{"id":2107101,"date":"2026-08-22T19:08:55","date_gmt":"2026-08-22T16:08:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2107101"},"modified":"2026-08-22T19:08:55","modified_gmt":"2026-08-22T16:08:55","slug":"i-know-i-lost-time-in-the-corners-wout-van-aerts-dream-of-returning-to-red-in-the-opening-vuelta-a-espana-tt-falls-short","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2107101","title":{"rendered":"&#8216;I know I lost time in the corners&#8217; &#8211; Wout van Aert&#8217;s dream of returning to red in the opening Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a TT falls short"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ek5ma7FwXHtSj2nMVLJLvi-2000-80.jpg&#8221;]<\/p>\n<article class=\"m-0 box-border flex flex-row items-center pr-2.5 gap-[15px] w-[278px] h-20 flex-none upnext-article-divider\" role=\"listitem\" aria-label=\"Recommended article 1 of 3\">\n<div class=\"relative flex-none w-20 h-20\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/o9dfoYGxAgxmJ5j8ffMbSP-160-80.jpg.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/o9dfoYGxAgxmJ5j8ffMbSP-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                                    Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a stage 1 time trial start times \u2013 When Jay Vine, Wout van Aert, Tadej Poga\u010dar and others take turns on twisting 9.6km route in Monaco\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\/MiEh4b2a5tADEABr9Yp6w7-160-80.jpg.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MiEh4b2a5tADEABr9Yp6w7-80-80.jpg.webp 80w\" sizes=\"80px\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex items-center justify-center absolute w-[18px] h-6 left-0 top-0 bg-white\/90 flex-none z-[1]\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"font-normal text-base leading-[17px] tracking-[1.3px] uppercase text-black flex-none\">2<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex flex-col items-center justify-center gap-1.5 w-[173px] h-20 flex-none\">\n<p class=\"font-article-heading font-medium text-base leading-[21px] text-gray-800 w-[173px] line-clamp-3 group-hover:underline\">\n                                    As it happened: Time trial goes down to the wire at stage 1 of 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\" 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\/PFVrm4msxvDUa9i3rBFtmk-160-80.jpg.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PFVrm4msxvDUa9i3rBFtmk-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                                    Cramps and goosebumps as Wout van Aert beaten by training partner Daan Soete at Belgian Gravel Championships\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>\nVisma-Lease a Bike\n<\/li>\n<li>\nWout van Aert\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>&#8216;I know I lost time in the corners&#8217; &#8211; Wout van Aert&#8217;s dream of returning to red in the opening Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a TT falls short<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"vds-byline-block flex flex-row flex-nowrap my-1.5 gap-2 text-left items-start justify-start\" data-component-name=\"Article:BylineBlock\">\n<p>News<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-auto vds-simple-byline\"><span class=\"inline-block vds-author\"><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nAlasdair Fotheringham <\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex gap-1 vds-byline-with-avatar__meta\"><span class=\"vds-date block font-normal tracking-normal normal-case text-xs\"><br \/>\nPublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-08-22T19:08:55Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n22 August 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Belgian champion repeats pre-race claims that TT course was overly technical, but says &#8216;that&#8217;s not an excuse&#8217;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"text-gray-700 flex items-center mx-0 my-5 p-0 justify-start text-left\" id=\"affiliate-disclaimer\" data-component-name=\"AffiliateDisclaimer\" data-hawk-message=\"Affiliate disclaimer removed because hawk deemed there are no affiliate links on this page\">\n<p class=\"text-[color:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--text-color,inherit)] mb-2 text-[length:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--font-size,0.75rem)] leading-[18px] md:text-[13px] [&amp;&gt;a]:text-inherit [&amp;&gt;a]:underline\">\nWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here\u2019s how it works.\n<\/p>\n<\/aside>\n<\/header>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-widget-type=\"contentparsed\" id=\"content\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-contentparsed widget-content widget-contentparsed-content widget-content-parsed widget-content-parsed-content_document \">\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<section class=\"content-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"box less-space hero-image-wrapper\">\n<figure class=\"mb-0\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ek5ma7FwXHtSj2nMVLJLvi-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ek5ma7FwXHtSj2nMVLJLvi-1600-80.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ek5ma7FwXHtSj2nMVLJLvi-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ek5ma7FwXHtSj2nMVLJLvi-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ek5ma7FwXHtSj2nMVLJLvi-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ek5ma7FwXHtSj2nMVLJLvi-750-80.jpg.webp 750w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ek5ma7FwXHtSj2nMVLJLvi-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ek5ma7FwXHtSj2nMVLJLvi-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ek5ma7FwXHtSj2nMVLJLvi-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\">Wout Van Aert<\/span><span class=\"credit font-article-copy\">(Image credit: Alamy)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\"text-copy bodyCopy auto paywall-locker\">\n<div data-analytics-id=\"utility-bar\" id=\"utility-bar\" class=\"font-ui-heading flex justify-between items-center py-2 border-t border-b border-gray-300 border-solid mb-5 mx-auto\" data-component-name=\"UtilityBar\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"utility-bar\">\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div data-component-name=\"Social:Dropdown\" role=\"menu\" id=\"utilitybar__dropdown--share\" aria-labelledby=\"utilitybar__button--share\" class=\"absolute left-0 top-full w-44 bg-white rounded-md shadow-md border border-neutral-200 z-[9996] list-none m-0 py-2 px-3 border-solid\">\n<ul class=\"m-0!\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Facebook<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>X<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Pinterest<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Email<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-share-this-article\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nShare this article\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\"><span class=\"ml-1 inline-flex h-5 px-2 shrink-0 items-center justify-center self-center overflow-hidden whitespace-nowrap rounded-[10px] bg-primary-500 text-[11px] leading-none font-ui-heading font-semibold text-white\">0<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-join-the-conversation\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nJoin the conversation\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<p>Follow us<\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-add-us-as-a-preferred-source-on-google\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nAdd us as a preferred source on Google\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-subscribe-to-our-newsletter\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nSubscribe to our newsletter\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-4d536e8a-9e5c-11f1-83e7-2bfeae2fbf56\">Wout van Aert&#8217;s dream of an immediate return to the leader&#8217;s red jersey in the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a on his return to the race failed to materialize on Saturday despite the Belgian putting in a serious effort on the technically demanding time trial course through Monaco.<\/p>\n<p>Two years ago on the opening TT in Lisbon, his last participation in the Vuelta, Van Aert fell three seconds short of winner Brandon McNulty. This time he had to settle for eighth, nine seconds back, behind McNulty&#8217;s team leader at UAE, top Vuelta favourite Tadej Poga\u010dar.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-4d536e8a-9e5c-11f1-83e7-2bfeae2fbf56-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">On a course held over roads used far more frequently in the Monaco Formula 1 circuit, just like in motor racing, given the very technical terrain, split-second decisions made all the difference.<\/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\">Van Aert had prepared so thoroughly for the time trial that he had even designed a simulation of the course to train on back home in Belgium, but it still wasn&#8217;t enough to enable the Visma-Lease a Bike winner to add a Vuelta time trial victory to the one he took in the Tour de France back in 2022.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I am simply satisfied with my time trial, and I have to be. I gave it my all, but I know I lost time in the corners,&#8221; Van Aert told journalists afterwards, in comments reported by <em>Sporza<\/em>.<\/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\/tfLM6usLQ7FSegycrtArMn-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tfLM6usLQ7FSegycrtArMn-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;It could be an opportunity to be close in GC&#8217; &#8211; Opening time trial in Monaco enticing incentive for Wout van Aert&#8217;s return to Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a<\/span><\/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\/ZH9tPKdEpRDyEkVonao4Rf-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZH9tPKdEpRDyEkVonao4Rf-150-80.png.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;At my very best, I certainly have a chance&#8217; \u2013 Wout van Aert confident in World Championships road race bid after rediscovering top form before Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/X3hiJHUwbdn6rP5NEY5pUU-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/X3hiJHUwbdn6rP5NEY5pUU-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;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<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I took slightly fewer risks there, but that was my own choice. My legs felt good, so as I said, I am satisfied with this.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Before the race, Van Aert had criticised the course for being overly technical in parts, and he doubled down on those comments afterwards. However, he emphasised that this was no excuse for losing.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-yRBhB6ftAD4DLZGNZCfFmF\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-yRBhB6ftAD4DLZGNZCfFmF slice-container-newsletterForm\">\n<div data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"newsletter-form__wrapper newsletter-form__wrapper--inbodyContent\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__container\">\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__top-bar\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__header\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__main-section\">\n<p class=\"newsletter-form__strapline\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<footer class=\"newsletter-form__footer \">By submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.<\/footer>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;The surroundings were very unique; it was special to be able to drive here on those closed roads and the F1 circuit. I enjoyed that.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;But at certain points it was too technical and slightly on the limit. However, that&#8217;s not my excuse [for losing.]&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Van Aert&#8217;s time loss was not so narrow that it could be put down fully to his extra caution. Already four seconds off the pace at the mid-time check, he ended up even further back by the finish.<\/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\/pXNHT4fLqKkNr4mJF9wXkY-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pXNHT4fLqKkNr4mJF9wXkY-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;It&#8217;s a tiny margin but a win is a win&#8217; &#8211; Tadej Poga\u010dar celebrates fourth stage win of career and first-ever lead in Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PpEhHGvv8AgcUn5LNYNkvU-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PpEhHGvv8AgcUn5LNYNkvU-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\">Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a: Tadej Poga\u010dar claims stage 1 time trial and takes the first leader&#8217;s jersey in Monaco<\/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\/Wfd8i5K6AU684DCh3PtnC9-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Wfd8i5K6AU684DCh3PtnC9-150-80.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\">Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a GC standings &#8211; From yellow to red, Tadej Poga\u010dar takes leader&#8217;s jersey on opening day<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;We can be reasonably satisfied,&#8221; Visma-Lease a Bike team coach told <em>Het Laatse Nieuws<\/em>. &#8220;We went for the win, but that didn&#8217;t happen, so naturally we aren&#8217;t very happy. Wout said he felt very good and could hardly believe that he lost so much time on the final part.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Both Heijboer and Van Aert coincided, however, that it could definitely be possible for the Belgian to take the leader&#8217;s jersey on stage 2. A long, rolling grind to Manosque, 209 kilometres with a bit of an uphill kick at the end means Van Aert could well be in his element should he want to go for time bonuses &#8211; although other very fast all-rounders like Mads Pedersen (Lidl-Trek) could well be in contention on that kind of terrain, too.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I certainly wanted to finish within that margin,&#8221; Van Aert added, with just nine seconds now separating himself and Poga\u010dar &#8211; and who bounced back in the 2024 Vuelta to take the lead on stage 2 via time bonuses, too,&#8221; he said afterwards.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Of course, I started today wanting to fight for the win, but being close is also satisfying.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-72eea088-9e5c-11f1-8d4d-cf125ed42861\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><strong>For unbeatable coverage across road, gravel and tech, subscribe to Cyclingnews. You&#8217;ll get comprehensive race coverage of La Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a, subscriber-exclusive analysis from our expert columnists, in-depth features and industry-leading tech insight. Plus, the Cyclingnews app lets you follow the action wherever you go! <\/strong><u><strong>Join today.<\/strong><\/u><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"block mb-5\" id=\"articleTag\" data-component-name=\"PostArticleLinks\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"post-article-links\">\n<div class=\"border-b border-b-black border-solid py-2.5 text-black font-bold uppercase\">TOPICS<\/div>\n<nav class=\"py-2.5 flex gap-2.5 flex-wrap\" data-analytics-id=\"article-tag\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-tag\">\n<p>Road<\/p>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-yRBhB6ftAD4DLZGNZCfFmF\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-yRBhB6ftAD4DLZGNZCfFmF slice-container-authorBio\">\n<div class=\"author author__default-layout author--separator author--collapsible\" data-hydrate=\"true\">\n<div class=\"author__header\">\n<div class=\"author__avatar-block\">\n<figure class=\"image-wrapped__wrapper\" data-bordeaux-image-check=\"false\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__widthsetter\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__aspect-padding\">\n<div><source class=\"author__avatar image-wrapped__image image__image\" type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5QLhaPay9asJvmaNsCjFVZ-140-80.jpg.webp 140w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5QLhaPay9asJvmaNsCjFVZ.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5QLhaPay9asJvmaNsCjFVZ.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5QLhaPay9asJvmaNsCjFVZ.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__heading\">\n<div class=\"author__name\">Alasdair Fotheringham<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__social\">\n<nav class=\"button-social-group author__social-buttons\" aria-labelledby=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">\n<div id=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">Social Links Navigation<\/div>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>Alasdair Fotheringham has been reporting on cycling since 1991. He has covered every Tour de France since 1992 bar one, as well as numerous other bike races of all shapes and sizes, ranging from the Olympic Games in 2008 to the now sadly defunct Subida a Urkiola hill climb in Spain. As well as working for <em>Cyclingnews<\/em>, he has also written for <em>The Independent<\/em>,\u00a0 <em>The Guardian<\/em>,\u00a0 <em>ProCycling<\/em>, <em>The Express<\/em> and <em>Reuters<\/em>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<div class=\"relative max-w-[1070px] viafoura-twig-component mt-6 mx-4 lg:mx-0\" data-component-name=\"Viafoura:Comments\" data-nosnippet data-community-guidelines-text=\"&lt;p class=&apos;vfcustom-community-guidelines&apos;&gt;Please follow our &lt;a href=&quot;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/about\/#section-community-guidelines&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;community guidelines&lt;\/a&gt;.&lt;\/p&gt;\" data-join-the-conversation-text=\"Join the Conversation\">\n<div class=\"absolute top-0 left-0 w-full h-full flex items-center justify-center z-50 bg-white\/90 border-1 rounded-b-[var(--comment-widget-border-radius,0)]\">\n<div class=\"p-2 text-center\">\n<p class=\"mb-3 text-lg!\">You must confirm your public display name before commenting<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-3 text-sm!\">Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<section class=\"mx-2 my-5 sm:mx-0\">\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-adviser:hybrid\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Read more<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tfLM6usLQ7FSegycrtArMn-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tfLM6usLQ7FSegycrtArMn-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tfLM6usLQ7FSegycrtArMn-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tfLM6usLQ7FSegycrtArMn-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tfLM6usLQ7FSegycrtArMn-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;It could be an opportunity to be close in GC&#8217; &#8211; Opening time trial in Monaco enticing incentive for Wout van Aert&#8217;s return to Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZH9tPKdEpRDyEkVonao4Rf-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZH9tPKdEpRDyEkVonao4Rf-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZH9tPKdEpRDyEkVonao4Rf-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZH9tPKdEpRDyEkVonao4Rf-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZH9tPKdEpRDyEkVonao4Rf-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;At my very best, I certainly have a chance&#8217; \u2013 Wout van Aert confident in World Championships road race bid after rediscovering top form before 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\/X3hiJHUwbdn6rP5NEY5pUU-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/X3hiJHUwbdn6rP5NEY5pUU-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/X3hiJHUwbdn6rP5NEY5pUU-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/X3hiJHUwbdn6rP5NEY5pUU-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/X3hiJHUwbdn6rP5NEY5pUU-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;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<\/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\/pXNHT4fLqKkNr4mJF9wXkY-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pXNHT4fLqKkNr4mJF9wXkY-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pXNHT4fLqKkNr4mJF9wXkY-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pXNHT4fLqKkNr4mJF9wXkY-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pXNHT4fLqKkNr4mJF9wXkY-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;It&#8217;s a tiny margin but a win is a win&#8217; &#8211; Tadej Poga\u010dar celebrates fourth stage win of career and first-ever lead in 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\/PpEhHGvv8AgcUn5LNYNkvU-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PpEhHGvv8AgcUn5LNYNkvU-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PpEhHGvv8AgcUn5LNYNkvU-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PpEhHGvv8AgcUn5LNYNkvU-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PpEhHGvv8AgcUn5LNYNkvU-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a: Tadej Poga\u010dar claims stage 1 time trial and takes the first leader&#8217;s jersey in Monaco<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Wfd8i5K6AU684DCh3PtnC9-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Wfd8i5K6AU684DCh3PtnC9-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Wfd8i5K6AU684DCh3PtnC9-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Wfd8i5K6AU684DCh3PtnC9-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Wfd8i5K6AU684DCh3PtnC9-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a GC standings &#8211; From yellow to red, Tadej Poga\u010dar takes leader&#8217;s jersey on opening day<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-category\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Teams &amp; Riders<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pXNHT4fLqKkNr4mJF9wXkY-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pXNHT4fLqKkNr4mJF9wXkY-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pXNHT4fLqKkNr4mJF9wXkY-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pXNHT4fLqKkNr4mJF9wXkY-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pXNHT4fLqKkNr4mJF9wXkY-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;It&#8217;s a tiny margin but a win is a win&#8217; &#8211; Tadej Poga\u010dar celebrates fourth stage win of career and first-ever lead in 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\/oJYLvWCepfQ8zP3KDUHEtE-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oJYLvWCepfQ8zP3KDUHEtE-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oJYLvWCepfQ8zP3KDUHEtE-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oJYLvWCepfQ8zP3KDUHEtE-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oJYLvWCepfQ8zP3KDUHEtE-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;It just shows the class of him as an athlete and a person&#8217; &#8211; Eight days after brother Finlay&#8217;s death, Josh Tarling takes third in opening Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a time trial<\/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\/9JdzkLSRgapaJSHNya5wk9-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9JdzkLSRgapaJSHNya5wk9-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9JdzkLSRgapaJSHNya5wk9-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9JdzkLSRgapaJSHNya5wk9-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9JdzkLSRgapaJSHNya5wk9-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I want to develop myself more in the hills&#8217; \u2013\u00a0After another impressive punchy display at the Tour of Britain Women, is Lorena Wiebes evolving?<\/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\/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\/ijb7UgPtDfhSTZMd4BQ4KW-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ijb7UgPtDfhSTZMd4BQ4KW-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ijb7UgPtDfhSTZMd4BQ4KW-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ijb7UgPtDfhSTZMd4BQ4KW-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ijb7UgPtDfhSTZMd4BQ4KW-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;A 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<\/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\/e6sGShuYn9HxtcRgKLWLpM-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/e6sGShuYn9HxtcRgKLWLpM-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/e6sGShuYn9HxtcRgKLWLpM-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/e6sGShuYn9HxtcRgKLWLpM-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/e6sGShuYn9HxtcRgKLWLpM-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I gave everything I had, and cycling gave me everything in return&#8217; \u2013 Julian Alaphilippe confirms his career is over<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-articletype\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in News<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pXNHT4fLqKkNr4mJF9wXkY-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pXNHT4fLqKkNr4mJF9wXkY-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pXNHT4fLqKkNr4mJF9wXkY-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pXNHT4fLqKkNr4mJF9wXkY-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pXNHT4fLqKkNr4mJF9wXkY-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;It&#8217;s a tiny margin but a win is a win&#8217; &#8211; Tadej Poga\u010dar celebrates fourth stage win of career and first-ever lead in 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\/oJYLvWCepfQ8zP3KDUHEtE-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oJYLvWCepfQ8zP3KDUHEtE-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oJYLvWCepfQ8zP3KDUHEtE-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oJYLvWCepfQ8zP3KDUHEtE-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oJYLvWCepfQ8zP3KDUHEtE-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;It just shows the class of him as an athlete and a person&#8217; &#8211; Eight days after brother Finlay&#8217;s death, Josh Tarling takes third in opening Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a time trial<\/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\/DRQuxgf3dM9QoT2cxCjf4E-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DRQuxgf3dM9QoT2cxCjf4E-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DRQuxgf3dM9QoT2cxCjf4E-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DRQuxgf3dM9QoT2cxCjf4E-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DRQuxgf3dM9QoT2cxCjf4E-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;We expected to be attacked left, right and centre&#8217; \u2013 Kim Le Court-Pienaar defends Tour of Britain Women GC lead on hilly stage 4<\/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\/9JdzkLSRgapaJSHNya5wk9-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9JdzkLSRgapaJSHNya5wk9-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9JdzkLSRgapaJSHNya5wk9-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9JdzkLSRgapaJSHNya5wk9-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9JdzkLSRgapaJSHNya5wk9-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I want to develop myself more in the hills&#8217; \u2013\u00a0After another impressive punchy display at the Tour of Britain Women, is Lorena Wiebes evolving?<\/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\/X3hiJHUwbdn6rP5NEY5pUU-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/X3hiJHUwbdn6rP5NEY5pUU-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/X3hiJHUwbdn6rP5NEY5pUU-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/X3hiJHUwbdn6rP5NEY5pUU-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/X3hiJHUwbdn6rP5NEY5pUU-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;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<\/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\/ijb7UgPtDfhSTZMd4BQ4KW-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ijb7UgPtDfhSTZMd4BQ4KW-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ijb7UgPtDfhSTZMd4BQ4KW-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ijb7UgPtDfhSTZMd4BQ4KW-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ijb7UgPtDfhSTZMd4BQ4KW-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;A 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<\/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\/pXNHT4fLqKkNr4mJF9wXkY-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pXNHT4fLqKkNr4mJF9wXkY-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pXNHT4fLqKkNr4mJF9wXkY-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pXNHT4fLqKkNr4mJF9wXkY-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;It&#8217;s a tiny margin but a win is a win&#8217; &#8211; Tadej Poga\u010dar celebrates fourth stage win of career and first-ever lead in Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">2<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>&#8216;It just shows the class of him as an athlete and a person&#8217; &#8211; Eight days after brother Finlay&#8217;s death, Josh Tarling takes third in opening Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a time trial<\/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>Spotted: New Shimano Dura-Ace R9300 groupset breaks cover at La Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">4<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>&#8216;I know I lost time in the corners&#8217; &#8211; Wout van Aert&#8217;s dream of returning to red in the opening Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a TT falls short<\/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>Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a GC standings &#8211; From yellow to red, Tadej Poga\u010dar takes leader&#8217;s jersey on opening day<\/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>\nVisma-Lease a Bike\n<\/li>\n<li>\nWout van Aert\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>&#8216;I know I lost time in the corners&#8217; &#8211; Wout van Aert&#8217;s dream of returning to red in the opening Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a TT falls short<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"vds-byline-block flex flex-row flex-nowrap my-1.5 gap-2 text-left items-start justify-start\" data-component-name=\"Article:BylineBlock\">\n<p>News<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-auto vds-simple-byline\"><span class=\"inline-block vds-author\"><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nAlasdair Fotheringham <\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex gap-1 vds-byline-with-avatar__meta\"><span class=\"vds-date block font-normal tracking-normal normal-case text-xs\"><br \/>\nPublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-08-22T19:08:55Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n22 August 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Belgian champion repeats pre-race claims that TT course was overly technical, but says &#8216;that&#8217;s not an excuse&#8217;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"text-gray-700 flex items-center mx-0 my-5 p-0 justify-start text-left\" id=\"affiliate-disclaimer\" data-component-name=\"AffiliateDisclaimer\" data-hawk-message=\"Affiliate disclaimer removed because hawk deemed there are no affiliate links on this page\">\n<p class=\"text-[color:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--text-color,inherit)] mb-2 text-[length:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--font-size,0.75rem)] leading-[18px] md:text-[13px] [&amp;&gt;a]:text-inherit [&amp;&gt;a]:underline\">\nWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here\u2019s how it works.\n<\/p>\n<\/aside>\n<\/header>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-widget-type=\"contentparsed\" id=\"content\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-contentparsed widget-content widget-contentparsed-content widget-content-parsed widget-content-parsed-content_document \">\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<section class=\"content-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"box less-space hero-image-wrapper\">\n<figure class=\"mb-0\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ek5ma7FwXHtSj2nMVLJLvi-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ek5ma7FwXHtSj2nMVLJLvi-1600-80.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ek5ma7FwXHtSj2nMVLJLvi-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ek5ma7FwXHtSj2nMVLJLvi-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ek5ma7FwXHtSj2nMVLJLvi-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ek5ma7FwXHtSj2nMVLJLvi-750-80.jpg.webp 750w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ek5ma7FwXHtSj2nMVLJLvi-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ek5ma7FwXHtSj2nMVLJLvi-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ek5ma7FwXHtSj2nMVLJLvi-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\">Wout Van Aert<\/span><span class=\"credit font-article-copy\">(Image credit: Alamy)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\"text-copy bodyCopy auto paywall-locker\">\n<div data-analytics-id=\"utility-bar\" id=\"utility-bar\" class=\"font-ui-heading flex justify-between items-center py-2 border-t border-b border-gray-300 border-solid mb-5 mx-auto\" data-component-name=\"UtilityBar\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"utility-bar\">\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div data-component-name=\"Social:Dropdown\" role=\"menu\" id=\"utilitybar__dropdown--share\" aria-labelledby=\"utilitybar__button--share\" class=\"absolute left-0 top-full w-44 bg-white rounded-md shadow-md border border-neutral-200 z-[9996] list-none m-0 py-2 px-3 border-solid\">\n<ul class=\"m-0!\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Facebook<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>X<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Pinterest<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Email<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-share-this-article\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nShare this article\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\"><span class=\"ml-1 inline-flex h-5 px-2 shrink-0 items-center justify-center self-center overflow-hidden whitespace-nowrap rounded-[10px] bg-primary-500 text-[11px] leading-none font-ui-heading font-semibold text-white\">0<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-join-the-conversation\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nJoin the conversation\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<p>Follow us<\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-add-us-as-a-preferred-source-on-google\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nAdd us as a preferred source on Google\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-subscribe-to-our-newsletter\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nSubscribe to our newsletter\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-4d536e8a-9e5c-11f1-83e7-2bfeae2fbf56\">Wout van Aert&#8217;s dream of an immediate return to the leader&#8217;s red jersey in the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a on his return to the race failed to materialize on Saturday despite the Belgian putting in a serious effort on the technically demanding time trial course through Monaco.<\/p>\n<p>Two years ago on the opening TT in Lisbon, his last participation in the Vuelta, Van Aert fell three seconds short of winner Brandon McNulty. This time he had to settle for eighth, nine seconds back, behind McNulty&#8217;s team leader at UAE, top Vuelta favourite Tadej Poga\u010dar.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-4d536e8a-9e5c-11f1-83e7-2bfeae2fbf56-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">On a course held over roads used far more frequently in the Monaco Formula 1 circuit, just like in motor racing, given the very technical terrain, split-second decisions made all the difference.<\/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\">Van Aert had prepared so thoroughly for the time trial that he had even designed a simulation of the course to train on back home in Belgium, but it still wasn&#8217;t enough to enable the Visma-Lease a Bike winner to add a Vuelta time trial victory to the one he took in the Tour de France back in 2022.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I am simply satisfied with my time trial, and I have to be. I gave it my all, but I know I lost time in the corners,&#8221; Van Aert told journalists afterwards, in comments reported by <em>Sporza<\/em>.<\/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\/tfLM6usLQ7FSegycrtArMn-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tfLM6usLQ7FSegycrtArMn-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;It could be an opportunity to be close in GC&#8217; &#8211; Opening time trial in Monaco enticing incentive for Wout van Aert&#8217;s return to Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a<\/span><\/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\/ZH9tPKdEpRDyEkVonao4Rf-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZH9tPKdEpRDyEkVonao4Rf-150-80.png.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;At my very best, I certainly have a chance&#8217; \u2013 Wout van Aert confident in World Championships road race bid after rediscovering top form before Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/X3hiJHUwbdn6rP5NEY5pUU-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/X3hiJHUwbdn6rP5NEY5pUU-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;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<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I took slightly fewer risks there, but that was my own choice. My legs felt good, so as I said, I am satisfied with this.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Before the race, Van Aert had criticised the course for being overly technical in parts, and he doubled down on those comments afterwards. However, he emphasised that this was no excuse for losing.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-yRBhB6ftAD4DLZGNZCfFmF\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-yRBhB6ftAD4DLZGNZCfFmF slice-container-newsletterForm\">\n<div data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"newsletter-form__wrapper newsletter-form__wrapper--inbodyContent\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__container\">\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__top-bar\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__header\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__main-section\">\n<p class=\"newsletter-form__strapline\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<footer class=\"newsletter-form__footer \">By submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.<\/footer>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;The surroundings were very unique; it was special to be able to drive here on those closed roads and the F1 circuit. I enjoyed that.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;But at certain points it was too technical and slightly on the limit. However, that&#8217;s not my excuse [for losing.]&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Van Aert&#8217;s time loss was not so narrow that it could be put down fully to his extra caution. Already four seconds off the pace at the mid-time check, he ended up even further back by the finish.<\/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\/pXNHT4fLqKkNr4mJF9wXkY-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pXNHT4fLqKkNr4mJF9wXkY-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;It&#8217;s a tiny margin but a win is a win&#8217; &#8211; Tadej Poga\u010dar celebrates fourth stage win of career and first-ever lead in Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PpEhHGvv8AgcUn5LNYNkvU-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PpEhHGvv8AgcUn5LNYNkvU-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\">Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a: Tadej Poga\u010dar claims stage 1 time trial and takes the first leader&#8217;s jersey in Monaco<\/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\/Wfd8i5K6AU684DCh3PtnC9-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Wfd8i5K6AU684DCh3PtnC9-150-80.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\">Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a GC standings &#8211; From yellow to red, Tadej Poga\u010dar takes leader&#8217;s jersey on opening day<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;We can be reasonably satisfied,&#8221; Visma-Lease a Bike team coach told <em>Het Laatse Nieuws<\/em>. &#8220;We went for the win, but that didn&#8217;t happen, so naturally we aren&#8217;t very happy. Wout said he felt very good and could hardly believe that he lost so much time on the final part.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Both Heijboer and Van Aert coincided, however, that it could definitely be possible for the Belgian to take the leader&#8217;s jersey on stage 2. A long, rolling grind to Manosque, 209 kilometres with a bit of an uphill kick at the end means Van Aert could well be in his element should he want to go for time bonuses &#8211; although other very fast all-rounders like Mads Pedersen (Lidl-Trek) could well be in contention on that kind of terrain, too.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I certainly wanted to finish within that margin,&#8221; Van Aert added, with just nine seconds now separating himself and Poga\u010dar &#8211; and who bounced back in the 2024 Vuelta to take the lead on stage 2 via time bonuses, too,&#8221; he said afterwards.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Of course, I started today wanting to fight for the win, but being close is also satisfying.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-72eea088-9e5c-11f1-8d4d-cf125ed42861\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><strong>For unbeatable coverage across road, gravel and tech, subscribe to Cyclingnews. 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Plus, the Cyclingnews app lets you follow the action wherever you go! <\/strong><u><strong>Join today.<\/strong><\/u><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"block mb-5\" id=\"articleTag\" data-component-name=\"PostArticleLinks\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"post-article-links\">\n<div class=\"border-b border-b-black border-solid py-2.5 text-black font-bold uppercase\">TOPICS<\/div>\n<nav class=\"py-2.5 flex gap-2.5 flex-wrap\" data-analytics-id=\"article-tag\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-tag\">\n<p>Road<\/p>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-yRBhB6ftAD4DLZGNZCfFmF\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-yRBhB6ftAD4DLZGNZCfFmF slice-container-authorBio\">\n<div class=\"author author__default-layout author--separator author--collapsible\" data-hydrate=\"true\">\n<div class=\"author__header\">\n<div class=\"author__avatar-block\">\n<figure class=\"image-wrapped__wrapper\" data-bordeaux-image-check=\"false\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__widthsetter\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__aspect-padding\">\n<div><source class=\"author__avatar image-wrapped__image image__image\" type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5QLhaPay9asJvmaNsCjFVZ-140-80.jpg.webp 140w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5QLhaPay9asJvmaNsCjFVZ.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5QLhaPay9asJvmaNsCjFVZ.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5QLhaPay9asJvmaNsCjFVZ.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__heading\">\n<div class=\"author__name\">Alasdair Fotheringham<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__social\">\n<nav class=\"button-social-group author__social-buttons\" aria-labelledby=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">\n<div id=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">Social Links Navigation<\/div>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>Alasdair Fotheringham has been reporting on cycling since 1991. He has covered every Tour de France since 1992 bar one, as well as numerous other bike races of all shapes and sizes, ranging from the Olympic Games in 2008 to the now sadly defunct Subida a Urkiola hill climb in Spain. As well as working for <em>Cyclingnews<\/em>, he has also written for <em>The Independent<\/em>,\u00a0 <em>The Guardian<\/em>,\u00a0 <em>ProCycling<\/em>, <em>The Express<\/em> and <em>Reuters<\/em>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<div class=\"relative max-w-[1070px] viafoura-twig-component mt-6 mx-4 lg:mx-0\" data-component-name=\"Viafoura:Comments\" data-nosnippet data-community-guidelines-text=\"&lt;p class=&apos;vfcustom-community-guidelines&apos;&gt;Please follow our &lt;a href=&quot;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/about\/#section-community-guidelines&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;community guidelines&lt;\/a&gt;.&lt;\/p&gt;\" data-join-the-conversation-text=\"Join the Conversation\">\n<div class=\"absolute top-0 left-0 w-full h-full flex items-center justify-center z-50 bg-white\/90 border-1 rounded-b-[var(--comment-widget-border-radius,0)]\">\n<div class=\"p-2 text-center\">\n<p class=\"mb-3 text-lg!\">You must confirm your public display name before commenting<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-3 text-sm!\">Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<section class=\"mx-2 my-5 sm:mx-0\">\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-adviser:hybrid\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Read more<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tfLM6usLQ7FSegycrtArMn-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tfLM6usLQ7FSegycrtArMn-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tfLM6usLQ7FSegycrtArMn-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tfLM6usLQ7FSegycrtArMn-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tfLM6usLQ7FSegycrtArMn-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;It could be an opportunity to be close in GC&#8217; &#8211; Opening time trial in Monaco enticing incentive for Wout van Aert&#8217;s return to Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZH9tPKdEpRDyEkVonao4Rf-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZH9tPKdEpRDyEkVonao4Rf-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZH9tPKdEpRDyEkVonao4Rf-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZH9tPKdEpRDyEkVonao4Rf-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZH9tPKdEpRDyEkVonao4Rf-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;At my very best, I certainly have a chance&#8217; \u2013 Wout van Aert confident in World Championships road race bid after rediscovering top form before 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\/X3hiJHUwbdn6rP5NEY5pUU-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/X3hiJHUwbdn6rP5NEY5pUU-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/X3hiJHUwbdn6rP5NEY5pUU-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/X3hiJHUwbdn6rP5NEY5pUU-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/X3hiJHUwbdn6rP5NEY5pUU-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;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<\/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\/pXNHT4fLqKkNr4mJF9wXkY-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pXNHT4fLqKkNr4mJF9wXkY-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pXNHT4fLqKkNr4mJF9wXkY-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pXNHT4fLqKkNr4mJF9wXkY-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pXNHT4fLqKkNr4mJF9wXkY-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;It&#8217;s a tiny margin but a win is a win&#8217; &#8211; Tadej Poga\u010dar celebrates fourth stage win of career and first-ever lead in 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\/PpEhHGvv8AgcUn5LNYNkvU-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PpEhHGvv8AgcUn5LNYNkvU-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PpEhHGvv8AgcUn5LNYNkvU-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PpEhHGvv8AgcUn5LNYNkvU-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PpEhHGvv8AgcUn5LNYNkvU-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a: Tadej Poga\u010dar claims stage 1 time trial and takes the first leader&#8217;s jersey in Monaco<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Wfd8i5K6AU684DCh3PtnC9-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Wfd8i5K6AU684DCh3PtnC9-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Wfd8i5K6AU684DCh3PtnC9-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Wfd8i5K6AU684DCh3PtnC9-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Wfd8i5K6AU684DCh3PtnC9-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a GC standings &#8211; From yellow to red, Tadej Poga\u010dar takes leader&#8217;s jersey on opening day<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-category\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Teams &amp; Riders<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pXNHT4fLqKkNr4mJF9wXkY-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pXNHT4fLqKkNr4mJF9wXkY-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pXNHT4fLqKkNr4mJF9wXkY-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pXNHT4fLqKkNr4mJF9wXkY-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pXNHT4fLqKkNr4mJF9wXkY-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;It&#8217;s a tiny margin but a win is a win&#8217; &#8211; Tadej Poga\u010dar celebrates fourth stage win of career and first-ever lead in 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\/oJYLvWCepfQ8zP3KDUHEtE-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oJYLvWCepfQ8zP3KDUHEtE-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oJYLvWCepfQ8zP3KDUHEtE-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oJYLvWCepfQ8zP3KDUHEtE-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oJYLvWCepfQ8zP3KDUHEtE-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;It just shows the class of him as an athlete and a person&#8217; &#8211; Eight days after brother Finlay&#8217;s death, Josh Tarling takes third in opening Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a time trial<\/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\/9JdzkLSRgapaJSHNya5wk9-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9JdzkLSRgapaJSHNya5wk9-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9JdzkLSRgapaJSHNya5wk9-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9JdzkLSRgapaJSHNya5wk9-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9JdzkLSRgapaJSHNya5wk9-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I want to develop myself more in the hills&#8217; \u2013\u00a0After another impressive punchy display at the Tour of Britain Women, is Lorena Wiebes evolving?<\/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\/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\/ijb7UgPtDfhSTZMd4BQ4KW-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ijb7UgPtDfhSTZMd4BQ4KW-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ijb7UgPtDfhSTZMd4BQ4KW-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ijb7UgPtDfhSTZMd4BQ4KW-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ijb7UgPtDfhSTZMd4BQ4KW-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;A 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<\/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\/e6sGShuYn9HxtcRgKLWLpM-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/e6sGShuYn9HxtcRgKLWLpM-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/e6sGShuYn9HxtcRgKLWLpM-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/e6sGShuYn9HxtcRgKLWLpM-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/e6sGShuYn9HxtcRgKLWLpM-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I gave everything I had, and cycling gave me everything in return&#8217; \u2013 Julian Alaphilippe confirms his career is over<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-articletype\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in News<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pXNHT4fLqKkNr4mJF9wXkY-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pXNHT4fLqKkNr4mJF9wXkY-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pXNHT4fLqKkNr4mJF9wXkY-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pXNHT4fLqKkNr4mJF9wXkY-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pXNHT4fLqKkNr4mJF9wXkY-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;It&#8217;s a tiny margin but a win is a win&#8217; &#8211; Tadej Poga\u010dar celebrates fourth stage win of career and first-ever lead in 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\/oJYLvWCepfQ8zP3KDUHEtE-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oJYLvWCepfQ8zP3KDUHEtE-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oJYLvWCepfQ8zP3KDUHEtE-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oJYLvWCepfQ8zP3KDUHEtE-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oJYLvWCepfQ8zP3KDUHEtE-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;It just shows the class of him as an athlete and a person&#8217; &#8211; Eight days after brother Finlay&#8217;s death, Josh Tarling takes third in opening Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a time trial<\/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\/DRQuxgf3dM9QoT2cxCjf4E-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DRQuxgf3dM9QoT2cxCjf4E-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DRQuxgf3dM9QoT2cxCjf4E-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DRQuxgf3dM9QoT2cxCjf4E-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DRQuxgf3dM9QoT2cxCjf4E-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;We expected to be attacked left, right and centre&#8217; \u2013 Kim Le Court-Pienaar defends Tour of Britain Women GC lead on hilly stage 4<\/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\/9JdzkLSRgapaJSHNya5wk9-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9JdzkLSRgapaJSHNya5wk9-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9JdzkLSRgapaJSHNya5wk9-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9JdzkLSRgapaJSHNya5wk9-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9JdzkLSRgapaJSHNya5wk9-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I want to develop myself more in the hills&#8217; \u2013\u00a0After another impressive punchy display at the Tour of Britain Women, is Lorena Wiebes evolving?<\/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\/X3hiJHUwbdn6rP5NEY5pUU-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/X3hiJHUwbdn6rP5NEY5pUU-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/X3hiJHUwbdn6rP5NEY5pUU-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/X3hiJHUwbdn6rP5NEY5pUU-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/X3hiJHUwbdn6rP5NEY5pUU-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;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<\/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\/ijb7UgPtDfhSTZMd4BQ4KW-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ijb7UgPtDfhSTZMd4BQ4KW-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ijb7UgPtDfhSTZMd4BQ4KW-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ijb7UgPtDfhSTZMd4BQ4KW-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ijb7UgPtDfhSTZMd4BQ4KW-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;A 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<\/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\/pXNHT4fLqKkNr4mJF9wXkY-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pXNHT4fLqKkNr4mJF9wXkY-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pXNHT4fLqKkNr4mJF9wXkY-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pXNHT4fLqKkNr4mJF9wXkY-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;It&#8217;s a tiny margin but a win is a win&#8217; &#8211; Tadej Poga\u010dar celebrates fourth stage win of career and first-ever lead in Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">2<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>&#8216;It just shows the class of him as an athlete and a person&#8217; &#8211; Eight days after brother Finlay&#8217;s death, Josh Tarling takes third in opening Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a time trial<\/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>Spotted: New Shimano Dura-Ace R9300 groupset breaks cover at La Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">4<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>&#8216;I know I lost time in the corners&#8217; &#8211; Wout van Aert&#8217;s dream of returning to red in the opening Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a TT falls short<\/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>Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a GC standings &#8211; From yellow to red, Tadej Poga\u010dar takes leader&#8217;s jersey on opening day<\/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>\nVisma-Lease a Bike\n<\/li>\n<li>\nWout van Aert\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>&#8216;I know I lost time in the corners&#8217; &#8211; Wout van Aert&#8217;s dream of returning to red in the opening Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a TT falls short<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"vds-byline-block flex flex-row flex-nowrap my-1.5 gap-2 text-left items-start justify-start\" data-component-name=\"Article:BylineBlock\">\n<p>News<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-auto vds-simple-byline\"><span class=\"inline-block vds-author\"><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nAlasdair Fotheringham <\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex gap-1 vds-byline-with-avatar__meta\"><span class=\"vds-date block font-normal tracking-normal normal-case text-xs\"><br \/>\nPublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-08-22T19:08:55Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n22 August 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Belgian champion repeats pre-race claims that TT course was overly technical, but says &#8216;that&#8217;s not an excuse&#8217;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"text-gray-700 flex items-center mx-0 my-5 p-0 justify-start text-left\" id=\"affiliate-disclaimer\" data-component-name=\"AffiliateDisclaimer\" data-hawk-message=\"Affiliate disclaimer removed because hawk deemed there are no affiliate links on this page\">\n<p class=\"text-[color:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--text-color,inherit)] mb-2 text-[length:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--font-size,0.75rem)] leading-[18px] md:text-[13px] [&amp;&gt;a]:text-inherit [&amp;&gt;a]:underline\">\nWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here\u2019s how it works.\n<\/p>\n<\/aside>\n<\/header>\n<\/div>\n<div 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-4d536e8a-9e5c-11f1-83e7-2bfeae2fbf56\">Wout van Aert&#8217;s dream of an immediate return to the leader&#8217;s red jersey in the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a on his return to the race failed to materialize on Saturday despite the Belgian putting in a serious effort on the technically demanding time trial course through Monaco.<\/p>\n<p>Two years ago on the opening TT in Lisbon, his last participation in the Vuelta, Van Aert fell three seconds short of winner Brandon McNulty. This time he had to settle for eighth, nine seconds back, behind McNulty&#8217;s team leader at UAE, top Vuelta favourite Tadej Poga\u010dar.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-4d536e8a-9e5c-11f1-83e7-2bfeae2fbf56-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">On a course held over roads used far more frequently in the Monaco Formula 1 circuit, just like in motor racing, given the very technical terrain, split-second decisions made all the difference.<\/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\">Van Aert had prepared so thoroughly for the time trial that he had even designed a simulation of the course to train on back home in Belgium, but it still wasn&#8217;t enough to enable the Visma-Lease a Bike winner to add a Vuelta time trial victory to the one he took in the Tour de France back in 2022.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I am simply satisfied with my time trial, and I have to be. I gave it my all, but I know I lost time in the corners,&#8221; Van Aert told journalists afterwards, in comments reported by <em>Sporza<\/em>.<\/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\/tfLM6usLQ7FSegycrtArMn-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tfLM6usLQ7FSegycrtArMn-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;It could be an opportunity to be close in GC&#8217; &#8211; Opening time trial in Monaco enticing incentive for Wout van Aert&#8217;s return to Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a<\/span><\/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\/ZH9tPKdEpRDyEkVonao4Rf-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZH9tPKdEpRDyEkVonao4Rf-150-80.png.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;At my very best, I certainly have a chance&#8217; \u2013 Wout van Aert confident in World Championships road race bid after rediscovering top form before Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/X3hiJHUwbdn6rP5NEY5pUU-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/X3hiJHUwbdn6rP5NEY5pUU-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;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<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I took slightly fewer risks there, but that was my own choice. My legs felt good, so as I said, I am satisfied with this.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Before the race, Van Aert had criticised the course for being overly technical in parts, and he doubled down on those comments afterwards. However, he emphasised that this was no excuse for losing.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-yRBhB6ftAD4DLZGNZCfFmF\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-yRBhB6ftAD4DLZGNZCfFmF slice-container-newsletterForm\">\n<div data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"newsletter-form__wrapper newsletter-form__wrapper--inbodyContent\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__container\">\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__top-bar\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__header\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__main-section\">\n<p class=\"newsletter-form__strapline\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<footer class=\"newsletter-form__footer \">By submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.<\/footer>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;The surroundings were very unique; it was special to be able to drive here on those closed roads and the F1 circuit. I enjoyed that.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;But at certain points it was too technical and slightly on the limit. However, that&#8217;s not my excuse [for losing.]&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Van Aert&#8217;s time loss was not so narrow that it could be put down fully to his extra caution. Already four seconds off the pace at the mid-time check, he ended up even further back by the finish.<\/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\/pXNHT4fLqKkNr4mJF9wXkY-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pXNHT4fLqKkNr4mJF9wXkY-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;It&#8217;s a tiny margin but a win is a win&#8217; &#8211; Tadej Poga\u010dar celebrates fourth stage win of career and first-ever lead in Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PpEhHGvv8AgcUn5LNYNkvU-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PpEhHGvv8AgcUn5LNYNkvU-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\">Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a: Tadej Poga\u010dar claims stage 1 time trial and takes the first leader&#8217;s jersey in Monaco<\/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\/Wfd8i5K6AU684DCh3PtnC9-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Wfd8i5K6AU684DCh3PtnC9-150-80.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\">Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a GC standings &#8211; From yellow to red, Tadej Poga\u010dar takes leader&#8217;s jersey on opening day<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;We can be reasonably satisfied,&#8221; Visma-Lease a Bike team coach told <em>Het Laatse Nieuws<\/em>. &#8220;We went for the win, but that didn&#8217;t happen, so naturally we aren&#8217;t very happy. Wout said he felt very good and could hardly believe that he lost so much time on the final part.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Both Heijboer and Van Aert coincided, however, that it could definitely be possible for the Belgian to take the leader&#8217;s jersey on stage 2. A long, rolling grind to Manosque, 209 kilometres with a bit of an uphill kick at the end means Van Aert could well be in his element should he want to go for time bonuses &#8211; although other very fast all-rounders like Mads Pedersen (Lidl-Trek) could well be in contention on that kind of terrain, too.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I certainly wanted to finish within that margin,&#8221; Van Aert added, with just nine seconds now separating himself and Poga\u010dar &#8211; and who bounced back in the 2024 Vuelta to take the lead on stage 2 via time bonuses, too,&#8221; he said afterwards.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Of course, I started today wanting to fight for the win, but being close is also satisfying.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-72eea088-9e5c-11f1-8d4d-cf125ed42861\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><strong>For unbeatable coverage across road, gravel and tech, subscribe to Cyclingnews. You&#8217;ll get comprehensive race coverage of La Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a, subscriber-exclusive analysis from our expert columnists, in-depth features and industry-leading tech insight. Plus, the Cyclingnews app lets you follow the action wherever you go! <\/strong><u><strong>Join today.<\/strong><\/u><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/teams-riders\/i-know-i-lost-time-in-the-corners-wout-van-aerts-dream-of-return-to-red-in-opening-vuelta-a-espana-tt-falls-short\/&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ek5ma7FwXHtSj2nMVLJLvi-2000-80.jpg&#8221;] 1 Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a stage 1 time trial start times \u2013 When Jay Vine, Wout van Aert, Tadej Poga\u010dar and others take turns on twisting 9.6km route in Monaco 2 As it happened: Time trial goes down to the wire at stage 1 of the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a 3 Cramps and goosebumps [&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-2107101","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\/2107101","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=2107101"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2107101\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2107101"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=2107101"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=2107101"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}