{"id":2115012,"date":"2026-08-26T21:27:04","date_gmt":"2026-08-26T18:27:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2115012"},"modified":"2026-08-26T21:27:04","modified_gmt":"2026-08-26T18:27:04","slug":"for-some-reason-my-legs-arent-responding-as-they-should-carlos-rodriguez-looking-for-answers-to-unexplained-subpar-form-at-the-vuelta-a-espana","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2115012","title":{"rendered":"&#8216;For some reason, my legs aren&#8217;t responding as they should&#8217; &#8211; Carlos Rodr\u00edguez looking for answers to unexplained subpar form at the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QMB5s9ZeX2YDZtuJBWDVNP-2000-80.jpg&#8221;]<\/p>\n<article class=\"m-0 box-border flex flex-row items-center pr-2.5 gap-[15px] w-[278px] h-20 flex-none upnext-article-divider\" role=\"listitem\" aria-label=\"Recommended article 1 of 3\">\n<div class=\"relative flex-none w-20 h-20\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pXNHT4fLqKkNr4mJF9wXkY-160-80.jpg.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pXNHT4fLqKkNr4mJF9wXkY-80-80.jpg.webp 80w\" sizes=\"80px\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex items-center justify-center absolute w-4 h-6 left-0 top-0 bg-white\/90 flex-none z-[1]\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"font-normal text-base leading-[17px] tracking-[1.3px] uppercase text-black flex-none\">1<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex flex-col items-center justify-center gap-1.5 w-[173px] h-20 flex-none\">\n<p class=\"font-article-heading font-medium text-base leading-[21px] text-gray-800 w-[173px] line-clamp-3 group-hover:underline\">\n                                    &#8216;It&#8217;s a tiny margin but a win is a win&#8217; &#8211; Tadej Poga\u010dar celebrates fourth stage win of career and first-ever lead in Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a\n                                <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"m-0 box-border flex flex-row items-center pr-2.5 gap-[15px] w-[278px] h-20 flex-none upnext-article-divider\" role=\"listitem\" aria-label=\"Recommended article 2 of 3\">\n<div class=\"relative flex-none w-20 h-20\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/r4EDHRKrKu3tRtpXMKgLsP-160-80.jpg.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/r4EDHRKrKu3tRtpXMKgLsP-80-80.jpg.webp 80w\" sizes=\"80px\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex items-center justify-center absolute w-[18px] h-6 left-0 top-0 bg-white\/90 flex-none z-[1]\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"font-normal text-base leading-[17px] tracking-[1.3px] uppercase text-black flex-none\">2<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex flex-col items-center justify-center gap-1.5 w-[173px] h-20 flex-none\">\n<p class=\"font-article-heading font-medium text-base leading-[21px] text-gray-800 w-[173px] line-clamp-3 group-hover:underline\">\n                                    &#8216;I need to race smart&#8217; &#8211; Tadej Poga\u010dar looking to complete the Grand Slam of Grand Tours in the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a, while still looking ahead\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\/7QNseYssTw8Ngw2XrSepyk-160-80.jpg.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7QNseYssTw8Ngw2XrSepyk-80-80.jpg.webp 80w\" sizes=\"80px\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex items-center justify-center absolute w-[18px] h-6 left-0 top-0 bg-white\/90 flex-none z-[1]\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"font-normal text-base leading-[17px] tracking-[1.3px] uppercase text-black flex-none\">3<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex flex-col items-center justify-center gap-1.5 w-[173px] h-20 flex-none\">\n<p class=\"font-article-heading font-medium text-base leading-[21px] text-gray-800 w-[173px] line-clamp-3 group-hover:underline\">\n                                    &#8216;There\u2019s not much you can do&#8217; \u2013 Sepp Kuss misses his plan to be with Poga\u010dar but puts himself in podium contention on first Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a mountain test\n                                <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"page-content-onecol flex-1\nnews-article article\n\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"widget-area-group widget-area-group-2col flex flex-wrap box-border\">\n<div id=\"widgetArea16\" class=\"widget-area basis-full md:basis-2\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-2-3 page-widget-area-16\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"hero\" id=\"hero\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-hero widget-hero widget-hero-hero widget-hero widget-hero-fter-news\">\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nTeams &amp; Riders\n<\/li>\n<li>\nCarlos Rodr\u00edguez Cano\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>&#8216;For some reason, my legs aren&#8217;t responding as they should&#8217; &#8211; Carlos Rodr\u00edguez looking for answers to unexplained subpar form at the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"vds-byline-block flex flex-row flex-nowrap my-1.5 gap-2 text-left items-start justify-start\" data-component-name=\"Article:BylineBlock\">\n<p>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=\"2026-08-26T21:27:04Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n26 August 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Netcompany-Ineos racer lost 22 minutes in Andorra stage, main goal to support Oscar Onley<\/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\/QMB5s9ZeX2YDZtuJBWDVNP-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QMB5s9ZeX2YDZtuJBWDVNP-1600-80.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QMB5s9ZeX2YDZtuJBWDVNP-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QMB5s9ZeX2YDZtuJBWDVNP-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QMB5s9ZeX2YDZtuJBWDVNP-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QMB5s9ZeX2YDZtuJBWDVNP-750-80.jpg.webp 750w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QMB5s9ZeX2YDZtuJBWDVNP-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QMB5s9ZeX2YDZtuJBWDVNP-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QMB5s9ZeX2YDZtuJBWDVNP-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\">Carlos Rodriguez at the La Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a<\/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-e4a57de0-a191-11f1-a569-e14b308e323c\">Three months after his surprise non-participation in the Tour de France, promising young Spanish racer Carlos Rodr\u00edguez is on a personal quest to find out why, as he puts it, &#8220;my legs aren&#8217;t responding as they should,&#8221; at the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a.<\/p>\n<p>But as he told a small group of reporters including <em>Cyclingnews<\/em> at the start of stage 5, the answer isn&#8217;t proving easy to find.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-e4a57de0-a191-11f1-a569-e14b308e323c-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">In what is proving to be a difficult year for the Netcompany-Ineos racer, following his non-selection for the Tour, a race where he took fifth overall in 2023 and seventh in 2024, Rodr\u00edguez was redirected towards the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a. He&#8217;d finished a hugely promising sixth overall in his debut in his home Grand Tour back in 2022, where he and Juan Ayuso (Lidl-Trek) were widely viewed as the spearheads of a new wave of Spanish racers.<\/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\">Fast forward to 2026 and the same race, and the rider from Granada began without GC expectations, looking instead to support Oscar Only. His own participation began well when he rode a promising-looking opening time trial in Monaco, finishing 31st, less than 30 seconds behind stage winner Tadej Poga\u010dar (UAE Team Emirates-XRG).<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">However, come the crunch mountain stage to Andorra, Rodriguez lost over 22 minutes, having been definitively dropped well before the mid-way point. The reasons, he said Wednesday morning, are proving complicated to understand, but he&#8217;ll keep persevering and stay as optimistic as possible.<\/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\/j9e9kNCmmsSVUhJTC3Ekia-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/j9e9kNCmmsSVUhJTC3Ekia-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;His absence is not a punishment&#8217; \u2013 Netcompany Ineos sports director explains why Carlos Rodr\u00edguez is missing from Tour de France line-up<\/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\/Dehdt74XTPxrschCrHgZLf-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Dehdt74XTPxrschCrHgZLf-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;Still in good shape, I think&#8217; \u2013 Oscar Onley moves past stomach bug at Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a as first Grand Tour with Netcompany Ineos takes shape<\/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\/AEmJP2KMFNuJzD2fbYc9QJ-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AEmJP2KMFNuJzD2fbYc9QJ-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;I was up all night&#8217; \u2013\u00a0Oscar Onley hit by another setback but comes through first Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a GC showdown<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It wasn&#8217;t the day I expected,&#8221; Rodr\u00edguez said. &#8220;At the top of the Envalira&#8221;- the first climb of the day &#8211; &#8220;my legs weren&#8217;t responding well, and from then on I took it easy to the finish. It didn&#8217;t make any sense to go on pushing myself.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I&#8217;ll just have to see how my legs react during the Vuelta. For some reason, when the key moment arrives, they&#8217;re just not responding. But we&#8217;re going on doing things well and we&#8217;re still focussed.&#8221;<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-TuzxbhHcQSdMeiDCR3rrgi\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-TuzxbhHcQSdMeiDCR3rrgi 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\">Rodr\u00edguez said that in training, things looked as if they would work out well. However, when the crunch moment arrived in the race, &#8220;for some reason my legs are not responding as they should.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;We have to go on trying to work out what the reason could be to find an explanation. Until then, we&#8217;ll just go on being optimistic and trying to be sure it doesn&#8217;t affect us.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I want to go on helping Oscar, who&#8217;s doing really well and showing that too. So we&#8217;ll see how my legs evolve from here on, and we&#8217;ll try and do things as well as possible.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Born in Almu\u00f1ecar in southern Spain &#8211; the coastal town where stage 13 starts &#8211; Rodr\u00edguez said he expected the heat to help him improve. And he&#8217;s feeling particularly motivated by the crunch stage 20 through Sierra Nevada, too. He&#8217;s hoping, too, that he&#8217;ll have found a reason for his lack of good form in his only Grand Tour of 2026, but for now, it remains a mystery.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-e4a57f02-a191-11f1-96fe-8561591108ff\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><strong>For unbeatable coverage across road, gravel and tech, subscribe to Cyclingnews. You&#8217;ll get comprehensive race coverage of La Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a, subscriber-exclusive analysis from our expert columnists, in-depth features and industry-leading tech insight. Plus, the Cyclingnews app lets you follow the action wherever you go! <\/strong><u><strong>Join today.<\/strong><\/u><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"block mb-5\" id=\"articleTag\" data-component-name=\"PostArticleLinks\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"post-article-links\">\n<div class=\"border-b border-b-black border-solid py-2.5 text-black font-bold uppercase\">TOPICS<\/div>\n<nav class=\"py-2.5 flex gap-2.5 flex-wrap\" data-analytics-id=\"article-tag\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-tag\">\n<p>Road<\/p>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-TuzxbhHcQSdMeiDCR3rrgi\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-TuzxbhHcQSdMeiDCR3rrgi 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\/j9e9kNCmmsSVUhJTC3Ekia-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/j9e9kNCmmsSVUhJTC3Ekia-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/j9e9kNCmmsSVUhJTC3Ekia-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/j9e9kNCmmsSVUhJTC3Ekia-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/j9e9kNCmmsSVUhJTC3Ekia-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;His absence is not a punishment&#8217; \u2013 Netcompany Ineos sports director explains why Carlos Rodr\u00edguez is missing from Tour de France line-up<\/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\/Dehdt74XTPxrschCrHgZLf-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Dehdt74XTPxrschCrHgZLf-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Dehdt74XTPxrschCrHgZLf-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Dehdt74XTPxrschCrHgZLf-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Dehdt74XTPxrschCrHgZLf-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Still in good shape, I think&#8217; \u2013 Oscar Onley moves past stomach bug at Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a as first Grand Tour with Netcompany Ineos takes shape<\/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\/AEmJP2KMFNuJzD2fbYc9QJ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AEmJP2KMFNuJzD2fbYc9QJ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AEmJP2KMFNuJzD2fbYc9QJ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AEmJP2KMFNuJzD2fbYc9QJ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AEmJP2KMFNuJzD2fbYc9QJ-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 was up all night&#8217; \u2013\u00a0Oscar Onley hit by another setback but comes through first Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a GC showdown<\/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\/YvLurAtwGrsupwv3CVbzQM-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YvLurAtwGrsupwv3CVbzQM-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YvLurAtwGrsupwv3CVbzQM-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YvLurAtwGrsupwv3CVbzQM-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YvLurAtwGrsupwv3CVbzQM-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;Just putting my socks on these last three weeks was the hardest&#8217; &#8211; Primo\u017e Rogli\u010d reveals scale of post-crash injuries and challenge to reach Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a startline<\/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\/6Rj7FtNKs6tAicvcaCJZpN-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6Rj7FtNKs6tAicvcaCJZpN-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6Rj7FtNKs6tAicvcaCJZpN-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6Rj7FtNKs6tAicvcaCJZpN-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6Rj7FtNKs6tAicvcaCJZpN-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;You can&#8217;t miss if you want to get on the podium, and I&#8217;ve missed twice&#8217; &#8211; Juan Ayuso pulls no punches after disappointing Tour de France time trial<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qrT26Xteho8U5gshkKC8f9-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qrT26Xteho8U5gshkKC8f9-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qrT26Xteho8U5gshkKC8f9-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qrT26Xteho8U5gshkKC8f9-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qrT26Xteho8U5gshkKC8f9-320-80.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 haven&#8217;t even enjoyed any training this year, it&#8217;s been that bad&#8217; &#8211; Mikel Landa in survival mode at the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-category\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Teams &amp; Riders<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iHbBV2os4chYos54xt5x2L-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iHbBV2os4chYos54xt5x2L-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iHbBV2os4chYos54xt5x2L-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iHbBV2os4chYos54xt5x2L-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iHbBV2os4chYos54xt5x2L-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;We didn&#8217;t know that Enric was so close&#8217; &#8211; Inaccurate time gaps explain how Tadej Poga\u010dar was caught during Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a attack<\/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\/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>\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\/iHbBV2os4chYos54xt5x2L-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iHbBV2os4chYos54xt5x2L-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iHbBV2os4chYos54xt5x2L-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iHbBV2os4chYos54xt5x2L-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iHbBV2os4chYos54xt5x2L-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;We didn&#8217;t know that Enric was so close&#8217; &#8211; Inaccurate time gaps explain how Tadej Poga\u010dar was caught during Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a attack<\/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\/txLrgsAEFvggkkWcyvZfem-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/txLrgsAEFvggkkWcyvZfem-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/txLrgsAEFvggkkWcyvZfem-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/txLrgsAEFvggkkWcyvZfem-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/txLrgsAEFvggkkWcyvZfem-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I 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<\/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\/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>\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\/txLrgsAEFvggkkWcyvZfem-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/txLrgsAEFvggkkWcyvZfem-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/txLrgsAEFvggkkWcyvZfem-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/txLrgsAEFvggkkWcyvZfem-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;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<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">2<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>&#8216;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\">3<\/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\">4<\/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\">5<\/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<\/ol>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"page-content-onecol flex-1\nnews-article article\n\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"widget-area-group widget-area-group-2col flex flex-wrap box-border\">\n<div id=\"widgetArea16\" class=\"widget-area basis-full md:basis-2\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-2-3 page-widget-area-16\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"hero\" id=\"hero\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-hero widget-hero widget-hero-hero widget-hero widget-hero-fter-news\">\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nTeams &amp; Riders\n<\/li>\n<li>\nCarlos Rodr\u00edguez Cano\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>&#8216;For some reason, my legs aren&#8217;t responding as they should&#8217; &#8211; Carlos Rodr\u00edguez looking for answers to unexplained subpar form at the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"vds-byline-block flex flex-row flex-nowrap my-1.5 gap-2 text-left items-start justify-start\" data-component-name=\"Article:BylineBlock\">\n<p>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=\"2026-08-26T21:27:04Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n26 August 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Netcompany-Ineos racer lost 22 minutes in Andorra stage, main goal to support Oscar Onley<\/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\/QMB5s9ZeX2YDZtuJBWDVNP-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QMB5s9ZeX2YDZtuJBWDVNP-1600-80.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QMB5s9ZeX2YDZtuJBWDVNP-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QMB5s9ZeX2YDZtuJBWDVNP-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QMB5s9ZeX2YDZtuJBWDVNP-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QMB5s9ZeX2YDZtuJBWDVNP-750-80.jpg.webp 750w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QMB5s9ZeX2YDZtuJBWDVNP-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QMB5s9ZeX2YDZtuJBWDVNP-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QMB5s9ZeX2YDZtuJBWDVNP-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\">Carlos Rodriguez at the La Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a<\/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-e4a57de0-a191-11f1-a569-e14b308e323c\">Three months after his surprise non-participation in the Tour de France, promising young Spanish racer Carlos Rodr\u00edguez is on a personal quest to find out why, as he puts it, &#8220;my legs aren&#8217;t responding as they should,&#8221; at the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a.<\/p>\n<p>But as he told a small group of reporters including <em>Cyclingnews<\/em> at the start of stage 5, the answer isn&#8217;t proving easy to find.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-e4a57de0-a191-11f1-a569-e14b308e323c-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">In what is proving to be a difficult year for the Netcompany-Ineos racer, following his non-selection for the Tour, a race where he took fifth overall in 2023 and seventh in 2024, Rodr\u00edguez was redirected towards the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a. He&#8217;d finished a hugely promising sixth overall in his debut in his home Grand Tour back in 2022, where he and Juan Ayuso (Lidl-Trek) were widely viewed as the spearheads of a new wave of Spanish racers.<\/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\">Fast forward to 2026 and the same race, and the rider from Granada began without GC expectations, looking instead to support Oscar Only. His own participation began well when he rode a promising-looking opening time trial in Monaco, finishing 31st, less than 30 seconds behind stage winner Tadej Poga\u010dar (UAE Team Emirates-XRG).<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">However, come the crunch mountain stage to Andorra, Rodriguez lost over 22 minutes, having been definitively dropped well before the mid-way point. The reasons, he said Wednesday morning, are proving complicated to understand, but he&#8217;ll keep persevering and stay as optimistic as possible.<\/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\/j9e9kNCmmsSVUhJTC3Ekia-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/j9e9kNCmmsSVUhJTC3Ekia-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;His absence is not a punishment&#8217; \u2013 Netcompany Ineos sports director explains why Carlos Rodr\u00edguez is missing from Tour de France line-up<\/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\/Dehdt74XTPxrschCrHgZLf-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Dehdt74XTPxrschCrHgZLf-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;Still in good shape, I think&#8217; \u2013 Oscar Onley moves past stomach bug at Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a as first Grand Tour with Netcompany Ineos takes shape<\/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\/AEmJP2KMFNuJzD2fbYc9QJ-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AEmJP2KMFNuJzD2fbYc9QJ-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;I was up all night&#8217; \u2013\u00a0Oscar Onley hit by another setback but comes through first Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a GC showdown<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It wasn&#8217;t the day I expected,&#8221; Rodr\u00edguez said. &#8220;At the top of the Envalira&#8221;- the first climb of the day &#8211; &#8220;my legs weren&#8217;t responding well, and from then on I took it easy to the finish. It didn&#8217;t make any sense to go on pushing myself.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I&#8217;ll just have to see how my legs react during the Vuelta. For some reason, when the key moment arrives, they&#8217;re just not responding. But we&#8217;re going on doing things well and we&#8217;re still focussed.&#8221;<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-TuzxbhHcQSdMeiDCR3rrgi\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-TuzxbhHcQSdMeiDCR3rrgi 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\">Rodr\u00edguez said that in training, things looked as if they would work out well. However, when the crunch moment arrived in the race, &#8220;for some reason my legs are not responding as they should.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;We have to go on trying to work out what the reason could be to find an explanation. Until then, we&#8217;ll just go on being optimistic and trying to be sure it doesn&#8217;t affect us.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I want to go on helping Oscar, who&#8217;s doing really well and showing that too. So we&#8217;ll see how my legs evolve from here on, and we&#8217;ll try and do things as well as possible.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Born in Almu\u00f1ecar in southern Spain &#8211; the coastal town where stage 13 starts &#8211; Rodr\u00edguez said he expected the heat to help him improve. And he&#8217;s feeling particularly motivated by the crunch stage 20 through Sierra Nevada, too. He&#8217;s hoping, too, that he&#8217;ll have found a reason for his lack of good form in his only Grand Tour of 2026, but for now, it remains a mystery.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-e4a57f02-a191-11f1-96fe-8561591108ff\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><strong>For unbeatable coverage across road, gravel and tech, subscribe to Cyclingnews. You&#8217;ll get comprehensive race coverage of La Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a, subscriber-exclusive analysis from our expert columnists, in-depth features and industry-leading tech insight. Plus, the Cyclingnews app lets you follow the action wherever you go! <\/strong><u><strong>Join today.<\/strong><\/u><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"block mb-5\" id=\"articleTag\" data-component-name=\"PostArticleLinks\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"post-article-links\">\n<div class=\"border-b border-b-black border-solid py-2.5 text-black font-bold uppercase\">TOPICS<\/div>\n<nav class=\"py-2.5 flex gap-2.5 flex-wrap\" data-analytics-id=\"article-tag\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-tag\">\n<p>Road<\/p>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-TuzxbhHcQSdMeiDCR3rrgi\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-TuzxbhHcQSdMeiDCR3rrgi 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\/j9e9kNCmmsSVUhJTC3Ekia-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/j9e9kNCmmsSVUhJTC3Ekia-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/j9e9kNCmmsSVUhJTC3Ekia-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/j9e9kNCmmsSVUhJTC3Ekia-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/j9e9kNCmmsSVUhJTC3Ekia-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;His absence is not a punishment&#8217; \u2013 Netcompany Ineos sports director explains why Carlos Rodr\u00edguez is missing from Tour de France line-up<\/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\/Dehdt74XTPxrschCrHgZLf-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Dehdt74XTPxrschCrHgZLf-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Dehdt74XTPxrschCrHgZLf-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Dehdt74XTPxrschCrHgZLf-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Dehdt74XTPxrschCrHgZLf-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Still in good shape, I think&#8217; \u2013 Oscar Onley moves past stomach bug at Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a as first Grand Tour with Netcompany Ineos takes shape<\/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\/AEmJP2KMFNuJzD2fbYc9QJ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AEmJP2KMFNuJzD2fbYc9QJ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AEmJP2KMFNuJzD2fbYc9QJ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AEmJP2KMFNuJzD2fbYc9QJ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AEmJP2KMFNuJzD2fbYc9QJ-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 was up all night&#8217; \u2013\u00a0Oscar Onley hit by another setback but comes through first Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a GC showdown<\/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\/YvLurAtwGrsupwv3CVbzQM-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YvLurAtwGrsupwv3CVbzQM-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YvLurAtwGrsupwv3CVbzQM-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YvLurAtwGrsupwv3CVbzQM-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YvLurAtwGrsupwv3CVbzQM-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;Just putting my socks on these last three weeks was the hardest&#8217; &#8211; Primo\u017e Rogli\u010d reveals scale of post-crash injuries and challenge to reach Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a startline<\/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\/6Rj7FtNKs6tAicvcaCJZpN-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6Rj7FtNKs6tAicvcaCJZpN-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6Rj7FtNKs6tAicvcaCJZpN-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6Rj7FtNKs6tAicvcaCJZpN-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6Rj7FtNKs6tAicvcaCJZpN-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;You can&#8217;t miss if you want to get on the podium, and I&#8217;ve missed twice&#8217; &#8211; Juan Ayuso pulls no punches after disappointing Tour de France time trial<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qrT26Xteho8U5gshkKC8f9-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qrT26Xteho8U5gshkKC8f9-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qrT26Xteho8U5gshkKC8f9-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qrT26Xteho8U5gshkKC8f9-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qrT26Xteho8U5gshkKC8f9-320-80.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 haven&#8217;t even enjoyed any training this year, it&#8217;s been that bad&#8217; &#8211; Mikel Landa in survival mode at the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-category\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Teams &amp; Riders<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iHbBV2os4chYos54xt5x2L-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iHbBV2os4chYos54xt5x2L-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iHbBV2os4chYos54xt5x2L-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iHbBV2os4chYos54xt5x2L-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iHbBV2os4chYos54xt5x2L-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;We didn&#8217;t know that Enric was so close&#8217; &#8211; Inaccurate time gaps explain how Tadej Poga\u010dar was caught during Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a attack<\/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\/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>\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\/iHbBV2os4chYos54xt5x2L-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iHbBV2os4chYos54xt5x2L-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iHbBV2os4chYos54xt5x2L-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iHbBV2os4chYos54xt5x2L-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iHbBV2os4chYos54xt5x2L-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;We didn&#8217;t know that Enric was so close&#8217; &#8211; Inaccurate time gaps explain how Tadej Poga\u010dar was caught during Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a attack<\/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\/txLrgsAEFvggkkWcyvZfem-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/txLrgsAEFvggkkWcyvZfem-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/txLrgsAEFvggkkWcyvZfem-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/txLrgsAEFvggkkWcyvZfem-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/txLrgsAEFvggkkWcyvZfem-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I 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<\/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\/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>\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\/txLrgsAEFvggkkWcyvZfem-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/txLrgsAEFvggkkWcyvZfem-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/txLrgsAEFvggkkWcyvZfem-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/txLrgsAEFvggkkWcyvZfem-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;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<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">2<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>&#8216;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\">3<\/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\">4<\/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\">5<\/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<\/ol>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nTeams &amp; Riders\n<\/li>\n<li>\nCarlos Rodr\u00edguez Cano\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>&#8216;For some reason, my legs aren&#8217;t responding as they should&#8217; &#8211; Carlos Rodr\u00edguez looking for answers to unexplained subpar form at the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"vds-byline-block flex flex-row flex-nowrap my-1.5 gap-2 text-left items-start justify-start\" data-component-name=\"Article:BylineBlock\">\n<p>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=\"2026-08-26T21:27:04Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n26 August 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Netcompany-Ineos racer lost 22 minutes in Andorra stage, main goal to support Oscar Onley<\/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-e4a57de0-a191-11f1-a569-e14b308e323c\">Three months after his surprise non-participation in the Tour de France, promising young Spanish racer Carlos Rodr\u00edguez is on a personal quest to find out why, as he puts it, &#8220;my legs aren&#8217;t responding as they should,&#8221; at the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a.<\/p>\n<p>But as he told a small group of reporters including <em>Cyclingnews<\/em> at the start of stage 5, the answer isn&#8217;t proving easy to find.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-e4a57de0-a191-11f1-a569-e14b308e323c-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">In what is proving to be a difficult year for the Netcompany-Ineos racer, following his non-selection for the Tour, a race where he took fifth overall in 2023 and seventh in 2024, Rodr\u00edguez was redirected towards the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a. He&#8217;d finished a hugely promising sixth overall in his debut in his home Grand Tour back in 2022, where he and Juan Ayuso (Lidl-Trek) were widely viewed as the spearheads of a new wave of Spanish racers.<\/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\">Fast forward to 2026 and the same race, and the rider from Granada began without GC expectations, looking instead to support Oscar Only. His own participation began well when he rode a promising-looking opening time trial in Monaco, finishing 31st, less than 30 seconds behind stage winner Tadej Poga\u010dar (UAE Team Emirates-XRG).<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">However, come the crunch mountain stage to Andorra, Rodriguez lost over 22 minutes, having been definitively dropped well before the mid-way point. The reasons, he said Wednesday morning, are proving complicated to understand, but he&#8217;ll keep persevering and stay as optimistic as possible.<\/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\/j9e9kNCmmsSVUhJTC3Ekia-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/j9e9kNCmmsSVUhJTC3Ekia-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;His absence is not a punishment&#8217; \u2013 Netcompany Ineos sports director explains why Carlos Rodr\u00edguez is missing from Tour de France line-up<\/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\/Dehdt74XTPxrschCrHgZLf-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Dehdt74XTPxrschCrHgZLf-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;Still in good shape, I think&#8217; \u2013 Oscar Onley moves past stomach bug at Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a as first Grand Tour with Netcompany Ineos takes shape<\/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\/AEmJP2KMFNuJzD2fbYc9QJ-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AEmJP2KMFNuJzD2fbYc9QJ-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;I was up all night&#8217; \u2013\u00a0Oscar Onley hit by another setback but comes through first Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a GC showdown<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It wasn&#8217;t the day I expected,&#8221; Rodr\u00edguez said. &#8220;At the top of the Envalira&#8221;- the first climb of the day &#8211; &#8220;my legs weren&#8217;t responding well, and from then on I took it easy to the finish. It didn&#8217;t make any sense to go on pushing myself.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I&#8217;ll just have to see how my legs react during the Vuelta. For some reason, when the key moment arrives, they&#8217;re just not responding. But we&#8217;re going on doing things well and we&#8217;re still focussed.&#8221;<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-TuzxbhHcQSdMeiDCR3rrgi\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-TuzxbhHcQSdMeiDCR3rrgi 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\">Rodr\u00edguez said that in training, things looked as if they would work out well. However, when the crunch moment arrived in the race, &#8220;for some reason my legs are not responding as they should.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;We have to go on trying to work out what the reason could be to find an explanation. Until then, we&#8217;ll just go on being optimistic and trying to be sure it doesn&#8217;t affect us.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I want to go on helping Oscar, who&#8217;s doing really well and showing that too. So we&#8217;ll see how my legs evolve from here on, and we&#8217;ll try and do things as well as possible.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Born in Almu\u00f1ecar in southern Spain &#8211; the coastal town where stage 13 starts &#8211; Rodr\u00edguez said he expected the heat to help him improve. And he&#8217;s feeling particularly motivated by the crunch stage 20 through Sierra Nevada, too. He&#8217;s hoping, too, that he&#8217;ll have found a reason for his lack of good form in his only Grand Tour of 2026, but for now, it remains a mystery.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-e4a57f02-a191-11f1-96fe-8561591108ff\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><strong>For unbeatable coverage across road, gravel and tech, subscribe to Cyclingnews. You&#8217;ll get comprehensive race coverage of La Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a, subscriber-exclusive analysis from our expert columnists, in-depth features and industry-leading tech insight. Plus, the Cyclingnews app lets you follow the action wherever you go! <\/strong><u><strong>Join today.<\/strong><\/u><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/teams-riders\/for-some-reason-my-legs-arent-responding-as-they-should-carlos-rodriguez-looking-for-answers-to-unexplained-subpar-form-at-the-vuelta-a-espana\/&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QMB5s9ZeX2YDZtuJBWDVNP-2000-80.jpg&#8221;] 1 &#8216;It&#8217;s a tiny margin but a win is a win&#8217; &#8211; Tadej Poga\u010dar celebrates fourth stage win of career and first-ever lead in Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a 2 &#8216;I need to race smart&#8217; &#8211; Tadej Poga\u010dar looking to complete the Grand Slam of Grand Tours in the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a, while still [&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-2115012","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\/2115012","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=2115012"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2115012\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2115012"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=2115012"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=2115012"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}