{"id":2110364,"date":"2026-08-24T10:40:48","date_gmt":"2026-08-24T07:40:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2110364"},"modified":"2026-08-24T10:40:48","modified_gmt":"2026-08-24T07:40:48","slug":"i-will-need-a-bit-of-luck-mathieu-van-der-poel-delivers-strong-mountain-bike-return-at-les-gets-but-keeps-a-lid-on-world-championships-expectations","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2110364","title":{"rendered":"&#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"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xwfHZ2na3reEhMq7K4eAiK-1280-80.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\/pXNHT4fLqKkNr4mJF9wXkY-160-80.jpg.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pXNHT4fLqKkNr4mJF9wXkY-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                                    &#8216;It&#8217;s a tiny margin but a win is a win&#8217; &#8211; Tadej Poga\u010dar celebrates fourth stage win of career and first-ever lead in Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a\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\/cLSHcRATZJ5wsZjNMcxxtC-160-80.jpg.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cLSHcRATZJ5wsZjNMcxxtC-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                                    &#8216;When Wout goes, you have to react&#8217; &#8211; Tadej Poga\u010dar retains Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a lead after sizzling finale duel with Van Aert\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\/Ek5ma7FwXHtSj2nMVLJLvi-160-80.jpg.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ek5ma7FwXHtSj2nMVLJLvi-80-80.jpg.webp 80w\" sizes=\"80px\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex items-center justify-center absolute w-[18px] h-6 left-0 top-0 bg-white\/90 flex-none z-[1]\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"font-normal text-base leading-[17px] tracking-[1.3px] uppercase text-black flex-none\">3<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex flex-col items-center justify-center gap-1.5 w-[173px] h-20 flex-none\">\n<p class=\"font-article-heading font-medium text-base leading-[21px] text-gray-800 w-[173px] line-clamp-3 group-hover:underline\">\n                                    &#8216;I know I lost time in the corners&#8217; &#8211; Wout van Aert&#8217;s dream of returning to red in the opening Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a TT falls short\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>\nMountain Bike\n<\/li>\n<li>\nUCI Mountain Bike World Championships\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>&#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<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"vds-byline-block flex flex-row flex-nowrap my-1.5 gap-2 text-left items-start justify-start\" data-component-name=\"Article:BylineBlock\">\n<p>News<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-auto vds-simple-byline\"><span class=\"inline-block vds-author\"><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nSimone Giuliani <\/span><span class=\"font-normal vds-collabs\"><br \/>\nContributions by<br \/>\nJames Moultrie <\/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=\"2026-08-24T10:40:48Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n24 August 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Alpecin-Premier Tech rider comes off second best in two-way battle for Les Gets XCO win with Adrien Boichis<\/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\/xwfHZ2na3reEhMq7K4eAiK-1280-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xwfHZ2na3reEhMq7K4eAiK-1280-80.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xwfHZ2na3reEhMq7K4eAiK-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xwfHZ2na3reEhMq7K4eAiK-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xwfHZ2na3reEhMq7K4eAiK-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xwfHZ2na3reEhMq7K4eAiK-750-80.jpg.webp 750w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xwfHZ2na3reEhMq7K4eAiK-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xwfHZ2na3reEhMq7K4eAiK-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xwfHZ2na3reEhMq7K4eAiK-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\">Mathieu van der Poel (Alpecin-Premier Tech) during the XCO World Cup at the Les Gets round of the WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series<\/span><span class=\"credit font-article-copy\">(Image credit: \u00a9\ufe0fWHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\"text-copy bodyCopy auto paywall-locker\">\n<div data-analytics-id=\"utility-bar\" id=\"utility-bar\" class=\"font-ui-heading flex justify-between items-center py-2 border-t border-b border-gray-300 border-solid mb-5 mx-auto\" 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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\">1<\/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-2225f5a4-9f95-11f1-8800-bb2e87b0809d\">Mathieu van der Poel may not have not raced a mountain bike all season, but it certainly didn&#8217;t show as he made his comeback to the UCI Whoop Mountain Bike World Series in Les Gets.<\/p>\n<p>For a start, Van der Poel took 10th place in short track, and while he may have described the opening race as &#8220;really painful&#8221; the effort helped set up the rider for a second-row start at Sunday&#8217;s cross-country Olympic race. The Alpecin-Premier Tech rider capitalised on that position, and pushed hard through the first climb to put himself in contention early.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-2225f5a4-9f95-11f1-8800-bb2e87b0809d-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">He then played his hand well as the race progressed, keeping his position among a leading group of five right through to the penultimate lap before then going to the front and putting pressure on his rivals. Then into the final lap of eight and it was Adrien Boichis (Specialized Factory Racing) who went on the charge, with Van der Poel the only rider who could get back on his wheel.<\/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\">All of a sudden it looked like the rider could be going from victory on the Champs-Elys\u00e9es at the Tour de France to an XCO win at the Mountain Bike World Cup, after seven years absence from the top step in the event.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">However, Boichis played to his advantage on the descents and managed to get a gap and hold it through to the line, with Van der Poel crossing seven seconds back to take second while Vidaurre Kossmann (Specialized Factory Racing) was a further 15 seconds behind Van der Poel in third.<\/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\/RyT39Rm6mVMRSyhLcSCtYe-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RyT39Rm6mVMRSyhLcSCtYe-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\">Mathieu van der Poel&#8217;s 2026 mountain bike return confirmed with place on World Cup start list at Les Gets<\/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\/zZQczw9zXdrezwYvEaGTDb-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zZQczw9zXdrezwYvEaGTDb-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;It will never be ideal&#8217; \u2013 Mathieu van der Poel still struggling to balance mountain bike and road racing<\/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\/e5bKHrrUguaxrE974cJtdE-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/e5bKHrrUguaxrE974cJtdE-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;That played in my favour in the end&#8217; \u2013 The harder it got, the more Mathieu van der Poel thrived in brutal Tour de France breakaway<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I think today was really nice to be in the front again,&#8221; said Van der Poel in the broadcast post-race interview &#8220;It has been a while, but it makes a big difference to start on the first two rows and I was immediately in the first two groups and I enjoyed it. I missed a little bit of the last punch to win, but I&#8217;m happy with the performance.&#8221;<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"juggling-road-and-mtb-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Juggling road and MTB<\/h2>\n<p id=\"elk-454da154-9fa8-11f1-a0b3-e12217f118ab\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Van der Poel&#8217;s returns to mountain biking from the road have not always run smoothly, with two crashes in his Nov\u00e9 Mesto foray last year, but at Les Gets he didn&#8217;t set a foot wrong despite the focus being necessarily on the Tour de France up until last month.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-GjYgXSPpH2V8vqSRsvMM68\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-GjYgXSPpH2V8vqSRsvMM68 slice-container-newsletterForm\">\n<div data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"newsletter-form__wrapper newsletter-form__wrapper--inbodyContent\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__container\">\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__top-bar\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__header\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__main-section\">\n<p class=\"newsletter-form__strapline\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<footer class=\"newsletter-form__footer \">By submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.<\/footer>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;After the Tour de France and the victory on the Champs-\u00c9lys\u00e9es, I took a few days off to enjoy the moment. Then I resumed training and went to Livigno for an altitude camp, specifically to prepare for this mountain bike block,&#8221; said Van der Poel earlier in the weekend. &#8220;I came out of the Tour in good shape and feel that I recovered well from it.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The results were a testament to this, with the second place being a step up from the sixth last year, though the key test is ahead with the UCI Mountain Bike World Championships this weekend.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Trying to become world champion in this discipline one day is still a big goal. I have a few years and I want to take every opportunity I get,&#8221; said the rider who has already swept up eight cyclo-cross world titles, plus a road and gravel one.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Still, even with the strong performance on Sunday, Van der Poel is taking nothing for granted when it comes to the rainbow jersey race in Val di Sole.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It&#8217;s nice, but last year I did a good performance here and the week after in Crans Montana I was not so good,&#8221; said Van der Poel who came 29th in the XCO at Worlds last year. &#8220;So like I said, I think the starting position is quite important, and I will be again in the fifth row there, so I will need a bit of luck.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-454da1d6-9fa8-11f1-b280-fda7db0dca7c\" 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-GjYgXSPpH2V8vqSRsvMM68\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-GjYgXSPpH2V8vqSRsvMM68 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\/RUKCQmBBgAFRGkijgpLyah-140-80.jpg.webp 140w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RUKCQmBBgAFRGkijgpLyah.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RUKCQmBBgAFRGkijgpLyah.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RUKCQmBBgAFRGkijgpLyah.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\">Simone Giuliani<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__social\">\n<nav class=\"button-social-group author__social-buttons\" aria-labelledby=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">\n<div id=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">Social Links Navigation<\/div>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__role\">Australia Editor<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>Simone is a degree-qualified journalist that has accumulated decades of wide-ranging experience while working across a variety of leading media organisations. She joined <em>Cyclingnews<\/em> as a Production Editor at the start of the 2021 season and has now moved into the role of Australia Editor. Previously she worked as a freelance writer, Australian Editor at <em>Ella CyclingTips<\/em> and as a correspondent for <em>Reuters<\/em> and <em>Bloomberg<\/em>. Cycling was initially purely a leisure pursuit for Simone, who started out as a business journalist, but in 2015 her career focus also shifted to the sport.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__contributors\"><span class=\"author__contributors-text\">With contributions from<\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"author__contributors-list\">\n<li class=\"author__contributor-item\"><span class=\"author__contributor-name\">James Moultrie<\/span>News Writer<\/li>\n<\/ul>\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\/RyT39Rm6mVMRSyhLcSCtYe-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RyT39Rm6mVMRSyhLcSCtYe-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RyT39Rm6mVMRSyhLcSCtYe-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RyT39Rm6mVMRSyhLcSCtYe-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RyT39Rm6mVMRSyhLcSCtYe-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\">Mathieu van der Poel&#8217;s 2026 mountain bike return confirmed with place on World Cup start list at 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\/zZQczw9zXdrezwYvEaGTDb-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zZQczw9zXdrezwYvEaGTDb-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zZQczw9zXdrezwYvEaGTDb-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zZQczw9zXdrezwYvEaGTDb-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zZQczw9zXdrezwYvEaGTDb-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;It will never be ideal&#8217; \u2013 Mathieu van der Poel still struggling to balance mountain bike and road racing<\/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\/e5bKHrrUguaxrE974cJtdE-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/e5bKHrrUguaxrE974cJtdE-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/e5bKHrrUguaxrE974cJtdE-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/e5bKHrrUguaxrE974cJtdE-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/e5bKHrrUguaxrE974cJtdE-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;That played in my favour in the end&#8217; \u2013 The harder it got, the more Mathieu van der Poel thrived in brutal Tour de France breakaway<\/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\/pqWEJamDgNpGqCnAgNQnHL-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pqWEJamDgNpGqCnAgNQnHL-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pqWEJamDgNpGqCnAgNQnHL-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pqWEJamDgNpGqCnAgNQnHL-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pqWEJamDgNpGqCnAgNQnHL-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\">Is Mathieu van der Poel a time trial sleeping giant?<\/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\/TcC3FJV5k6R3LB6Y7UnvkK-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TcC3FJV5k6R3LB6Y7UnvkK-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TcC3FJV5k6R3LB6Y7UnvkK-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TcC3FJV5k6R3LB6Y7UnvkK-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TcC3FJV5k6R3LB6Y7UnvkK-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;A year I was thinking about this&#8217; \u2013 Mathieu van der Poel moves from pneumonia-spoiled run to Tour de France Paris stage dream<\/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>\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\/bTmsvr8367GggSQUKRr8wF-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bTmsvr8367GggSQUKRr8wF-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bTmsvr8367GggSQUKRr8wF-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bTmsvr8367GggSQUKRr8wF-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bTmsvr8367GggSQUKRr8wF-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\">Hayley Preen and Alex Miller claim UCI Gravel World Series wins and African titles at Khomas100 for second year<\/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\/PAzoFkYa8jJSKtzef7YjQc-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PAzoFkYa8jJSKtzef7YjQc-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PAzoFkYa8jJSKtzef7YjQc-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PAzoFkYa8jJSKtzef7YjQc-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PAzoFkYa8jJSKtzef7YjQc-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\">Toki Sawada and Shu Wei Hsu claim first UCI Gravel World Series race in Japan<\/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\/64jEDv2zsiXbVsk8MB3GH5-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/64jEDv2zsiXbVsk8MB3GH5-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/64jEDv2zsiXbVsk8MB3GH5-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/64jEDv2zsiXbVsk8MB3GH5-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/64jEDv2zsiXbVsk8MB3GH5-320-80.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;We came here to see the race but nothing could be done&#8217; &#8211; Eyewitness account of how Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a stage 3 ground to a halt<\/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\/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\/zjHmUwnskFuJeTYbEF8aYC-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zjHmUwnskFuJeTYbEF8aYC-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zjHmUwnskFuJeTYbEF8aYC-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zjHmUwnskFuJeTYbEF8aYC-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zjHmUwnskFuJeTYbEF8aYC-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\">La Vuelta, Canada, or elsewhere \u2013 Where are the men&#8217;s stars riding in preparation for the 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>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-articletype\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in News<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/64jEDv2zsiXbVsk8MB3GH5-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/64jEDv2zsiXbVsk8MB3GH5-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/64jEDv2zsiXbVsk8MB3GH5-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/64jEDv2zsiXbVsk8MB3GH5-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/64jEDv2zsiXbVsk8MB3GH5-320-80.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;We came here to see the race but nothing could be done&#8217; &#8211; Eyewitness account of how Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a stage 3 ground to a halt<\/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\/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\/Jcx4DmRbtwuarKMQDogAWN-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Jcx4DmRbtwuarKMQDogAWN-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Jcx4DmRbtwuarKMQDogAWN-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Jcx4DmRbtwuarKMQDogAWN-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Jcx4DmRbtwuarKMQDogAWN-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\">Transfers<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Kasper Asgreen signs for NSN Cycling<\/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\/cLSHcRATZJ5wsZjNMcxxtC-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cLSHcRATZJ5wsZjNMcxxtC-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cLSHcRATZJ5wsZjNMcxxtC-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cLSHcRATZJ5wsZjNMcxxtC-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cLSHcRATZJ5wsZjNMcxxtC-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;When Wout goes, you have to react&#8217; &#8211; Tadej Poga\u010dar retains Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a lead after sizzling finale duel with Van Aert<\/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\/bTmsvr8367GggSQUKRr8wF-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bTmsvr8367GggSQUKRr8wF-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bTmsvr8367GggSQUKRr8wF-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bTmsvr8367GggSQUKRr8wF-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>Hayley Preen and Alex Miller claim UCI Gravel World Series wins and African titles at Khomas100 for second year<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li 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class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">4<\/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\">5<\/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<\/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>\nMountain Bike\n<\/li>\n<li>\nUCI Mountain Bike World Championships\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>&#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<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"vds-byline-block flex flex-row flex-nowrap my-1.5 gap-2 text-left items-start justify-start\" data-component-name=\"Article:BylineBlock\">\n<p>News<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-auto vds-simple-byline\"><span class=\"inline-block vds-author\"><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nSimone Giuliani <\/span><span class=\"font-normal vds-collabs\"><br \/>\nContributions by<br \/>\nJames Moultrie <\/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=\"2026-08-24T10:40:48Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n24 August 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Alpecin-Premier Tech rider comes off second best in two-way battle for Les Gets XCO win with Adrien Boichis<\/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 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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\/xwfHZ2na3reEhMq7K4eAiK-1280-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xwfHZ2na3reEhMq7K4eAiK-1280-80.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xwfHZ2na3reEhMq7K4eAiK-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xwfHZ2na3reEhMq7K4eAiK-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xwfHZ2na3reEhMq7K4eAiK-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xwfHZ2na3reEhMq7K4eAiK-750-80.jpg.webp 750w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xwfHZ2na3reEhMq7K4eAiK-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xwfHZ2na3reEhMq7K4eAiK-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xwfHZ2na3reEhMq7K4eAiK-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\">Mathieu van der Poel (Alpecin-Premier Tech) during the XCO World Cup at the Les Gets round of the WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series<\/span><span class=\"credit font-article-copy\">(Image credit: \u00a9\ufe0fWHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\"text-copy bodyCopy auto paywall-locker\">\n<div data-analytics-id=\"utility-bar\" id=\"utility-bar\" class=\"font-ui-heading flex justify-between items-center py-2 border-t border-b border-gray-300 border-solid mb-5 mx-auto\" 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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\">1<\/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-2225f5a4-9f95-11f1-8800-bb2e87b0809d\">Mathieu van der Poel may not have not raced a mountain bike all season, but it certainly didn&#8217;t show as he made his comeback to the UCI Whoop Mountain Bike World Series in Les Gets.<\/p>\n<p>For a start, Van der Poel took 10th place in short track, and while he may have described the opening race as &#8220;really painful&#8221; the effort helped set up the rider for a second-row start at Sunday&#8217;s cross-country Olympic race. The Alpecin-Premier Tech rider capitalised on that position, and pushed hard through the first climb to put himself in contention early.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-2225f5a4-9f95-11f1-8800-bb2e87b0809d-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">He then played his hand well as the race progressed, keeping his position among a leading group of five right through to the penultimate lap before then going to the front and putting pressure on his rivals. Then into the final lap of eight and it was Adrien Boichis (Specialized Factory Racing) who went on the charge, with Van der Poel the only rider who could get back on his wheel.<\/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\">All of a sudden it looked like the rider could be going from victory on the Champs-Elys\u00e9es at the Tour de France to an XCO win at the Mountain Bike World Cup, after seven years absence from the top step in the event.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">However, Boichis played to his advantage on the descents and managed to get a gap and hold it through to the line, with Van der Poel crossing seven seconds back to take second while Vidaurre Kossmann (Specialized Factory Racing) was a further 15 seconds behind Van der Poel in third.<\/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\/RyT39Rm6mVMRSyhLcSCtYe-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RyT39Rm6mVMRSyhLcSCtYe-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\">Mathieu van der Poel&#8217;s 2026 mountain bike return confirmed with place on World Cup start list at Les Gets<\/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\/zZQczw9zXdrezwYvEaGTDb-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zZQczw9zXdrezwYvEaGTDb-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;It will never be ideal&#8217; \u2013 Mathieu van der Poel still struggling to balance mountain bike and road racing<\/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\/e5bKHrrUguaxrE974cJtdE-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/e5bKHrrUguaxrE974cJtdE-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;That played in my favour in the end&#8217; \u2013 The harder it got, the more Mathieu van der Poel thrived in brutal Tour de France breakaway<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I think today was really nice to be in the front again,&#8221; said Van der Poel in the broadcast post-race interview &#8220;It has been a while, but it makes a big difference to start on the first two rows and I was immediately in the first two groups and I enjoyed it. I missed a little bit of the last punch to win, but I&#8217;m happy with the performance.&#8221;<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"juggling-road-and-mtb-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Juggling road and MTB<\/h2>\n<p id=\"elk-454da154-9fa8-11f1-a0b3-e12217f118ab\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Van der Poel&#8217;s returns to mountain biking from the road have not always run smoothly, with two crashes in his Nov\u00e9 Mesto foray last year, but at Les Gets he didn&#8217;t set a foot wrong despite the focus being necessarily on the Tour de France up until last month.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-GjYgXSPpH2V8vqSRsvMM68\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-GjYgXSPpH2V8vqSRsvMM68 slice-container-newsletterForm\">\n<div data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"newsletter-form__wrapper newsletter-form__wrapper--inbodyContent\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__container\">\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__top-bar\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__header\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__main-section\">\n<p class=\"newsletter-form__strapline\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<footer class=\"newsletter-form__footer \">By submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.<\/footer>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;After the Tour de France and the victory on the Champs-\u00c9lys\u00e9es, I took a few days off to enjoy the moment. Then I resumed training and went to Livigno for an altitude camp, specifically to prepare for this mountain bike block,&#8221; said Van der Poel earlier in the weekend. &#8220;I came out of the Tour in good shape and feel that I recovered well from it.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The results were a testament to this, with the second place being a step up from the sixth last year, though the key test is ahead with the UCI Mountain Bike World Championships this weekend.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Trying to become world champion in this discipline one day is still a big goal. I have a few years and I want to take every opportunity I get,&#8221; said the rider who has already swept up eight cyclo-cross world titles, plus a road and gravel one.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Still, even with the strong performance on Sunday, Van der Poel is taking nothing for granted when it comes to the rainbow jersey race in Val di Sole.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It&#8217;s nice, but last year I did a good performance here and the week after in Crans Montana I was not so good,&#8221; said Van der Poel who came 29th in the XCO at Worlds last year. &#8220;So like I said, I think the starting position is quite important, and I will be again in the fifth row there, so I will need a bit of luck.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-454da1d6-9fa8-11f1-b280-fda7db0dca7c\" 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-GjYgXSPpH2V8vqSRsvMM68\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-GjYgXSPpH2V8vqSRsvMM68 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\/RUKCQmBBgAFRGkijgpLyah-140-80.jpg.webp 140w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RUKCQmBBgAFRGkijgpLyah.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RUKCQmBBgAFRGkijgpLyah.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RUKCQmBBgAFRGkijgpLyah.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\">Simone Giuliani<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__social\">\n<nav class=\"button-social-group author__social-buttons\" aria-labelledby=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">\n<div id=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">Social Links Navigation<\/div>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__role\">Australia Editor<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>Simone is a degree-qualified journalist that has accumulated decades of wide-ranging experience while working across a variety of leading media organisations. She joined <em>Cyclingnews<\/em> as a Production Editor at the start of the 2021 season and has now moved into the role of Australia Editor. Previously she worked as a freelance writer, Australian Editor at <em>Ella CyclingTips<\/em> and as a correspondent for <em>Reuters<\/em> and <em>Bloomberg<\/em>. Cycling was initially purely a leisure pursuit for Simone, who started out as a business journalist, but in 2015 her career focus also shifted to the sport.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__contributors\"><span class=\"author__contributors-text\">With contributions from<\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"author__contributors-list\">\n<li class=\"author__contributor-item\"><span class=\"author__contributor-name\">James Moultrie<\/span>News Writer<\/li>\n<\/ul>\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\/RyT39Rm6mVMRSyhLcSCtYe-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RyT39Rm6mVMRSyhLcSCtYe-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RyT39Rm6mVMRSyhLcSCtYe-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RyT39Rm6mVMRSyhLcSCtYe-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RyT39Rm6mVMRSyhLcSCtYe-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\">Mathieu van der Poel&#8217;s 2026 mountain bike return confirmed with place on World Cup start list at 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\/zZQczw9zXdrezwYvEaGTDb-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zZQczw9zXdrezwYvEaGTDb-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zZQczw9zXdrezwYvEaGTDb-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zZQczw9zXdrezwYvEaGTDb-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zZQczw9zXdrezwYvEaGTDb-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;It will never be ideal&#8217; \u2013 Mathieu van der Poel still struggling to balance mountain bike and road racing<\/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\/e5bKHrrUguaxrE974cJtdE-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/e5bKHrrUguaxrE974cJtdE-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/e5bKHrrUguaxrE974cJtdE-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/e5bKHrrUguaxrE974cJtdE-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/e5bKHrrUguaxrE974cJtdE-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;That played in my favour in the end&#8217; \u2013 The harder it got, the more Mathieu van der Poel thrived in brutal Tour de France breakaway<\/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\/pqWEJamDgNpGqCnAgNQnHL-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pqWEJamDgNpGqCnAgNQnHL-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pqWEJamDgNpGqCnAgNQnHL-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pqWEJamDgNpGqCnAgNQnHL-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pqWEJamDgNpGqCnAgNQnHL-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\">Is Mathieu van der Poel a time trial sleeping giant?<\/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\/TcC3FJV5k6R3LB6Y7UnvkK-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TcC3FJV5k6R3LB6Y7UnvkK-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TcC3FJV5k6R3LB6Y7UnvkK-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TcC3FJV5k6R3LB6Y7UnvkK-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TcC3FJV5k6R3LB6Y7UnvkK-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;A year I was thinking about this&#8217; \u2013 Mathieu van der Poel moves from pneumonia-spoiled run to Tour de France Paris stage dream<\/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>\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\/bTmsvr8367GggSQUKRr8wF-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bTmsvr8367GggSQUKRr8wF-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bTmsvr8367GggSQUKRr8wF-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bTmsvr8367GggSQUKRr8wF-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bTmsvr8367GggSQUKRr8wF-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\">Hayley Preen and Alex Miller claim UCI Gravel World Series wins and African titles at Khomas100 for second year<\/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\/PAzoFkYa8jJSKtzef7YjQc-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PAzoFkYa8jJSKtzef7YjQc-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PAzoFkYa8jJSKtzef7YjQc-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PAzoFkYa8jJSKtzef7YjQc-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PAzoFkYa8jJSKtzef7YjQc-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\">Toki Sawada and Shu Wei Hsu claim first UCI Gravel World Series race in Japan<\/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\/64jEDv2zsiXbVsk8MB3GH5-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/64jEDv2zsiXbVsk8MB3GH5-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/64jEDv2zsiXbVsk8MB3GH5-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/64jEDv2zsiXbVsk8MB3GH5-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/64jEDv2zsiXbVsk8MB3GH5-320-80.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;We came here to see the race but nothing could be done&#8217; &#8211; Eyewitness account of how Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a stage 3 ground to a halt<\/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\/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\/zjHmUwnskFuJeTYbEF8aYC-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zjHmUwnskFuJeTYbEF8aYC-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zjHmUwnskFuJeTYbEF8aYC-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zjHmUwnskFuJeTYbEF8aYC-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zjHmUwnskFuJeTYbEF8aYC-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\">La Vuelta, Canada, or elsewhere \u2013 Where are the men&#8217;s stars riding in preparation for the 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>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-articletype\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in News<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/64jEDv2zsiXbVsk8MB3GH5-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/64jEDv2zsiXbVsk8MB3GH5-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/64jEDv2zsiXbVsk8MB3GH5-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/64jEDv2zsiXbVsk8MB3GH5-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/64jEDv2zsiXbVsk8MB3GH5-320-80.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;We came here to see the race but nothing could be done&#8217; &#8211; Eyewitness account of how Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a stage 3 ground to a halt<\/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\/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\/Jcx4DmRbtwuarKMQDogAWN-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Jcx4DmRbtwuarKMQDogAWN-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Jcx4DmRbtwuarKMQDogAWN-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Jcx4DmRbtwuarKMQDogAWN-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Jcx4DmRbtwuarKMQDogAWN-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\">Transfers<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Kasper Asgreen signs for NSN Cycling<\/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\/cLSHcRATZJ5wsZjNMcxxtC-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cLSHcRATZJ5wsZjNMcxxtC-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cLSHcRATZJ5wsZjNMcxxtC-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cLSHcRATZJ5wsZjNMcxxtC-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cLSHcRATZJ5wsZjNMcxxtC-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;When Wout goes, you have to react&#8217; &#8211; Tadej Poga\u010dar retains Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a lead after sizzling finale duel with Van Aert<\/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\" 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Bike\n<\/li>\n<li>\nUCI Mountain Bike World Championships\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>&#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<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"vds-byline-block flex flex-row flex-nowrap my-1.5 gap-2 text-left items-start justify-start\" data-component-name=\"Article:BylineBlock\">\n<p>News<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-auto vds-simple-byline\"><span class=\"inline-block vds-author\"><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nSimone Giuliani <\/span><span class=\"font-normal vds-collabs\"><br \/>\nContributions by<br \/>\nJames Moultrie <\/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=\"2026-08-24T10:40:48Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n24 August 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Alpecin-Premier Tech rider comes off second best in two-way battle for Les Gets XCO win with Adrien Boichis<\/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\">1<\/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-2225f5a4-9f95-11f1-8800-bb2e87b0809d\">Mathieu van der Poel may not have not raced a mountain bike all season, but it certainly didn&#8217;t show as he made his comeback to the UCI Whoop Mountain Bike World Series in Les Gets.<\/p>\n<p>For a start, Van der Poel took 10th place in short track, and while he may have described the opening race as &#8220;really painful&#8221; the effort helped set up the rider for a second-row start at Sunday&#8217;s cross-country Olympic race. The Alpecin-Premier Tech rider capitalised on that position, and pushed hard through the first climb to put himself in contention early.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-2225f5a4-9f95-11f1-8800-bb2e87b0809d-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">He then played his hand well as the race progressed, keeping his position among a leading group of five right through to the penultimate lap before then going to the front and putting pressure on his rivals. Then into the final lap of eight and it was Adrien Boichis (Specialized Factory Racing) who went on the charge, with Van der Poel the only rider who could get back on his wheel.<\/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\">All of a sudden it looked like the rider could be going from victory on the Champs-Elys\u00e9es at the Tour de France to an XCO win at the Mountain Bike World Cup, after seven years absence from the top step in the event.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">However, Boichis played to his advantage on the descents and managed to get a gap and hold it through to the line, with Van der Poel crossing seven seconds back to take second while Vidaurre Kossmann (Specialized Factory Racing) was a further 15 seconds behind Van der Poel in third.<\/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\/RyT39Rm6mVMRSyhLcSCtYe-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RyT39Rm6mVMRSyhLcSCtYe-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\">Mathieu van der Poel&#8217;s 2026 mountain bike return confirmed with place on World Cup start list at Les Gets<\/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\/zZQczw9zXdrezwYvEaGTDb-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zZQczw9zXdrezwYvEaGTDb-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;It will never be ideal&#8217; \u2013 Mathieu van der Poel still struggling to balance mountain bike and road racing<\/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\/e5bKHrrUguaxrE974cJtdE-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/e5bKHrrUguaxrE974cJtdE-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;That played in my favour in the end&#8217; \u2013 The harder it got, the more Mathieu van der Poel thrived in brutal Tour de France breakaway<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I think today was really nice to be in the front again,&#8221; said Van der Poel in the broadcast post-race interview &#8220;It has been a while, but it makes a big difference to start on the first two rows and I was immediately in the first two groups and I enjoyed it. I missed a little bit of the last punch to win, but I&#8217;m happy with the performance.&#8221;<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"juggling-road-and-mtb-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Juggling road and MTB<\/h2>\n<p id=\"elk-454da154-9fa8-11f1-a0b3-e12217f118ab\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Van der Poel&#8217;s returns to mountain biking from the road have not always run smoothly, with two crashes in his Nov\u00e9 Mesto foray last year, but at Les Gets he didn&#8217;t set a foot wrong despite the focus being necessarily on the Tour de France up until last month.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-GjYgXSPpH2V8vqSRsvMM68\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-GjYgXSPpH2V8vqSRsvMM68 slice-container-newsletterForm\">\n<div data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"newsletter-form__wrapper newsletter-form__wrapper--inbodyContent\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__container\">\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__top-bar\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__header\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__main-section\">\n<p class=\"newsletter-form__strapline\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<footer class=\"newsletter-form__footer \">By submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.<\/footer>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;After the Tour de France and the victory on the Champs-\u00c9lys\u00e9es, I took a few days off to enjoy the moment. Then I resumed training and went to Livigno for an altitude camp, specifically to prepare for this mountain bike block,&#8221; said Van der Poel earlier in the weekend. &#8220;I came out of the Tour in good shape and feel that I recovered well from it.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The results were a testament to this, with the second place being a step up from the sixth last year, though the key test is ahead with the UCI Mountain Bike World Championships this weekend.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Trying to become world champion in this discipline one day is still a big goal. I have a few years and I want to take every opportunity I get,&#8221; said the rider who has already swept up eight cyclo-cross world titles, plus a road and gravel one.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Still, even with the strong performance on Sunday, Van der Poel is taking nothing for granted when it comes to the rainbow jersey race in Val di Sole.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It&#8217;s nice, but last year I did a good performance here and the week after in Crans Montana I was not so good,&#8221; said Van der Poel who came 29th in the XCO at Worlds last year. &#8220;So like I said, I think the starting position is quite important, and I will be again in the fifth row there, so I will need a bit of luck.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-454da1d6-9fa8-11f1-b280-fda7db0dca7c\" 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\/i-will-need-a-bit-of-luck-mathieu-van-der-poel-delivers-strong-mountain-bike-return-at-les-gets-but-keeps-a-lid-on-world-championships-expectations\/&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xwfHZ2na3reEhMq7K4eAiK-1280-80.jpg&#8221;] 1 &#8216;It&#8217;s a tiny margin but a win is a win&#8217; &#8211; Tadej Poga\u010dar celebrates fourth stage win of career and first-ever lead in Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a 2 &#8216;When Wout goes, you have to react&#8217; &#8211; Tadej Poga\u010dar retains Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a lead after sizzling finale duel with Van Aert 3 &#8216;I [&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-2110364","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\/2110364","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=2110364"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2110364\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2110364"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=2110364"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=2110364"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}