{"id":2114986,"date":"2026-08-27T18:04:20","date_gmt":"2026-08-27T15:04:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2114986"},"modified":"2026-08-27T18:04:20","modified_gmt":"2026-08-27T15:04:20","slug":"i-was-like-whats-going-on-is-this-a-spectator-tadej-pogacar-surprised-by-enric-mas-on-vuelta-a-espana-gravel-climb","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2114986","title":{"rendered":"&#8216;I was like &#8211; what&#8217;s going on, is this a spectator?&#8217; &#8211; Tadej Poga\u010dar surprised by Enric Mas on Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a gravel climb"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/txLrgsAEFvggkkWcyvZfem-2560-80.jpg&#8221;]<\/p>\n<article class=\"m-0 box-border flex flex-row items-center pr-2.5 gap-[15px] w-[278px] h-20 flex-none upnext-article-divider\" role=\"listitem\" aria-label=\"Recommended article 1 of 3\">\n<div class=\"relative flex-none w-20 h-20\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vETsTHza7k737YsxL2SqkR-160-80.jpg.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vETsTHza7k737YsxL2SqkR-80-80.jpg.webp 80w\" sizes=\"80px\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex items-center justify-center absolute w-4 h-6 left-0 top-0 bg-white\/90 flex-none z-[1]\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"font-normal text-base leading-[17px] tracking-[1.3px] uppercase text-black flex-none\">1<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex flex-col items-center justify-center gap-1.5 w-[173px] h-20 flex-none\">\n<p class=\"font-article-heading font-medium text-base leading-[21px] text-gray-800 w-[173px] line-clamp-3 group-hover:underline\">\n                                    As it happened: Domination on stage 4 of the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a with a long-range solo move in Andorra\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\/kFPTziBmAaofmHBVkXzTih-160-80.png.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kFPTziBmAaofmHBVkXzTih-80-80.png.webp 80w\" sizes=\"80px\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex items-center justify-center absolute w-[18px] h-6 left-0 top-0 bg-white\/90 flex-none z-[1]\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"font-normal text-base leading-[17px] tracking-[1.3px] uppercase text-black flex-none\">2<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex flex-col items-center justify-center gap-1.5 w-[173px] h-20 flex-none\">\n<p class=\"font-article-heading font-medium text-base leading-[21px] text-gray-800 w-[173px] line-clamp-3 group-hover:underline\">\n                                    As it happened: The red jersey wins again on Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a gravel but it wasn&#8217;t pure domination this time\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\/aekFgrU4n7wapnhxKvXSon-160-80.jpg.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aekFgrU4n7wapnhxKvXSon-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                                    Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a GC standings &#8211; Tadej Poga\u010dar gains more time on stage 6\n                                <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"page-content-onecol flex-1\nnews-article article\n\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"widget-area-group widget-area-group-2col flex flex-wrap box-border\">\n<div id=\"widgetArea16\" class=\"widget-area basis-full md:basis-2\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-2-3 page-widget-area-16\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"hero\" id=\"hero\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-hero widget-hero widget-hero-hero widget-hero widget-hero-fter-news\">\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRacing\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRoad\n<\/li>\n<li>\nVuelta a Espa\u00f1a\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>&#8216;I was like &#8211; what&#8217;s going on, is this a spectator?&#8217; &#8211; Tadej Poga\u010dar surprised by Enric Mas on Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a gravel climb<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"vds-byline-block flex flex-row flex-nowrap my-1.5 gap-2 text-left items-start justify-start\" data-component-name=\"Article:BylineBlock\">\n<p>News<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-auto vds-simple-byline\"><span class=\"inline-block vds-author\"><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nAlasdair Fotheringham <\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex gap-1 vds-byline-with-avatar__meta\"><span class=\"vds-date block font-normal tracking-normal normal-case text-xs\"><br \/>\nPublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-08-27T18:04:20Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n27 August 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Slovenian recognises mistakes on ascent of Puerto de El Bartolo<\/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\/txLrgsAEFvggkkWcyvZfem-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/txLrgsAEFvggkkWcyvZfem-1600-80.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/txLrgsAEFvggkkWcyvZfem-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/txLrgsAEFvggkkWcyvZfem-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/txLrgsAEFvggkkWcyvZfem-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/txLrgsAEFvggkkWcyvZfem-750-80.jpg.webp 750w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/txLrgsAEFvggkkWcyvZfem-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/txLrgsAEFvggkkWcyvZfem-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/txLrgsAEFvggkkWcyvZfem-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\">Enric Mas bridging up to Tadej Pogacar on stage 6 of the 2026 Vuelta a Espana<\/span><span class=\"credit font-article-copy\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\"text-copy bodyCopy auto paywall-locker\">\n<div data-analytics-id=\"utility-bar\" id=\"utility-bar\" class=\"font-ui-heading flex justify-between items-center py-2 border-t border-b border-gray-300 border-solid mb-5 mx-auto\" data-component-name=\"UtilityBar\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"utility-bar\">\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div data-component-name=\"Social:Dropdown\" role=\"menu\" id=\"utilitybar__dropdown--share\" aria-labelledby=\"utilitybar__button--share\" class=\"absolute left-0 top-full w-44 bg-white rounded-md shadow-md border border-neutral-200 z-[9996] list-none m-0 py-2 px-3 border-solid\">\n<ul class=\"m-0!\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Facebook<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>X<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Pinterest<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Email<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-share-this-article\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nShare this article\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\"><span class=\"ml-1 inline-flex h-5 px-2 shrink-0 items-center justify-center self-center overflow-hidden whitespace-nowrap rounded-[10px] bg-primary-500 text-[11px] leading-none font-ui-heading font-semibold text-white\">0<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-join-the-conversation\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nJoin the conversation\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<p>Follow us<\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-add-us-as-a-preferred-source-on-google\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nAdd us as a preferred source on Google\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-subscribe-to-our-newsletter\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nSubscribe to our newsletter\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-ba4bdbce-a241-11f1-8a58-05b55054ad37\">From timing errors to poor pacing strategy to a super-strong rival, Tadej Poga\u010dar has explained the combination of circumstances that led to the utterly unexpected scenario of his being chased down by Enric Mas (Movistar) on the Puerto de El Bartolo in the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a.<\/p>\n<p>When Poga\u010dar launched his attack some four kilometres from the summit of the Bartolo on stage 6 just as the gravel sections were beginning, nobody in the main group of GC favourites expected to see him again.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-ba4bdbce-a241-11f1-8a58-05b55054ad37-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Up until that point, it had all been very much business as usual. UAE Team Emirates-XRG had turned in a blistering pace on the approach to the key two final climbs, proving more than capable of keeping a 16-rider breakaway in check. And after teammate Jay Vine and Pablo Torres had delivered the final burst of pace on the Bartolo, Pogacar was ready to blast away.<\/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\">However, after storming past Ramses Debruyne (Alpecin-Premier Tech), the last breakaway survivor, 2.9 kilometres from the top, suddenly things began to change in an utterly expected direction. The sight of Mas closing in on Poga\u010dar sparked some rather partisan cheers from Spanish journalists in the press room, and when he overtook the Slovenian at the top, the cheering grew even louder.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">On the other hand, Poga\u010dar was more than able both to stay with Mas on the descent, stay upright in a difficult moment and then outpower him at the finish.<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            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\/x95sC8eRpV3thnhQgo4RgK-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/x95sC8eRpV3thnhQgo4RgK-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;A good day, but let&#8217;s not give it too much importance&#8217; &#8211; Enric Mas remains cautious after matching Tadej Poga\u010dar on Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a gravel climb<\/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\/2k9AaM8BvbGd7oqzTEr8Kc-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2k9AaM8BvbGd7oqzTEr8Kc-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a: Tadej Poga\u010dar survives near-crash on descent for third victory of the race on stage 6<\/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\/p56aURTcLn8xpb8hLtVub6-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/p56aURTcLn8xpb8hLtVub6-150-80.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\">Scare for Tadej Poga\u010dar as he veers off-road following rival&#8217;s warning to take it easy on Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a descent \u2013 Video<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It was an unexpected finale, and Enric fought one hell of a battle,&#8221; Netcompany-Ineos sports director Imanol Erviti, a former teammate of the Spaniard at Movistar, told <em>Cyclingnews<\/em>, &#8220;but don&#8217;t forget who won.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Indeed, Pogacar might not have his best day on the sierras of northern Valencia, but he and Mas still gained nearly a minute on all their rivals. The Spaniard is 3:34 down on Poga\u010dar and even took the time bonus on the top of El Bartolo, but Primo\u017e Rogli\u010d (Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe) is now pushed back to over four minutes. All in all, if this was an unusual day for Poga\u010dar, it certainly wasn&#8217;t a bad one.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-qy2HNZKqpRpHsMhWtQXeAb\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-qy2HNZKqpRpHsMhWtQXeAb 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;I really didn&#8217;t know Mas was there; I heard there was a group of favourites at 40-50 seconds behind, but I didn&#8217;t know the climb very well, I think I paced it all wrong,&#8221; Poga\u010dar explained.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Mas came to me just at the top, I was like &#8211; &#8216;what&#8217;s going on man, is this a spectator?&#8217;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;But I quickly realised, for sure he knows the climb, he put in a strong effort, so I immediately focused on him there.&#8221;<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            What to read next<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JLYbQXUaN585xQmKbegacC-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JLYbQXUaN585xQmKbegacC-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;Tadej has made a big statement&#8217; &#8211; UAE Team Emirates-XRG cautiously delighted with Poga\u010dar&#8217;s knock-out Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a stage win<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cLSHcRATZJ5wsZjNMcxxtC-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cLSHcRATZJ5wsZjNMcxxtC-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;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><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QGfYraMA6euN4n4KXNaJre-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QGfYraMA6euN4n4KXNaJre-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\">What now for the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a? After Tadej Poga\u010dar&#8217;s trademark display of GC power, a normally unpredictable race heads into uncharted territory &#8211; Analysis<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;The descent was very steep indeed; I knew it was very dangerous and a shit road. But even when people tell you it&#8217;s dangerous, it&#8217;s not &#8217;til you are there [that you realise].&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Mas made a small error, Poga\u010dar said, something that could easily happen on a twisting, poorly surfaced downhill not designed for taking good lines and where it was necessary to brake hard, and that was likely what indirectly caused him to go off the road.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I&#8217;m glad I stayed on the bike; it could easily have been a big crash for me, but I was happy to be back on the road, and that the speed was not full on then.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Even so, the two managed to reach the finish together after some excellent collaboration, where Mas barely disputed the two-up sprint and Poga\u010dar was able to claim his third stage win in five days of racing. He also said that it was a good thing to be able to fight against a rival, rather than the usual solo, given that that added an extra dose of adrenaline to the scenario.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It&#8217;s a totally different feeling if you are alone, and you know in the last 30 minutes you are going to win,&#8221; Poga\u010dar explained. &#8220;Today was great because we both committed, we went all out, we got more time, and I did a good sprint in the end, too.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;If I remember correctly back in 2022, he won Emilia and then in Lombardia, he matched my climbing and then I beat him by a little bit in the sprint&#8221; &#8211; an almost identical scenario to stage 6 of this year&#8217;s Vuelta, in fact.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I think now in this Vuelta he&#8217;s at a similar level like that; it&#8217;s good to see him on this level, to be honest.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">As for Poga\u010dar himself, the sensation that he has the Vuelta totally under his control may have been dented slightly, but only by the smallest possible margin. Most likely all it will take is another knockout breakaway victory on Thursday at Valdelinares, and any brief doubts about his condition will once again quickly be forgotten.<\/p>\n<p 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-qy2HNZKqpRpHsMhWtQXeAb\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-qy2HNZKqpRpHsMhWtQXeAb slice-container-authorBio\">\n<div class=\"author author__default-layout author--separator author--collapsible\" data-hydrate=\"true\">\n<div class=\"author__header\">\n<div class=\"author__avatar-block\">\n<figure class=\"image-wrapped__wrapper\" data-bordeaux-image-check=\"false\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__widthsetter\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__aspect-padding\">\n<div><source class=\"author__avatar image-wrapped__image image__image\" type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5QLhaPay9asJvmaNsCjFVZ-140-80.jpg.webp 140w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5QLhaPay9asJvmaNsCjFVZ.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5QLhaPay9asJvmaNsCjFVZ.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5QLhaPay9asJvmaNsCjFVZ.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__heading\">\n<div class=\"author__name\">Alasdair Fotheringham<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__social\">\n<nav class=\"button-social-group author__social-buttons\" aria-labelledby=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">\n<div id=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">Social Links Navigation<\/div>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>Alasdair Fotheringham has been reporting on cycling since 1991. He has covered every Tour de France since 1992 bar one, as well as numerous other bike races of all shapes and sizes, ranging from the Olympic Games in 2008 to the now sadly defunct Subida a Urkiola hill climb in Spain. As well as working for <em>Cyclingnews<\/em>, he has also written for <em>The Independent<\/em>,\u00a0 <em>The Guardian<\/em>,\u00a0 <em>ProCycling<\/em>, <em>The Express<\/em> and <em>Reuters<\/em>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<div class=\"relative max-w-[1070px] viafoura-twig-component mt-6 mx-4 lg:mx-0\" data-component-name=\"Viafoura:Comments\" data-nosnippet data-community-guidelines-text=\"&lt;p class=&apos;vfcustom-community-guidelines&apos;&gt;Please follow our &lt;a href=&quot;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/about\/#section-community-guidelines&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;community guidelines&lt;\/a&gt;.&lt;\/p&gt;\" data-join-the-conversation-text=\"Join the Conversation\">\n<div class=\"absolute top-0 left-0 w-full h-full flex items-center justify-center z-50 bg-white\/90 border-1 rounded-b-[var(--comment-widget-border-radius,0)]\">\n<div class=\"p-2 text-center\">\n<p class=\"mb-3 text-lg!\">You must confirm your public display name before commenting<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-3 text-sm!\">Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<section class=\"mx-2 my-5 sm:mx-0\">\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-adviser:hybrid\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Read more<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/x95sC8eRpV3thnhQgo4RgK-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/x95sC8eRpV3thnhQgo4RgK-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/x95sC8eRpV3thnhQgo4RgK-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/x95sC8eRpV3thnhQgo4RgK-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/x95sC8eRpV3thnhQgo4RgK-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 good day, but let&#8217;s not give it too much importance&#8217; &#8211; Enric Mas remains cautious after matching Tadej Poga\u010dar on Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a gravel climb<\/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\/2k9AaM8BvbGd7oqzTEr8Kc-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2k9AaM8BvbGd7oqzTEr8Kc-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2k9AaM8BvbGd7oqzTEr8Kc-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2k9AaM8BvbGd7oqzTEr8Kc-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2k9AaM8BvbGd7oqzTEr8Kc-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a: Tadej Poga\u010dar survives near-crash on descent for third victory of the race on stage 6<\/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\/p56aURTcLn8xpb8hLtVub6-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/p56aURTcLn8xpb8hLtVub6-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/p56aURTcLn8xpb8hLtVub6-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/p56aURTcLn8xpb8hLtVub6-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/p56aURTcLn8xpb8hLtVub6-320-80.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\">Scare for Tadej Poga\u010dar as he veers off-road following rival&#8217;s warning to take it easy on Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a descent \u2013 Video<\/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\/JLYbQXUaN585xQmKbegacC-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JLYbQXUaN585xQmKbegacC-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JLYbQXUaN585xQmKbegacC-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JLYbQXUaN585xQmKbegacC-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JLYbQXUaN585xQmKbegacC-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;Tadej has made a big statement&#8217; &#8211; UAE Team Emirates-XRG cautiously delighted with Poga\u010dar&#8217;s knock-out Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a stage win<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/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 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\/QGfYraMA6euN4n4KXNaJre-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QGfYraMA6euN4n4KXNaJre-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QGfYraMA6euN4n4KXNaJre-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QGfYraMA6euN4n4KXNaJre-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QGfYraMA6euN4n4KXNaJre-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\">What now for the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a? After Tadej Poga\u010dar&#8217;s trademark display of GC power, a normally unpredictable race heads into uncharted territory &#8211; Analysis<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\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\/2k9AaM8BvbGd7oqzTEr8Kc-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2k9AaM8BvbGd7oqzTEr8Kc-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2k9AaM8BvbGd7oqzTEr8Kc-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2k9AaM8BvbGd7oqzTEr8Kc-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2k9AaM8BvbGd7oqzTEr8Kc-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a: Tadej Poga\u010dar survives near-crash on descent for third victory of the race on stage 6<\/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\/xz5gEu7yBu4E9KZWwpsbAi-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xz5gEu7yBu4E9KZWwpsbAi-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xz5gEu7yBu4E9KZWwpsbAi-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xz5gEu7yBu4E9KZWwpsbAi-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xz5gEu7yBu4E9KZWwpsbAi-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\">Shirin van Anrooij makes &#8216;bold switch&#8217; to Canyon-SRAM, with transfer to come into force before 2026 is over<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div 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\/UEDpMSrbnELU5BTMTafrh3-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UEDpMSrbnELU5BTMTafrh3-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UEDpMSrbnELU5BTMTafrh3-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UEDpMSrbnELU5BTMTafrh3-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UEDpMSrbnELU5BTMTafrh3-320-80.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\">Kreiz Breizh F\u00e9minin: Loes Adegeest victorious on &#8216;a brutal course&#8217; out sprinting the late breakaway to take a first win of 2026<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SyQVzG9aSiFNF9eeLPRwj4-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SyQVzG9aSiFNF9eeLPRwj4-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SyQVzG9aSiFNF9eeLPRwj4-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SyQVzG9aSiFNF9eeLPRwj4-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SyQVzG9aSiFNF9eeLPRwj4-320-80.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\">Josh Tarling abandons the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a during stage 6<\/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\/SWdjkDCoZEXjhwwEcecS8X-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SWdjkDCoZEXjhwwEcecS8X-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SWdjkDCoZEXjhwwEcecS8X-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SWdjkDCoZEXjhwwEcecS8X-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SWdjkDCoZEXjhwwEcecS8X-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\">UCI Mountain Bike World Championships: Laura Stigger, Adrien Boichis claim narrow victories in elite short track<\/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\/JQPxxd4howi7q4PWoJQcwR-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JQPxxd4howi7q4PWoJQcwR-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JQPxxd4howi7q4PWoJQcwR-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JQPxxd4howi7q4PWoJQcwR-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JQPxxd4howi7q4PWoJQcwR-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\">UCI Mountain Bike World Championships: Rising Australian multi-discipline star Connor Wright takes junior men&#8217;s XCO title, Anja Grossmann wins women&#8217;s race<\/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\/x95sC8eRpV3thnhQgo4RgK-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/x95sC8eRpV3thnhQgo4RgK-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/x95sC8eRpV3thnhQgo4RgK-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/x95sC8eRpV3thnhQgo4RgK-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/x95sC8eRpV3thnhQgo4RgK-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 good day, but let&#8217;s not give it too much importance&#8217; &#8211; Enric Mas remains cautious after matching Tadej Poga\u010dar on Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a gravel climb<\/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\/p56aURTcLn8xpb8hLtVub6-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/p56aURTcLn8xpb8hLtVub6-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/p56aURTcLn8xpb8hLtVub6-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/p56aURTcLn8xpb8hLtVub6-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/p56aURTcLn8xpb8hLtVub6-320-80.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\">Scare for Tadej Poga\u010dar as he veers off-road following rival&#8217;s warning to take it easy on Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a descent \u2013 Video<\/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\/xz5gEu7yBu4E9KZWwpsbAi-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xz5gEu7yBu4E9KZWwpsbAi-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xz5gEu7yBu4E9KZWwpsbAi-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xz5gEu7yBu4E9KZWwpsbAi-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xz5gEu7yBu4E9KZWwpsbAi-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\">Shirin van Anrooij makes &#8216;bold switch&#8217; to Canyon-SRAM, with transfer to come into force before 2026 is over<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div 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\/SyQVzG9aSiFNF9eeLPRwj4-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SyQVzG9aSiFNF9eeLPRwj4-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SyQVzG9aSiFNF9eeLPRwj4-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SyQVzG9aSiFNF9eeLPRwj4-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SyQVzG9aSiFNF9eeLPRwj4-320-80.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\">Josh Tarling abandons the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a during stage 6<\/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\/3iZJDSFZU9XdXY5PfvQduh-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3iZJDSFZU9XdXY5PfvQduh-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3iZJDSFZU9XdXY5PfvQduh-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3iZJDSFZU9XdXY5PfvQduh-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3iZJDSFZU9XdXY5PfvQduh-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;Heartbroken&#8217; Chad Haga says his career is over after a heavy crash in training<\/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\/vGSz3mmntd7cRcLKHDx2hk-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vGSz3mmntd7cRcLKHDx2hk-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vGSz3mmntd7cRcLKHDx2hk-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vGSz3mmntd7cRcLKHDx2hk-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vGSz3mmntd7cRcLKHDx2hk-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I&#8217;m not like Poga\u010dar&#8217; \u2013 Wout van Aert happy in support role at Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a but wants his sunglasses back<\/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\/x95sC8eRpV3thnhQgo4RgK-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/x95sC8eRpV3thnhQgo4RgK-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/x95sC8eRpV3thnhQgo4RgK-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/x95sC8eRpV3thnhQgo4RgK-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"99vw\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">1<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>&#8216;A good day, but let&#8217;s not give it too much importance&#8217; &#8211; Enric Mas remains cautious after matching Tadej Poga\u010dar on Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a gravel climb<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">2<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>Scare for Tadej Poga\u010dar as he veers off-road following rival&#8217;s warning to take it easy on Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a descent \u2013 Video<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">3<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>UCI Mountain Bike World Championships: Laura Stigger, Adrien Boichis claim narrow victories in elite short track<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">4<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a: Tadej Poga\u010dar survives near-crash on descent for third victory of the race on stage 6<\/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>Kreiz Breizh F\u00e9minin: Loes Adegeest victorious on &#8216;a brutal course&#8217; out sprinting the late breakaway to take a first win of 2026<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"page-content-onecol flex-1\nnews-article article\n\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"widget-area-group widget-area-group-2col flex flex-wrap box-border\">\n<div id=\"widgetArea16\" class=\"widget-area basis-full md:basis-2\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-2-3 page-widget-area-16\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"hero\" id=\"hero\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-hero widget-hero widget-hero-hero widget-hero widget-hero-fter-news\">\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRacing\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRoad\n<\/li>\n<li>\nVuelta a Espa\u00f1a\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>&#8216;I was like &#8211; what&#8217;s going on, is this a spectator?&#8217; &#8211; Tadej Poga\u010dar surprised by Enric Mas on Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a gravel climb<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"vds-byline-block flex flex-row flex-nowrap my-1.5 gap-2 text-left items-start justify-start\" data-component-name=\"Article:BylineBlock\">\n<p>News<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-auto vds-simple-byline\"><span class=\"inline-block vds-author\"><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nAlasdair Fotheringham <\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex gap-1 vds-byline-with-avatar__meta\"><span class=\"vds-date block font-normal tracking-normal normal-case text-xs\"><br \/>\nPublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-08-27T18:04:20Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n27 August 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Slovenian recognises mistakes on ascent of Puerto de El Bartolo<\/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\/txLrgsAEFvggkkWcyvZfem-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/txLrgsAEFvggkkWcyvZfem-1600-80.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/txLrgsAEFvggkkWcyvZfem-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/txLrgsAEFvggkkWcyvZfem-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/txLrgsAEFvggkkWcyvZfem-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/txLrgsAEFvggkkWcyvZfem-750-80.jpg.webp 750w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/txLrgsAEFvggkkWcyvZfem-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/txLrgsAEFvggkkWcyvZfem-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/txLrgsAEFvggkkWcyvZfem-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\">Enric Mas bridging up to Tadej Pogacar on stage 6 of the 2026 Vuelta a Espana<\/span><span class=\"credit font-article-copy\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\"text-copy bodyCopy auto paywall-locker\">\n<div data-analytics-id=\"utility-bar\" id=\"utility-bar\" class=\"font-ui-heading flex justify-between items-center py-2 border-t border-b border-gray-300 border-solid mb-5 mx-auto\" data-component-name=\"UtilityBar\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"utility-bar\">\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div data-component-name=\"Social:Dropdown\" role=\"menu\" id=\"utilitybar__dropdown--share\" aria-labelledby=\"utilitybar__button--share\" class=\"absolute left-0 top-full w-44 bg-white rounded-md shadow-md border border-neutral-200 z-[9996] list-none m-0 py-2 px-3 border-solid\">\n<ul class=\"m-0!\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Facebook<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>X<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Pinterest<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Email<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-share-this-article\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nShare this article\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\"><span class=\"ml-1 inline-flex h-5 px-2 shrink-0 items-center justify-center self-center overflow-hidden whitespace-nowrap rounded-[10px] bg-primary-500 text-[11px] leading-none font-ui-heading font-semibold text-white\">0<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-join-the-conversation\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nJoin the conversation\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<p>Follow us<\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-add-us-as-a-preferred-source-on-google\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nAdd us as a preferred source on Google\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-subscribe-to-our-newsletter\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nSubscribe to our newsletter\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-ba4bdbce-a241-11f1-8a58-05b55054ad37\">From timing errors to poor pacing strategy to a super-strong rival, Tadej Poga\u010dar has explained the combination of circumstances that led to the utterly unexpected scenario of his being chased down by Enric Mas (Movistar) on the Puerto de El Bartolo in the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a.<\/p>\n<p>When Poga\u010dar launched his attack some four kilometres from the summit of the Bartolo on stage 6 just as the gravel sections were beginning, nobody in the main group of GC favourites expected to see him again.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-ba4bdbce-a241-11f1-8a58-05b55054ad37-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Up until that point, it had all been very much business as usual. UAE Team Emirates-XRG had turned in a blistering pace on the approach to the key two final climbs, proving more than capable of keeping a 16-rider breakaway in check. And after teammate Jay Vine and Pablo Torres had delivered the final burst of pace on the Bartolo, Pogacar was ready to blast away.<\/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\">However, after storming past Ramses Debruyne (Alpecin-Premier Tech), the last breakaway survivor, 2.9 kilometres from the top, suddenly things began to change in an utterly expected direction. The sight of Mas closing in on Poga\u010dar sparked some rather partisan cheers from Spanish journalists in the press room, and when he overtook the Slovenian at the top, the cheering grew even louder.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">On the other hand, Poga\u010dar was more than able both to stay with Mas on the descent, stay upright in a difficult moment and then outpower him at the finish.<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            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\/x95sC8eRpV3thnhQgo4RgK-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/x95sC8eRpV3thnhQgo4RgK-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;A good day, but let&#8217;s not give it too much importance&#8217; &#8211; Enric Mas remains cautious after matching Tadej Poga\u010dar on Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a gravel climb<\/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\/2k9AaM8BvbGd7oqzTEr8Kc-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2k9AaM8BvbGd7oqzTEr8Kc-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a: Tadej Poga\u010dar survives near-crash on descent for third victory of the race on stage 6<\/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\/p56aURTcLn8xpb8hLtVub6-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/p56aURTcLn8xpb8hLtVub6-150-80.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\">Scare for Tadej Poga\u010dar as he veers off-road following rival&#8217;s warning to take it easy on Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a descent \u2013 Video<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It was an unexpected finale, and Enric fought one hell of a battle,&#8221; Netcompany-Ineos sports director Imanol Erviti, a former teammate of the Spaniard at Movistar, told <em>Cyclingnews<\/em>, &#8220;but don&#8217;t forget who won.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Indeed, Pogacar might not have his best day on the sierras of northern Valencia, but he and Mas still gained nearly a minute on all their rivals. The Spaniard is 3:34 down on Poga\u010dar and even took the time bonus on the top of El Bartolo, but Primo\u017e Rogli\u010d (Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe) is now pushed back to over four minutes. All in all, if this was an unusual day for Poga\u010dar, it certainly wasn&#8217;t a bad one.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-qy2HNZKqpRpHsMhWtQXeAb\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-qy2HNZKqpRpHsMhWtQXeAb 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;I really didn&#8217;t know Mas was there; I heard there was a group of favourites at 40-50 seconds behind, but I didn&#8217;t know the climb very well, I think I paced it all wrong,&#8221; Poga\u010dar explained.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Mas came to me just at the top, I was like &#8211; &#8216;what&#8217;s going on man, is this a spectator?&#8217;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;But I quickly realised, for sure he knows the climb, he put in a strong effort, so I immediately focused on him there.&#8221;<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            What to read next<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JLYbQXUaN585xQmKbegacC-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JLYbQXUaN585xQmKbegacC-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;Tadej has made a big statement&#8217; &#8211; UAE Team Emirates-XRG cautiously delighted with Poga\u010dar&#8217;s knock-out Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a stage win<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cLSHcRATZJ5wsZjNMcxxtC-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cLSHcRATZJ5wsZjNMcxxtC-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;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><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QGfYraMA6euN4n4KXNaJre-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QGfYraMA6euN4n4KXNaJre-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\">What now for the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a? After Tadej Poga\u010dar&#8217;s trademark display of GC power, a normally unpredictable race heads into uncharted territory &#8211; Analysis<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;The descent was very steep indeed; I knew it was very dangerous and a shit road. But even when people tell you it&#8217;s dangerous, it&#8217;s not &#8217;til you are there [that you realise].&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Mas made a small error, Poga\u010dar said, something that could easily happen on a twisting, poorly surfaced downhill not designed for taking good lines and where it was necessary to brake hard, and that was likely what indirectly caused him to go off the road.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I&#8217;m glad I stayed on the bike; it could easily have been a big crash for me, but I was happy to be back on the road, and that the speed was not full on then.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Even so, the two managed to reach the finish together after some excellent collaboration, where Mas barely disputed the two-up sprint and Poga\u010dar was able to claim his third stage win in five days of racing. He also said that it was a good thing to be able to fight against a rival, rather than the usual solo, given that that added an extra dose of adrenaline to the scenario.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It&#8217;s a totally different feeling if you are alone, and you know in the last 30 minutes you are going to win,&#8221; Poga\u010dar explained. &#8220;Today was great because we both committed, we went all out, we got more time, and I did a good sprint in the end, too.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;If I remember correctly back in 2022, he won Emilia and then in Lombardia, he matched my climbing and then I beat him by a little bit in the sprint&#8221; &#8211; an almost identical scenario to stage 6 of this year&#8217;s Vuelta, in fact.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I think now in this Vuelta he&#8217;s at a similar level like that; it&#8217;s good to see him on this level, to be honest.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">As for Poga\u010dar himself, the sensation that he has the Vuelta totally under his control may have been dented slightly, but only by the smallest possible margin. Most likely all it will take is another knockout breakaway victory on Thursday at Valdelinares, and any brief doubts about his condition will once again quickly be forgotten.<\/p>\n<p 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-qy2HNZKqpRpHsMhWtQXeAb\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-qy2HNZKqpRpHsMhWtQXeAb slice-container-authorBio\">\n<div class=\"author author__default-layout author--separator author--collapsible\" data-hydrate=\"true\">\n<div class=\"author__header\">\n<div class=\"author__avatar-block\">\n<figure class=\"image-wrapped__wrapper\" data-bordeaux-image-check=\"false\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__widthsetter\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__aspect-padding\">\n<div><source class=\"author__avatar image-wrapped__image image__image\" type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5QLhaPay9asJvmaNsCjFVZ-140-80.jpg.webp 140w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5QLhaPay9asJvmaNsCjFVZ.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5QLhaPay9asJvmaNsCjFVZ.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5QLhaPay9asJvmaNsCjFVZ.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__heading\">\n<div class=\"author__name\">Alasdair Fotheringham<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__social\">\n<nav class=\"button-social-group author__social-buttons\" aria-labelledby=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">\n<div id=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">Social Links Navigation<\/div>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>Alasdair Fotheringham has been reporting on cycling since 1991. He has covered every Tour de France since 1992 bar one, as well as numerous other bike races of all shapes and sizes, ranging from the Olympic Games in 2008 to the now sadly defunct Subida a Urkiola hill climb in Spain. As well as working for <em>Cyclingnews<\/em>, he has also written for <em>The Independent<\/em>,\u00a0 <em>The Guardian<\/em>,\u00a0 <em>ProCycling<\/em>, <em>The Express<\/em> and <em>Reuters<\/em>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<div class=\"relative max-w-[1070px] viafoura-twig-component mt-6 mx-4 lg:mx-0\" data-component-name=\"Viafoura:Comments\" data-nosnippet data-community-guidelines-text=\"&lt;p class=&apos;vfcustom-community-guidelines&apos;&gt;Please follow our &lt;a href=&quot;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/about\/#section-community-guidelines&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;community guidelines&lt;\/a&gt;.&lt;\/p&gt;\" data-join-the-conversation-text=\"Join the Conversation\">\n<div class=\"absolute top-0 left-0 w-full h-full flex items-center justify-center z-50 bg-white\/90 border-1 rounded-b-[var(--comment-widget-border-radius,0)]\">\n<div class=\"p-2 text-center\">\n<p class=\"mb-3 text-lg!\">You must confirm your public display name before commenting<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-3 text-sm!\">Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<section class=\"mx-2 my-5 sm:mx-0\">\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-adviser:hybrid\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Read more<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/x95sC8eRpV3thnhQgo4RgK-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/x95sC8eRpV3thnhQgo4RgK-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/x95sC8eRpV3thnhQgo4RgK-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/x95sC8eRpV3thnhQgo4RgK-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/x95sC8eRpV3thnhQgo4RgK-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 good day, but let&#8217;s not give it too much importance&#8217; &#8211; Enric Mas remains cautious after matching Tadej Poga\u010dar on Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a gravel climb<\/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\/2k9AaM8BvbGd7oqzTEr8Kc-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2k9AaM8BvbGd7oqzTEr8Kc-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2k9AaM8BvbGd7oqzTEr8Kc-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2k9AaM8BvbGd7oqzTEr8Kc-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2k9AaM8BvbGd7oqzTEr8Kc-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a: Tadej Poga\u010dar survives near-crash on descent for third victory of the race on stage 6<\/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\/p56aURTcLn8xpb8hLtVub6-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/p56aURTcLn8xpb8hLtVub6-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/p56aURTcLn8xpb8hLtVub6-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/p56aURTcLn8xpb8hLtVub6-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/p56aURTcLn8xpb8hLtVub6-320-80.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\">Scare for Tadej Poga\u010dar as he veers off-road following rival&#8217;s warning to take it easy on Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a descent \u2013 Video<\/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\/JLYbQXUaN585xQmKbegacC-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JLYbQXUaN585xQmKbegacC-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JLYbQXUaN585xQmKbegacC-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JLYbQXUaN585xQmKbegacC-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JLYbQXUaN585xQmKbegacC-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;Tadej has made a big statement&#8217; &#8211; UAE Team Emirates-XRG cautiously delighted with Poga\u010dar&#8217;s knock-out Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a stage win<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/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 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\/QGfYraMA6euN4n4KXNaJre-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QGfYraMA6euN4n4KXNaJre-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QGfYraMA6euN4n4KXNaJre-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QGfYraMA6euN4n4KXNaJre-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QGfYraMA6euN4n4KXNaJre-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\">What now for the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a? After Tadej Poga\u010dar&#8217;s trademark display of GC power, a normally unpredictable race heads into uncharted territory &#8211; Analysis<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\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\/2k9AaM8BvbGd7oqzTEr8Kc-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2k9AaM8BvbGd7oqzTEr8Kc-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2k9AaM8BvbGd7oqzTEr8Kc-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2k9AaM8BvbGd7oqzTEr8Kc-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2k9AaM8BvbGd7oqzTEr8Kc-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a: Tadej Poga\u010dar survives near-crash on descent for third victory of the race on stage 6<\/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\/xz5gEu7yBu4E9KZWwpsbAi-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xz5gEu7yBu4E9KZWwpsbAi-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xz5gEu7yBu4E9KZWwpsbAi-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xz5gEu7yBu4E9KZWwpsbAi-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xz5gEu7yBu4E9KZWwpsbAi-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\">Shirin van Anrooij makes &#8216;bold switch&#8217; to Canyon-SRAM, with transfer to come into force before 2026 is over<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div 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\/UEDpMSrbnELU5BTMTafrh3-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UEDpMSrbnELU5BTMTafrh3-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UEDpMSrbnELU5BTMTafrh3-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UEDpMSrbnELU5BTMTafrh3-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UEDpMSrbnELU5BTMTafrh3-320-80.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\">Kreiz Breizh F\u00e9minin: Loes Adegeest victorious on &#8216;a brutal course&#8217; out sprinting the late breakaway to take a first win of 2026<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SyQVzG9aSiFNF9eeLPRwj4-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SyQVzG9aSiFNF9eeLPRwj4-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SyQVzG9aSiFNF9eeLPRwj4-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SyQVzG9aSiFNF9eeLPRwj4-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SyQVzG9aSiFNF9eeLPRwj4-320-80.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\">Josh Tarling abandons the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a during stage 6<\/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\/SWdjkDCoZEXjhwwEcecS8X-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SWdjkDCoZEXjhwwEcecS8X-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SWdjkDCoZEXjhwwEcecS8X-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SWdjkDCoZEXjhwwEcecS8X-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SWdjkDCoZEXjhwwEcecS8X-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\">UCI Mountain Bike World Championships: Laura Stigger, Adrien Boichis claim narrow victories in elite short track<\/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\/JQPxxd4howi7q4PWoJQcwR-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JQPxxd4howi7q4PWoJQcwR-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JQPxxd4howi7q4PWoJQcwR-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JQPxxd4howi7q4PWoJQcwR-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JQPxxd4howi7q4PWoJQcwR-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\">UCI Mountain Bike World Championships: Rising Australian multi-discipline star Connor Wright takes junior men&#8217;s XCO title, Anja Grossmann wins women&#8217;s race<\/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\/x95sC8eRpV3thnhQgo4RgK-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/x95sC8eRpV3thnhQgo4RgK-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/x95sC8eRpV3thnhQgo4RgK-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/x95sC8eRpV3thnhQgo4RgK-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/x95sC8eRpV3thnhQgo4RgK-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 good day, but let&#8217;s not give it too much importance&#8217; &#8211; Enric Mas remains cautious after matching Tadej Poga\u010dar on Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a gravel climb<\/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\/p56aURTcLn8xpb8hLtVub6-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/p56aURTcLn8xpb8hLtVub6-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/p56aURTcLn8xpb8hLtVub6-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/p56aURTcLn8xpb8hLtVub6-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/p56aURTcLn8xpb8hLtVub6-320-80.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\">Scare for Tadej Poga\u010dar as he veers off-road following rival&#8217;s warning to take it easy on Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a descent \u2013 Video<\/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\/xz5gEu7yBu4E9KZWwpsbAi-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xz5gEu7yBu4E9KZWwpsbAi-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xz5gEu7yBu4E9KZWwpsbAi-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xz5gEu7yBu4E9KZWwpsbAi-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xz5gEu7yBu4E9KZWwpsbAi-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\">Shirin van Anrooij makes &#8216;bold switch&#8217; to Canyon-SRAM, with transfer to come into force before 2026 is over<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div 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\/SyQVzG9aSiFNF9eeLPRwj4-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SyQVzG9aSiFNF9eeLPRwj4-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SyQVzG9aSiFNF9eeLPRwj4-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SyQVzG9aSiFNF9eeLPRwj4-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SyQVzG9aSiFNF9eeLPRwj4-320-80.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\">Josh Tarling abandons the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a during stage 6<\/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\/3iZJDSFZU9XdXY5PfvQduh-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3iZJDSFZU9XdXY5PfvQduh-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3iZJDSFZU9XdXY5PfvQduh-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3iZJDSFZU9XdXY5PfvQduh-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3iZJDSFZU9XdXY5PfvQduh-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;Heartbroken&#8217; Chad Haga says his career is over after a heavy crash in training<\/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\/vGSz3mmntd7cRcLKHDx2hk-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vGSz3mmntd7cRcLKHDx2hk-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vGSz3mmntd7cRcLKHDx2hk-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vGSz3mmntd7cRcLKHDx2hk-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vGSz3mmntd7cRcLKHDx2hk-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I&#8217;m not like Poga\u010dar&#8217; \u2013 Wout van Aert happy in support role at Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a but wants his sunglasses back<\/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\/x95sC8eRpV3thnhQgo4RgK-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/x95sC8eRpV3thnhQgo4RgK-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/x95sC8eRpV3thnhQgo4RgK-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/x95sC8eRpV3thnhQgo4RgK-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"99vw\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">1<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>&#8216;A good day, but let&#8217;s not give it too much importance&#8217; &#8211; Enric Mas remains cautious after matching Tadej Poga\u010dar on Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a gravel climb<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">2<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>Scare for Tadej Poga\u010dar as he veers off-road following rival&#8217;s warning to take it easy on Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a descent \u2013 Video<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">3<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>UCI Mountain Bike World Championships: Laura Stigger, Adrien Boichis claim narrow victories in elite short track<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">4<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a: Tadej Poga\u010dar survives near-crash on descent for third victory of the race on stage 6<\/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>Kreiz Breizh F\u00e9minin: Loes Adegeest victorious on &#8216;a brutal course&#8217; out sprinting the late breakaway to take a first win of 2026<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRacing\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRoad\n<\/li>\n<li>\nVuelta a Espa\u00f1a\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>&#8216;I was like &#8211; what&#8217;s going on, is this a spectator?&#8217; &#8211; Tadej Poga\u010dar surprised by Enric Mas on Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a gravel climb<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"vds-byline-block flex flex-row flex-nowrap my-1.5 gap-2 text-left items-start justify-start\" data-component-name=\"Article:BylineBlock\">\n<p>News<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-auto vds-simple-byline\"><span class=\"inline-block vds-author\"><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nAlasdair Fotheringham <\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex gap-1 vds-byline-with-avatar__meta\"><span class=\"vds-date block font-normal tracking-normal normal-case text-xs\"><br \/>\nPublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-08-27T18:04:20Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n27 August 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Slovenian recognises mistakes on ascent of Puerto de El Bartolo<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"text-gray-700 flex items-center mx-0 my-5 p-0 justify-start text-left\" id=\"affiliate-disclaimer\" data-component-name=\"AffiliateDisclaimer\" data-hawk-message=\"Affiliate disclaimer removed because hawk deemed there are no affiliate links on this page\">\n<p class=\"text-[color:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--text-color,inherit)] mb-2 text-[length:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--font-size,0.75rem)] leading-[18px] md:text-[13px] [&amp;&gt;a]:text-inherit [&amp;&gt;a]:underline\">\nWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here\u2019s how it works.\n<\/p>\n<\/aside>\n<\/header>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\"text-copy bodyCopy auto paywall-locker\">\n<div data-analytics-id=\"utility-bar\" id=\"utility-bar\" class=\"font-ui-heading flex justify-between items-center py-2 border-t border-b border-gray-300 border-solid mb-5 mx-auto\" data-component-name=\"UtilityBar\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"utility-bar\">\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div data-component-name=\"Social:Dropdown\" role=\"menu\" id=\"utilitybar__dropdown--share\" aria-labelledby=\"utilitybar__button--share\" class=\"absolute left-0 top-full w-44 bg-white rounded-md shadow-md border border-neutral-200 z-[9996] list-none m-0 py-2 px-3 border-solid\">\n<ul class=\"m-0!\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Facebook<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>X<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Pinterest<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Email<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-share-this-article\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nShare this article\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\"><span class=\"ml-1 inline-flex h-5 px-2 shrink-0 items-center justify-center self-center overflow-hidden whitespace-nowrap rounded-[10px] bg-primary-500 text-[11px] leading-none font-ui-heading font-semibold text-white\">0<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-join-the-conversation\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nJoin the conversation\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<p>Follow us<\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-add-us-as-a-preferred-source-on-google\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nAdd us as a preferred source on Google\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-subscribe-to-our-newsletter\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nSubscribe to our newsletter\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-ba4bdbce-a241-11f1-8a58-05b55054ad37\">From timing errors to poor pacing strategy to a super-strong rival, Tadej Poga\u010dar has explained the combination of circumstances that led to the utterly unexpected scenario of his being chased down by Enric Mas (Movistar) on the Puerto de El Bartolo in the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a.<\/p>\n<p>When Poga\u010dar launched his attack some four kilometres from the summit of the Bartolo on stage 6 just as the gravel sections were beginning, nobody in the main group of GC favourites expected to see him again.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-ba4bdbce-a241-11f1-8a58-05b55054ad37-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Up until that point, it had all been very much business as usual. UAE Team Emirates-XRG had turned in a blistering pace on the approach to the key two final climbs, proving more than capable of keeping a 16-rider breakaway in check. And after teammate Jay Vine and Pablo Torres had delivered the final burst of pace on the Bartolo, Pogacar was ready to blast away.<\/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\">However, after storming past Ramses Debruyne (Alpecin-Premier Tech), the last breakaway survivor, 2.9 kilometres from the top, suddenly things began to change in an utterly expected direction. The sight of Mas closing in on Poga\u010dar sparked some rather partisan cheers from Spanish journalists in the press room, and when he overtook the Slovenian at the top, the cheering grew even louder.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">On the other hand, Poga\u010dar was more than able both to stay with Mas on the descent, stay upright in a difficult moment and then outpower him at the finish.<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            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\/x95sC8eRpV3thnhQgo4RgK-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/x95sC8eRpV3thnhQgo4RgK-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;A good day, but let&#8217;s not give it too much importance&#8217; &#8211; Enric Mas remains cautious after matching Tadej Poga\u010dar on Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a gravel climb<\/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\/2k9AaM8BvbGd7oqzTEr8Kc-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2k9AaM8BvbGd7oqzTEr8Kc-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a: Tadej Poga\u010dar survives near-crash on descent for third victory of the race on stage 6<\/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\/p56aURTcLn8xpb8hLtVub6-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/p56aURTcLn8xpb8hLtVub6-150-80.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\">Scare for Tadej Poga\u010dar as he veers off-road following rival&#8217;s warning to take it easy on Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a descent \u2013 Video<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It was an unexpected finale, and Enric fought one hell of a battle,&#8221; Netcompany-Ineos sports director Imanol Erviti, a former teammate of the Spaniard at Movistar, told <em>Cyclingnews<\/em>, &#8220;but don&#8217;t forget who won.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Indeed, Pogacar might not have his best day on the sierras of northern Valencia, but he and Mas still gained nearly a minute on all their rivals. The Spaniard is 3:34 down on Poga\u010dar and even took the time bonus on the top of El Bartolo, but Primo\u017e Rogli\u010d (Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe) is now pushed back to over four minutes. All in all, if this was an unusual day for Poga\u010dar, it certainly wasn&#8217;t a bad one.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-qy2HNZKqpRpHsMhWtQXeAb\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-qy2HNZKqpRpHsMhWtQXeAb 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;I really didn&#8217;t know Mas was there; I heard there was a group of favourites at 40-50 seconds behind, but I didn&#8217;t know the climb very well, I think I paced it all wrong,&#8221; Poga\u010dar explained.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Mas came to me just at the top, I was like &#8211; &#8216;what&#8217;s going on man, is this a spectator?&#8217;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;But I quickly realised, for sure he knows the climb, he put in a strong effort, so I immediately focused on him there.&#8221;<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            What to read next<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JLYbQXUaN585xQmKbegacC-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JLYbQXUaN585xQmKbegacC-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;Tadej has made a big statement&#8217; &#8211; UAE Team Emirates-XRG cautiously delighted with Poga\u010dar&#8217;s knock-out Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a stage win<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cLSHcRATZJ5wsZjNMcxxtC-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cLSHcRATZJ5wsZjNMcxxtC-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;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><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QGfYraMA6euN4n4KXNaJre-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QGfYraMA6euN4n4KXNaJre-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\">What now for the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a? After Tadej Poga\u010dar&#8217;s trademark display of GC power, a normally unpredictable race heads into uncharted territory &#8211; Analysis<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;The descent was very steep indeed; I knew it was very dangerous and a shit road. But even when people tell you it&#8217;s dangerous, it&#8217;s not &#8217;til you are there [that you realise].&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Mas made a small error, Poga\u010dar said, something that could easily happen on a twisting, poorly surfaced downhill not designed for taking good lines and where it was necessary to brake hard, and that was likely what indirectly caused him to go off the road.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I&#8217;m glad I stayed on the bike; it could easily have been a big crash for me, but I was happy to be back on the road, and that the speed was not full on then.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Even so, the two managed to reach the finish together after some excellent collaboration, where Mas barely disputed the two-up sprint and Poga\u010dar was able to claim his third stage win in five days of racing. He also said that it was a good thing to be able to fight against a rival, rather than the usual solo, given that that added an extra dose of adrenaline to the scenario.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It&#8217;s a totally different feeling if you are alone, and you know in the last 30 minutes you are going to win,&#8221; Poga\u010dar explained. &#8220;Today was great because we both committed, we went all out, we got more time, and I did a good sprint in the end, too.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;If I remember correctly back in 2022, he won Emilia and then in Lombardia, he matched my climbing and then I beat him by a little bit in the sprint&#8221; &#8211; an almost identical scenario to stage 6 of this year&#8217;s Vuelta, in fact.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I think now in this Vuelta he&#8217;s at a similar level like that; it&#8217;s good to see him on this level, to be honest.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">As for Poga\u010dar himself, the sensation that he has the Vuelta totally under his control may have been dented slightly, but only by the smallest possible margin. Most likely all it will take is another knockout breakaway victory on Thursday at Valdelinares, and any brief doubts about his condition will once again quickly be forgotten.<\/p>\n<p 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-was-like-whats-going-on-is-this-a-spectator-tadej-pogacar-surprised-by-enric-mas-on-vuelta-a-espana-gravel-climb\/&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/txLrgsAEFvggkkWcyvZfem-2560-80.jpg&#8221;] 1 As it happened: Domination on stage 4 of the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a with a long-range solo move in Andorra 2 As it happened: The red jersey wins again on Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a gravel but it wasn&#8217;t pure domination this time 3 Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a GC standings &#8211; Tadej Poga\u010dar gains more [&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-2114986","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\/2114986","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=2114986"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2114986\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2114986"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=2114986"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=2114986"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}