologne, will surely be looking to add to his palmar\u00e8s in Spain. This will be his second Grand Tour after last year&#8217;s Tour de France, and there are a host of stages that fit his profile as a punchy, explosive rider. He&#8217;s lacking in race fitness, however, with only seven race days to his name this season \u2013 all back in June.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It is a year to forget quickly, but I hope to be able to turn things around in the Vuelta,&#8221; he told Belgian radio station JOE. &#8220;It didn&#8217;t look good for a long time. My coach and I had already buried the hatchet when it suddenly turned around. I feel ready for it. We are going from a lot of doubt to a feeling that something is possible after all.&#8221;<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-markel-beloki-ef-education-easypost\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Markel Beloki (EF Education-EasyPost)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-9211c91c-9ce1-11f1-9c52-4b18747f9e79\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/d6banzqUfVWhHy7VruE9gN-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/d6banzqUfVWhHy7VruE9gN-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/d6banzqUfVWhHy7VruE9gN-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/d6banzqUfVWhHy7VruE9gN-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/d6banzqUfVWhHy7VruE9gN-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/d6banzqUfVWhHy7VruE9gN-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Markel Beloki&#8217;s surname may be familiar to fans of early 2000s racing <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<ul id=\"elk-0af8a2b6-9ce1-11f1-9c89-6371fc14201c\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">\n<li><strong>Age:<\/strong> 21<\/li>\n<li><strong>Role: <\/strong>Climbing domestique<\/li>\n<li><strong>Where to watch:<\/strong> Working for team leader Richard Carapaz<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p id=\"elk-0af8a32e-9ce1-11f1-8b17-a70a86ead61b\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Basque racer Markel Beloki heads to his second career Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a after making his Grand Tour debut at last year&#8217;s race. The 21-year-old has impressed in his second year among the WorldTour peloton, with a win at the Tour de l&#8217;Ain his highlight performance.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">His surname shows his pedigree \u2013 he&#8217;s the son of Joseba, a four-time Grand Tour podium finisher and runner-up at the 2002 Tour de France. If he can come close to emulating his father, then he&#8217;ll have a very successful career; that much is certain.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">This Vuelta, he&#8217;ll be working for EF Education-EasyPost leader and GC hopeful Richard Carapaz, rather than going for his own chances. He&#8217;s in strong form, too, having taken eighth place at the recent Vuelta a Burgos.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;During the season I had my own opportunities in different kinds of races, but now I&#8217;ll try to help the team as much as I can. That&#8217;s the main objective for the next three weeks,&#8221; Beloki said recently.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I am climbing really well, so I can be close to him when he needs it on the climbs, or helping make a selection of riders.&#8221;<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-others-to-watch\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Others to watch<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-a2123730-9b19-11f1-837d-65829809a0fa\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3uctw5hafTMNbvDnjrDWXS-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3uctw5hafTMNbvDnjrDWXS-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3uctw5hafTMNbvDnjrDWXS-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3uctw5hafTMNbvDnjrDWXS-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3uctw5hafTMNbvDnjrDWXS-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3uctw5hafTMNbvDnjrDWXS-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Ramses Debruyne is one of Alpecin-Premier Tech&#8217;s leading young lights <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-a12eb05e-97d2-11f1-884f-bbd5ff4fad2b\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Alpecin-Premier Tech head to the Vuelta without their two big stars, Mathieu van der Poel and Jasper Philipsen. Instead, the departing Kaden Groves leads the way, having won seven stages and two points jerseys in Spain. 20-year-old <strong>Sente Sentjens<\/strong> will be looking to learn from the Australian during his first Grand Tour. The Belgian is a fast finisher and has four top-10 finishes to his name in this, his neo-pro season.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The Belgian squad also features another promising youngster in 23-year-old <strong>Ramses Debruyne<\/strong>. Another Belgian, he&#8217;s starting his second Grand Tour of the year after racing the first 13 days of the Tour de France earlier this summer. Standout results to date include 13th at the Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes, 18th at Li\u00e8ge-Bastogne-Li\u00e8ge, and fifth place on the hilly day to Foix at the Tour. He&#8217;ll have freedom to be active in the hills and mountains.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Slovenia&#8217;s talent machine keeps on churning, with 20-year-old <strong>Jakob Omrzel<\/strong> the latest promising youngster to hit the pro ranks. The Bahrain Victorious rider won the Giro d&#8217;Italia Next Gen last year, and he&#8217;s taken third place at the Tour of Slovenia and sixth at the Tour of the Alps this season.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">In addition to Brennan, another British rider to watch will be Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe&#8217;s <strong>Callum Thornley<\/strong>, like Tuckwell another neo-pro at the German team. The 23-year-old is a time trial specialist and will be one to watch on the opening day in Monaco. Last year he was under-23 national champion and won a very short closing time trial at the Sibiu Tour, and he heads to the Vuelta with a top-three in the Tour de Pologne&#8217;s closing TT in his pocket.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Widar, Nys, Sentjens, and Debruyne are joined on our list by another Belgian in the form of Lotto-Intermarch\u00e9&#8217;s 21-year-old, <strong>Steffen De Schuyteneer<\/strong>. A fast finisher, he&#8217;s racing his second year in the pros and scored a host of good results in the spring. He was second at the GP La Marseillaise on his first day of the season and also has top-10 finishes at Nokere Koerse, the Bredene Koksijde Classic, and Scheldeprijs to his name.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-5ff85464-97dc-11f1-a8fc-1390917417db\" 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<p>Iv\u00e1n Romeo<\/p>\n<p>L\u00e9o Bisiaux<\/p>\n<p>Pablo Torres Arias<\/p>\n<p>Matthew Brennan<\/p>\n<p>Jarno Widar<\/p>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-pEk2oV89VjgQftWvFxbuL5\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-pEk2oV89VjgQftWvFxbuL5 slice-container-authorBio\">\n<div class=\"author author__default-layout author--separator author--collapsible\" data-hydrate=\"true\">\n<div class=\"author__header\">\n<div class=\"author__avatar-block\">\n<figure class=\"image-wrapped__wrapper\" data-bordeaux-image-check=\"false\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__widthsetter\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__aspect-padding\">\n<div><source class=\"author__avatar image-wrapped__image image__image\" type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sZZXd8K4JqxjkRK7teBMFc-140-80.jpg.webp 140w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sZZXd8K4JqxjkRK7teBMFc.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sZZXd8K4JqxjkRK7teBMFc.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sZZXd8K4JqxjkRK7teBMFc.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__heading\">\n<div class=\"author__name\">Dani Ostanek<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__social\">\n<nav class=\"button-social-group author__social-buttons\" aria-labelledby=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">\n<div id=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">Social Links Navigation<\/div>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__role\">Senior News Writer<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>Dani Ostanek is Senior News Writer at Cyclingnews, having joined in 2017 as a freelance contributor, later being hired full-time. Her favourite races include the Tour de France Femmes, Paris-Roubaix, Tro-Bro L\u00e9on, and cycling&#8217;s fourth Grand Tour, the Volta a Portugal.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<div class=\"relative max-w-[1070px] viafoura-twig-component mt-6 mx-4 lg:mx-0\" data-component-name=\"Viafoura:Comments\" data-nosnippet data-community-guidelines-text=\"&lt;p class=&apos;vfcustom-community-guidelines&apos;&gt;Please follow our &lt;a href=&quot;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/about\/#section-community-guidelines&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;community guidelines&lt;\/a&gt;.&lt;\/p&gt;\" data-join-the-conversation-text=\"Join the Conversation\">\n<div class=\"absolute top-0 left-0 w-full h-full flex items-center justify-center z-50 bg-white\/90 border-1 rounded-b-[var(--comment-widget-border-radius,0)]\">\n<div class=\"p-2 text-center\">\n<p class=\"mb-3 text-lg!\">You must confirm your public display name before commenting<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-3 text-sm!\">Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<section class=\"mx-2 my-5 sm:mx-0\">\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-adviser:hybrid\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Read more<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vXx3fTTYeYfvhBsZ8FoUhF-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vXx3fTTYeYfvhBsZ8FoUhF-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vXx3fTTYeYfvhBsZ8FoUhF-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vXx3fTTYeYfvhBsZ8FoUhF-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vXx3fTTYeYfvhBsZ8FoUhF-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Tadej Poga\u010dar vs the rest \u2013 Our analysis of the top 10 contenders at the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WHEfA8PfrwjRikdcTccTK-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WHEfA8PfrwjRikdcTccTK-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WHEfA8PfrwjRikdcTccTK-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WHEfA8PfrwjRikdcTccTK-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WHEfA8PfrwjRikdcTccTK-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Who will win the Tour de France 2026? Our definitive ranking of the favourites for the yellow jersey<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ty569jeaw6C8tRZavL46kT-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ty569jeaw6C8tRZavL46kT-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ty569jeaw6C8tRZavL46kT-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ty569jeaw6C8tRZavL46kT-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ty569jeaw6C8tRZavL46kT-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">No Poga\u010dar or Vingegaard but Paul Seixas faces test of Tour de France credentials against Del Toro, Ayuso and more \u2013 Analysing the contenders at Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xYehNdGJyBUwNetTFTfRVL-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xYehNdGJyBUwNetTFTfRVL-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xYehNdGJyBUwNetTFTfRVL-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xYehNdGJyBUwNetTFTfRVL-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xYehNdGJyBUwNetTFTfRVL-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Tour de France team-by-team guide \u2013 Line-up, leaders and ambitions for every squad on the start list<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div 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\/EeMC5xdbm8kJHhaRgS22sF-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EeMC5xdbm8kJHhaRgS22sF-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EeMC5xdbm8kJHhaRgS22sF-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EeMC5xdbm8kJHhaRgS22sF-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EeMC5xdbm8kJHhaRgS22sF-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\">Aussies on Tour \u2013 The 11 riders from Australia lining up for the Tour de France 2026<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Yfx4LXgSZbsiApsXpSA82U-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Yfx4LXgSZbsiApsXpSA82U-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Yfx4LXgSZbsiApsXpSA82U-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Yfx4LXgSZbsiApsXpSA82U-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Yfx4LXgSZbsiApsXpSA82U-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Can anyone beat Tadej Poga\u010dar? Analysing the contenders for the men&#8217;s Tour de Suisse<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\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 Emerging Talents<\/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\/3Q6iy5hEpuuPTZz5g4abS6-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3Q6iy5hEpuuPTZz5g4abS6-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3Q6iy5hEpuuPTZz5g4abS6-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3Q6iy5hEpuuPTZz5g4abS6-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3Q6iy5hEpuuPTZz5g4abS6-320-80.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\">Despite being 10 years younger than the &#8216;big kids&#8217;, multi-discipline U23 talent Kylee Hanel thriving in &#8216;long, grueling races of gravel&#8217; with Leadville looming<\/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\/erv46Y5opQeaWFi3kt6KFE-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/erv46Y5opQeaWFi3kt6KFE-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/erv46Y5opQeaWFi3kt6KFE-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/erv46Y5opQeaWFi3kt6KFE-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/erv46Y5opQeaWFi3kt6KFE-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\">Emerging Talents<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Top Belgian prospect Jarno Widar agrees contract extension with Lotto-Intermarch\u00e9 ahead of 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\/RGEgyQjVpiTJWrCHy7ySYe-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RGEgyQjVpiTJWrCHy7ySYe-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RGEgyQjVpiTJWrCHy7ySYe-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RGEgyQjVpiTJWrCHy7ySYe-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RGEgyQjVpiTJWrCHy7ySYe-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\">U23 World Champion Lorenzo Finn seals Giro Next Gen victory with stage 8 time trial win<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FwEyyb2wQbQX4C8KJxwJ4Q-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FwEyyb2wQbQX4C8KJxwJ4Q-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FwEyyb2wQbQX4C8KJxwJ4Q-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FwEyyb2wQbQX4C8KJxwJ4Q-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FwEyyb2wQbQX4C8KJxwJ4Q-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\">Emerging Talents<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Under 23 World Champion Lorenzo Finn stands out as favourite for the 2026 Giro Next Gen<\/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\/GkZ55pejbxFwVhHw2SBNZ3-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GkZ55pejbxFwVhHw2SBNZ3-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GkZ55pejbxFwVhHw2SBNZ3-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GkZ55pejbxFwVhHw2SBNZ3-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GkZ55pejbxFwVhHw2SBNZ3-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Emerging Talents<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Colorado Governor signs bill to honour legacy of Magnus White and &#8216;turns tragedy to action&#8217;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5cVHZMLkLoKCWtWSRCJHea-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5cVHZMLkLoKCWtWSRCJHea-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5cVHZMLkLoKCWtWSRCJHea-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5cVHZMLkLoKCWtWSRCJHea-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5cVHZMLkLoKCWtWSRCJHea-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">The next generation of stage racers and GC challengers \u2013 Young and rising riders to watch at La Vuelta Femenina<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-articletype\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Features<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FTQqNwtKiSNxSX9AHvcUDA-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FTQqNwtKiSNxSX9AHvcUDA-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FTQqNwtKiSNxSX9AHvcUDA-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FTQqNwtKiSNxSX9AHvcUDA-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FTQqNwtKiSNxSX9AHvcUDA-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 had more than panache \u2013 he was a conjuror who was greater than the sum of his watts<\/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\/xaPhNZ65Eb5A24MN8pQZC8-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xaPhNZ65Eb5A24MN8pQZC8-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xaPhNZ65Eb5A24MN8pQZC8-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xaPhNZ65Eb5A24MN8pQZC8-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xaPhNZ65Eb5A24MN8pQZC8-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Tadej Poga\u010dar could win the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a by 10 minutes but total domination is unlikely \u2013 Philippa York analysis<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YzNZ46ofevTyGMxGmJDE5Y-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YzNZ46ofevTyGMxGmJDE5Y-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YzNZ46ofevTyGMxGmJDE5Y-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YzNZ46ofevTyGMxGmJDE5Y-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YzNZ46ofevTyGMxGmJDE5Y-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Last chance saloon \u2013 The riders and teams who need to turn their season around at the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NJ4BiB5vR77FkK9byLB3pN-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NJ4BiB5vR77FkK9byLB3pN-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NJ4BiB5vR77FkK9byLB3pN-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NJ4BiB5vR77FkK9byLB3pN-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NJ4BiB5vR77FkK9byLB3pN-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\">Cycling Kit &amp; Accessories<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Used bibs, \u00a32 jerseys, and fake Rapha wares \u2013 Inside the wild west of buying second-hand cycling kit<\/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\/didDWkuxCx3NhnzuvisdbR-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/didDWkuxCx3NhnzuvisdbR-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/didDWkuxCx3NhnzuvisdbR-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/didDWkuxCx3NhnzuvisdbR-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/didDWkuxCx3NhnzuvisdbR-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;The Leadville nobody knew&#8217; \u2013 Revised course eliminates final &#8216;gut punch&#8217; of Powerline climb but Columbine and elevation keep you humble<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"widgetArea17\" class=\"widget-area md:basis-1\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-1-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-1-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-1-3 page-widget-area-17\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"dynamic\" id=\"popular-data\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-dynamic widget-popular-data widget-dynamic-popular-data widget-dynamic-fter-popular-box\">\n<div class=\"wdn-fte-pb pos-relative space-t20\n\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"slice-container popular-box-slice\">\n<section class=\"popular-box\" data-component-name=\"Slice:PopularBox\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label__tab popular-box__label__tab--active\" role=\"heading\">\nLATEST ARTICLES\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<ol class=\"popular-box__articles-list popular-box__articles-list--active\">\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__image-wrapper\">\n<div>\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/X3hiJHUwbdn6rP5NEY5pUU-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/X3hiJHUwbdn6rP5NEY5pUU-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/X3hiJHUwbdn6rP5NEY5pUU-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/X3hiJHUwbdn6rP5NEY5pUU-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"99vw\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">1<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>&#8216;You will have to use the brakes&#8217; \u2013 Tadej Poga\u010dar and rest of Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a contenders brace themselves for very technical opening time trial in Monaco<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">2<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>Julian Alaphilippe had more than panache \u2013 he was a conjuror who was greater than the sum of his watts<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">3<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>&#8216;A top 10 on GC isn&#8217;t as important as a stage win&#8217; \u2013 2023 Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a champion Sepp Kuss to make definitive decision on overall bid at end of first week<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">4<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>&#8216;A bit of a rollercoaster of a season&#8217; \u2013 Ally Wollaston sets her sights on Track Worlds after going &#8216;back to the drawing board&#8217; at Tour of Britain Women<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">5<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>&#8216;I gave everything I had, and cycling gave me everything in return&#8217; \u2013 Julian Alaphilippe confirms his career is over<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"page-content-onecol flex-1\nnews-article article\n\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"widget-area-group widget-area-group-2col flex flex-wrap box-border\">\n<div id=\"widgetArea16\" class=\"widget-area basis-full md:basis-2\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-2-3 page-widget-area-16\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"hero\" id=\"hero\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-hero widget-hero widget-hero-hero widget-hero widget-hero-fter-news\">\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nTeams &amp; Riders\n<\/li>\n<li>\nEmerging Talents\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>Cycling&#8217;s next generation heads to Spain \u2013\u00a0Young riders to watch at the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"vds-byline-block flex flex-row flex-nowrap my-1.5 gap-2 text-left items-start justify-start\" data-component-name=\"Article:BylineBlock\">\n<p>Features<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-auto vds-simple-byline\"><span class=\"inline-block vds-author\"><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nDani Ostanek <\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex gap-1 vds-byline-with-avatar__meta\"><span class=\"vds-date block font-normal tracking-normal normal-case text-xs\"><br \/>\nPublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-08-22T10:25:21Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n22 August 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">We take a look at a host of top talents taking on the final Grand Tour of the season, including Cyclingnews columnist Luke Tuckwell<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"text-gray-700 flex items-center mx-0 my-5 p-0 justify-start text-left\" id=\"affiliate-disclaimer\" data-component-name=\"AffiliateDisclaimer\" data-hawk-message=\"Affiliate disclaimer removed because hawk deemed there are no affiliate links on this page\">\n<p class=\"text-[color:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--text-color,inherit)] mb-2 text-[length:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--font-size,0.75rem)] leading-[18px] md:text-[13px] [&amp;&gt;a]:text-inherit [&amp;&gt;a]:underline\">\nWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here\u2019s how it works.\n<\/p>\n<\/aside>\n<\/header>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-widget-type=\"contentparsed\" id=\"content\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-contentparsed widget-content widget-contentparsed-content widget-content-parsed widget-content-parsed-content_document \">\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<section class=\"content-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"box less-space hero-image-wrapper\">\n<figure class=\"mb-0\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8uMhZAn7EnCuBocA936yAC-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8uMhZAn7EnCuBocA936yAC-1600-80.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8uMhZAn7EnCuBocA936yAC-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8uMhZAn7EnCuBocA936yAC-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8uMhZAn7EnCuBocA936yAC-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8uMhZAn7EnCuBocA936yAC-750-80.jpg.webp 750w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8uMhZAn7EnCuBocA936yAC-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8uMhZAn7EnCuBocA936yAC-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8uMhZAn7EnCuBocA936yAC-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 600px, 100vw\" \/><figcaption class=\"font-article-copy text-(--image--text--color) font-article-copy mt-2\"><span class=\"caption-text font-article-copy\">Luke Tuckwell, Iv\u00e1n Romeo, and L\u00e9o Bisiaux are among our young riders to watch at the 2026 Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a<\/span><span class=\"credit font-article-copy\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo\" class=\"contents\" data-only-inline=\"1\">\n<div class=\"visible flex flex-row flex-nowrap sticky max-lg:-ml-5 top-[var(--site-header-height,60px)] sm:top-0 z-[9994] w-screen lg:w-full h-[50px] bg-white p-0 mb-5 border-neutral-200 border border-solid\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Variants:Inline\" data-analytics-id=\"sticky-nav\" id=\"sticky-nav--inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"sticky-nav\">\n<div class=\"flex flex-row w-full h-full overflow-x-scroll overflow-y-hidden tracking-normal overscroll-x-contain\" id=\"sticky-nav__scroll-container\"><span class=\"pl-4 my-auto text-base font-semibold font-article-heading lg:pl-3 lg:text-sm whitespace-nowrap uppercase\">Jump To:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-row w-auto border-y-0\">\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\nborder-b-[3px] border-b-(--jumpto-underline-color) border-solid font-semibold \" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>Jarno Widar<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>Matthew Brennan<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>Luke Tuckwell<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>Marco Brenner<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>Pablo Torres<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>L\u00e9o Bisiaux<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>Iv\u00e1n Romeo<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>J\u00f8rgen Nordhagen<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>Thibau Nys<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>Markel Beloki<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>Others to watch<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\"text-copy bodyCopy auto paywall-locker\">\n<div data-analytics-id=\"utility-bar\" id=\"utility-bar\" class=\"font-ui-heading flex justify-between items-center py-2 border-t border-b border-gray-300 border-solid mb-5 mx-auto\" data-component-name=\"UtilityBar\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"utility-bar\">\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div data-component-name=\"Social:Dropdown\" role=\"menu\" id=\"utilitybar__dropdown--share\" aria-labelledby=\"utilitybar__button--share\" class=\"absolute left-0 top-full w-44 bg-white 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justify-center self-center overflow-hidden whitespace-nowrap rounded-[10px] bg-primary-500 text-[11px] leading-none font-ui-heading font-semibold text-white\">0<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-join-the-conversation\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nJoin the conversation\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<p>Follow us<\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-add-us-as-a-preferred-source-on-google\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nAdd us as a preferred source on Google\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-subscribe-to-our-newsletter\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nSubscribe to our newsletter\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-12b87572-97cc-11f1-9725-1d87817267d0\"><em>\u00a1El futuro es ahora! <\/em><\/p>\n<p>The future is now, and it&#8217;s coming to the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a as a host of the sport&#8217;s top young riders head to Spain for the final Grand Tour of the season.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-12b87572-97cc-11f1-9725-1d87817267d0-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">This year&#8217;s trek around Spain \u2013 starting from Monaco and ending in Granada \u2013 is, on paper, more challenging than both the Giro d&#8217;Italia and the Tour de France. It features a mammoth 58,156 metres of elevation, well above its sister Grand Tours.<\/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\">That fact, plus the presence of the world&#8217;s most dominant rider, Tadej Poga\u010dar, hasn&#8217;t put off some of the youngest riders in the WorldTour peloton from heading to Spain. Among the host of youngsters at the Vuelta are 15 riders aged 21 or under, including four 20-year-olds.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">These riders, ranging from climbers and future GC hopefuls to Classics-style fast finishers and those just hoping to learn at their first Grand Tour proving ground, will face an arduous task ahead, battling the late-summer Spanish heat and seven summit finishes.<\/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\/vXx3fTTYeYfvhBsZ8FoUhF-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vXx3fTTYeYfvhBsZ8FoUhF-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Tadej Poga\u010dar vs the rest \u2013 Our analysis of the top 10 contenders at the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#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\/WHEfA8PfrwjRikdcTccTK-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WHEfA8PfrwjRikdcTccTK-150-80.png.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Who will win the Tour de France 2026? Our definitive ranking of the favourites for the yellow jersey<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#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\/Ty569jeaw6C8tRZavL46kT-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ty569jeaw6C8tRZavL46kT-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">No Poga\u010dar or Vingegaard but Paul Seixas faces test of Tour de France credentials against Del Toro, Ayuso and more \u2013 Analysing the contenders at Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">We&#8217;ve decided to omit a handful of young riders from our list even if they meet the criteria for the white best young rider&#8217;s jersey. For example, the likes of Oscar Onley, Matthew Riccitello, and Cian Uijtdebroeks are proven GC contenders with top Grand Tour results to their name.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">With our analysis of the Vuelta&#8217;s main GC contenders and the race&#8217;s five key stages done, here&#8217;s our look at the young talents who will grace the final Grand Tour of the season.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-pEk2oV89VjgQftWvFxbuL5\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-pEk2oV89VjgQftWvFxbuL5 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<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-jarno-widar-lotto-intermarche\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Jarno Widar (Lotto-Intermarch\u00e9)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-90c14f48-97d1-11f1-ab14-21574cf9328f\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RNnq7GioB7tDwCCrYTgBaU-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RNnq7GioB7tDwCCrYTgBaU-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RNnq7GioB7tDwCCrYTgBaU-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RNnq7GioB7tDwCCrYTgBaU-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RNnq7GioB7tDwCCrYTgBaU-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RNnq7GioB7tDwCCrYTgBaU-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Lotto-Intermarch\u00e9 leader Jarno Widar is a GC name to watch for the future <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<ul id=\"elk-e2123dc8-9afe-11f1-a23b-5bf0e3ba2e3d\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">\n<li><strong>Age:<\/strong> 20<\/li>\n<li><strong>Role: <\/strong>GC leader<\/li>\n<li><strong>Where to watch:<\/strong> In the high mountains and summit finishes<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p id=\"elk-12b876f8-97cc-11f1-b0d0-5f29910fb029\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Belgian racer Jarno Widar has been populating lists of up-and-coming GC starlets for some time now. He lit up the junior ranks with wins at races including the Tour of Flanders, National Championships, Classique des Alpes, Philippe Gilbert Juniors, and Kuurne-Brussel-Kuurne.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Then, in 2024, he won the Alpes Is\u00e8re Tour, Giro d&#8217;Italia Next Gen, and Giro della Valle d&#8217;Aosta. Last season, he won the Ronde de l&#8217;Isard and Valle d&#8217;Aosta before finishing second behind Paul Seixas at the Tour de l&#8217;Avenir.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Still just 20, he&#8217;s already racked up a series of promising results in his first year as a pro with Lotto, despite a knee injury early in the season. Standouts include fourth places on Malh\u00e3o at the Volta ao Algarve, in Villars-sur-Olon at the Tour de Suisse, and on the Pineda de la Sierra at the recent Vuelta a Burgos.<\/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\/xYehNdGJyBUwNetTFTfRVL-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xYehNdGJyBUwNetTFTfRVL-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Tour de France team-by-team guide \u2013 Line-up, leaders and ambitions for every squad on the start list<\/span><\/li>\n<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\/EeMC5xdbm8kJHhaRgS22sF-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EeMC5xdbm8kJHhaRgS22sF-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\">Aussies on Tour \u2013 The 11 riders from Australia lining up for the Tour de France 2026<\/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\/Yfx4LXgSZbsiApsXpSA82U-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Yfx4LXgSZbsiApsXpSA82U-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Can anyone beat Tadej Poga\u010dar? Analysing the contenders for the men&#8217;s Tour de Suisse<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I know the Vuelta route practically by heart. Burgos might give me some indication of what to expect. And do you know what I&#8217;ve got to do after Burgos? The most tedious training sessions you can imagine \u2013 putting on as many layers of clothing as possible and then training on the rollers in the heat. I&#8217;m not looking forward to the heat, but I&#8217;m preparing for it,&#8221; he told <em>Het Nieuwsblad<\/em> two weeks ago.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">In Burgos, Widar fell ill with an infection, but will hopefully be back to full health for the Vuelta, where there&#8217;s no pressure on a big GC ride, his team has said. He hasn&#8217;t raced more than eight consecutive days in his career to date, so his debut Grand Tour at the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a will be a big next step, but he&#8217;ll certainly be one to watch on select mountain days.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-matthew-brennan-visma-lease-a-bike\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Matthew Brennan (Visma-Lease a Bike)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-90c14fd4-97d1-11f1-b275-59aa252710bb\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vTNYwWyo9F9ztUFfvjpMaU-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vTNYwWyo9F9ztUFfvjpMaU-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vTNYwWyo9F9ztUFfvjpMaU-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vTNYwWyo9F9ztUFfvjpMaU-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vTNYwWyo9F9ztUFfvjpMaU-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vTNYwWyo9F9ztUFfvjpMaU-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">British sprinter Matthew Brennan is among the quickest pure finishers in the race <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<ul id=\"elk-e2123e54-9afe-11f1-992e-49222de2ed65\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">\n<li><strong>Age:<\/strong> 21<\/li>\n<li><strong>Role: <\/strong>Versatile sprinter<\/li>\n<li><strong>Where to watch:<\/strong> Flat finishes, breakaway days, possibly the green jersey fight<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p id=\"elk-12b877e8-97cc-11f1-b7ee-cf0f2e245fc0\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">By now, Matthew Brennan is a known quantity, which is incredible to say of a 21-year-old. The Briton only turned pro last year and finished his neo-pro season ranked seventh in wins in world cycling.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">His victories included the cobbles (GP de Denain), hilly WorldTour days (four stages across the Volta a Catalunya, Tour de Romandie, and Tour de Pologne), and flat sprints (three stages at the Deutschland Tour and Tour of Britain).<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">He&#8217;s scored seven more this season, with Kuurne-Brussel-Kuurne the standout result, and he&#8217;s in fine form heading to the Vuelta, too. He won two stages at the Vuelta a Burgos, the first of which came in a one-two with Visma teammate Ben Tulett, another youngster racing here.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Those victories came on hillier days rather than pan-flat sprints, suggesting that he and Wout van Aert should combine as a fearsome duo in the battle for the green jersey against Mads Pedersen. Like Widar, Brennan will be training hard to adapt to the sweltering temperatures in Spain.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I was slowly roasting from the inside out,&#8221; Brennan said after his second win in Burgos. &#8220;I\u2019m glad I could finish it off in the end because it was a tough day in the heat. It felt like we were riding through a desert all day.&#8221;<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-luke-tuckwell-red-bull-bora-hansgrohe\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Luke Tuckwell (Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-90c1504c-97d1-11f1-b67c-85740d133606\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Sb9Rk33FkZ6HSEAn46mGNU-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Sb9Rk33FkZ6HSEAn46mGNU-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Sb9Rk33FkZ6HSEAn46mGNU-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Sb9Rk33FkZ6HSEAn46mGNU-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Sb9Rk33FkZ6HSEAn46mGNU-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Sb9Rk33FkZ6HSEAn46mGNU-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Luke Tuckwell burst onto the scene with a top ride at the Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes in June <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<ul id=\"elk-e21240fc-9afe-11f1-bd2b-8746febcb606\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">\n<li><strong>Age:<\/strong> 22<\/li>\n<li><strong>Role: <\/strong>Stage hunter, domestique<\/li>\n<li><strong>Where to watch:<\/strong> Breakaways on hilly and mountain stages<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p id=\"elk-12b87ab8-97cc-11f1-a0a7-e791e617d81f\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Australian neo-pro Luke Tuckwell has enjoyed a flying start to his professional career with Red Bull this year, racing to sixth place at May&#8217;s Tour de Romandie and two days in yellow en route to a stunning second overall at the Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes the next month.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">This rapid rise comes after the 22-year-old started slowly as a junior in Australia before a message from Simon Clarke kick-started his European racing career, he wrote in his column for <em>Cyclingnews<\/em> earlier this season.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">He joined Trinity as an under-23, racing to top-10 finishes at the Ronde de l&#8217;Isard and Giro Next Gen, before switching to the Red Bull Rookies setup last year. The resulting spell in pink and overall second place at the Giro Next Gen saw him sign his first WorldTour contract.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">This week, Tuckwell wrote about his Vuelta preparation for <em>Cyclingnews<\/em>. A family illness made his pre-race altitude training camp more challenging, while he rode strongly at the Vuelta a Burgos, equalling his best-ever 20-minute power output before falling ill ahead of the final stage.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Like several others on this list, Tuckwell has never tackled such a long race before \u2013 &#8220;I&#8217;m also getting slightly nervous about what lies ahead,&#8221; he wrote \u2013 but he&#8217;s also excited about the challenge and excited to pen more dispatches from Spain.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-marco-brenner-tudor\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Marco Brenner (Tudor)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-90bf56e0-9b21-11f1-a817-3366c0bc8046\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HufTK24Xiu667Ct6Tb57PM-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HufTK24Xiu667Ct6Tb57PM-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HufTK24Xiu667Ct6Tb57PM-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HufTK24Xiu667Ct6Tb57PM-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HufTK24Xiu667Ct6Tb57PM-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HufTK24Xiu667Ct6Tb57PM-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Marco Brenner heads to Spain with overall victory at the Tour de Pologne in the bag <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<ul id=\"elk-87b1b5dc-9b1e-11f1-9126-8d02cb17bcee\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">\n<li><strong>Age:<\/strong> 23<\/li>\n<li><strong>Role: <\/strong>GC leader, stage hunter<\/li>\n<li><strong>Where to watch:<\/strong> In the hills, mountains, and possibly breakaways<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p id=\"elk-87b1b654-9b1e-11f1-b998-2f538eaec15e\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">German rider Marco Brenner has not yet lived up to the massive hype that surrounded him as he swept almost all before him as a junior. This season, his third at Tudor, has been his best yet since turning pro at 18 back in 2021, though.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The former German road champion started his season in good form with fourth place at the Tour Down Under and fourth at the Tour des Alpes-Maritimes before racing to a top-10 finish at the Boucles de la Mayenne. He heads to the Vuelta with the best result of his career to date in the bag, too, having triumphed at the recent Tour de Pologne after a week of consistent riding.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">He&#8217;ll take confidence from that and from a newly signed contract extension to 2030, and he&#8217;ll have freedom to race for his own results in Spain. Tudor have no top GC rider or sprinter to protect, so he and Will Barta will be &#8220;targeting the decisive climbing stages, both eager to break new ground as they take on the challenge of Grand Tour leadership&#8221;, the team says.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The Vuelta will be his second outing at the race, having made his Grand Tour debut here four years ago. Back then, his best result was fifth place from the break on the summit finish of Estepona behind Richard Carapaz. Watch out for him in the hills and mountains again this time around.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-pablo-torres-uae-team-emirates-xrg\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Pablo Torres (UAE Team Emirates-XRG)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-90c150c4-97d1-11f1-b395-6f925f9b4ab9\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZQWbmwnpgoNDNFvGtdYnYU-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZQWbmwnpgoNDNFvGtdYnYU-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZQWbmwnpgoNDNFvGtdYnYU-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZQWbmwnpgoNDNFvGtdYnYU-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZQWbmwnpgoNDNFvGtdYnYU-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZQWbmwnpgoNDNFvGtdYnYU-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Spanish youngster Pablo Torres will be learning from the master, his teammate Tadej Poga\u010dar, in Spain <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<ul id=\"elk-e212419c-9afe-11f1-8379-198a0117ef0b\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">\n<li><strong>Age:<\/strong> 20<\/li>\n<li><strong>Role: <\/strong>Domestique<\/li>\n<li><strong>Where to watch:<\/strong> Working in Tadej Poga\u010dar&#8217;s mountain train<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p id=\"elk-12b878d8-97cc-11f1-807a-374d041e9800\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Spanish talent Pablo Torres, 20, will be keenly watched by home fans, even if he&#8217;s set to spend the race working for Tadej Poga\u010dar, rather than riding for his own chances.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Torres is from a cycling family, with his brother and sister, both 18, also riding for UAE among the development setup.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The trio hail from Madrid, and Torres will one day hope to emulate several other riders from the region, including past Grand Tour stars Alberto Contador and Carlos Sastre. This Vuelta marks his Grand Tour debut, though, so it may be a while before he can reach a similar level.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Torres won plenty in the junior ranks, while a glittering 2024 saw him take second places at the Giro Next Gen and Tour de l&#8217;Avenir, winning the Colle delle Finestre mountain stage at the latter by almost four minutes.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Last season, his first in the pro ranks, was a learning year, while this year he has a narrow bronze in the Spanish TT Championships and 11th at the Vuelta a Burgos to his name. Torres should slot in among Pavel Sivakov, Jo\u00e3o Almeida, and Jay Vine to do the work for Poga\u010dar in the mountains, so we should see him pushing some big watts in the Sierra Nevada in the coming weeks.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-leo-bisiaux-decathlon-cma-cgm\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>L\u00e9o Bisiaux (Decathlon CMA CGM)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-90c15150-97d1-11f1-8ec8-315f9da39ac7\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XrUaUMtAp4BULCQPHUrhNU-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XrUaUMtAp4BULCQPHUrhNU-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XrUaUMtAp4BULCQPHUrhNU-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XrUaUMtAp4BULCQPHUrhNU-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XrUaUMtAp4BULCQPHUrhNU-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XrUaUMtAp4BULCQPHUrhNU-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">It&#8217;s not all about Paul Seixas at Decathlon CMA CGM \u2013 L\u00e9o Bisiaux is one to watch at La Vuelta <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<ul id=\"elk-e2124228-9afe-11f1-ba64-25c6327ecd5b\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">\n<li><strong>Age:<\/strong> 21<\/li>\n<li><strong>Role: <\/strong>Stage hunter, puncheur<\/li>\n<li><strong>Where to watch:<\/strong> Hilly stages rather than high mountains<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p id=\"elk-12b879be-97cc-11f1-b0e4-f197c2586b50\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Paul Seixas may have been the talk of the cycling world this season, the 19-year-old phenom having raced to fourth at the Tour de France last month, but he&#8217;s not the only young talent on the French Decathlon CMA CGM team. Step forward 21-year-old L\u00e9o Bisiaux, a former fourth-place finisher at the Tour de l&#8217;Avenir now in his second season as a pro.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Bisiaux has already made his Grand Tour debut, racing last year&#8217;s Vuelta in support of Felix Gall, and he headed into the race with third place and a stage win at the Vuelta a Burgos.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">This year he&#8217;s been stronger still, scoring podiums at the Tour du Jura and Mercan&#8217;Tour Classic Alpes-Maritimes, 10th at the Donostia San Sebasti\u00e1n Klasikoa, and 12th at Li\u00e8ge-Bastogne-Li\u00e8ge. He took seventh at the Vuelta a Burgos this year, also taking home the best young rider jersey in the process as he supported Gall to overall victory.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Bisiaux will again be at the service of the Austrian climber and US racer Matthew Riccitello in the high mountains but should get his own chances here and there, too.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-ivan-romeo-movistar\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Iv\u00e1n Romeo (Movistar)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-90c151d2-97d1-11f1-aeab-356dfce0224a\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nb4w7spwQwAac2cNrKEchQ-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nb4w7spwQwAac2cNrKEchQ-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nb4w7spwQwAac2cNrKEchQ-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nb4w7spwQwAac2cNrKEchQ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nb4w7spwQwAac2cNrKEchQ-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nb4w7spwQwAac2cNrKEchQ-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Home fans will be looking out for Iv\u00e1n Romeo in the hills <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<ul id=\"elk-e21242b4-9afe-11f1-8dca-c5ae95e640b4\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">\n<li><strong>Age:<\/strong> 22<\/li>\n<li><strong>Role: <\/strong>Domestique, puncheur, time triallist<\/li>\n<li><strong>Where to watch:<\/strong> Monaco TT, hilly stages, working for team leaders<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p id=\"elk-12b87b9e-97cc-11f1-bbee-274554a4a005\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Iv\u00e1n Romeo has been around a while, having turned pro with Movistar back in 2023, but the Spaniard&#8217;s story has been one of gradual progress rather than a single big breakthrough, and this year he&#8217;s stepped up another level again.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The man from Valladolid is one for the hills rather than high mountains. He&#8217;s a strong time triallist, too, having been under-23 world champion in the discipline and finished seventh in the Caen TT at last year&#8217;s Tour de France.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">He raced the past year as Spanish road champion, while this year&#8217;s top results have included overall victory at the Vuelta a Andaluc\u00eda \u2013 ahead of Tom Pidcock \u2013 plus a stage win and fifth overall at O Gran Cami\u00f1o. A successful lead-in to the Vuelta saw him race to third overall at the recent Tour de Pologne.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">This debut at his home Grand Tour will see him working for Movistar leaders Cian Uijtdebroeks and Enric Mas, though he should get opportunities to send it in the hills \u2013 and watch out for him in the opening time trial in Monaco.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-joergen-nordhagen-visma-lease-a-bike\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>J\u00f8rgen Nordhagen (Visma-Lease a Bike)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-90c152ea-97d1-11f1-bfce-01404c2d90fb\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CMuxZVeKMmfHcGWBpNenaQ-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CMuxZVeKMmfHcGWBpNenaQ-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CMuxZVeKMmfHcGWBpNenaQ-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CMuxZVeKMmfHcGWBpNenaQ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CMuxZVeKMmfHcGWBpNenaQ-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CMuxZVeKMmfHcGWBpNenaQ-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Visma-Lease a Bike hand a Grand Tour debut to Norwegian racer J\u00f8rgen Nordhagen <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<ul id=\"elk-e2124340-9afe-11f1-a422-efe5f04e4e86\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">\n<li><strong>Age:<\/strong> 21<\/li>\n<li><strong>Role: <\/strong>Stage hunter<\/li>\n<li><strong>Where to watch:<\/strong> Mountain stages, breakaways<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p id=\"elk-12b87d6a-97cc-11f1-a927-a78e07542179\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">While Brennan will be active in the sprints for Visma-Lease a Bike, the Dutch squad have another young rider for the hills and mountains. Norwegian racer J\u00f8rgen Nordhagen is their man, with no Jonas Vingegaard or Matteo Jorgenson in the line-up. Instead, he&#8217;ll look to former race winner Sepp Kuss for guidance.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The 21-year-old was a top prospect in the junior ranks, winning the Course de la Paix and Eroica Juniores before joining the Visma development setup, winning the Giro Friulio Venezia Giulia before taking fourth at the Giro Next Gen and third at the Tour de l&#8217;Avenir.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">His progression has continued this season, with a second place at O Gran Cami\u00f1o and a fourth at the Tour de Romandie among his highlight results. A seventh place at Lagunas de Neila at the recent Vuelta a Burgos shows he has his climbing legs for his Grand Tour debut.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-thibau-nys-lidl-trek\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Thibau Nys (Lidl-Trek)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-b831b7f2-9afb-11f1-9bf8-73dd67eeab37\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DEK8WoF7Ya7hrK7rnTN9La-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DEK8WoF7Ya7hrK7rnTN9La-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DEK8WoF7Ya7hrK7rnTN9La-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DEK8WoF7Ya7hrK7rnTN9La-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DEK8WoF7Ya7hrK7rnTN9La-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DEK8WoF7Ya7hrK7rnTN9La-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Thibau Nys will be hoping to bounce back after a ruined 2026 campaign <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<ul id=\"elk-91efd2d6-9b00-11f1-94de-254eebe673d7\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">\n<li><strong>Age:<\/strong> 23<\/li>\n<li><strong>Role: <\/strong>Stage hunter, puncheur<\/li>\n<li><strong>Where to watch:<\/strong> Hilly stages<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p id=\"elk-655545c6-9afb-11f1-9452-03eacd906dbc\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Belgian racer Thibau Nys will be looking to restart what has been a disastrous season to date in Spain, having missed the entirety of the spring after undergoing knee surgery and then falling ill with toxoplasmosis in June.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Nys has attributed his illness to eating a contaminated steak tartare during a team training camp in Mallorca. He&#8217;s undergone a 12-day course of antibiotics to be fit for the Vuelta, and will now return to racing as part of Lidl-Trek&#8217;s selection.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The German team will be competing on several fronts in Spain, with Mattias Skjelmose aiming for a top GC result to go with his sixth place at the Tour de France, and fellow Dane Mads Pedersen targeting the sprints and another points jersey, having won two here before.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Nys, who in 2024 won stages at the Tour de Romandie, Tour de Suisse, and Tour de Pologne, will surely be looking to add to his palmar\u00e8s in Spain. This will be his second Grand Tour after last year&#8217;s Tour de France, and there are a host of stages that fit his profile as a punchy, explosive rider. He&#8217;s lacking in race fitness, however, with only seven race days to his name this season \u2013 all back in June.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It is a year to forget quickly, but I hope to be able to turn things around in the Vuelta,&#8221; he told Belgian radio station JOE. &#8220;It didn&#8217;t look good for a long time. My coach and I had already buried the hatchet when it suddenly turned around. I feel ready for it. We are going from a lot of doubt to a feeling that something is possible after all.&#8221;<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-markel-beloki-ef-education-easypost\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Markel Beloki (EF Education-EasyPost)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-9211c91c-9ce1-11f1-9c52-4b18747f9e79\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/d6banzqUfVWhHy7VruE9gN-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/d6banzqUfVWhHy7VruE9gN-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/d6banzqUfVWhHy7VruE9gN-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/d6banzqUfVWhHy7VruE9gN-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/d6banzqUfVWhHy7VruE9gN-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/d6banzqUfVWhHy7VruE9gN-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Markel Beloki&#8217;s surname may be familiar to fans of early 2000s racing <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<ul id=\"elk-0af8a2b6-9ce1-11f1-9c89-6371fc14201c\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">\n<li><strong>Age:<\/strong> 21<\/li>\n<li><strong>Role: <\/strong>Climbing domestique<\/li>\n<li><strong>Where to watch:<\/strong> Working for team leader Richard Carapaz<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p id=\"elk-0af8a32e-9ce1-11f1-8b17-a70a86ead61b\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Basque racer Markel Beloki heads to his second career Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a after making his Grand Tour debut at last year&#8217;s race. The 21-year-old has impressed in his second year among the WorldTour peloton, with a win at the Tour de l&#8217;Ain his highlight performance.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">His surname shows his pedigree \u2013 he&#8217;s the son of Joseba, a four-time Grand Tour podium finisher and runner-up at the 2002 Tour de France. If he can come close to emulating his father, then he&#8217;ll have a very successful career; that much is certain.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">This Vuelta, he&#8217;ll be working for EF Education-EasyPost leader and GC hopeful Richard Carapaz, rather than going for his own chances. He&#8217;s in strong form, too, having taken eighth place at the recent Vuelta a Burgos.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;During the season I had my own opportunities in different kinds of races, but now I&#8217;ll try to help the team as much as I can. That&#8217;s the main objective for the next three weeks,&#8221; Beloki said recently.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I am climbing really well, so I can be close to him when he needs it on the climbs, or helping make a selection of riders.&#8221;<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-others-to-watch\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Others to watch<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-a2123730-9b19-11f1-837d-65829809a0fa\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3uctw5hafTMNbvDnjrDWXS-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3uctw5hafTMNbvDnjrDWXS-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3uctw5hafTMNbvDnjrDWXS-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3uctw5hafTMNbvDnjrDWXS-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3uctw5hafTMNbvDnjrDWXS-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3uctw5hafTMNbvDnjrDWXS-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Ramses Debruyne is one of Alpecin-Premier Tech&#8217;s leading young lights <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-a12eb05e-97d2-11f1-884f-bbd5ff4fad2b\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Alpecin-Premier Tech head to the Vuelta without their two big stars, Mathieu van der Poel and Jasper Philipsen. Instead, the departing Kaden Groves leads the way, having won seven stages and two points jerseys in Spain. 20-year-old <strong>Sente Sentjens<\/strong> will be looking to learn from the Australian during his first Grand Tour. The Belgian is a fast finisher and has four top-10 finishes to his name in this, his neo-pro season.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The Belgian squad also features another promising youngster in 23-year-old <strong>Ramses Debruyne<\/strong>. Another Belgian, he&#8217;s starting his second Grand Tour of the year after racing the first 13 days of the Tour de France earlier this summer. Standout results to date include 13th at the Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes, 18th at Li\u00e8ge-Bastogne-Li\u00e8ge, and fifth place on the hilly day to Foix at the Tour. He&#8217;ll have freedom to be active in the hills and mountains.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Slovenia&#8217;s talent machine keeps on churning, with 20-year-old <strong>Jakob Omrzel<\/strong> the latest promising youngster to hit the pro ranks. The Bahrain Victorious rider won the Giro d&#8217;Italia Next Gen last year, and he&#8217;s taken third place at the Tour of Slovenia and sixth at the Tour of the Alps this season.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">In addition to Brennan, another British rider to watch will be Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe&#8217;s <strong>Callum Thornley<\/strong>, like Tuckwell another neo-pro at the German team. The 23-year-old is a time trial specialist and will be one to watch on the opening day in Monaco. Last year he was under-23 national champion and won a very short closing time trial at the Sibiu Tour, and he heads to the Vuelta with a top-three in the Tour de Pologne&#8217;s closing TT in his pocket.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Widar, Nys, Sentjens, and Debruyne are joined on our list by another Belgian in the form of Lotto-Intermarch\u00e9&#8217;s 21-year-old, <strong>Steffen De Schuyteneer<\/strong>. A fast finisher, he&#8217;s racing his second year in the pros and scored a host of good results in the spring. He was second at the GP La Marseillaise on his first day of the season and also has top-10 finishes at Nokere Koerse, the Bredene Koksijde Classic, and Scheldeprijs to his name.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-5ff85464-97dc-11f1-a8fc-1390917417db\" 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<p>Iv\u00e1n Romeo<\/p>\n<p>L\u00e9o Bisiaux<\/p>\n<p>Pablo Torres Arias<\/p>\n<p>Matthew Brennan<\/p>\n<p>Jarno Widar<\/p>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-pEk2oV89VjgQftWvFxbuL5\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-pEk2oV89VjgQftWvFxbuL5 slice-container-authorBio\">\n<div class=\"author author__default-layout author--separator author--collapsible\" data-hydrate=\"true\">\n<div class=\"author__header\">\n<div class=\"author__avatar-block\">\n<figure class=\"image-wrapped__wrapper\" data-bordeaux-image-check=\"false\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__widthsetter\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__aspect-padding\">\n<div><source class=\"author__avatar image-wrapped__image image__image\" type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sZZXd8K4JqxjkRK7teBMFc-140-80.jpg.webp 140w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sZZXd8K4JqxjkRK7teBMFc.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sZZXd8K4JqxjkRK7teBMFc.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sZZXd8K4JqxjkRK7teBMFc.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__heading\">\n<div class=\"author__name\">Dani Ostanek<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__social\">\n<nav class=\"button-social-group author__social-buttons\" aria-labelledby=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">\n<div id=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">Social Links Navigation<\/div>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__role\">Senior News Writer<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>Dani Ostanek is Senior News Writer at Cyclingnews, having joined in 2017 as a freelance contributor, later being hired full-time. Her favourite races include the Tour de France Femmes, Paris-Roubaix, Tro-Bro L\u00e9on, and cycling&#8217;s fourth Grand Tour, the Volta a Portugal.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<div class=\"relative max-w-[1070px] viafoura-twig-component mt-6 mx-4 lg:mx-0\" data-component-name=\"Viafoura:Comments\" data-nosnippet data-community-guidelines-text=\"&lt;p class=&apos;vfcustom-community-guidelines&apos;&gt;Please follow our &lt;a href=&quot;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/about\/#section-community-guidelines&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;community guidelines&lt;\/a&gt;.&lt;\/p&gt;\" data-join-the-conversation-text=\"Join the Conversation\">\n<div class=\"absolute top-0 left-0 w-full h-full flex items-center justify-center z-50 bg-white\/90 border-1 rounded-b-[var(--comment-widget-border-radius,0)]\">\n<div class=\"p-2 text-center\">\n<p class=\"mb-3 text-lg!\">You must confirm your public display name before commenting<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-3 text-sm!\">Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<section class=\"mx-2 my-5 sm:mx-0\">\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-adviser:hybrid\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Read more<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vXx3fTTYeYfvhBsZ8FoUhF-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vXx3fTTYeYfvhBsZ8FoUhF-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vXx3fTTYeYfvhBsZ8FoUhF-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vXx3fTTYeYfvhBsZ8FoUhF-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vXx3fTTYeYfvhBsZ8FoUhF-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Tadej Poga\u010dar vs the rest \u2013 Our analysis of the top 10 contenders at the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WHEfA8PfrwjRikdcTccTK-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WHEfA8PfrwjRikdcTccTK-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WHEfA8PfrwjRikdcTccTK-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WHEfA8PfrwjRikdcTccTK-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WHEfA8PfrwjRikdcTccTK-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Who will win the Tour de France 2026? Our definitive ranking of the favourites for the yellow jersey<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ty569jeaw6C8tRZavL46kT-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ty569jeaw6C8tRZavL46kT-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ty569jeaw6C8tRZavL46kT-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ty569jeaw6C8tRZavL46kT-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ty569jeaw6C8tRZavL46kT-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">No Poga\u010dar or Vingegaard but Paul Seixas faces test of Tour de France credentials against Del Toro, Ayuso and more \u2013 Analysing the contenders at Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xYehNdGJyBUwNetTFTfRVL-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xYehNdGJyBUwNetTFTfRVL-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xYehNdGJyBUwNetTFTfRVL-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xYehNdGJyBUwNetTFTfRVL-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xYehNdGJyBUwNetTFTfRVL-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Tour de France team-by-team guide \u2013 Line-up, leaders and ambitions for every squad on the start list<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div 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\/EeMC5xdbm8kJHhaRgS22sF-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EeMC5xdbm8kJHhaRgS22sF-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EeMC5xdbm8kJHhaRgS22sF-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EeMC5xdbm8kJHhaRgS22sF-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EeMC5xdbm8kJHhaRgS22sF-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\">Aussies on Tour \u2013 The 11 riders from Australia lining up for the Tour de France 2026<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Yfx4LXgSZbsiApsXpSA82U-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Yfx4LXgSZbsiApsXpSA82U-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Yfx4LXgSZbsiApsXpSA82U-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Yfx4LXgSZbsiApsXpSA82U-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Yfx4LXgSZbsiApsXpSA82U-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Can anyone beat Tadej Poga\u010dar? Analysing the contenders for the men&#8217;s Tour de Suisse<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\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 Emerging Talents<\/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\/3Q6iy5hEpuuPTZz5g4abS6-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3Q6iy5hEpuuPTZz5g4abS6-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3Q6iy5hEpuuPTZz5g4abS6-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3Q6iy5hEpuuPTZz5g4abS6-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3Q6iy5hEpuuPTZz5g4abS6-320-80.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\">Despite being 10 years younger than the &#8216;big kids&#8217;, multi-discipline U23 talent Kylee Hanel thriving in &#8216;long, grueling races of gravel&#8217; with Leadville looming<\/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\/erv46Y5opQeaWFi3kt6KFE-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/erv46Y5opQeaWFi3kt6KFE-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/erv46Y5opQeaWFi3kt6KFE-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/erv46Y5opQeaWFi3kt6KFE-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/erv46Y5opQeaWFi3kt6KFE-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\">Emerging Talents<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Top Belgian prospect Jarno Widar agrees contract extension with Lotto-Intermarch\u00e9 ahead of 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\/RGEgyQjVpiTJWrCHy7ySYe-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RGEgyQjVpiTJWrCHy7ySYe-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RGEgyQjVpiTJWrCHy7ySYe-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RGEgyQjVpiTJWrCHy7ySYe-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RGEgyQjVpiTJWrCHy7ySYe-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\">U23 World Champion Lorenzo Finn seals Giro Next Gen victory with stage 8 time trial win<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FwEyyb2wQbQX4C8KJxwJ4Q-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FwEyyb2wQbQX4C8KJxwJ4Q-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FwEyyb2wQbQX4C8KJxwJ4Q-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FwEyyb2wQbQX4C8KJxwJ4Q-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FwEyyb2wQbQX4C8KJxwJ4Q-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\">Emerging Talents<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Under 23 World Champion Lorenzo Finn stands out as favourite for the 2026 Giro Next Gen<\/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\/GkZ55pejbxFwVhHw2SBNZ3-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GkZ55pejbxFwVhHw2SBNZ3-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GkZ55pejbxFwVhHw2SBNZ3-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GkZ55pejbxFwVhHw2SBNZ3-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GkZ55pejbxFwVhHw2SBNZ3-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Emerging Talents<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Colorado Governor signs bill to honour legacy of Magnus White and &#8216;turns tragedy to action&#8217;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5cVHZMLkLoKCWtWSRCJHea-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5cVHZMLkLoKCWtWSRCJHea-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5cVHZMLkLoKCWtWSRCJHea-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5cVHZMLkLoKCWtWSRCJHea-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5cVHZMLkLoKCWtWSRCJHea-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">The next generation of stage racers and GC challengers \u2013 Young and rising riders to watch at La Vuelta Femenina<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-articletype\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Features<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FTQqNwtKiSNxSX9AHvcUDA-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FTQqNwtKiSNxSX9AHvcUDA-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FTQqNwtKiSNxSX9AHvcUDA-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FTQqNwtKiSNxSX9AHvcUDA-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FTQqNwtKiSNxSX9AHvcUDA-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 had more than panache \u2013 he was a conjuror who was greater than the sum of his watts<\/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\/xaPhNZ65Eb5A24MN8pQZC8-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xaPhNZ65Eb5A24MN8pQZC8-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xaPhNZ65Eb5A24MN8pQZC8-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xaPhNZ65Eb5A24MN8pQZC8-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xaPhNZ65Eb5A24MN8pQZC8-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Tadej Poga\u010dar could win the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a by 10 minutes but total domination is unlikely \u2013 Philippa York analysis<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YzNZ46ofevTyGMxGmJDE5Y-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YzNZ46ofevTyGMxGmJDE5Y-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YzNZ46ofevTyGMxGmJDE5Y-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YzNZ46ofevTyGMxGmJDE5Y-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YzNZ46ofevTyGMxGmJDE5Y-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Last chance saloon \u2013 The riders and teams who need to turn their season around at the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NJ4BiB5vR77FkK9byLB3pN-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NJ4BiB5vR77FkK9byLB3pN-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NJ4BiB5vR77FkK9byLB3pN-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NJ4BiB5vR77FkK9byLB3pN-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NJ4BiB5vR77FkK9byLB3pN-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\">Cycling Kit &amp; Accessories<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Used bibs, \u00a32 jerseys, and fake Rapha wares \u2013 Inside the wild west of buying second-hand cycling kit<\/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\/didDWkuxCx3NhnzuvisdbR-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/didDWkuxCx3NhnzuvisdbR-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/didDWkuxCx3NhnzuvisdbR-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/didDWkuxCx3NhnzuvisdbR-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/didDWkuxCx3NhnzuvisdbR-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;The Leadville nobody knew&#8217; \u2013 Revised course eliminates final &#8216;gut punch&#8217; of Powerline climb but Columbine and elevation keep you humble<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"widgetArea17\" class=\"widget-area md:basis-1\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-1-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-1-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-1-3 page-widget-area-17\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"dynamic\" id=\"popular-data\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-dynamic widget-popular-data widget-dynamic-popular-data widget-dynamic-fter-popular-box\">\n<div class=\"wdn-fte-pb pos-relative space-t20\n\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"slice-container popular-box-slice\">\n<section class=\"popular-box\" data-component-name=\"Slice:PopularBox\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label__tab popular-box__label__tab--active\" role=\"heading\">\nLATEST ARTICLES\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<ol class=\"popular-box__articles-list popular-box__articles-list--active\">\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__image-wrapper\">\n<div>\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/X3hiJHUwbdn6rP5NEY5pUU-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/X3hiJHUwbdn6rP5NEY5pUU-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/X3hiJHUwbdn6rP5NEY5pUU-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/X3hiJHUwbdn6rP5NEY5pUU-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"99vw\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">1<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>&#8216;You will have to use the brakes&#8217; \u2013 Tadej Poga\u010dar and rest of Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a contenders brace themselves for very technical opening time trial in Monaco<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">2<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>Julian Alaphilippe had more than panache \u2013 he was a conjuror who was greater than the sum of his watts<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">3<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>&#8216;A top 10 on GC isn&#8217;t as important as a stage win&#8217; \u2013 2023 Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a champion Sepp Kuss to make definitive decision on overall bid at end of first week<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">4<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>&#8216;A bit of a rollercoaster of a season&#8217; \u2013 Ally Wollaston sets her sights on Track Worlds after going &#8216;back to the drawing board&#8217; at Tour of Britain Women<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">5<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>&#8216;I gave everything I had, and cycling gave me everything in return&#8217; \u2013 Julian Alaphilippe confirms his career is over<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nTeams &amp; Riders\n<\/li>\n<li>\nEmerging Talents\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>Cycling&#8217;s next generation heads to Spain \u2013\u00a0Young riders to watch at the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"vds-byline-block flex flex-row flex-nowrap my-1.5 gap-2 text-left items-start justify-start\" data-component-name=\"Article:BylineBlock\">\n<p>Features<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-auto vds-simple-byline\"><span class=\"inline-block vds-author\"><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nDani Ostanek <\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex gap-1 vds-byline-with-avatar__meta\"><span class=\"vds-date block font-normal tracking-normal normal-case text-xs\"><br \/>\nPublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-08-22T10:25:21Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n22 August 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">We take a look at a host of top talents taking on the final Grand Tour of the season, including Cyclingnews columnist Luke Tuckwell<\/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 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Here\u2019s how it works.\n<\/p>\n<\/aside>\n<\/header>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\"text-copy bodyCopy auto paywall-locker\">\n<div data-analytics-id=\"utility-bar\" id=\"utility-bar\" class=\"font-ui-heading flex justify-between items-center py-2 border-t border-b border-gray-300 border-solid mb-5 mx-auto\" data-component-name=\"UtilityBar\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"utility-bar\">\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div data-component-name=\"Social:Dropdown\" role=\"menu\" id=\"utilitybar__dropdown--share\" aria-labelledby=\"utilitybar__button--share\" class=\"absolute left-0 top-full w-44 bg-white rounded-md shadow-md border border-neutral-200 z-[9996] list-none m-0 py-2 px-3 border-solid\">\n<ul class=\"m-0!\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Facebook<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>X<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Pinterest<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Email<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-share-this-article\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nShare this article\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\"><span class=\"ml-1 inline-flex h-5 px-2 shrink-0 items-center justify-center self-center overflow-hidden whitespace-nowrap rounded-[10px] bg-primary-500 text-[11px] leading-none font-ui-heading font-semibold text-white\">0<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-join-the-conversation\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nJoin the conversation\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<p>Follow us<\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-add-us-as-a-preferred-source-on-google\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nAdd us as a preferred source on Google\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-subscribe-to-our-newsletter\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nSubscribe to our newsletter\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-12b87572-97cc-11f1-9725-1d87817267d0\"><em>\u00a1El futuro es ahora! <\/em><\/p>\n<p>The future is now, and it&#8217;s coming to the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a as a host of the sport&#8217;s top young riders head to Spain for the final Grand Tour of the season.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-12b87572-97cc-11f1-9725-1d87817267d0-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">This year&#8217;s trek around Spain \u2013 starting from Monaco and ending in Granada \u2013 is, on paper, more challenging than both the Giro d&#8217;Italia and the Tour de France. It features a mammoth 58,156 metres of elevation, well above its sister Grand Tours.<\/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\">That fact, plus the presence of the world&#8217;s most dominant rider, Tadej Poga\u010dar, hasn&#8217;t put off some of the youngest riders in the WorldTour peloton from heading to Spain. Among the host of youngsters at the Vuelta are 15 riders aged 21 or under, including four 20-year-olds.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">These riders, ranging from climbers and future GC hopefuls to Classics-style fast finishers and those just hoping to learn at their first Grand Tour proving ground, will face an arduous task ahead, battling the late-summer Spanish heat and seven summit finishes.<\/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\/vXx3fTTYeYfvhBsZ8FoUhF-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vXx3fTTYeYfvhBsZ8FoUhF-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Tadej Poga\u010dar vs the rest \u2013 Our analysis of the top 10 contenders at the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#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\/WHEfA8PfrwjRikdcTccTK-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WHEfA8PfrwjRikdcTccTK-150-80.png.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Who will win the Tour de France 2026? Our definitive ranking of the favourites for the yellow jersey<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#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\/Ty569jeaw6C8tRZavL46kT-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ty569jeaw6C8tRZavL46kT-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">No Poga\u010dar or Vingegaard but Paul Seixas faces test of Tour de France credentials against Del Toro, Ayuso and more \u2013 Analysing the contenders at Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">We&#8217;ve decided to omit a handful of young riders from our list even if they meet the criteria for the white best young rider&#8217;s jersey. For example, the likes of Oscar Onley, Matthew Riccitello, and Cian Uijtdebroeks are proven GC contenders with top Grand Tour results to their name.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">With our analysis of the Vuelta&#8217;s main GC contenders and the race&#8217;s five key stages done, here&#8217;s our look at the young talents who will grace the final Grand Tour of the season.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-pEk2oV89VjgQftWvFxbuL5\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-pEk2oV89VjgQftWvFxbuL5 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<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-jarno-widar-lotto-intermarche\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Jarno Widar (Lotto-Intermarch\u00e9)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-90c14f48-97d1-11f1-ab14-21574cf9328f\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RNnq7GioB7tDwCCrYTgBaU-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RNnq7GioB7tDwCCrYTgBaU-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RNnq7GioB7tDwCCrYTgBaU-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RNnq7GioB7tDwCCrYTgBaU-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RNnq7GioB7tDwCCrYTgBaU-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RNnq7GioB7tDwCCrYTgBaU-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Lotto-Intermarch\u00e9 leader Jarno Widar is a GC name to watch for the future <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<ul id=\"elk-e2123dc8-9afe-11f1-a23b-5bf0e3ba2e3d\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">\n<li><strong>Age:<\/strong> 20<\/li>\n<li><strong>Role: <\/strong>GC leader<\/li>\n<li><strong>Where to watch:<\/strong> In the high mountains and summit finishes<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p id=\"elk-12b876f8-97cc-11f1-b0d0-5f29910fb029\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Belgian racer Jarno Widar has been populating lists of up-and-coming GC starlets for some time now. He lit up the junior ranks with wins at races including the Tour of Flanders, National Championships, Classique des Alpes, Philippe Gilbert Juniors, and Kuurne-Brussel-Kuurne.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Then, in 2024, he won the Alpes Is\u00e8re Tour, Giro d&#8217;Italia Next Gen, and Giro della Valle d&#8217;Aosta. Last season, he won the Ronde de l&#8217;Isard and Valle d&#8217;Aosta before finishing second behind Paul Seixas at the Tour de l&#8217;Avenir.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Still just 20, he&#8217;s already racked up a series of promising results in his first year as a pro with Lotto, despite a knee injury early in the season. Standouts include fourth places on Malh\u00e3o at the Volta ao Algarve, in Villars-sur-Olon at the Tour de Suisse, and on the Pineda de la Sierra at the recent Vuelta a Burgos.<\/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\/xYehNdGJyBUwNetTFTfRVL-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xYehNdGJyBUwNetTFTfRVL-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Tour de France team-by-team guide \u2013 Line-up, leaders and ambitions for every squad on the start list<\/span><\/li>\n<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\/EeMC5xdbm8kJHhaRgS22sF-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EeMC5xdbm8kJHhaRgS22sF-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\">Aussies on Tour \u2013 The 11 riders from Australia lining up for the Tour de France 2026<\/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\/Yfx4LXgSZbsiApsXpSA82U-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Yfx4LXgSZbsiApsXpSA82U-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Can anyone beat Tadej Poga\u010dar? Analysing the contenders for the men&#8217;s Tour de Suisse<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I know the Vuelta route practically by heart. Burgos might give me some indication of what to expect. And do you know what I&#8217;ve got to do after Burgos? The most tedious training sessions you can imagine \u2013 putting on as many layers of clothing as possible and then training on the rollers in the heat. I&#8217;m not looking forward to the heat, but I&#8217;m preparing for it,&#8221; he told <em>Het Nieuwsblad<\/em> two weeks ago.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">In Burgos, Widar fell ill with an infection, but will hopefully be back to full health for the Vuelta, where there&#8217;s no pressure on a big GC ride, his team has said. He hasn&#8217;t raced more than eight consecutive days in his career to date, so his debut Grand Tour at the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a will be a big next step, but he&#8217;ll certainly be one to watch on select mountain days.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-matthew-brennan-visma-lease-a-bike\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Matthew Brennan (Visma-Lease a Bike)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-90c14fd4-97d1-11f1-b275-59aa252710bb\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vTNYwWyo9F9ztUFfvjpMaU-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vTNYwWyo9F9ztUFfvjpMaU-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vTNYwWyo9F9ztUFfvjpMaU-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vTNYwWyo9F9ztUFfvjpMaU-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vTNYwWyo9F9ztUFfvjpMaU-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vTNYwWyo9F9ztUFfvjpMaU-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">British sprinter Matthew Brennan is among the quickest pure finishers in the race <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<ul id=\"elk-e2123e54-9afe-11f1-992e-49222de2ed65\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">\n<li><strong>Age:<\/strong> 21<\/li>\n<li><strong>Role: <\/strong>Versatile sprinter<\/li>\n<li><strong>Where to watch:<\/strong> Flat finishes, breakaway days, possibly the green jersey fight<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p id=\"elk-12b877e8-97cc-11f1-b7ee-cf0f2e245fc0\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">By now, Matthew Brennan is a known quantity, which is incredible to say of a 21-year-old. The Briton only turned pro last year and finished his neo-pro season ranked seventh in wins in world cycling.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">His victories included the cobbles (GP de Denain), hilly WorldTour days (four stages across the Volta a Catalunya, Tour de Romandie, and Tour de Pologne), and flat sprints (three stages at the Deutschland Tour and Tour of Britain).<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">He&#8217;s scored seven more this season, with Kuurne-Brussel-Kuurne the standout result, and he&#8217;s in fine form heading to the Vuelta, too. He won two stages at the Vuelta a Burgos, the first of which came in a one-two with Visma teammate Ben Tulett, another youngster racing here.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Those victories came on hillier days rather than pan-flat sprints, suggesting that he and Wout van Aert should combine as a fearsome duo in the battle for the green jersey against Mads Pedersen. Like Widar, Brennan will be training hard to adapt to the sweltering temperatures in Spain.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I was slowly roasting from the inside out,&#8221; Brennan said after his second win in Burgos. &#8220;I\u2019m glad I could finish it off in the end because it was a tough day in the heat. It felt like we were riding through a desert all day.&#8221;<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-luke-tuckwell-red-bull-bora-hansgrohe\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Luke Tuckwell (Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-90c1504c-97d1-11f1-b67c-85740d133606\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Sb9Rk33FkZ6HSEAn46mGNU-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Sb9Rk33FkZ6HSEAn46mGNU-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Sb9Rk33FkZ6HSEAn46mGNU-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Sb9Rk33FkZ6HSEAn46mGNU-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Sb9Rk33FkZ6HSEAn46mGNU-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Sb9Rk33FkZ6HSEAn46mGNU-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Luke Tuckwell burst onto the scene with a top ride at the Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes in June <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<ul id=\"elk-e21240fc-9afe-11f1-bd2b-8746febcb606\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">\n<li><strong>Age:<\/strong> 22<\/li>\n<li><strong>Role: <\/strong>Stage hunter, domestique<\/li>\n<li><strong>Where to watch:<\/strong> Breakaways on hilly and mountain stages<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p id=\"elk-12b87ab8-97cc-11f1-a0a7-e791e617d81f\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Australian neo-pro Luke Tuckwell has enjoyed a flying start to his professional career with Red Bull this year, racing to sixth place at May&#8217;s Tour de Romandie and two days in yellow en route to a stunning second overall at the Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes the next month.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">This rapid rise comes after the 22-year-old started slowly as a junior in Australia before a message from Simon Clarke kick-started his European racing career, he wrote in his column for <em>Cyclingnews<\/em> earlier this season.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">He joined Trinity as an under-23, racing to top-10 finishes at the Ronde de l&#8217;Isard and Giro Next Gen, before switching to the Red Bull Rookies setup last year. The resulting spell in pink and overall second place at the Giro Next Gen saw him sign his first WorldTour contract.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">This week, Tuckwell wrote about his Vuelta preparation for <em>Cyclingnews<\/em>. A family illness made his pre-race altitude training camp more challenging, while he rode strongly at the Vuelta a Burgos, equalling his best-ever 20-minute power output before falling ill ahead of the final stage.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Like several others on this list, Tuckwell has never tackled such a long race before \u2013 &#8220;I&#8217;m also getting slightly nervous about what lies ahead,&#8221; he wrote \u2013 but he&#8217;s also excited about the challenge and excited to pen more dispatches from Spain.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-marco-brenner-tudor\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Marco Brenner (Tudor)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-90bf56e0-9b21-11f1-a817-3366c0bc8046\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HufTK24Xiu667Ct6Tb57PM-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HufTK24Xiu667Ct6Tb57PM-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HufTK24Xiu667Ct6Tb57PM-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HufTK24Xiu667Ct6Tb57PM-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HufTK24Xiu667Ct6Tb57PM-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HufTK24Xiu667Ct6Tb57PM-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Marco Brenner heads to Spain with overall victory at the Tour de Pologne in the bag <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<ul id=\"elk-87b1b5dc-9b1e-11f1-9126-8d02cb17bcee\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">\n<li><strong>Age:<\/strong> 23<\/li>\n<li><strong>Role: <\/strong>GC leader, stage hunter<\/li>\n<li><strong>Where to watch:<\/strong> In the hills, mountains, and possibly breakaways<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p id=\"elk-87b1b654-9b1e-11f1-b998-2f538eaec15e\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">German rider Marco Brenner has not yet lived up to the massive hype that surrounded him as he swept almost all before him as a junior. This season, his third at Tudor, has been his best yet since turning pro at 18 back in 2021, though.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The former German road champion started his season in good form with fourth place at the Tour Down Under and fourth at the Tour des Alpes-Maritimes before racing to a top-10 finish at the Boucles de la Mayenne. He heads to the Vuelta with the best result of his career to date in the bag, too, having triumphed at the recent Tour de Pologne after a week of consistent riding.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">He&#8217;ll take confidence from that and from a newly signed contract extension to 2030, and he&#8217;ll have freedom to race for his own results in Spain. Tudor have no top GC rider or sprinter to protect, so he and Will Barta will be &#8220;targeting the decisive climbing stages, both eager to break new ground as they take on the challenge of Grand Tour leadership&#8221;, the team says.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The Vuelta will be his second outing at the race, having made his Grand Tour debut here four years ago. Back then, his best result was fifth place from the break on the summit finish of Estepona behind Richard Carapaz. Watch out for him in the hills and mountains again this time around.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-pablo-torres-uae-team-emirates-xrg\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Pablo Torres (UAE Team Emirates-XRG)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-90c150c4-97d1-11f1-b395-6f925f9b4ab9\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZQWbmwnpgoNDNFvGtdYnYU-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZQWbmwnpgoNDNFvGtdYnYU-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZQWbmwnpgoNDNFvGtdYnYU-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZQWbmwnpgoNDNFvGtdYnYU-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZQWbmwnpgoNDNFvGtdYnYU-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZQWbmwnpgoNDNFvGtdYnYU-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Spanish youngster Pablo Torres will be learning from the master, his teammate Tadej Poga\u010dar, in Spain <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<ul id=\"elk-e212419c-9afe-11f1-8379-198a0117ef0b\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">\n<li><strong>Age:<\/strong> 20<\/li>\n<li><strong>Role: <\/strong>Domestique<\/li>\n<li><strong>Where to watch:<\/strong> Working in Tadej Poga\u010dar&#8217;s mountain train<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p id=\"elk-12b878d8-97cc-11f1-807a-374d041e9800\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Spanish talent Pablo Torres, 20, will be keenly watched by home fans, even if he&#8217;s set to spend the race working for Tadej Poga\u010dar, rather than riding for his own chances.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Torres is from a cycling family, with his brother and sister, both 18, also riding for UAE among the development setup.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The trio hail from Madrid, and Torres will one day hope to emulate several other riders from the region, including past Grand Tour stars Alberto Contador and Carlos Sastre. This Vuelta marks his Grand Tour debut, though, so it may be a while before he can reach a similar level.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Torres won plenty in the junior ranks, while a glittering 2024 saw him take second places at the Giro Next Gen and Tour de l&#8217;Avenir, winning the Colle delle Finestre mountain stage at the latter by almost four minutes.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Last season, his first in the pro ranks, was a learning year, while this year he has a narrow bronze in the Spanish TT Championships and 11th at the Vuelta a Burgos to his name. Torres should slot in among Pavel Sivakov, Jo\u00e3o Almeida, and Jay Vine to do the work for Poga\u010dar in the mountains, so we should see him pushing some big watts in the Sierra Nevada in the coming weeks.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-leo-bisiaux-decathlon-cma-cgm\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>L\u00e9o Bisiaux (Decathlon CMA CGM)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-90c15150-97d1-11f1-8ec8-315f9da39ac7\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XrUaUMtAp4BULCQPHUrhNU-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XrUaUMtAp4BULCQPHUrhNU-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XrUaUMtAp4BULCQPHUrhNU-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XrUaUMtAp4BULCQPHUrhNU-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XrUaUMtAp4BULCQPHUrhNU-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XrUaUMtAp4BULCQPHUrhNU-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">It&#8217;s not all about Paul Seixas at Decathlon CMA CGM \u2013 L\u00e9o Bisiaux is one to watch at La Vuelta <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<ul id=\"elk-e2124228-9afe-11f1-ba64-25c6327ecd5b\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">\n<li><strong>Age:<\/strong> 21<\/li>\n<li><strong>Role: <\/strong>Stage hunter, puncheur<\/li>\n<li><strong>Where to watch:<\/strong> Hilly stages rather than high mountains<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p id=\"elk-12b879be-97cc-11f1-b0e4-f197c2586b50\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Paul Seixas may have been the talk of the cycling world this season, the 19-year-old phenom having raced to fourth at the Tour de France last month, but he&#8217;s not the only young talent on the French Decathlon CMA CGM team. Step forward 21-year-old L\u00e9o Bisiaux, a former fourth-place finisher at the Tour de l&#8217;Avenir now in his second season as a pro.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Bisiaux has already made his Grand Tour debut, racing last year&#8217;s Vuelta in support of Felix Gall, and he headed into the race with third place and a stage win at the Vuelta a Burgos.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">This year he&#8217;s been stronger still, scoring podiums at the Tour du Jura and Mercan&#8217;Tour Classic Alpes-Maritimes, 10th at the Donostia San Sebasti\u00e1n Klasikoa, and 12th at Li\u00e8ge-Bastogne-Li\u00e8ge. He took seventh at the Vuelta a Burgos this year, also taking home the best young rider jersey in the process as he supported Gall to overall victory.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Bisiaux will again be at the service of the Austrian climber and US racer Matthew Riccitello in the high mountains but should get his own chances here and there, too.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-ivan-romeo-movistar\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Iv\u00e1n Romeo (Movistar)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-90c151d2-97d1-11f1-aeab-356dfce0224a\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nb4w7spwQwAac2cNrKEchQ-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nb4w7spwQwAac2cNrKEchQ-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nb4w7spwQwAac2cNrKEchQ-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nb4w7spwQwAac2cNrKEchQ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nb4w7spwQwAac2cNrKEchQ-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nb4w7spwQwAac2cNrKEchQ-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Home fans will be looking out for Iv\u00e1n Romeo in the hills <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<ul id=\"elk-e21242b4-9afe-11f1-8dca-c5ae95e640b4\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">\n<li><strong>Age:<\/strong> 22<\/li>\n<li><strong>Role: <\/strong>Domestique, puncheur, time triallist<\/li>\n<li><strong>Where to watch:<\/strong> Monaco TT, hilly stages, working for team leaders<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p id=\"elk-12b87b9e-97cc-11f1-bbee-274554a4a005\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Iv\u00e1n Romeo has been around a while, having turned pro with Movistar back in 2023, but the Spaniard&#8217;s story has been one of gradual progress rather than a single big breakthrough, and this year he&#8217;s stepped up another level again.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The man from Valladolid is one for the hills rather than high mountains. He&#8217;s a strong time triallist, too, having been under-23 world champion in the discipline and finished seventh in the Caen TT at last year&#8217;s Tour de France.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">He raced the past year as Spanish road champion, while this year&#8217;s top results have included overall victory at the Vuelta a Andaluc\u00eda \u2013 ahead of Tom Pidcock \u2013 plus a stage win and fifth overall at O Gran Cami\u00f1o. A successful lead-in to the Vuelta saw him race to third overall at the recent Tour de Pologne.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">This debut at his home Grand Tour will see him working for Movistar leaders Cian Uijtdebroeks and Enric Mas, though he should get opportunities to send it in the hills \u2013 and watch out for him in the opening time trial in Monaco.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-joergen-nordhagen-visma-lease-a-bike\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>J\u00f8rgen Nordhagen (Visma-Lease a Bike)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-90c152ea-97d1-11f1-bfce-01404c2d90fb\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CMuxZVeKMmfHcGWBpNenaQ-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CMuxZVeKMmfHcGWBpNenaQ-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CMuxZVeKMmfHcGWBpNenaQ-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CMuxZVeKMmfHcGWBpNenaQ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CMuxZVeKMmfHcGWBpNenaQ-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CMuxZVeKMmfHcGWBpNenaQ-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Visma-Lease a Bike hand a Grand Tour debut to Norwegian racer J\u00f8rgen Nordhagen <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<ul id=\"elk-e2124340-9afe-11f1-a422-efe5f04e4e86\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">\n<li><strong>Age:<\/strong> 21<\/li>\n<li><strong>Role: <\/strong>Stage hunter<\/li>\n<li><strong>Where to watch:<\/strong> Mountain stages, breakaways<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p id=\"elk-12b87d6a-97cc-11f1-a927-a78e07542179\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">While Brennan will be active in the sprints for Visma-Lease a Bike, the Dutch squad have another young rider for the hills and mountains. Norwegian racer J\u00f8rgen Nordhagen is their man, with no Jonas Vingegaard or Matteo Jorgenson in the line-up. Instead, he&#8217;ll look to former race winner Sepp Kuss for guidance.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The 21-year-old was a top prospect in the junior ranks, winning the Course de la Paix and Eroica Juniores before joining the Visma development setup, winning the Giro Friulio Venezia Giulia before taking fourth at the Giro Next Gen and third at the Tour de l&#8217;Avenir.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">His progression has continued this season, with a second place at O Gran Cami\u00f1o and a fourth at the Tour de Romandie among his highlight results. A seventh place at Lagunas de Neila at the recent Vuelta a Burgos shows he has his climbing legs for his Grand Tour debut.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-thibau-nys-lidl-trek\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Thibau Nys (Lidl-Trek)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-b831b7f2-9afb-11f1-9bf8-73dd67eeab37\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DEK8WoF7Ya7hrK7rnTN9La-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DEK8WoF7Ya7hrK7rnTN9La-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DEK8WoF7Ya7hrK7rnTN9La-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DEK8WoF7Ya7hrK7rnTN9La-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DEK8WoF7Ya7hrK7rnTN9La-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DEK8WoF7Ya7hrK7rnTN9La-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Thibau Nys will be hoping to bounce back after a ruined 2026 campaign <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<ul id=\"elk-91efd2d6-9b00-11f1-94de-254eebe673d7\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">\n<li><strong>Age:<\/strong> 23<\/li>\n<li><strong>Role: <\/strong>Stage hunter, puncheur<\/li>\n<li><strong>Where to watch:<\/strong> Hilly stages<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p id=\"elk-655545c6-9afb-11f1-9452-03eacd906dbc\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Belgian racer Thibau Nys will be looking to restart what has been a disastrous season to date in Spain, having missed the entirety of the spring after undergoing knee surgery and then falling ill with toxoplasmosis in June.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Nys has attributed his illness to eating a contaminated steak tartare during a team training camp in Mallorca. He&#8217;s undergone a 12-day course of antibiotics to be fit for the Vuelta, and will now return to racing as part of Lidl-Trek&#8217;s selection.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The German team will be competing on several fronts in Spain, with Mattias Skjelmose aiming for a top GC result to go with his sixth place at the Tour de France, and fellow Dane Mads Pedersen targeting the sprints and another points jersey, having won two here before.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Nys, who in 2024 won stages at the Tour de Romandie, Tour de Suisse, and Tour de Pologne, will surely be looking to add to his palmar\u00e8s in Spain. This will be his second Grand Tour after last year&#8217;s Tour de France, and there are a host of stages that fit his profile as a punchy, explosive rider. He&#8217;s lacking in race fitness, however, with only seven race days to his name this season \u2013 all back in June.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It is a year to forget quickly, but I hope to be able to turn things around in the Vuelta,&#8221; he told Belgian radio station JOE. &#8220;It didn&#8217;t look good for a long time. My coach and I had already buried the hatchet when it suddenly turned around. I feel ready for it. We are going from a lot of doubt to a feeling that something is possible after all.&#8221;<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-markel-beloki-ef-education-easypost\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Markel Beloki (EF Education-EasyPost)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-9211c91c-9ce1-11f1-9c52-4b18747f9e79\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/d6banzqUfVWhHy7VruE9gN-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/d6banzqUfVWhHy7VruE9gN-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/d6banzqUfVWhHy7VruE9gN-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/d6banzqUfVWhHy7VruE9gN-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/d6banzqUfVWhHy7VruE9gN-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/d6banzqUfVWhHy7VruE9gN-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Markel Beloki&#8217;s surname may be familiar to fans of early 2000s racing <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<ul id=\"elk-0af8a2b6-9ce1-11f1-9c89-6371fc14201c\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">\n<li><strong>Age:<\/strong> 21<\/li>\n<li><strong>Role: <\/strong>Climbing domestique<\/li>\n<li><strong>Where to watch:<\/strong> Working for team leader Richard Carapaz<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p id=\"elk-0af8a32e-9ce1-11f1-8b17-a70a86ead61b\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Basque racer Markel Beloki heads to his second career Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a after making his Grand Tour debut at last year&#8217;s race. The 21-year-old has impressed in his second year among the WorldTour peloton, with a win at the Tour de l&#8217;Ain his highlight performance.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">His surname shows his pedigree \u2013 he&#8217;s the son of Joseba, a four-time Grand Tour podium finisher and runner-up at the 2002 Tour de France. If he can come close to emulating his father, then he&#8217;ll have a very successful career; that much is certain.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">This Vuelta, he&#8217;ll be working for EF Education-EasyPost leader and GC hopeful Richard Carapaz, rather than going for his own chances. He&#8217;s in strong form, too, having taken eighth place at the recent Vuelta a Burgos.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;During the season I had my own opportunities in different kinds of races, but now I&#8217;ll try to help the team as much as I can. That&#8217;s the main objective for the next three weeks,&#8221; Beloki said recently.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I am climbing really well, so I can be close to him when he needs it on the climbs, or helping make a selection of riders.&#8221;<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-others-to-watch\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Others to watch<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-a2123730-9b19-11f1-837d-65829809a0fa\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3uctw5hafTMNbvDnjrDWXS-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3uctw5hafTMNbvDnjrDWXS-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3uctw5hafTMNbvDnjrDWXS-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3uctw5hafTMNbvDnjrDWXS-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3uctw5hafTMNbvDnjrDWXS-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3uctw5hafTMNbvDnjrDWXS-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Ramses Debruyne is one of Alpecin-Premier Tech&#8217;s leading young lights <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-a12eb05e-97d2-11f1-884f-bbd5ff4fad2b\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Alpecin-Premier Tech head to the Vuelta without their two big stars, Mathieu van der Poel and Jasper Philipsen. Instead, the departing Kaden Groves leads the way, having won seven stages and two points jerseys in Spain. 20-year-old <strong>Sente Sentjens<\/strong> will be looking to learn from the Australian during his first Grand Tour. The Belgian is a fast finisher and has four top-10 finishes to his name in this, his neo-pro season.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The Belgian squad also features another promising youngster in 23-year-old <strong>Ramses Debruyne<\/strong>. Another Belgian, he&#8217;s starting his second Grand Tour of the year after racing the first 13 days of the Tour de France earlier this summer. Standout results to date include 13th at the Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes, 18th at Li\u00e8ge-Bastogne-Li\u00e8ge, and fifth place on the hilly day to Foix at the Tour. He&#8217;ll have freedom to be active in the hills and mountains.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Slovenia&#8217;s talent machine keeps on churning, with 20-year-old <strong>Jakob Omrzel<\/strong> the latest promising youngster to hit the pro ranks. The Bahrain Victorious rider won the Giro d&#8217;Italia Next Gen last year, and he&#8217;s taken third place at the Tour of Slovenia and sixth at the Tour of the Alps this season.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">In addition to Brennan, another British rider to watch will be Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe&#8217;s <strong>Callum Thornley<\/strong>, like Tuckwell another neo-pro at the German team. The 23-year-old is a time trial specialist and will be one to watch on the opening day in Monaco. Last year he was under-23 national champion and won a very short closing time trial at the Sibiu Tour, and he heads to the Vuelta with a top-three in the Tour de Pologne&#8217;s closing TT in his pocket.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Widar, Nys, Sentjens, and Debruyne are joined on our list by another Belgian in the form of Lotto-Intermarch\u00e9&#8217;s 21-year-old, <strong>Steffen De Schuyteneer<\/strong>. A fast finisher, he&#8217;s racing his second year in the pros and scored a host of good results in the spring. He was second at the GP La Marseillaise on his first day of the season and also has top-10 finishes at Nokere Koerse, the Bredene Koksijde Classic, and Scheldeprijs to his name.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-5ff85464-97dc-11f1-a8fc-1390917417db\" 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\/emerging-talents\/cyclings-next-generation-heads-to-spain-young-riders-to-watch-at-the-vuelta-a-espana\/&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YRwfVqwMR8DbCZXjkpqxeT-2000-80.jpghttps:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8uMhZAn7EnCuBocA936yAC-2560-80.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-2106187","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\/2106187","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=2106187"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2106187\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2106187"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=2106187"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=2106187"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}