{"id":2115067,"date":"2026-08-27T19:16:38","date_gmt":"2026-08-27T16:16:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2115067"},"modified":"2026-08-27T19:16:38","modified_gmt":"2026-08-27T16:16:38","slug":"we-didnt-know-that-enric-was-so-close-inaccurate-time-gaps-explain-how-tadej-pogacar-was-caught-during-vuelta-a-espana-attack","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2115067","title":{"rendered":"&#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"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iHbBV2os4chYos54xt5x2L-2366-80.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\/gb83HzBMqhypFmjmZNAvnQ-160-80.jpg.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gb83HzBMqhypFmjmZNAvnQ-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                                    Tadej Poga\u010dar pulls over peloton as hail storm cancels finale of Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a stage 3\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\/2YFiENWeo62WR9ixcZRWZS-160-80.jpg.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2YFiENWeo62WR9ixcZRWZS-80-80.jpg.webp 80w\" sizes=\"80px\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex items-center justify-center absolute w-[18px] h-6 left-0 top-0 bg-white\/90 flex-none z-[1]\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"font-normal text-base leading-[17px] tracking-[1.3px] uppercase text-black flex-none\">2<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex flex-col items-center justify-center gap-1.5 w-[173px] h-20 flex-none\">\n<p class=\"font-article-heading font-medium text-base leading-[21px] text-gray-800 w-[173px] line-clamp-3 group-hover:underline\">\n                                    As it happened: Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a stage 3 comes to a premature end\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\/vETsTHza7k737YsxL2SqkR-160-80.jpg.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vETsTHza7k737YsxL2SqkR-80-80.jpg.webp 80w\" sizes=\"80px\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex items-center justify-center absolute w-[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                                    As it happened: Domination on stage 4 of the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a with a long-range solo move in Andorra\n                                <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"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<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>&#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<\/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=\"2026-08-27T19:16:38Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n27 August 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">UAE Team Emirates say leader&#8217;s attack was for safety on tricky descent &#8211; &#8216;the fewer riders, the safer&#8217;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"text-gray-700 flex items-center mx-0 my-5 p-0 justify-start text-left\" id=\"affiliate-disclaimer\" data-component-name=\"AffiliateDisclaimer\" data-hawk-message=\"Affiliate disclaimer removed because hawk deemed there are no affiliate links on this page\">\n<p class=\"text-[color:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--text-color,inherit)] mb-2 text-[length:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--font-size,0.75rem)] leading-[18px] md:text-[13px] [&amp;&gt;a]:text-inherit [&amp;&gt;a]:underline\">\nWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here\u2019s how it works.\n<\/p>\n<\/aside>\n<\/header>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-widget-type=\"contentparsed\" id=\"content\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-contentparsed widget-content widget-contentparsed-content widget-content-parsed widget-content-parsed-content_document \">\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<section class=\"content-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"box less-space hero-image-wrapper\">\n<figure class=\"mb-0\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iHbBV2os4chYos54xt5x2L-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iHbBV2os4chYos54xt5x2L-1600-80.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iHbBV2os4chYos54xt5x2L-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iHbBV2os4chYos54xt5x2L-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iHbBV2os4chYos54xt5x2L-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iHbBV2os4chYos54xt5x2L-750-80.jpg.webp 750w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iHbBV2os4chYos54xt5x2L-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iHbBV2os4chYos54xt5x2L-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iHbBV2os4chYos54xt5x2L-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\">Pogacar and Mas in the finishing straight of stage 6 of the 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-d42897d0-a24b-11f1-ac7c-3dfed442835e\">UAE Team Emirates-XRG management have argued that even if Tadej Poga\u010dar was surprisingly caught by Enric Mas (Movistar) on stage 6 of the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a, he was able to use that to his advantage so that the two could gain time on the rest of the field.<\/p>\n<p>Mas tracked down Pogacar on the Puerto de El Bartolo climb after the Vuelta leader had broken away four kilometres to the summit.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-d42897d0-a24b-11f1-ac7c-3dfed442835e-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The highly unusual scenario of Poga\u010dar being reeled in by another GC contender &#8211; which last happened in a Grand Tour in Le Lioran in the 2024 Tour de France &#8211; did not end in his defeat, though, as the Slovenian star outpowered Mas at the finish for the stage win.<\/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\">Unexpected as it was that Poga\u010dar should be caught, UAE Team Emirates-XRG underlined that there was nothing unusual going on with the Slovenian, who still now amassed a total of three stage wins, the leader&#8217;s jersey since day one and the mountains and points lead as well.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">An unexpected lack of information created an unusual scenario of Poga\u010dar finishing with a rival, rather than alone as is usually the case.<\/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\/txLrgsAEFvggkkWcyvZfem-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/txLrgsAEFvggkkWcyvZfem-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 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><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2k9AaM8BvbGd7oqzTEr8Kc-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2k9AaM8BvbGd7oqzTEr8Kc-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a: Tadej Poga\u010dar survives near-crash on descent for third victory of the race on stage 6<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JLYbQXUaN585xQmKbegacC-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JLYbQXUaN585xQmKbegacC-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;Tadej has made a big statement&#8217; &#8211; UAE Team Emirates-XRG cautiously delighted with Poga\u010dar&#8217;s knock-out Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a stage win<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">However, after the Slovenian all but fell on the descent, the team were simply relieved he was unscathed and uninjured after what could have been a very serious accident.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;What happened was we were told over race radio [on the Bartolo] that Tadej was alone and that the Rogli\u010d [closest chase] group was at 53 seconds,&#8221; UAE team boss Joxean Fern\u00e1ndez Matxin told reporters.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-ExtoryFPrZYxBcmZDseokf\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-ExtoryFPrZYxBcmZDseokf slice-container-newsletterForm\">\n<div data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"newsletter-form__wrapper newsletter-form__wrapper--inbodyContent\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__container\">\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__top-bar\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__header\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__main-section\">\n<p class=\"newsletter-form__strapline\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<footer class=\"newsletter-form__footer \">By submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.<\/footer>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;We gave him that information and then suddenly we saw that Enric Mas was there with him, we didn&#8217;t know that Enric was so close.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Then he hadn&#8217;t done the recon of the descent because what he did between the Tour and the Vuelta was rest and train. He&#8217;d seen videos but obviously that&#8217;s not always the same.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;We&#8217;d been down the descent, but not with the new tarmac and that changed things, too. So when he went off the road, we had a big shock.&#8221;<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            What to read next<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/x95sC8eRpV3thnhQgo4RgK-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/x95sC8eRpV3thnhQgo4RgK-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;A good day, but let&#8217;s not give it too much importance&#8217; &#8211; Enric Mas remains cautious after matching Tadej Poga\u010dar on Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a gravel climb<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/p56aURTcLn8xpb8hLtVub6-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/p56aURTcLn8xpb8hLtVub6-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Scare for Tadej Poga\u010dar as he veers off-road following rival&#8217;s warning to take it easy on Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a descent \u2013 Video<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yPRCSBcxiu3m8799VbmRf-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yPRCSBcxiu3m8799VbmRf-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 don\u2019t know if people at home understood it&#8217; \u2013 Decathlon defend tactics amid &#8216;surprise&#8217; from within the peloton on first Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a mountain stage<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;We told him not to take any risks at all, because there was barely half a metre between the side of the road and the main drop. You could see on the way up on the climb it wasn&#8217;t easy, that there was a big drop, too.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">That the two were then able to collaborate to gain 46 seconds, plus time bonuses on their rivals and that Poga\u010dar could then take the win made the day a success story in many ways, Matxin argued.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;They both had good reasons to work together. I don&#8217;t know if they talked together, but they could get time on their rivals. Both for Mas and Tadej, that was good.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Rather than time, in any case, our main idea was to drop as many riders as possible so that he would be able to do a really dangerous ascent and descent as safely as possible.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It wouldn&#8217;t have been the same if he had had to go down the descent with 20 or 30 guys all looking for the stage win. It was a question of the fewer riders, the safer.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Matxin had not expected that Poga\u010dar would have been able to win, given there were so many riders in the break of the day &#8211; 16 &#8211; &#8220;and the logical thing is that they should have got five minutes.&#8221; Instead, UAE were able to turn the tables on that situation and put Poga\u010dar in a position to go for the victory.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I don&#8217;t know if they stopped collaborating or what happened, but we did the climb with Jay [Vine] and Pablo [Torres]. We certainly didn&#8217;t expect to get to the foot of the climb with less than a minute on the break ahead.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Poga\u010dar has now clinched a third victory, and his overall lead has been strengthened against all but one rider. As Matxin agreed, if that constitutes a bad day for the maillot rojo, looking at the results sheet, it&#8217;s hard to see why it should be considered that way.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><strong>For unbeatable coverage across road, gravel and tech, subscribe to Cyclingnews. You&#8217;ll get comprehensive race coverage of La Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a, subscriber-exclusive analysis from our expert columnists, in-depth features and industry-leading tech insight. Plus, the Cyclingnews app lets you follow the action wherever you go! <\/strong><u><strong>Join today.<\/strong><\/u><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div 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<p>Tadej Pogacar<\/p>\n<p>Enric Mas<\/p>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-ExtoryFPrZYxBcmZDseokf\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-ExtoryFPrZYxBcmZDseokf 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\/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\/2k9AaM8BvbGd7oqzTEr8Kc-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2k9AaM8BvbGd7oqzTEr8Kc-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2k9AaM8BvbGd7oqzTEr8Kc-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2k9AaM8BvbGd7oqzTEr8Kc-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2k9AaM8BvbGd7oqzTEr8Kc-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a: Tadej Poga\u010dar survives near-crash on descent for third victory of the race on stage 6<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JLYbQXUaN585xQmKbegacC-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JLYbQXUaN585xQmKbegacC-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JLYbQXUaN585xQmKbegacC-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JLYbQXUaN585xQmKbegacC-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JLYbQXUaN585xQmKbegacC-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Tadej has made a big statement&#8217; &#8211; UAE Team Emirates-XRG cautiously delighted with Poga\u010dar&#8217;s knock-out Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a stage win<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/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\/yPRCSBcxiu3m8799VbmRf-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yPRCSBcxiu3m8799VbmRf-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yPRCSBcxiu3m8799VbmRf-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yPRCSBcxiu3m8799VbmRf-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yPRCSBcxiu3m8799VbmRf-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 don\u2019t know if people at home understood it&#8217; \u2013 Decathlon defend tactics amid &#8216;surprise&#8217; from within the peloton on first Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a mountain stage<\/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\/x95sC8eRpV3thnhQgo4RgK-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/x95sC8eRpV3thnhQgo4RgK-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/x95sC8eRpV3thnhQgo4RgK-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/x95sC8eRpV3thnhQgo4RgK-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/x95sC8eRpV3thnhQgo4RgK-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;A good day, but let&#8217;s not give it too much importance&#8217; &#8211; Enric Mas remains cautious after matching Tadej Poga\u010dar on Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a gravel climb<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/p56aURTcLn8xpb8hLtVub6-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/p56aURTcLn8xpb8hLtVub6-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/p56aURTcLn8xpb8hLtVub6-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/p56aURTcLn8xpb8hLtVub6-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/p56aURTcLn8xpb8hLtVub6-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Scare for Tadej Poga\u010dar as he veers off-road following rival&#8217;s warning to take it easy on Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a descent \u2013 Video<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xz5gEu7yBu4E9KZWwpsbAi-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xz5gEu7yBu4E9KZWwpsbAi-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xz5gEu7yBu4E9KZWwpsbAi-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xz5gEu7yBu4E9KZWwpsbAi-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xz5gEu7yBu4E9KZWwpsbAi-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Transfers<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Shirin van Anrooij makes &#8216;bold switch&#8217; to Canyon-SRAM, with transfer to come into force before 2026 is over<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SyQVzG9aSiFNF9eeLPRwj4-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SyQVzG9aSiFNF9eeLPRwj4-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SyQVzG9aSiFNF9eeLPRwj4-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SyQVzG9aSiFNF9eeLPRwj4-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SyQVzG9aSiFNF9eeLPRwj4-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Josh Tarling abandons the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a during stage 6<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3iZJDSFZU9XdXY5PfvQduh-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3iZJDSFZU9XdXY5PfvQduh-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3iZJDSFZU9XdXY5PfvQduh-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3iZJDSFZU9XdXY5PfvQduh-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3iZJDSFZU9XdXY5PfvQduh-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Heartbroken&#8217; Chad Haga says his career is over after a heavy crash in training<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vGSz3mmntd7cRcLKHDx2hk-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vGSz3mmntd7cRcLKHDx2hk-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vGSz3mmntd7cRcLKHDx2hk-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vGSz3mmntd7cRcLKHDx2hk-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vGSz3mmntd7cRcLKHDx2hk-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I&#8217;m not like Poga\u010dar&#8217; \u2013 Wout van Aert happy in support role at Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a but wants his sunglasses back<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<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\/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 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<\/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<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>&#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<\/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=\"2026-08-27T19:16:38Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n27 August 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">UAE Team Emirates say leader&#8217;s attack was for safety on tricky descent &#8211; &#8216;the fewer riders, the safer&#8217;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"text-gray-700 flex items-center mx-0 my-5 p-0 justify-start text-left\" id=\"affiliate-disclaimer\" data-component-name=\"AffiliateDisclaimer\" data-hawk-message=\"Affiliate disclaimer removed because hawk deemed there are no affiliate links on this page\">\n<p class=\"text-[color:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--text-color,inherit)] mb-2 text-[length:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--font-size,0.75rem)] leading-[18px] md:text-[13px] [&amp;&gt;a]:text-inherit [&amp;&gt;a]:underline\">\nWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here\u2019s how it works.\n<\/p>\n<\/aside>\n<\/header>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-widget-type=\"contentparsed\" id=\"content\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-contentparsed widget-content widget-contentparsed-content widget-content-parsed widget-content-parsed-content_document \">\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<section class=\"content-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"box less-space hero-image-wrapper\">\n<figure class=\"mb-0\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iHbBV2os4chYos54xt5x2L-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iHbBV2os4chYos54xt5x2L-1600-80.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iHbBV2os4chYos54xt5x2L-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iHbBV2os4chYos54xt5x2L-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iHbBV2os4chYos54xt5x2L-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iHbBV2os4chYos54xt5x2L-750-80.jpg.webp 750w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iHbBV2os4chYos54xt5x2L-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iHbBV2os4chYos54xt5x2L-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iHbBV2os4chYos54xt5x2L-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\">Pogacar and Mas in the finishing straight of stage 6 of the 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-d42897d0-a24b-11f1-ac7c-3dfed442835e\">UAE Team Emirates-XRG management have argued that even if Tadej Poga\u010dar was surprisingly caught by Enric Mas (Movistar) on stage 6 of the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a, he was able to use that to his advantage so that the two could gain time on the rest of the field.<\/p>\n<p>Mas tracked down Pogacar on the Puerto de El Bartolo climb after the Vuelta leader had broken away four kilometres to the summit.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-d42897d0-a24b-11f1-ac7c-3dfed442835e-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The highly unusual scenario of Poga\u010dar being reeled in by another GC contender &#8211; which last happened in a Grand Tour in Le Lioran in the 2024 Tour de France &#8211; did not end in his defeat, though, as the Slovenian star outpowered Mas at the finish for the stage win.<\/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\">Unexpected as it was that Poga\u010dar should be caught, UAE Team Emirates-XRG underlined that there was nothing unusual going on with the Slovenian, who still now amassed a total of three stage wins, the leader&#8217;s jersey since day one and the mountains and points lead as well.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">An unexpected lack of information created an unusual scenario of Poga\u010dar finishing with a rival, rather than alone as is usually the case.<\/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\/txLrgsAEFvggkkWcyvZfem-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/txLrgsAEFvggkkWcyvZfem-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 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><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2k9AaM8BvbGd7oqzTEr8Kc-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2k9AaM8BvbGd7oqzTEr8Kc-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a: Tadej Poga\u010dar survives near-crash on descent for third victory of the race on stage 6<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JLYbQXUaN585xQmKbegacC-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JLYbQXUaN585xQmKbegacC-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;Tadej has made a big statement&#8217; &#8211; UAE Team Emirates-XRG cautiously delighted with Poga\u010dar&#8217;s knock-out Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a stage win<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">However, after the Slovenian all but fell on the descent, the team were simply relieved he was unscathed and uninjured after what could have been a very serious accident.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;What happened was we were told over race radio [on the Bartolo] that Tadej was alone and that the Rogli\u010d [closest chase] group was at 53 seconds,&#8221; UAE team boss Joxean Fern\u00e1ndez Matxin told reporters.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-ExtoryFPrZYxBcmZDseokf\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-ExtoryFPrZYxBcmZDseokf slice-container-newsletterForm\">\n<div data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"newsletter-form__wrapper newsletter-form__wrapper--inbodyContent\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__container\">\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__top-bar\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__header\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__main-section\">\n<p class=\"newsletter-form__strapline\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<footer class=\"newsletter-form__footer \">By submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.<\/footer>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;We gave him that information and then suddenly we saw that Enric Mas was there with him, we didn&#8217;t know that Enric was so close.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Then he hadn&#8217;t done the recon of the descent because what he did between the Tour and the Vuelta was rest and train. He&#8217;d seen videos but obviously that&#8217;s not always the same.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;We&#8217;d been down the descent, but not with the new tarmac and that changed things, too. So when he went off the road, we had a big shock.&#8221;<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            What to read next<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/x95sC8eRpV3thnhQgo4RgK-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/x95sC8eRpV3thnhQgo4RgK-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;A good day, but let&#8217;s not give it too much importance&#8217; &#8211; Enric Mas remains cautious after matching Tadej Poga\u010dar on Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a gravel climb<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/p56aURTcLn8xpb8hLtVub6-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/p56aURTcLn8xpb8hLtVub6-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Scare for Tadej Poga\u010dar as he veers off-road following rival&#8217;s warning to take it easy on Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a descent \u2013 Video<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yPRCSBcxiu3m8799VbmRf-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yPRCSBcxiu3m8799VbmRf-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 don\u2019t know if people at home understood it&#8217; \u2013 Decathlon defend tactics amid &#8216;surprise&#8217; from within the peloton on first Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a mountain stage<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;We told him not to take any risks at all, because there was barely half a metre between the side of the road and the main drop. You could see on the way up on the climb it wasn&#8217;t easy, that there was a big drop, too.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">That the two were then able to collaborate to gain 46 seconds, plus time bonuses on their rivals and that Poga\u010dar could then take the win made the day a success story in many ways, Matxin argued.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;They both had good reasons to work together. I don&#8217;t know if they talked together, but they could get time on their rivals. Both for Mas and Tadej, that was good.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Rather than time, in any case, our main idea was to drop as many riders as possible so that he would be able to do a really dangerous ascent and descent as safely as possible.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It wouldn&#8217;t have been the same if he had had to go down the descent with 20 or 30 guys all looking for the stage win. It was a question of the fewer riders, the safer.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Matxin had not expected that Poga\u010dar would have been able to win, given there were so many riders in the break of the day &#8211; 16 &#8211; &#8220;and the logical thing is that they should have got five minutes.&#8221; Instead, UAE were able to turn the tables on that situation and put Poga\u010dar in a position to go for the victory.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I don&#8217;t know if they stopped collaborating or what happened, but we did the climb with Jay [Vine] and Pablo [Torres]. We certainly didn&#8217;t expect to get to the foot of the climb with less than a minute on the break ahead.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Poga\u010dar has now clinched a third victory, and his overall lead has been strengthened against all but one rider. As Matxin agreed, if that constitutes a bad day for the maillot rojo, looking at the results sheet, it&#8217;s hard to see why it should be considered that way.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><strong>For unbeatable coverage across road, gravel and tech, subscribe to Cyclingnews. You&#8217;ll get comprehensive race coverage of La Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a, subscriber-exclusive analysis from our expert columnists, in-depth features and industry-leading tech insight. Plus, the Cyclingnews app lets you follow the action wherever you go! <\/strong><u><strong>Join today.<\/strong><\/u><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div 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<p>Tadej Pogacar<\/p>\n<p>Enric Mas<\/p>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-ExtoryFPrZYxBcmZDseokf\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-ExtoryFPrZYxBcmZDseokf 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\/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\/2k9AaM8BvbGd7oqzTEr8Kc-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2k9AaM8BvbGd7oqzTEr8Kc-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2k9AaM8BvbGd7oqzTEr8Kc-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2k9AaM8BvbGd7oqzTEr8Kc-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2k9AaM8BvbGd7oqzTEr8Kc-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a: Tadej Poga\u010dar survives near-crash on descent for third victory of the race on stage 6<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JLYbQXUaN585xQmKbegacC-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JLYbQXUaN585xQmKbegacC-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JLYbQXUaN585xQmKbegacC-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JLYbQXUaN585xQmKbegacC-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JLYbQXUaN585xQmKbegacC-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Tadej has made a big statement&#8217; &#8211; UAE Team Emirates-XRG cautiously delighted with Poga\u010dar&#8217;s knock-out Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a stage win<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/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\/yPRCSBcxiu3m8799VbmRf-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yPRCSBcxiu3m8799VbmRf-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yPRCSBcxiu3m8799VbmRf-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yPRCSBcxiu3m8799VbmRf-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yPRCSBcxiu3m8799VbmRf-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 don\u2019t know if people at home understood it&#8217; \u2013 Decathlon defend tactics amid &#8216;surprise&#8217; from within the peloton on first Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a mountain stage<\/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\/x95sC8eRpV3thnhQgo4RgK-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/x95sC8eRpV3thnhQgo4RgK-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/x95sC8eRpV3thnhQgo4RgK-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/x95sC8eRpV3thnhQgo4RgK-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/x95sC8eRpV3thnhQgo4RgK-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;A good day, but let&#8217;s not give it too much importance&#8217; &#8211; Enric Mas remains cautious after matching Tadej Poga\u010dar on Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a gravel climb<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/p56aURTcLn8xpb8hLtVub6-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/p56aURTcLn8xpb8hLtVub6-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/p56aURTcLn8xpb8hLtVub6-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/p56aURTcLn8xpb8hLtVub6-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/p56aURTcLn8xpb8hLtVub6-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Scare for Tadej Poga\u010dar as he veers off-road following rival&#8217;s warning to take it easy on Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a descent \u2013 Video<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xz5gEu7yBu4E9KZWwpsbAi-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xz5gEu7yBu4E9KZWwpsbAi-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xz5gEu7yBu4E9KZWwpsbAi-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xz5gEu7yBu4E9KZWwpsbAi-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xz5gEu7yBu4E9KZWwpsbAi-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Transfers<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Shirin van Anrooij makes &#8216;bold switch&#8217; to Canyon-SRAM, with transfer to come into force before 2026 is over<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SyQVzG9aSiFNF9eeLPRwj4-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SyQVzG9aSiFNF9eeLPRwj4-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SyQVzG9aSiFNF9eeLPRwj4-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SyQVzG9aSiFNF9eeLPRwj4-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SyQVzG9aSiFNF9eeLPRwj4-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Josh Tarling abandons the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a during stage 6<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3iZJDSFZU9XdXY5PfvQduh-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3iZJDSFZU9XdXY5PfvQduh-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3iZJDSFZU9XdXY5PfvQduh-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3iZJDSFZU9XdXY5PfvQduh-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3iZJDSFZU9XdXY5PfvQduh-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Heartbroken&#8217; Chad Haga says his career is over after a heavy crash in training<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vGSz3mmntd7cRcLKHDx2hk-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vGSz3mmntd7cRcLKHDx2hk-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vGSz3mmntd7cRcLKHDx2hk-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vGSz3mmntd7cRcLKHDx2hk-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vGSz3mmntd7cRcLKHDx2hk-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I&#8217;m not like Poga\u010dar&#8217; \u2013 Wout van Aert happy in support role at Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a but wants his sunglasses back<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<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\/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 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<\/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<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>&#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<\/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=\"2026-08-27T19:16:38Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n27 August 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">UAE Team Emirates say leader&#8217;s attack was for safety on tricky descent &#8211; &#8216;the fewer riders, the safer&#8217;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"text-gray-700 flex items-center mx-0 my-5 p-0 justify-start text-left\" id=\"affiliate-disclaimer\" data-component-name=\"AffiliateDisclaimer\" data-hawk-message=\"Affiliate disclaimer removed because hawk deemed there are no affiliate links on this page\">\n<p class=\"text-[color:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--text-color,inherit)] mb-2 text-[length:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--font-size,0.75rem)] leading-[18px] md:text-[13px] [&amp;&gt;a]:text-inherit [&amp;&gt;a]:underline\">\nWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here\u2019s how it works.\n<\/p>\n<\/aside>\n<\/header>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\"text-copy bodyCopy auto paywall-locker\">\n<div data-analytics-id=\"utility-bar\" id=\"utility-bar\" class=\"font-ui-heading flex justify-between items-center py-2 border-t border-b border-gray-300 border-solid mb-5 mx-auto\" data-component-name=\"UtilityBar\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"utility-bar\">\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div data-component-name=\"Social:Dropdown\" role=\"menu\" id=\"utilitybar__dropdown--share\" aria-labelledby=\"utilitybar__button--share\" class=\"absolute left-0 top-full w-44 bg-white rounded-md shadow-md border border-neutral-200 z-[9996] list-none m-0 py-2 px-3 border-solid\">\n<ul class=\"m-0!\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Facebook<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>X<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Pinterest<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Email<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-share-this-article\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nShare this article\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\"><span class=\"ml-1 inline-flex h-5 px-2 shrink-0 items-center justify-center self-center overflow-hidden whitespace-nowrap rounded-[10px] bg-primary-500 text-[11px] leading-none font-ui-heading font-semibold text-white\">0<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-join-the-conversation\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nJoin the conversation\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<p>Follow us<\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-add-us-as-a-preferred-source-on-google\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nAdd us as a preferred source on Google\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-subscribe-to-our-newsletter\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nSubscribe to our newsletter\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-d42897d0-a24b-11f1-ac7c-3dfed442835e\">UAE Team Emirates-XRG management have argued that even if Tadej Poga\u010dar was surprisingly caught by Enric Mas (Movistar) on stage 6 of the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a, he was able to use that to his advantage so that the two could gain time on the rest of the field.<\/p>\n<p>Mas tracked down Pogacar on the Puerto de El Bartolo climb after the Vuelta leader had broken away four kilometres to the summit.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-d42897d0-a24b-11f1-ac7c-3dfed442835e-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The highly unusual scenario of Poga\u010dar being reeled in by another GC contender &#8211; which last happened in a Grand Tour in Le Lioran in the 2024 Tour de France &#8211; did not end in his defeat, though, as the Slovenian star outpowered Mas at the finish for the stage win.<\/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\">Unexpected as it was that Poga\u010dar should be caught, UAE Team Emirates-XRG underlined that there was nothing unusual going on with the Slovenian, who still now amassed a total of three stage wins, the leader&#8217;s jersey since day one and the mountains and points lead as well.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">An unexpected lack of information created an unusual scenario of Poga\u010dar finishing with a rival, rather than alone as is usually the case.<\/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\/txLrgsAEFvggkkWcyvZfem-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/txLrgsAEFvggkkWcyvZfem-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 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><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2k9AaM8BvbGd7oqzTEr8Kc-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2k9AaM8BvbGd7oqzTEr8Kc-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a: Tadej Poga\u010dar survives near-crash on descent for third victory of the race on stage 6<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JLYbQXUaN585xQmKbegacC-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JLYbQXUaN585xQmKbegacC-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;Tadej has made a big statement&#8217; &#8211; UAE Team Emirates-XRG cautiously delighted with Poga\u010dar&#8217;s knock-out Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a stage win<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">However, after the Slovenian all but fell on the descent, the team were simply relieved he was unscathed and uninjured after what could have been a very serious accident.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;What happened was we were told over race radio [on the Bartolo] that Tadej was alone and that the Rogli\u010d [closest chase] group was at 53 seconds,&#8221; UAE team boss Joxean Fern\u00e1ndez Matxin told reporters.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-ExtoryFPrZYxBcmZDseokf\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-ExtoryFPrZYxBcmZDseokf slice-container-newsletterForm\">\n<div data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"newsletter-form__wrapper newsletter-form__wrapper--inbodyContent\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__container\">\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__top-bar\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__header\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__main-section\">\n<p class=\"newsletter-form__strapline\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<footer class=\"newsletter-form__footer \">By submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.<\/footer>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;We gave him that information and then suddenly we saw that Enric Mas was there with him, we didn&#8217;t know that Enric was so close.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Then he hadn&#8217;t done the recon of the descent because what he did between the Tour and the Vuelta was rest and train. He&#8217;d seen videos but obviously that&#8217;s not always the same.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;We&#8217;d been down the descent, but not with the new tarmac and that changed things, too. So when he went off the road, we had a big shock.&#8221;<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            What to read next<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/x95sC8eRpV3thnhQgo4RgK-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/x95sC8eRpV3thnhQgo4RgK-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;A good day, but let&#8217;s not give it too much importance&#8217; &#8211; Enric Mas remains cautious after matching Tadej Poga\u010dar on Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a gravel climb<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/p56aURTcLn8xpb8hLtVub6-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/p56aURTcLn8xpb8hLtVub6-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Scare for Tadej Poga\u010dar as he veers off-road following rival&#8217;s warning to take it easy on Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a descent \u2013 Video<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yPRCSBcxiu3m8799VbmRf-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yPRCSBcxiu3m8799VbmRf-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 don\u2019t know if people at home understood it&#8217; \u2013 Decathlon defend tactics amid &#8216;surprise&#8217; from within the peloton on first Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a mountain stage<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;We told him not to take any risks at all, because there was barely half a metre between the side of the road and the main drop. You could see on the way up on the climb it wasn&#8217;t easy, that there was a big drop, too.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">That the two were then able to collaborate to gain 46 seconds, plus time bonuses on their rivals and that Poga\u010dar could then take the win made the day a success story in many ways, Matxin argued.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;They both had good reasons to work together. I don&#8217;t know if they talked together, but they could get time on their rivals. Both for Mas and Tadej, that was good.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Rather than time, in any case, our main idea was to drop as many riders as possible so that he would be able to do a really dangerous ascent and descent as safely as possible.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It wouldn&#8217;t have been the same if he had had to go down the descent with 20 or 30 guys all looking for the stage win. It was a question of the fewer riders, the safer.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Matxin had not expected that Poga\u010dar would have been able to win, given there were so many riders in the break of the day &#8211; 16 &#8211; &#8220;and the logical thing is that they should have got five minutes.&#8221; Instead, UAE were able to turn the tables on that situation and put Poga\u010dar in a position to go for the victory.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I don&#8217;t know if they stopped collaborating or what happened, but we did the climb with Jay [Vine] and Pablo [Torres]. We certainly didn&#8217;t expect to get to the foot of the climb with less than a minute on the break ahead.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Poga\u010dar has now clinched a third victory, and his overall lead has been strengthened against all but one rider. As Matxin agreed, if that constitutes a bad day for the maillot rojo, looking at the results sheet, it&#8217;s hard to see why it should be considered that way.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><strong>For unbeatable coverage across road, gravel and tech, subscribe to Cyclingnews. You&#8217;ll get comprehensive race coverage of La Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a, subscriber-exclusive analysis from our expert columnists, in-depth features and industry-leading tech insight. Plus, the Cyclingnews app lets you follow the action wherever you go! <\/strong><u><strong>Join today.<\/strong><\/u><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/teams-riders\/we-didnt-know-that-enric-was-so-close-inaccurate-time-gaps-explain-how-tadej-pogacar-was-caught-during-vuelta-a-espana-attack\/&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iHbBV2os4chYos54xt5x2L-2366-80.jpg&#8221;] 1 Tadej Poga\u010dar pulls over peloton as hail storm cancels finale of Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a stage 3 2 As it happened: Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a stage 3 comes to a premature end 3 As it happened: Domination on stage 4 of the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a with a long-range solo move in Andorra Pro [&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-2115067","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\/2115067","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=2115067"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2115067\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2115067"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=2115067"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=2115067"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}