{"id":2109558,"date":"2026-08-24T12:39:43","date_gmt":"2026-08-24T09:39:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2109558"},"modified":"2026-08-24T12:39:43","modified_gmt":"2026-08-24T09:39:43","slug":"la-vuelta-canada-or-elsewhere-where-are-the-mens-stars-riding-in-preparation-for-the-road-world-championships","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2109558","title":{"rendered":"La Vuelta, Canada, or elsewhere \u2013 Where are the men&#8217;s stars riding in preparation for the Road World Championships?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zjHmUwnskFuJeTYbEF8aYC-2560-80.jpg&#8221;]<\/p>\n<article class=\"m-0 box-border flex flex-row items-center pr-2.5 gap-[15px] w-[278px] h-20 flex-none upnext-article-divider\" role=\"listitem\" aria-label=\"Recommended article 1 of 3\">\n<div class=\"relative flex-none w-20 h-20\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CPxWbXXnNwNbQkNsPJbekJ-160-80.jpg.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CPxWbXXnNwNbQkNsPJbekJ-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                                    As it happened: British sensation steals the show in first road stage at La Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a 2026\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\/vXx3fTTYeYfvhBsZ8FoUhF-160-80.jpg.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vXx3fTTYeYfvhBsZ8FoUhF-80-80.jpg.webp 80w\" sizes=\"80px\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex items-center justify-center absolute w-[18px] h-6 left-0 top-0 bg-white\/90 flex-none z-[1]\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"font-normal text-base leading-[17px] tracking-[1.3px] uppercase text-black flex-none\">3<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex flex-col items-center justify-center gap-1.5 w-[173px] h-20 flex-none\">\n<p class=\"font-article-heading font-medium text-base leading-[21px] text-gray-800 w-[173px] line-clamp-3 group-hover:underline\">\n                                    Tadej Poga\u010dar vs the rest \u2013 Our analysis of the top 10 contenders at the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a\n                                <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"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>\nRacing\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRoad\n<\/li>\n<li>\nUCI Road World Championships\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>La Vuelta, Canada, or elsewhere \u2013 Where are the men&#8217;s stars riding in preparation for the Road World Championships?<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"vds-byline-block flex flex-row flex-nowrap my-1.5 gap-2 text-left items-start justify-start\" data-component-name=\"Article:BylineBlock\">\n<p>Features<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-auto vds-simple-byline\"><span class=\"inline-block vds-author\"><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nOwen Rogers <\/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=\"2026-08-24T12:39:43Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n24 August 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">We break down the schedules of all the key riders as the big names head towards the Montreal Worlds<\/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\/zjHmUwnskFuJeTYbEF8aYC-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zjHmUwnskFuJeTYbEF8aYC-1600-80.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zjHmUwnskFuJeTYbEF8aYC-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zjHmUwnskFuJeTYbEF8aYC-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zjHmUwnskFuJeTYbEF8aYC-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zjHmUwnskFuJeTYbEF8aYC-750-80.jpg.webp 750w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zjHmUwnskFuJeTYbEF8aYC-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zjHmUwnskFuJeTYbEF8aYC-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zjHmUwnskFuJeTYbEF8aYC-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\">Where are world champions Remco Evenepoel, Mathieu van der Poel, and Tadej Poga\u010dar preparing for the 2026 Worlds?<\/span><span class=\"credit font-article-copy\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo\" class=\"contents\" data-only-inline=\"1\">\n<div class=\"visible flex flex-row flex-nowrap sticky max-lg:-ml-5 top-[var(--site-header-height,60px)] sm:top-0 z-[9994] w-screen lg:w-full h-[50px] bg-white p-0 mb-5 border-neutral-200 border border-solid\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Variants:Inline\" data-analytics-id=\"sticky-nav\" id=\"sticky-nav--inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"sticky-nav\">\n<div class=\"flex flex-row w-full h-full overflow-x-scroll overflow-y-hidden tracking-normal overscroll-x-contain\" id=\"sticky-nav__scroll-container\"><span class=\"pl-4 my-auto text-base font-semibold font-article-heading lg:pl-3 lg:text-sm whitespace-nowrap uppercase\">Jump To:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-row w-auto border-y-0\">\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\nborder-b-[3px] border-b-(--jumpto-underline-color) border-solid font-semibold \" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>Who&#8217;s riding where?<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\"text-copy bodyCopy auto paywall-locker\">\n<div data-analytics-id=\"utility-bar\" id=\"utility-bar\" class=\"font-ui-heading flex justify-between items-center py-2 border-t border-b border-gray-300 border-solid mb-5 mx-auto\" data-component-name=\"UtilityBar\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"utility-bar\">\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div data-component-name=\"Social:Dropdown\" role=\"menu\" id=\"utilitybar__dropdown--share\" aria-labelledby=\"utilitybar__button--share\" class=\"absolute left-0 top-full w-44 bg-white rounded-md shadow-md border border-neutral-200 z-[9996] list-none m-0 py-2 px-3 border-solid\">\n<ul class=\"m-0!\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Facebook<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>X<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Pinterest<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Email<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-share-this-article\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nShare this article\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\"><span class=\"ml-1 inline-flex h-5 px-2 shrink-0 items-center justify-center self-center overflow-hidden whitespace-nowrap rounded-[10px] bg-primary-500 text-[11px] leading-none font-ui-heading font-semibold text-white\">2<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-join-the-conversation\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nJoin the conversation\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<p>Follow us<\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-add-us-as-a-preferred-source-on-google\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nAdd us as a preferred source on Google\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-subscribe-to-our-newsletter\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nSubscribe to our newsletter\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-8a793d62-9fb0-11f1-93c0-694febf4fa78\">For much of the 31 years since the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a switched from its late-spring calendar place to its current slot bridging August and September, the Spanish Grand Tour was seen as the best preparation race for the UCI Road World Championships.<\/p>\n<p>In recent times, however, things have changed, and there are other races riders can attend to help them reach their targets at Worlds. Though plenty still head to Spain, some will choose the two Canadian one-day WorldTour races, the GPs de Qu\u00e9bec and Montr\u00e9al, to put the final touches to their preparation.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-8a793d62-9fb0-11f1-93c0-694febf4fa78-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">There are other preparation races where riders, their teams, and coaches can get what they think they need to be in the best possible shape.<\/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\">Those other options can include European WorldTour races like the Renewi Tour and the one-day Bretagne Classic-Ouest France, or further down the calendar, the Deutschland Tour, the Tour of Britain Men, and a handful of one-day races.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Of course, not everyone is able to pick the races that best ensure they arrive at Worlds in form. Further down the pecking order, cycling is like any job, and some riders&#8217; trade teams pay them so they&#8217;ll race where they&#8217;re told, especially if they&#8217;re likely to be working as a domestique at Worlds.<\/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\/dkNBfv8UpN2da7mxUPFFNn-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dkNBfv8UpN2da7mxUPFFNn-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;A once-in-a-career kind of thing&#8217; \u2013 A year on from a stunning victory, Canada&#8217;s top women riders look ahead to &#8216;special&#8217; home Road World Championships<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WHEfA8PfrwjRikdcTccTK-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WHEfA8PfrwjRikdcTccTK-150-80.png.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Who will win the Tour de France 2026? Our definitive ranking of the favourites for the yellow jersey<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/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<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">With Worlds held in Montreal, Canada this year, the two Canadian WorldTour one-dayers might seem like the best place to put the finishing touches to World Championships preparation. Not only are you in the right place and time zone with the right climate, but the two weeks in between allow time to rest, train, and get to know the routes.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Of course, the Vuelta is a totally different challenge, providing 21 days of solid competition. This year&#8217;s race is a tough one, though; its 3,308.8km features more than 58,000m of climbing, creating a completely different proposition. If a rider benefits from a large volume of racing, it&#8217;s ideal, and there&#8217;s plenty of time to fly across the Atlantic, rest, and prepare.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-QswV2JjLBZ7LDFh6GDiQeS\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-QswV2JjLBZ7LDFh6GDiQeS 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<h2 id=\"how-have-past-winners-prepared-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">How have past winners prepared?<\/h2>\n<p id=\"elk-d275f8ee-9fb0-11f1-b19b-111bf4c7b8bc\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Though the Covid seasons of 2020 and 2021, and 2023, when the Worlds were held in August, are outliers, there has been a definite move away from riders winning Worlds after racing in Spain, though there have been some interesting combinations.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">In 2011 Mark Cavendish started the Vuelta but failed to finish stage 4, so rode the Tour of Britain before winning the rainbow jersey. Three-time world champion Peter Sagan seemed to like what is now called the Renewi Tour, riding it before two of his victories.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Sagan headed to Canada on one occasion too, though when he took his first rainbow jersey in 2015 he did so after riding eight days in Spain, where he won one stage.<\/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\/YRwfVqwMR8DbCZXjkpqxeT-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YRwfVqwMR8DbCZXjkpqxeT-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\">Cycling&#8217;s next generation heads to Spain \u2013\u00a0Young riders to watch at the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-2\" 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\/Ty569jeaw6C8tRZavL46kT-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ty569jeaw6C8tRZavL46kT-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">No Poga\u010dar or Vingegaard but Paul Seixas faces test of Tour de France credentials against Del Toro, Ayuso and more \u2013 Analysing the contenders at Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes<\/span><\/li>\n<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\/vXx3fTTYeYfvhBsZ8FoUhF-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vXx3fTTYeYfvhBsZ8FoUhF-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Tadej Poga\u010dar vs the rest \u2013 Our analysis of the top 10 contenders at the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Perhaps the least conventional approach of any recent road World Champion is Mads Pedersen, who rode the Deutschland Tour and a clutch of one-day races before his 2019 rainbow ride. The Dane has said he thinks this year&#8217;s rainbow jersey is beyond him, though.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The same applies to the individual time trial, where only six of the champions through those same years raced the Vuelta beforehand. The most recent was Rohan Dennis in 2018.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">So who\u2019s doing what this year? We\u2019ve checked out some of the favourites to see how they\u2019re approaching this year\u2019s Road World Championships.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-who-s-riding-where\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Who&#8217;s riding where?<\/span><\/h3>\n<h2 id=\"slovenia-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Slovenia<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-bf7f1208-9fb4-11f1-b0af-05a0b985f8c2\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eVHYmwQTb8jA4xUakdSTbc-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eVHYmwQTb8jA4xUakdSTbc-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eVHYmwQTb8jA4xUakdSTbc-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eVHYmwQTb8jA4xUakdSTbc-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eVHYmwQTb8jA4xUakdSTbc-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eVHYmwQTb8jA4xUakdSTbc-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Tadej Poga\u010dar is currently in Spain tackling the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-d275faba-9fb0-11f1-8433-5fe20be65e5b\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Tadej Poga\u010dar is currently in Spain riding for his UAE Team Emirates-XRG team, attempting to complete the Grand Tour trilogy, and he\u2019s the outstanding favourite to take the rainbows.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Should he do so, it will be his third successive rainbow jersey, though those two previous victories came after successful visits to the Canadian races.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">While no one would bet against him, the Vuelta is a tough race this year, and even his team have acknowledged how difficult it will be for him to win, especially coming on the back of his dominant Tour de France victory.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Primo\u017e Rogli\u010d, who has been a key lieutenant for Poga\u010dar in Z\u00fcrich and Kigali, is also racing the Vuelta.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"netherlands-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Netherlands<\/h2>\n<p id=\"elk-bf7f12e4-9fb4-11f1-bf49-bd945e9837e3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">2023 world champion Mathieu van der Poel is back this year after missing the 2025 Worlds, which featured over 5,000 metres of climbing.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">He recently completed the Tour de France, including that thrilling final-day win in Paris. He recently switched back to the mountain bike at the UCI World Cup in Les Gets, taking second in the XCO race and 11th in the cross-country short track race.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">MTB Worlds aside, has no other races on his schedule before Road Worlds and will likely prepare for the race with a training camp.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"mexico-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Mexico<\/h2>\n<p id=\"elk-d275fb96-9fb0-11f1-b937-4d8c41e95eac\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Mexico is not a country we\u2019re used to mentioning in a list of favourites for Worlds, but given the freedom to race against \u2013 rather than for \u2013 his trade teammate Poga\u010dar, Isaac Del Toro is sure to be a threat.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Last year was the 22-year-old\u2019s debut in the Elite race, and he finished seventh, beginning his prep by winning the Vuelta Burgos then riding a string of seven European one-day races, winning four of them.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">This time he\u2019s been at the Deutschland Tour, winning the prologue, and while his programme is not yet set in stone, it\u2019s thought he\u2019ll be racing the Canadian WorldTour races ahead of Worlds.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"belgium-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Belgium<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-bf7f1366-9fb4-11f1-b4c8-1d296bd1be29\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oPLwAAVn9YdXjTz9NEbZSc-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oPLwAAVn9YdXjTz9NEbZSc-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oPLwAAVn9YdXjTz9NEbZSc-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oPLwAAVn9YdXjTz9NEbZSc-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oPLwAAVn9YdXjTz9NEbZSc-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oPLwAAVn9YdXjTz9NEbZSc-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Wout van Aert is another rider preparing for the Worlds in Spain <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-34f542b8-9fb1-11f1-be6d-d7b3160d450e\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Remco Evenepoel will be another favourite for victory in Montreal in both the time trial and road race, both of which he\u2019s won before. He\u2019s only raced once since the Tour de France, winning Donostia San Sebasti\u00e1n Klasikoa, but has proved this year that he benefits from concentrated periods of training, spending the two months between Li\u00e8ge-Bastogne-Li\u00e8ge and the Tour de France without competition. He\u2019ll complete his prep for Worlds at the two Canadian races.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">This marks a change from previous years, though. When he won the road title in 2022, he\u2019d just raced and won the Vuelta, though his two most recent time trial successes came after lower-profile appearances racing the Tour of Britain.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Depending on how the race pans out, Evenepoel\u2019s Belgian squad can also look to Wout van Aert as a possible winner in Montreal. Van Aert is not a regular at Worlds; his most recent appearance was Glasgow 2023, but chosen the Vuelta for his final race.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"australia-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Australia<\/h2>\n<p id=\"elk-46dc20aa-9fb1-11f1-94bb-011a20bfceae\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Another team with solid sprinting and climbing options is Australia, with Michael Matthews regularly the country\u2019s best finisher. Third place in 2022 was his best result and came on the back of excellent rides at the Canadian races. He\u2019s won Qu\u00e9bec three times and rarely messed the Canadian race, so expect him to ride there this year.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Australia are graced with several climbers who could do well. Of those, Jay Vine\u2019s season has been blighted by injury, though he\u2019s currently at the Vuelta, while Jai Hindley, Ben O\u2019Connor and Michael Storer are unconfirmed for the Canadian races pre-Worlds.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"usa-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">USA<\/h2>\n<p id=\"elk-46dc2190-9fb1-11f1-aca9-0559b718e21e\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Quinn Simmons is the only confirmed starter for the USA so far, but he could be all they need as he\u2019s developed into one of the world\u2019s most consistent and versatile riders in recent years.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Since winning the Junior Worlds in 2019, ninth is Simmons\u2019 best finish in the Elite race two years ago. Then he\u2019d raced the Skoda Tour de Luxembourg before Worlds; this year he\u2019s chosen an unconventional route, riding the Leadville Trail 100 MTB before heading to the reborn Philadelphia Cycling Classic and the Canadian one-dayers.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">It remains to be seen if Matteo Jorgenson will make a return to Worlds. He has taken time away from racing following the Tour de France and Donostia San Sebasti\u00e1n Klasikoa, and has Il Lombardia on his late-season hitlist.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"denmark-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Denmark<\/h2>\n<p id=\"elk-d9997024-9fb5-11f1-a5af-e19af29f571c\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Denmark has risen to become one of the top nations in modern cycling, with Mads Pedersen&#8217;s 2019 Worlds triumph among their great achievements. He&#8217;s not set to race here, however.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Neither will Jonas Vingegaard. Instead, Denmark could again look to Mattias Skjelmose, fourth in Rwanda, this year. He is, however, tackling the second part of a Tour-Vuelta double, with the three-week outing in Spain ending just two weeks before the Worlds road race.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"france-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">France<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-bf7f13fc-9fb4-11f1-8fb2-4d83f143cebe\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RBiTVL2RARvGnpZBZTeEXc-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RBiTVL2RARvGnpZBZTeEXc-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RBiTVL2RARvGnpZBZTeEXc-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RBiTVL2RARvGnpZBZTeEXc-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RBiTVL2RARvGnpZBZTeEXc-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RBiTVL2RARvGnpZBZTeEXc-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">19-year-old phenomenon Paul Seixas will be taking on an all-Canadian run-in to Worlds <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-46dc2122-9fb1-11f1-8eba-71e6e5b9e22b\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Last year, French prodigy Paul Seixas finished 13th in his first elite road race at the World Championships, heading to Rwanda after winning the Tour de l\u2019Avenir.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">This year he\u2019ll be making his debut at the GPs de Qu\u00e9bec and Montr\u00e9al before riding the Worlds. Should he win, he\u2019ll be the youngest road world champion in history, aged just 20 years and three days.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Other potential French picks for the squad include Lenny Martinez, Romain Gr\u00e9goire, and Beno\u00eet Cosnefroy, but the trio haven&#8217;t confirmed their upcoming races.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"italy-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Italy<\/h2>\n<p id=\"elk-34f5459c-9fb1-11f1-924e-3d12fab14cc3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">A punchy and aggressive rider, Giulio Ciccone took sixth place at the Rwanda Worlds after a handful of stage top 10s at the Vuelta, though this year he\u2019ll be taking on the GPs de Qu\u00e9bec and Montr\u00e9al before Worlds.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Alberto Bettiol has two World Championships top 10 placings to his name in recent years and is another regular at the Canadian races, where he\u2019ll compete again this year. He\u2019s not a regular winner, but his victories are always big ones.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"great-britain-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Great Britain<\/h2>\n<p id=\"elk-34f54768-9fb1-11f1-9c44-db16e95a9a91\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Team GB are likely to put their eggs in the Tom Pidcock basket for this year\u2019s Worlds. Sixth place in 2021 and 10th last year are his best results to date, both coming after racing the Vuelta.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">He hasn&#8217;t raced since finishing ninth after an aggressive showing at the Tour de France, but will ride the GPs de Qu\u00e9bec and Montr\u00e9al before Worlds.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"spain-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Spain<\/h2>\n<p id=\"elk-34f54920-9fb1-11f1-b839-4fe254fb3ea4\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The vast majority of our favourites will be heading to Canada, and even Spain\u2019s Juan Ayuso will be joining them, rather than riding his home Grand Tour. Last year\u2019s eighth place was the 23-year-old\u2019s best placing in the Elite Worlds, achieved after a poor Vuelta.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">A host of Spain&#8217;s other top riders, including Enric Mas, Iv\u00e1n Romeo, and Pablo Castrillo, are currently in action at La Vuelta.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"canada-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Canada<\/h2>\n<p id=\"elk-34f549fc-9fb1-11f1-8d9d-0f2f5de3d4aa\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Finally, spare a thought for Hugo Houle. The Canadian was born and grew up just north of Montreal, but rather than heading home to compete in his two favourite races, his Alpecin-Premier Tech team need him at the Vuelta.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Derek Gee-West will be racing the Philadelphia Cycling Classic later this month, while Michael Woods \u2013 who is coming out of retirement to race \u2013 won&#8217;t be tackling any pro races, instead relying on training.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-8420ca0c-9fb5-11f1-8172-8f9515069988\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><strong>For unbeatable coverage across road, gravel and tech, subscribe to Cyclingnews. You&#8217;ll get comprehensive race coverage of La Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a, subscriber-exclusive analysis from our expert columnists, in-depth features and industry-leading tech insight. Plus, the Cyclingnews app lets you follow the action wherever you go! <\/strong><u><strong>Join today.<\/strong><\/u><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-QswV2JjLBZ7LDFh6GDiQeS\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-QswV2JjLBZ7LDFh6GDiQeS 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\/5d2CksSry8bfgFKS33vwFi-140-80.jpg.webp 140w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5d2CksSry8bfgFKS33vwFi.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5d2CksSry8bfgFKS33vwFi.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5d2CksSry8bfgFKS33vwFi.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\">Owen Rogers<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__role\">Staff Writer<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>A recent addition to the Cyclingnews staff, Owen Rogers is an experienced journalist, working as a freelancer covering the sport for various magazines and websites for more than 10 years.<\/p>\n<p>Initially concentrating mainly on the women&#8217;s sport, he has covered hundreds of race days on the ground and interviewed some of the sport&#8217;s biggest names.<\/p>\n<p>Living near Cambridge in the UK, when he&#8217;s not working you&#8217;ll find him either riding his bike or playing drums.<\/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\/dkNBfv8UpN2da7mxUPFFNn-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dkNBfv8UpN2da7mxUPFFNn-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dkNBfv8UpN2da7mxUPFFNn-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dkNBfv8UpN2da7mxUPFFNn-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dkNBfv8UpN2da7mxUPFFNn-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;A once-in-a-career kind of thing&#8217; \u2013 A year on from a stunning victory, Canada&#8217;s top women riders look ahead to &#8216;special&#8217; home Road World Championships<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WHEfA8PfrwjRikdcTccTK-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WHEfA8PfrwjRikdcTccTK-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WHEfA8PfrwjRikdcTccTK-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WHEfA8PfrwjRikdcTccTK-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WHEfA8PfrwjRikdcTccTK-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Who will win the Tour de France 2026? Our definitive ranking of the favourites for the yellow jersey<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/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\/YRwfVqwMR8DbCZXjkpqxeT-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YRwfVqwMR8DbCZXjkpqxeT-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YRwfVqwMR8DbCZXjkpqxeT-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YRwfVqwMR8DbCZXjkpqxeT-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YRwfVqwMR8DbCZXjkpqxeT-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Emerging Talents<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Cycling&#8217;s next generation heads to Spain \u2013\u00a0Young riders to watch at the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ty569jeaw6C8tRZavL46kT-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ty569jeaw6C8tRZavL46kT-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ty569jeaw6C8tRZavL46kT-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ty569jeaw6C8tRZavL46kT-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ty569jeaw6C8tRZavL46kT-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">No Poga\u010dar or Vingegaard but Paul Seixas faces test of Tour de France credentials against Del Toro, Ayuso and more \u2013 Analysing the contenders at Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vXx3fTTYeYfvhBsZ8FoUhF-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vXx3fTTYeYfvhBsZ8FoUhF-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vXx3fTTYeYfvhBsZ8FoUhF-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vXx3fTTYeYfvhBsZ8FoUhF-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vXx3fTTYeYfvhBsZ8FoUhF-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Tadej Poga\u010dar vs the rest \u2013 Our analysis of the top 10 contenders at the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\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 Racing<\/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\/gb83HzBMqhypFmjmZNAvnQ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gb83HzBMqhypFmjmZNAvnQ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gb83HzBMqhypFmjmZNAvnQ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gb83HzBMqhypFmjmZNAvnQ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gb83HzBMqhypFmjmZNAvnQ-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Tadej Poga\u010dar pulls over peloton as hail storm cancels finale of Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a stage 3<\/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\/CVjibzGwjF7ZSVLRodUHS8-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CVjibzGwjF7ZSVLRodUHS8-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CVjibzGwjF7ZSVLRodUHS8-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CVjibzGwjF7ZSVLRodUHS8-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CVjibzGwjF7ZSVLRodUHS8-320-80.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 places restrictions on its own content creator amid backlash over interactions with Tadej Poga\u010dar and others<\/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\/qeUP3Jwa4YCvLkCpjvgbEa-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qeUP3Jwa4YCvLkCpjvgbEa-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qeUP3Jwa4YCvLkCpjvgbEa-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qeUP3Jwa4YCvLkCpjvgbEa-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qeUP3Jwa4YCvLkCpjvgbEa-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a: Stage 3 ends without a winner as extreme weather batters the peloton on the road to first summit finish at Font Romeu<\/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\/xwfHZ2na3reEhMq7K4eAiK-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xwfHZ2na3reEhMq7K4eAiK-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xwfHZ2na3reEhMq7K4eAiK-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xwfHZ2na3reEhMq7K4eAiK-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xwfHZ2na3reEhMq7K4eAiK-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;I will need a bit of luck&#8217; \u2013 Mathieu van der Poel delivers strong mountain bike return at Les Gets but keeps a lid on World Championships expectations<\/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\/22JBgTg7wtvab74qNtGFzS-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/22JBgTg7wtvab74qNtGFzS-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/22JBgTg7wtvab74qNtGFzS-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/22JBgTg7wtvab74qNtGFzS-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/22JBgTg7wtvab74qNtGFzS-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\">A fighting return for Sammie Maxwell at Mountain Bike World Series round in Les Gets<\/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\/cxdBUbUNkEmBxuAnRMLd4e-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cxdBUbUNkEmBxuAnRMLd4e-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cxdBUbUNkEmBxuAnRMLd4e-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cxdBUbUNkEmBxuAnRMLd4e-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cxdBUbUNkEmBxuAnRMLd4e-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;The hardest week I&#8217;ve done by far all year&#8217; \u2013 Amber Pate returns to racing at Tour of Britain Women after six months away due to pancreatic tumour<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-articletype\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Features<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FTQqNwtKiSNxSX9AHvcUDA-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FTQqNwtKiSNxSX9AHvcUDA-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FTQqNwtKiSNxSX9AHvcUDA-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FTQqNwtKiSNxSX9AHvcUDA-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FTQqNwtKiSNxSX9AHvcUDA-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Julian Alaphilippe had more than panache \u2013 he was a conjuror who was greater than the sum of his watts<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xaPhNZ65Eb5A24MN8pQZC8-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xaPhNZ65Eb5A24MN8pQZC8-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xaPhNZ65Eb5A24MN8pQZC8-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xaPhNZ65Eb5A24MN8pQZC8-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xaPhNZ65Eb5A24MN8pQZC8-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Tadej Poga\u010dar could win the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a by 10 minutes but total domination is unlikely \u2013 Philippa York analysis<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YzNZ46ofevTyGMxGmJDE5Y-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YzNZ46ofevTyGMxGmJDE5Y-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YzNZ46ofevTyGMxGmJDE5Y-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YzNZ46ofevTyGMxGmJDE5Y-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YzNZ46ofevTyGMxGmJDE5Y-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Last chance saloon \u2013 The riders and teams who need to turn their season around at the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NJ4BiB5vR77FkK9byLB3pN-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NJ4BiB5vR77FkK9byLB3pN-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NJ4BiB5vR77FkK9byLB3pN-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NJ4BiB5vR77FkK9byLB3pN-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NJ4BiB5vR77FkK9byLB3pN-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Cycling Kit &amp; Accessories<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Used bibs, \u00a32 jerseys, and fake Rapha wares \u2013 Inside the wild west of buying second-hand cycling kit<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QqaVxzjcE5LpMpbUNGnwuV-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QqaVxzjcE5LpMpbUNGnwuV-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QqaVxzjcE5LpMpbUNGnwuV-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QqaVxzjcE5LpMpbUNGnwuV-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QqaVxzjcE5LpMpbUNGnwuV-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;The Vuelta is going to be arduous, even for Tadej&#8217; \u2013 UAE  performance head warns that nobody, not even Poga\u010dar, will have it easy this summer in Spain<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/didDWkuxCx3NhnzuvisdbR-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/didDWkuxCx3NhnzuvisdbR-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/didDWkuxCx3NhnzuvisdbR-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/didDWkuxCx3NhnzuvisdbR-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/didDWkuxCx3NhnzuvisdbR-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;The Leadville nobody knew&#8217; \u2013 Revised course eliminates final &#8216;gut punch&#8217; of Powerline climb but Columbine and elevation keep you humble<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"widgetArea17\" class=\"widget-area md:basis-1\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-1-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-1-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-1-3 page-widget-area-17\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"dynamic\" id=\"popular-data\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-dynamic widget-popular-data widget-dynamic-popular-data widget-dynamic-fter-popular-box\">\n<div class=\"wdn-fte-pb pos-relative space-t20\n\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"slice-container popular-box-slice\">\n<section class=\"popular-box\" data-component-name=\"Slice:PopularBox\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label__tab popular-box__label__tab--active\" role=\"heading\">\nLATEST ARTICLES\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<ol class=\"popular-box__articles-list popular-box__articles-list--active\">\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__image-wrapper\">\n<div>\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qeUP3Jwa4YCvLkCpjvgbEa-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qeUP3Jwa4YCvLkCpjvgbEa-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qeUP3Jwa4YCvLkCpjvgbEa-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qeUP3Jwa4YCvLkCpjvgbEa-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>Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a: Stage 3 ends without a winner as extreme weather batters the peloton on the road to first summit finish at Font Romeu<\/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>Tadej Poga\u010dar pulls over peloton as hail storm cancels finale of Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a stage 3<\/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>Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a places restrictions on its own content creator amid backlash over interactions with Tadej Poga\u010dar and others<\/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>La Vuelta, Canada, or elsewhere \u2013 Where are the men&#8217;s stars riding in preparation for the Road World Championships?<\/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>As it happened: Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a stage 3 comes to a premature end<\/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>\nRacing\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRoad\n<\/li>\n<li>\nUCI Road World Championships\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>La Vuelta, Canada, or elsewhere \u2013 Where are the men&#8217;s stars riding in preparation for the Road World Championships?<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"vds-byline-block flex flex-row flex-nowrap my-1.5 gap-2 text-left items-start justify-start\" data-component-name=\"Article:BylineBlock\">\n<p>Features<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-auto vds-simple-byline\"><span class=\"inline-block vds-author\"><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nOwen Rogers <\/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=\"2026-08-24T12:39:43Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n24 August 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">We break down the schedules of all the key riders as the big names head towards the Montreal Worlds<\/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\/zjHmUwnskFuJeTYbEF8aYC-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zjHmUwnskFuJeTYbEF8aYC-1600-80.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zjHmUwnskFuJeTYbEF8aYC-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zjHmUwnskFuJeTYbEF8aYC-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zjHmUwnskFuJeTYbEF8aYC-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zjHmUwnskFuJeTYbEF8aYC-750-80.jpg.webp 750w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zjHmUwnskFuJeTYbEF8aYC-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zjHmUwnskFuJeTYbEF8aYC-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zjHmUwnskFuJeTYbEF8aYC-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\">Where are world champions Remco Evenepoel, Mathieu van der Poel, and Tadej Poga\u010dar preparing for the 2026 Worlds?<\/span><span class=\"credit font-article-copy\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo\" class=\"contents\" data-only-inline=\"1\">\n<div class=\"visible flex flex-row flex-nowrap sticky max-lg:-ml-5 top-[var(--site-header-height,60px)] sm:top-0 z-[9994] w-screen lg:w-full h-[50px] bg-white p-0 mb-5 border-neutral-200 border border-solid\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Variants:Inline\" data-analytics-id=\"sticky-nav\" id=\"sticky-nav--inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"sticky-nav\">\n<div class=\"flex flex-row w-full h-full overflow-x-scroll overflow-y-hidden tracking-normal overscroll-x-contain\" id=\"sticky-nav__scroll-container\"><span class=\"pl-4 my-auto text-base font-semibold font-article-heading lg:pl-3 lg:text-sm whitespace-nowrap uppercase\">Jump To:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-row w-auto border-y-0\">\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\nborder-b-[3px] border-b-(--jumpto-underline-color) border-solid font-semibold \" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>Who&#8217;s riding where?<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\"text-copy bodyCopy auto paywall-locker\">\n<div data-analytics-id=\"utility-bar\" id=\"utility-bar\" class=\"font-ui-heading flex justify-between items-center py-2 border-t border-b border-gray-300 border-solid mb-5 mx-auto\" data-component-name=\"UtilityBar\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"utility-bar\">\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div data-component-name=\"Social:Dropdown\" role=\"menu\" id=\"utilitybar__dropdown--share\" aria-labelledby=\"utilitybar__button--share\" class=\"absolute left-0 top-full w-44 bg-white rounded-md shadow-md border border-neutral-200 z-[9996] list-none m-0 py-2 px-3 border-solid\">\n<ul class=\"m-0!\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Facebook<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>X<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Pinterest<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Email<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-share-this-article\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nShare this article\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\"><span class=\"ml-1 inline-flex h-5 px-2 shrink-0 items-center justify-center self-center overflow-hidden whitespace-nowrap rounded-[10px] bg-primary-500 text-[11px] leading-none font-ui-heading font-semibold text-white\">2<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-join-the-conversation\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nJoin the conversation\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<p>Follow us<\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-add-us-as-a-preferred-source-on-google\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nAdd us as a preferred source on Google\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-subscribe-to-our-newsletter\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nSubscribe to our newsletter\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-8a793d62-9fb0-11f1-93c0-694febf4fa78\">For much of the 31 years since the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a switched from its late-spring calendar place to its current slot bridging August and September, the Spanish Grand Tour was seen as the best preparation race for the UCI Road World Championships.<\/p>\n<p>In recent times, however, things have changed, and there are other races riders can attend to help them reach their targets at Worlds. Though plenty still head to Spain, some will choose the two Canadian one-day WorldTour races, the GPs de Qu\u00e9bec and Montr\u00e9al, to put the final touches to their preparation.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-8a793d62-9fb0-11f1-93c0-694febf4fa78-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">There are other preparation races where riders, their teams, and coaches can get what they think they need to be in the best possible shape.<\/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\">Those other options can include European WorldTour races like the Renewi Tour and the one-day Bretagne Classic-Ouest France, or further down the calendar, the Deutschland Tour, the Tour of Britain Men, and a handful of one-day races.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Of course, not everyone is able to pick the races that best ensure they arrive at Worlds in form. Further down the pecking order, cycling is like any job, and some riders&#8217; trade teams pay them so they&#8217;ll race where they&#8217;re told, especially if they&#8217;re likely to be working as a domestique at Worlds.<\/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\/dkNBfv8UpN2da7mxUPFFNn-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dkNBfv8UpN2da7mxUPFFNn-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;A once-in-a-career kind of thing&#8217; \u2013 A year on from a stunning victory, Canada&#8217;s top women riders look ahead to &#8216;special&#8217; home Road World Championships<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WHEfA8PfrwjRikdcTccTK-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WHEfA8PfrwjRikdcTccTK-150-80.png.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Who will win the Tour de France 2026? Our definitive ranking of the favourites for the yellow jersey<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/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<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">With Worlds held in Montreal, Canada this year, the two Canadian WorldTour one-dayers might seem like the best place to put the finishing touches to World Championships preparation. Not only are you in the right place and time zone with the right climate, but the two weeks in between allow time to rest, train, and get to know the routes.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Of course, the Vuelta is a totally different challenge, providing 21 days of solid competition. This year&#8217;s race is a tough one, though; its 3,308.8km features more than 58,000m of climbing, creating a completely different proposition. If a rider benefits from a large volume of racing, it&#8217;s ideal, and there&#8217;s plenty of time to fly across the Atlantic, rest, and prepare.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-QswV2JjLBZ7LDFh6GDiQeS\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-QswV2JjLBZ7LDFh6GDiQeS 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<h2 id=\"how-have-past-winners-prepared-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">How have past winners prepared?<\/h2>\n<p id=\"elk-d275f8ee-9fb0-11f1-b19b-111bf4c7b8bc\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Though the Covid seasons of 2020 and 2021, and 2023, when the Worlds were held in August, are outliers, there has been a definite move away from riders winning Worlds after racing in Spain, though there have been some interesting combinations.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">In 2011 Mark Cavendish started the Vuelta but failed to finish stage 4, so rode the Tour of Britain before winning the rainbow jersey. Three-time world champion Peter Sagan seemed to like what is now called the Renewi Tour, riding it before two of his victories.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Sagan headed to Canada on one occasion too, though when he took his first rainbow jersey in 2015 he did so after riding eight days in Spain, where he won one stage.<\/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\/YRwfVqwMR8DbCZXjkpqxeT-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YRwfVqwMR8DbCZXjkpqxeT-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\">Cycling&#8217;s next generation heads to Spain \u2013\u00a0Young riders to watch at the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-2\" 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\/Ty569jeaw6C8tRZavL46kT-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ty569jeaw6C8tRZavL46kT-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">No Poga\u010dar or Vingegaard but Paul Seixas faces test of Tour de France credentials against Del Toro, Ayuso and more \u2013 Analysing the contenders at Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes<\/span><\/li>\n<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\/vXx3fTTYeYfvhBsZ8FoUhF-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vXx3fTTYeYfvhBsZ8FoUhF-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Tadej Poga\u010dar vs the rest \u2013 Our analysis of the top 10 contenders at the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Perhaps the least conventional approach of any recent road World Champion is Mads Pedersen, who rode the Deutschland Tour and a clutch of one-day races before his 2019 rainbow ride. The Dane has said he thinks this year&#8217;s rainbow jersey is beyond him, though.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The same applies to the individual time trial, where only six of the champions through those same years raced the Vuelta beforehand. The most recent was Rohan Dennis in 2018.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">So who\u2019s doing what this year? We\u2019ve checked out some of the favourites to see how they\u2019re approaching this year\u2019s Road World Championships.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-who-s-riding-where\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Who&#8217;s riding where?<\/span><\/h3>\n<h2 id=\"slovenia-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Slovenia<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-bf7f1208-9fb4-11f1-b0af-05a0b985f8c2\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eVHYmwQTb8jA4xUakdSTbc-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eVHYmwQTb8jA4xUakdSTbc-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eVHYmwQTb8jA4xUakdSTbc-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eVHYmwQTb8jA4xUakdSTbc-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eVHYmwQTb8jA4xUakdSTbc-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eVHYmwQTb8jA4xUakdSTbc-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Tadej Poga\u010dar is currently in Spain tackling the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-d275faba-9fb0-11f1-8433-5fe20be65e5b\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Tadej Poga\u010dar is currently in Spain riding for his UAE Team Emirates-XRG team, attempting to complete the Grand Tour trilogy, and he\u2019s the outstanding favourite to take the rainbows.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Should he do so, it will be his third successive rainbow jersey, though those two previous victories came after successful visits to the Canadian races.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">While no one would bet against him, the Vuelta is a tough race this year, and even his team have acknowledged how difficult it will be for him to win, especially coming on the back of his dominant Tour de France victory.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Primo\u017e Rogli\u010d, who has been a key lieutenant for Poga\u010dar in Z\u00fcrich and Kigali, is also racing the Vuelta.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"netherlands-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Netherlands<\/h2>\n<p id=\"elk-bf7f12e4-9fb4-11f1-bf49-bd945e9837e3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">2023 world champion Mathieu van der Poel is back this year after missing the 2025 Worlds, which featured over 5,000 metres of climbing.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">He recently completed the Tour de France, including that thrilling final-day win in Paris. He recently switched back to the mountain bike at the UCI World Cup in Les Gets, taking second in the XCO race and 11th in the cross-country short track race.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">MTB Worlds aside, has no other races on his schedule before Road Worlds and will likely prepare for the race with a training camp.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"mexico-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Mexico<\/h2>\n<p id=\"elk-d275fb96-9fb0-11f1-b937-4d8c41e95eac\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Mexico is not a country we\u2019re used to mentioning in a list of favourites for Worlds, but given the freedom to race against \u2013 rather than for \u2013 his trade teammate Poga\u010dar, Isaac Del Toro is sure to be a threat.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Last year was the 22-year-old\u2019s debut in the Elite race, and he finished seventh, beginning his prep by winning the Vuelta Burgos then riding a string of seven European one-day races, winning four of them.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">This time he\u2019s been at the Deutschland Tour, winning the prologue, and while his programme is not yet set in stone, it\u2019s thought he\u2019ll be racing the Canadian WorldTour races ahead of Worlds.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"belgium-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Belgium<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-bf7f1366-9fb4-11f1-b4c8-1d296bd1be29\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oPLwAAVn9YdXjTz9NEbZSc-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oPLwAAVn9YdXjTz9NEbZSc-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oPLwAAVn9YdXjTz9NEbZSc-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oPLwAAVn9YdXjTz9NEbZSc-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oPLwAAVn9YdXjTz9NEbZSc-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oPLwAAVn9YdXjTz9NEbZSc-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Wout van Aert is another rider preparing for the Worlds in Spain <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-34f542b8-9fb1-11f1-be6d-d7b3160d450e\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Remco Evenepoel will be another favourite for victory in Montreal in both the time trial and road race, both of which he\u2019s won before. He\u2019s only raced once since the Tour de France, winning Donostia San Sebasti\u00e1n Klasikoa, but has proved this year that he benefits from concentrated periods of training, spending the two months between Li\u00e8ge-Bastogne-Li\u00e8ge and the Tour de France without competition. He\u2019ll complete his prep for Worlds at the two Canadian races.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">This marks a change from previous years, though. When he won the road title in 2022, he\u2019d just raced and won the Vuelta, though his two most recent time trial successes came after lower-profile appearances racing the Tour of Britain.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Depending on how the race pans out, Evenepoel\u2019s Belgian squad can also look to Wout van Aert as a possible winner in Montreal. Van Aert is not a regular at Worlds; his most recent appearance was Glasgow 2023, but chosen the Vuelta for his final race.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"australia-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Australia<\/h2>\n<p id=\"elk-46dc20aa-9fb1-11f1-94bb-011a20bfceae\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Another team with solid sprinting and climbing options is Australia, with Michael Matthews regularly the country\u2019s best finisher. Third place in 2022 was his best result and came on the back of excellent rides at the Canadian races. He\u2019s won Qu\u00e9bec three times and rarely messed the Canadian race, so expect him to ride there this year.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Australia are graced with several climbers who could do well. Of those, Jay Vine\u2019s season has been blighted by injury, though he\u2019s currently at the Vuelta, while Jai Hindley, Ben O\u2019Connor and Michael Storer are unconfirmed for the Canadian races pre-Worlds.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"usa-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">USA<\/h2>\n<p id=\"elk-46dc2190-9fb1-11f1-aca9-0559b718e21e\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Quinn Simmons is the only confirmed starter for the USA so far, but he could be all they need as he\u2019s developed into one of the world\u2019s most consistent and versatile riders in recent years.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Since winning the Junior Worlds in 2019, ninth is Simmons\u2019 best finish in the Elite race two years ago. Then he\u2019d raced the Skoda Tour de Luxembourg before Worlds; this year he\u2019s chosen an unconventional route, riding the Leadville Trail 100 MTB before heading to the reborn Philadelphia Cycling Classic and the Canadian one-dayers.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">It remains to be seen if Matteo Jorgenson will make a return to Worlds. He has taken time away from racing following the Tour de France and Donostia San Sebasti\u00e1n Klasikoa, and has Il Lombardia on his late-season hitlist.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"denmark-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Denmark<\/h2>\n<p id=\"elk-d9997024-9fb5-11f1-a5af-e19af29f571c\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Denmark has risen to become one of the top nations in modern cycling, with Mads Pedersen&#8217;s 2019 Worlds triumph among their great achievements. He&#8217;s not set to race here, however.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Neither will Jonas Vingegaard. Instead, Denmark could again look to Mattias Skjelmose, fourth in Rwanda, this year. He is, however, tackling the second part of a Tour-Vuelta double, with the three-week outing in Spain ending just two weeks before the Worlds road race.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"france-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">France<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-bf7f13fc-9fb4-11f1-8fb2-4d83f143cebe\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RBiTVL2RARvGnpZBZTeEXc-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RBiTVL2RARvGnpZBZTeEXc-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RBiTVL2RARvGnpZBZTeEXc-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RBiTVL2RARvGnpZBZTeEXc-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RBiTVL2RARvGnpZBZTeEXc-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RBiTVL2RARvGnpZBZTeEXc-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">19-year-old phenomenon Paul Seixas will be taking on an all-Canadian run-in to Worlds <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-46dc2122-9fb1-11f1-8eba-71e6e5b9e22b\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Last year, French prodigy Paul Seixas finished 13th in his first elite road race at the World Championships, heading to Rwanda after winning the Tour de l\u2019Avenir.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">This year he\u2019ll be making his debut at the GPs de Qu\u00e9bec and Montr\u00e9al before riding the Worlds. Should he win, he\u2019ll be the youngest road world champion in history, aged just 20 years and three days.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Other potential French picks for the squad include Lenny Martinez, Romain Gr\u00e9goire, and Beno\u00eet Cosnefroy, but the trio haven&#8217;t confirmed their upcoming races.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"italy-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Italy<\/h2>\n<p id=\"elk-34f5459c-9fb1-11f1-924e-3d12fab14cc3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">A punchy and aggressive rider, Giulio Ciccone took sixth place at the Rwanda Worlds after a handful of stage top 10s at the Vuelta, though this year he\u2019ll be taking on the GPs de Qu\u00e9bec and Montr\u00e9al before Worlds.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Alberto Bettiol has two World Championships top 10 placings to his name in recent years and is another regular at the Canadian races, where he\u2019ll compete again this year. He\u2019s not a regular winner, but his victories are always big ones.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"great-britain-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Great Britain<\/h2>\n<p id=\"elk-34f54768-9fb1-11f1-9c44-db16e95a9a91\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Team GB are likely to put their eggs in the Tom Pidcock basket for this year\u2019s Worlds. Sixth place in 2021 and 10th last year are his best results to date, both coming after racing the Vuelta.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">He hasn&#8217;t raced since finishing ninth after an aggressive showing at the Tour de France, but will ride the GPs de Qu\u00e9bec and Montr\u00e9al before Worlds.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"spain-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Spain<\/h2>\n<p id=\"elk-34f54920-9fb1-11f1-b839-4fe254fb3ea4\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The vast majority of our favourites will be heading to Canada, and even Spain\u2019s Juan Ayuso will be joining them, rather than riding his home Grand Tour. Last year\u2019s eighth place was the 23-year-old\u2019s best placing in the Elite Worlds, achieved after a poor Vuelta.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">A host of Spain&#8217;s other top riders, including Enric Mas, Iv\u00e1n Romeo, and Pablo Castrillo, are currently in action at La Vuelta.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"canada-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Canada<\/h2>\n<p id=\"elk-34f549fc-9fb1-11f1-8d9d-0f2f5de3d4aa\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Finally, spare a thought for Hugo Houle. The Canadian was born and grew up just north of Montreal, but rather than heading home to compete in his two favourite races, his Alpecin-Premier Tech team need him at the Vuelta.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Derek Gee-West will be racing the Philadelphia Cycling Classic later this month, while Michael Woods \u2013 who is coming out of retirement to race \u2013 won&#8217;t be tackling any pro races, instead relying on training.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-8420ca0c-9fb5-11f1-8172-8f9515069988\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><strong>For unbeatable coverage across road, gravel and tech, subscribe to Cyclingnews. You&#8217;ll get comprehensive race coverage of La Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a, subscriber-exclusive analysis from our expert columnists, in-depth features and industry-leading tech insight. Plus, the Cyclingnews app lets you follow the action wherever you go! <\/strong><u><strong>Join today.<\/strong><\/u><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-QswV2JjLBZ7LDFh6GDiQeS\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-QswV2JjLBZ7LDFh6GDiQeS 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\/5d2CksSry8bfgFKS33vwFi-140-80.jpg.webp 140w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5d2CksSry8bfgFKS33vwFi.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5d2CksSry8bfgFKS33vwFi.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5d2CksSry8bfgFKS33vwFi.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\">Owen Rogers<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__role\">Staff Writer<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>A recent addition to the Cyclingnews staff, Owen Rogers is an experienced journalist, working as a freelancer covering the sport for various magazines and websites for more than 10 years.<\/p>\n<p>Initially concentrating mainly on the women&#8217;s sport, he has covered hundreds of race days on the ground and interviewed some of the sport&#8217;s biggest names.<\/p>\n<p>Living near Cambridge in the UK, when he&#8217;s not working you&#8217;ll find him either riding his bike or playing drums.<\/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\/dkNBfv8UpN2da7mxUPFFNn-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dkNBfv8UpN2da7mxUPFFNn-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dkNBfv8UpN2da7mxUPFFNn-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dkNBfv8UpN2da7mxUPFFNn-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dkNBfv8UpN2da7mxUPFFNn-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;A once-in-a-career kind of thing&#8217; \u2013 A year on from a stunning victory, Canada&#8217;s top women riders look ahead to &#8216;special&#8217; home Road World Championships<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WHEfA8PfrwjRikdcTccTK-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WHEfA8PfrwjRikdcTccTK-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WHEfA8PfrwjRikdcTccTK-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WHEfA8PfrwjRikdcTccTK-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WHEfA8PfrwjRikdcTccTK-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Who will win the Tour de France 2026? Our definitive ranking of the favourites for the yellow jersey<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/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\/YRwfVqwMR8DbCZXjkpqxeT-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YRwfVqwMR8DbCZXjkpqxeT-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YRwfVqwMR8DbCZXjkpqxeT-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YRwfVqwMR8DbCZXjkpqxeT-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YRwfVqwMR8DbCZXjkpqxeT-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Emerging Talents<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Cycling&#8217;s next generation heads to Spain \u2013\u00a0Young riders to watch at the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ty569jeaw6C8tRZavL46kT-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ty569jeaw6C8tRZavL46kT-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ty569jeaw6C8tRZavL46kT-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ty569jeaw6C8tRZavL46kT-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ty569jeaw6C8tRZavL46kT-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">No Poga\u010dar or Vingegaard but Paul Seixas faces test of Tour de France credentials against Del Toro, Ayuso and more \u2013 Analysing the contenders at Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vXx3fTTYeYfvhBsZ8FoUhF-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vXx3fTTYeYfvhBsZ8FoUhF-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vXx3fTTYeYfvhBsZ8FoUhF-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vXx3fTTYeYfvhBsZ8FoUhF-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vXx3fTTYeYfvhBsZ8FoUhF-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Tadej Poga\u010dar vs the rest \u2013 Our analysis of the top 10 contenders at the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\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 Racing<\/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\/gb83HzBMqhypFmjmZNAvnQ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gb83HzBMqhypFmjmZNAvnQ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gb83HzBMqhypFmjmZNAvnQ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gb83HzBMqhypFmjmZNAvnQ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gb83HzBMqhypFmjmZNAvnQ-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Tadej Poga\u010dar pulls over peloton as hail storm cancels finale of Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a stage 3<\/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\/CVjibzGwjF7ZSVLRodUHS8-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CVjibzGwjF7ZSVLRodUHS8-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CVjibzGwjF7ZSVLRodUHS8-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CVjibzGwjF7ZSVLRodUHS8-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CVjibzGwjF7ZSVLRodUHS8-320-80.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 places restrictions on its own content creator amid backlash over interactions with Tadej Poga\u010dar and others<\/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\/qeUP3Jwa4YCvLkCpjvgbEa-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qeUP3Jwa4YCvLkCpjvgbEa-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qeUP3Jwa4YCvLkCpjvgbEa-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qeUP3Jwa4YCvLkCpjvgbEa-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qeUP3Jwa4YCvLkCpjvgbEa-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a: Stage 3 ends without a winner as extreme weather batters the peloton on the road to first summit finish at Font Romeu<\/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\/xwfHZ2na3reEhMq7K4eAiK-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xwfHZ2na3reEhMq7K4eAiK-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xwfHZ2na3reEhMq7K4eAiK-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xwfHZ2na3reEhMq7K4eAiK-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xwfHZ2na3reEhMq7K4eAiK-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;I will need a bit of luck&#8217; \u2013 Mathieu van der Poel delivers strong mountain bike return at Les Gets but keeps a lid on World Championships expectations<\/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\/22JBgTg7wtvab74qNtGFzS-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/22JBgTg7wtvab74qNtGFzS-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/22JBgTg7wtvab74qNtGFzS-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/22JBgTg7wtvab74qNtGFzS-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/22JBgTg7wtvab74qNtGFzS-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\">A fighting return for Sammie Maxwell at Mountain Bike World Series round in Les Gets<\/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\/cxdBUbUNkEmBxuAnRMLd4e-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cxdBUbUNkEmBxuAnRMLd4e-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cxdBUbUNkEmBxuAnRMLd4e-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cxdBUbUNkEmBxuAnRMLd4e-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cxdBUbUNkEmBxuAnRMLd4e-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;The hardest week I&#8217;ve done by far all year&#8217; \u2013 Amber Pate returns to racing at Tour of Britain Women after six months away due to pancreatic tumour<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-articletype\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Features<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FTQqNwtKiSNxSX9AHvcUDA-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FTQqNwtKiSNxSX9AHvcUDA-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FTQqNwtKiSNxSX9AHvcUDA-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FTQqNwtKiSNxSX9AHvcUDA-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FTQqNwtKiSNxSX9AHvcUDA-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Julian Alaphilippe had more than panache \u2013 he was a conjuror who was greater than the sum of his watts<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xaPhNZ65Eb5A24MN8pQZC8-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xaPhNZ65Eb5A24MN8pQZC8-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xaPhNZ65Eb5A24MN8pQZC8-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xaPhNZ65Eb5A24MN8pQZC8-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xaPhNZ65Eb5A24MN8pQZC8-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Tadej Poga\u010dar could win the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a by 10 minutes but total domination is unlikely \u2013 Philippa York analysis<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YzNZ46ofevTyGMxGmJDE5Y-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YzNZ46ofevTyGMxGmJDE5Y-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YzNZ46ofevTyGMxGmJDE5Y-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YzNZ46ofevTyGMxGmJDE5Y-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YzNZ46ofevTyGMxGmJDE5Y-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Last chance saloon \u2013 The riders and teams who need to turn their season around at the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NJ4BiB5vR77FkK9byLB3pN-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NJ4BiB5vR77FkK9byLB3pN-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NJ4BiB5vR77FkK9byLB3pN-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NJ4BiB5vR77FkK9byLB3pN-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NJ4BiB5vR77FkK9byLB3pN-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Cycling Kit &amp; Accessories<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Used bibs, \u00a32 jerseys, and fake Rapha wares \u2013 Inside the wild west of buying second-hand cycling kit<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QqaVxzjcE5LpMpbUNGnwuV-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QqaVxzjcE5LpMpbUNGnwuV-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QqaVxzjcE5LpMpbUNGnwuV-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QqaVxzjcE5LpMpbUNGnwuV-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QqaVxzjcE5LpMpbUNGnwuV-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;The Vuelta is going to be arduous, even for Tadej&#8217; \u2013 UAE  performance head warns that nobody, not even Poga\u010dar, will have it easy this summer in Spain<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/didDWkuxCx3NhnzuvisdbR-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/didDWkuxCx3NhnzuvisdbR-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/didDWkuxCx3NhnzuvisdbR-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/didDWkuxCx3NhnzuvisdbR-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/didDWkuxCx3NhnzuvisdbR-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;The Leadville nobody knew&#8217; \u2013 Revised course eliminates final &#8216;gut punch&#8217; of Powerline climb but Columbine and elevation keep you humble<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"widgetArea17\" class=\"widget-area md:basis-1\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-1-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-1-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-1-3 page-widget-area-17\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"dynamic\" id=\"popular-data\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-dynamic widget-popular-data widget-dynamic-popular-data widget-dynamic-fter-popular-box\">\n<div class=\"wdn-fte-pb pos-relative space-t20\n\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"slice-container popular-box-slice\">\n<section class=\"popular-box\" data-component-name=\"Slice:PopularBox\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label__tab popular-box__label__tab--active\" role=\"heading\">\nLATEST ARTICLES\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<ol class=\"popular-box__articles-list popular-box__articles-list--active\">\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__image-wrapper\">\n<div>\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qeUP3Jwa4YCvLkCpjvgbEa-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qeUP3Jwa4YCvLkCpjvgbEa-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qeUP3Jwa4YCvLkCpjvgbEa-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qeUP3Jwa4YCvLkCpjvgbEa-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>Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a: Stage 3 ends without a winner as extreme weather batters the peloton on the road to first summit finish at Font Romeu<\/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>Tadej Poga\u010dar pulls over peloton as hail storm cancels finale of Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a stage 3<\/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>Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a places restrictions on its own content creator amid backlash over interactions with Tadej Poga\u010dar and others<\/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>La Vuelta, Canada, or elsewhere \u2013 Where are the men&#8217;s stars riding in preparation for the Road World Championships?<\/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>As it happened: Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a stage 3 comes to a premature end<\/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>\nRacing\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRoad\n<\/li>\n<li>\nUCI Road World Championships\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>La Vuelta, Canada, or elsewhere \u2013 Where are the men&#8217;s stars riding in preparation for the Road World Championships?<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"vds-byline-block flex flex-row flex-nowrap my-1.5 gap-2 text-left items-start justify-start\" data-component-name=\"Article:BylineBlock\">\n<p>Features<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-auto vds-simple-byline\"><span class=\"inline-block vds-author\"><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nOwen Rogers <\/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=\"2026-08-24T12:39:43Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n24 August 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">We break down the schedules of all the key riders as the big names head towards the Montreal Worlds<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"text-gray-700 flex items-center mx-0 my-5 p-0 justify-start text-left\" id=\"affiliate-disclaimer\" data-component-name=\"AffiliateDisclaimer\" data-hawk-message=\"Affiliate disclaimer removed because hawk deemed there are no affiliate links on this page\">\n<p class=\"text-[color:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--text-color,inherit)] mb-2 text-[length:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--font-size,0.75rem)] leading-[18px] md:text-[13px] [&amp;&gt;a]:text-inherit [&amp;&gt;a]:underline\">\nWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here\u2019s how it works.\n<\/p>\n<\/aside>\n<\/header>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\"text-copy bodyCopy auto paywall-locker\">\n<div data-analytics-id=\"utility-bar\" id=\"utility-bar\" class=\"font-ui-heading flex justify-between items-center py-2 border-t border-b border-gray-300 border-solid mb-5 mx-auto\" data-component-name=\"UtilityBar\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"utility-bar\">\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div data-component-name=\"Social:Dropdown\" role=\"menu\" id=\"utilitybar__dropdown--share\" aria-labelledby=\"utilitybar__button--share\" class=\"absolute left-0 top-full w-44 bg-white rounded-md shadow-md border border-neutral-200 z-[9996] list-none m-0 py-2 px-3 border-solid\">\n<ul class=\"m-0!\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Facebook<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>X<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Pinterest<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Email<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-share-this-article\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nShare this article\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\"><span class=\"ml-1 inline-flex h-5 px-2 shrink-0 items-center justify-center self-center overflow-hidden whitespace-nowrap rounded-[10px] bg-primary-500 text-[11px] leading-none font-ui-heading font-semibold text-white\">2<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-join-the-conversation\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nJoin the conversation\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<p>Follow us<\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-add-us-as-a-preferred-source-on-google\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nAdd us as a preferred source on Google\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-subscribe-to-our-newsletter\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nSubscribe to our newsletter\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-8a793d62-9fb0-11f1-93c0-694febf4fa78\">For much of the 31 years since the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a switched from its late-spring calendar place to its current slot bridging August and September, the Spanish Grand Tour was seen as the best preparation race for the UCI Road World Championships.<\/p>\n<p>In recent times, however, things have changed, and there are other races riders can attend to help them reach their targets at Worlds. Though plenty still head to Spain, some will choose the two Canadian one-day WorldTour races, the GPs de Qu\u00e9bec and Montr\u00e9al, to put the final touches to their preparation.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-8a793d62-9fb0-11f1-93c0-694febf4fa78-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">There are other preparation races where riders, their teams, and coaches can get what they think they need to be in the best possible shape.<\/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\">Those other options can include European WorldTour races like the Renewi Tour and the one-day Bretagne Classic-Ouest France, or further down the calendar, the Deutschland Tour, the Tour of Britain Men, and a handful of one-day races.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Of course, not everyone is able to pick the races that best ensure they arrive at Worlds in form. Further down the pecking order, cycling is like any job, and some riders&#8217; trade teams pay them so they&#8217;ll race where they&#8217;re told, especially if they&#8217;re likely to be working as a domestique at Worlds.<\/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\/dkNBfv8UpN2da7mxUPFFNn-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dkNBfv8UpN2da7mxUPFFNn-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;A once-in-a-career kind of thing&#8217; \u2013 A year on from a stunning victory, Canada&#8217;s top women riders look ahead to &#8216;special&#8217; home Road World Championships<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WHEfA8PfrwjRikdcTccTK-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WHEfA8PfrwjRikdcTccTK-150-80.png.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Who will win the Tour de France 2026? Our definitive ranking of the favourites for the yellow jersey<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/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<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">With Worlds held in Montreal, Canada this year, the two Canadian WorldTour one-dayers might seem like the best place to put the finishing touches to World Championships preparation. Not only are you in the right place and time zone with the right climate, but the two weeks in between allow time to rest, train, and get to know the routes.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Of course, the Vuelta is a totally different challenge, providing 21 days of solid competition. This year&#8217;s race is a tough one, though; its 3,308.8km features more than 58,000m of climbing, creating a completely different proposition. If a rider benefits from a large volume of racing, it&#8217;s ideal, and there&#8217;s plenty of time to fly across the Atlantic, rest, and prepare.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-QswV2JjLBZ7LDFh6GDiQeS\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-QswV2JjLBZ7LDFh6GDiQeS 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<h2 id=\"how-have-past-winners-prepared-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">How have past winners prepared?<\/h2>\n<p id=\"elk-d275f8ee-9fb0-11f1-b19b-111bf4c7b8bc\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Though the Covid seasons of 2020 and 2021, and 2023, when the Worlds were held in August, are outliers, there has been a definite move away from riders winning Worlds after racing in Spain, though there have been some interesting combinations.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">In 2011 Mark Cavendish started the Vuelta but failed to finish stage 4, so rode the Tour of Britain before winning the rainbow jersey. Three-time world champion Peter Sagan seemed to like what is now called the Renewi Tour, riding it before two of his victories.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Sagan headed to Canada on one occasion too, though when he took his first rainbow jersey in 2015 he did so after riding eight days in Spain, where he won one stage.<\/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\/YRwfVqwMR8DbCZXjkpqxeT-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YRwfVqwMR8DbCZXjkpqxeT-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\">Cycling&#8217;s next generation heads to Spain \u2013\u00a0Young riders to watch at the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-2\" 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\/Ty569jeaw6C8tRZavL46kT-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ty569jeaw6C8tRZavL46kT-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">No Poga\u010dar or Vingegaard but Paul Seixas faces test of Tour de France credentials against Del Toro, Ayuso and more \u2013 Analysing the contenders at Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes<\/span><\/li>\n<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\/vXx3fTTYeYfvhBsZ8FoUhF-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vXx3fTTYeYfvhBsZ8FoUhF-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Tadej Poga\u010dar vs the rest \u2013 Our analysis of the top 10 contenders at the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Perhaps the least conventional approach of any recent road World Champion is Mads Pedersen, who rode the Deutschland Tour and a clutch of one-day races before his 2019 rainbow ride. The Dane has said he thinks this year&#8217;s rainbow jersey is beyond him, though.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The same applies to the individual time trial, where only six of the champions through those same years raced the Vuelta beforehand. The most recent was Rohan Dennis in 2018.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">So who\u2019s doing what this year? We\u2019ve checked out some of the favourites to see how they\u2019re approaching this year\u2019s Road World Championships.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-who-s-riding-where\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Who&#8217;s riding where?<\/span><\/h3>\n<h2 id=\"slovenia-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Slovenia<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-bf7f1208-9fb4-11f1-b0af-05a0b985f8c2\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eVHYmwQTb8jA4xUakdSTbc-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eVHYmwQTb8jA4xUakdSTbc-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eVHYmwQTb8jA4xUakdSTbc-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eVHYmwQTb8jA4xUakdSTbc-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eVHYmwQTb8jA4xUakdSTbc-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eVHYmwQTb8jA4xUakdSTbc-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Tadej Poga\u010dar is currently in Spain tackling the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-d275faba-9fb0-11f1-8433-5fe20be65e5b\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Tadej Poga\u010dar is currently in Spain riding for his UAE Team Emirates-XRG team, attempting to complete the Grand Tour trilogy, and he\u2019s the outstanding favourite to take the rainbows.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Should he do so, it will be his third successive rainbow jersey, though those two previous victories came after successful visits to the Canadian races.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">While no one would bet against him, the Vuelta is a tough race this year, and even his team have acknowledged how difficult it will be for him to win, especially coming on the back of his dominant Tour de France victory.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Primo\u017e Rogli\u010d, who has been a key lieutenant for Poga\u010dar in Z\u00fcrich and Kigali, is also racing the Vuelta.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"netherlands-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Netherlands<\/h2>\n<p id=\"elk-bf7f12e4-9fb4-11f1-bf49-bd945e9837e3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">2023 world champion Mathieu van der Poel is back this year after missing the 2025 Worlds, which featured over 5,000 metres of climbing.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">He recently completed the Tour de France, including that thrilling final-day win in Paris. He recently switched back to the mountain bike at the UCI World Cup in Les Gets, taking second in the XCO race and 11th in the cross-country short track race.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">MTB Worlds aside, has no other races on his schedule before Road Worlds and will likely prepare for the race with a training camp.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"mexico-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Mexico<\/h2>\n<p id=\"elk-d275fb96-9fb0-11f1-b937-4d8c41e95eac\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Mexico is not a country we\u2019re used to mentioning in a list of favourites for Worlds, but given the freedom to race against \u2013 rather than for \u2013 his trade teammate Poga\u010dar, Isaac Del Toro is sure to be a threat.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Last year was the 22-year-old\u2019s debut in the Elite race, and he finished seventh, beginning his prep by winning the Vuelta Burgos then riding a string of seven European one-day races, winning four of them.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">This time he\u2019s been at the Deutschland Tour, winning the prologue, and while his programme is not yet set in stone, it\u2019s thought he\u2019ll be racing the Canadian WorldTour races ahead of Worlds.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"belgium-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Belgium<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-bf7f1366-9fb4-11f1-b4c8-1d296bd1be29\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oPLwAAVn9YdXjTz9NEbZSc-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oPLwAAVn9YdXjTz9NEbZSc-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oPLwAAVn9YdXjTz9NEbZSc-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oPLwAAVn9YdXjTz9NEbZSc-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oPLwAAVn9YdXjTz9NEbZSc-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oPLwAAVn9YdXjTz9NEbZSc-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Wout van Aert is another rider preparing for the Worlds in Spain <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-34f542b8-9fb1-11f1-be6d-d7b3160d450e\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Remco Evenepoel will be another favourite for victory in Montreal in both the time trial and road race, both of which he\u2019s won before. He\u2019s only raced once since the Tour de France, winning Donostia San Sebasti\u00e1n Klasikoa, but has proved this year that he benefits from concentrated periods of training, spending the two months between Li\u00e8ge-Bastogne-Li\u00e8ge and the Tour de France without competition. He\u2019ll complete his prep for Worlds at the two Canadian races.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">This marks a change from previous years, though. When he won the road title in 2022, he\u2019d just raced and won the Vuelta, though his two most recent time trial successes came after lower-profile appearances racing the Tour of Britain.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Depending on how the race pans out, Evenepoel\u2019s Belgian squad can also look to Wout van Aert as a possible winner in Montreal. Van Aert is not a regular at Worlds; his most recent appearance was Glasgow 2023, but chosen the Vuelta for his final race.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"australia-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Australia<\/h2>\n<p id=\"elk-46dc20aa-9fb1-11f1-94bb-011a20bfceae\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Another team with solid sprinting and climbing options is Australia, with Michael Matthews regularly the country\u2019s best finisher. Third place in 2022 was his best result and came on the back of excellent rides at the Canadian races. He\u2019s won Qu\u00e9bec three times and rarely messed the Canadian race, so expect him to ride there this year.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Australia are graced with several climbers who could do well. Of those, Jay Vine\u2019s season has been blighted by injury, though he\u2019s currently at the Vuelta, while Jai Hindley, Ben O\u2019Connor and Michael Storer are unconfirmed for the Canadian races pre-Worlds.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"usa-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">USA<\/h2>\n<p id=\"elk-46dc2190-9fb1-11f1-aca9-0559b718e21e\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Quinn Simmons is the only confirmed starter for the USA so far, but he could be all they need as he\u2019s developed into one of the world\u2019s most consistent and versatile riders in recent years.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Since winning the Junior Worlds in 2019, ninth is Simmons\u2019 best finish in the Elite race two years ago. Then he\u2019d raced the Skoda Tour de Luxembourg before Worlds; this year he\u2019s chosen an unconventional route, riding the Leadville Trail 100 MTB before heading to the reborn Philadelphia Cycling Classic and the Canadian one-dayers.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">It remains to be seen if Matteo Jorgenson will make a return to Worlds. He has taken time away from racing following the Tour de France and Donostia San Sebasti\u00e1n Klasikoa, and has Il Lombardia on his late-season hitlist.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"denmark-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Denmark<\/h2>\n<p id=\"elk-d9997024-9fb5-11f1-a5af-e19af29f571c\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Denmark has risen to become one of the top nations in modern cycling, with Mads Pedersen&#8217;s 2019 Worlds triumph among their great achievements. He&#8217;s not set to race here, however.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Neither will Jonas Vingegaard. Instead, Denmark could again look to Mattias Skjelmose, fourth in Rwanda, this year. He is, however, tackling the second part of a Tour-Vuelta double, with the three-week outing in Spain ending just two weeks before the Worlds road race.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"france-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">France<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-bf7f13fc-9fb4-11f1-8fb2-4d83f143cebe\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RBiTVL2RARvGnpZBZTeEXc-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RBiTVL2RARvGnpZBZTeEXc-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RBiTVL2RARvGnpZBZTeEXc-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RBiTVL2RARvGnpZBZTeEXc-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RBiTVL2RARvGnpZBZTeEXc-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RBiTVL2RARvGnpZBZTeEXc-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">19-year-old phenomenon Paul Seixas will be taking on an all-Canadian run-in to Worlds <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-46dc2122-9fb1-11f1-8eba-71e6e5b9e22b\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Last year, French prodigy Paul Seixas finished 13th in his first elite road race at the World Championships, heading to Rwanda after winning the Tour de l\u2019Avenir.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">This year he\u2019ll be making his debut at the GPs de Qu\u00e9bec and Montr\u00e9al before riding the Worlds. Should he win, he\u2019ll be the youngest road world champion in history, aged just 20 years and three days.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Other potential French picks for the squad include Lenny Martinez, Romain Gr\u00e9goire, and Beno\u00eet Cosnefroy, but the trio haven&#8217;t confirmed their upcoming races.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"italy-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Italy<\/h2>\n<p id=\"elk-34f5459c-9fb1-11f1-924e-3d12fab14cc3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">A punchy and aggressive rider, Giulio Ciccone took sixth place at the Rwanda Worlds after a handful of stage top 10s at the Vuelta, though this year he\u2019ll be taking on the GPs de Qu\u00e9bec and Montr\u00e9al before Worlds.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Alberto Bettiol has two World Championships top 10 placings to his name in recent years and is another regular at the Canadian races, where he\u2019ll compete again this year. He\u2019s not a regular winner, but his victories are always big ones.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"great-britain-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Great Britain<\/h2>\n<p id=\"elk-34f54768-9fb1-11f1-9c44-db16e95a9a91\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Team GB are likely to put their eggs in the Tom Pidcock basket for this year\u2019s Worlds. Sixth place in 2021 and 10th last year are his best results to date, both coming after racing the Vuelta.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">He hasn&#8217;t raced since finishing ninth after an aggressive showing at the Tour de France, but will ride the GPs de Qu\u00e9bec and Montr\u00e9al before Worlds.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"spain-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Spain<\/h2>\n<p id=\"elk-34f54920-9fb1-11f1-b839-4fe254fb3ea4\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The vast majority of our favourites will be heading to Canada, and even Spain\u2019s Juan Ayuso will be joining them, rather than riding his home Grand Tour. Last year\u2019s eighth place was the 23-year-old\u2019s best placing in the Elite Worlds, achieved after a poor Vuelta.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">A host of Spain&#8217;s other top riders, including Enric Mas, Iv\u00e1n Romeo, and Pablo Castrillo, are currently in action at La Vuelta.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"canada-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Canada<\/h2>\n<p id=\"elk-34f549fc-9fb1-11f1-8d9d-0f2f5de3d4aa\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Finally, spare a thought for Hugo Houle. The Canadian was born and grew up just north of Montreal, but rather than heading home to compete in his two favourite races, his Alpecin-Premier Tech team need him at the Vuelta.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Derek Gee-West will be racing the Philadelphia Cycling Classic later this month, while Michael Woods \u2013 who is coming out of retirement to race \u2013 won&#8217;t be tackling any pro races, instead relying on training.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-8420ca0c-9fb5-11f1-8172-8f9515069988\" 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\/racing\/la-vuelta-canada-or-elsewhere-where-are-the-mens-stars-riding-in-preparation-for-the-road-world-championships\/&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zjHmUwnskFuJeTYbEF8aYC-2560-80.jpg&#8221;] 1 As it happened: British sensation steals the show in first road stage at La Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a 2026 2 As it happened: Time trial goes down to the wire at stage 1 of the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a 3 Tadej Poga\u010dar vs the rest \u2013 Our analysis of the top 10 contenders [&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-2109558","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\/2109558","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=2109558"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2109558\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2109558"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=2109558"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=2109558"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}