{"id":2117381,"date":"2026-08-27T20:47:46","date_gmt":"2026-08-27T17:47:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2117381"},"modified":"2026-08-27T20:47:46","modified_gmt":"2026-08-27T17:47:46","slug":"hopefully-i-can-get-a-start-to-my-season-after-injury-plagued-season-jay-vine-finds-form-supporting-tadej-pogacar-at-vuelta-a-espana","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2117381","title":{"rendered":"&#8216;Hopefully I can get a start to my season&#8217; &#8211; After injury-plagued season, Jay Vine finds form supporting Tadej Poga\u010dar at Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CfBFSCiFcGsgRMAAkva4QL-1024-80.jpg&#8221;]<\/p>\n<article class=\"m-0 box-border flex flex-row items-center pr-2.5 gap-[15px] w-[278px] h-20 flex-none upnext-article-divider\" role=\"listitem\" aria-label=\"Recommended article 1 of 3\">\n<div class=\"relative flex-none w-20 h-20\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vETsTHza7k737YsxL2SqkR-160-80.jpg.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vETsTHza7k737YsxL2SqkR-80-80.jpg.webp 80w\" sizes=\"80px\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex items-center justify-center absolute w-4 h-6 left-0 top-0 bg-white\/90 flex-none z-[1]\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"font-normal text-base leading-[17px] tracking-[1.3px] uppercase text-black flex-none\">1<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex flex-col items-center justify-center gap-1.5 w-[173px] h-20 flex-none\">\n<p class=\"font-article-heading font-medium text-base leading-[21px] text-gray-800 w-[173px] line-clamp-3 group-hover:underline\">\n                                    As it happened: Domination on stage 4 of the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a with a long-range solo move in Andorra\n                                <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"m-0 box-border flex flex-row items-center pr-2.5 gap-[15px] w-[278px] h-20 flex-none upnext-article-divider\" role=\"listitem\" aria-label=\"Recommended article 2 of 3\">\n<div class=\"relative flex-none w-20 h-20\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xugVTju2QKinpXhphFnyUe-160-80.jpg.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xugVTju2QKinpXhphFnyUe-80-80.jpg.webp 80w\" sizes=\"80px\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex items-center justify-center absolute w-[18px] h-6 left-0 top-0 bg-white\/90 flex-none z-[1]\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"font-normal text-base leading-[17px] tracking-[1.3px] uppercase text-black flex-none\">2<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex flex-col items-center justify-center gap-1.5 w-[173px] h-20 flex-none\">\n<p class=\"font-article-heading font-medium text-base leading-[21px] text-gray-800 w-[173px] line-clamp-3 group-hover:underline\">\n                                    &#8216;We don&#8217;t know if he was racing at 100%&#8217; \u2013 Rival sports director believes Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a leader Poga\u010dar&#8217;s failure to finish solo on stage 6 delivers mixed messages\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\/tf8RrZuK52EMrdpV8uSW39-160-80.jpg.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tf8RrZuK52EMrdpV8uSW39-80-80.jpg.webp 80w\" sizes=\"80px\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex items-center justify-center absolute w-[18px] h-6 left-0 top-0 bg-white\/90 flex-none z-[1]\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"font-normal text-base leading-[17px] tracking-[1.3px] uppercase text-black flex-none\">3<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex flex-col items-center justify-center gap-1.5 w-[173px] h-20 flex-none\">\n<p class=\"font-article-heading font-medium text-base leading-[21px] text-gray-800 w-[173px] line-clamp-3 group-hover:underline\">\n                                    Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a: Tadej Poga\u010dar twists the knife with 50km solo raid in Andorra to win stage 4\n                                <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"page-content-onecol flex-1\nnews-article article\n\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"widget-area-group widget-area-group-2col flex flex-wrap box-border\">\n<div id=\"widgetArea16\" class=\"widget-area basis-full md:basis-2\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-2-3 page-widget-area-16\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"hero\" id=\"hero\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-hero widget-hero widget-hero-hero widget-hero widget-hero-fter-news\">\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nTeams &amp; Riders\n<\/li>\n<li>\nJay Vine\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>&#8216;Hopefully I can get a start to my season&#8217; &#8211; After injury-plagued season, Jay Vine finds form supporting Tadej Poga\u010dar at Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"vds-byline-block flex flex-row flex-nowrap my-1.5 gap-2 text-left items-start justify-start\" data-component-name=\"Article:BylineBlock\">\n<p>News<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-auto vds-simple-byline\"><span class=\"inline-block vds-author\"><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nAlasdair Fotheringham <\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex gap-1 vds-byline-with-avatar__meta\"><span class=\"vds-date block font-normal tracking-normal normal-case text-xs\"><br \/>\nPublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-08-27T20:47:46Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n27 August 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">First-ever climbing support role for Australian in a stage race with Poga\u010dar<\/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\/CfBFSCiFcGsgRMAAkva4QL-1024-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CfBFSCiFcGsgRMAAkva4QL-1024-80.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CfBFSCiFcGsgRMAAkva4QL-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CfBFSCiFcGsgRMAAkva4QL-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CfBFSCiFcGsgRMAAkva4QL-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CfBFSCiFcGsgRMAAkva4QL-750-80.jpg.webp 750w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CfBFSCiFcGsgRMAAkva4QL-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CfBFSCiFcGsgRMAAkva4QL-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CfBFSCiFcGsgRMAAkva4QL-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=\"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-ef641730-a256-11f1-b286-ef4160ae1ae1\">If the sight of Jay Vine playing a key role for UAE Team Emirates XRG teammate Tadej Poga\u010dar on the mountains of Andorra and Valencia in the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a felt a shade unusual to viewers, that has an explanation.<\/p>\n<p>Although the 31-year-old Australian has had that star climbing support role for Poga\u010dar on various occasions in the Classics, including Il Lombardia, this year&#8217;s Vuelta is the first time Vine has supported Poga\u010dar in any kind of stage race, let alone a Grand Tour.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-ef641730-a256-11f1-b286-ef4160ae1ae1-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">However, that&#8217;s all changed, and big time in this year&#8217;s Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a, where Vine has already proved instrumental in Poga\u010dar&#8217;s climbing support squad in Andorra on stage 4.<\/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\">The Pyrenean mini-state was where Vine took one of his four stage wins in the Vuelta last year and is where he has his European residence. But he was back in the thick of the climbing action, too, on stage 6 through the mountains of north-west Valencia, up to and including the crunch ascent of the Puerto del Bartolo.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Vine had a difficult first half of the year, starting with a heavy fall and injuries in Australia at the Tour Down Under, followed by another bad crash in Catalunya and then a third bad crash and yet more serious injuries in the Giro d&#8217;Italia,<\/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\/JLYbQXUaN585xQmKbegacC-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JLYbQXUaN585xQmKbegacC-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;Tadej has made a big statement&#8217; &#8211; UAE Team Emirates-XRG cautiously delighted with Poga\u010dar&#8217;s knock-out Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a stage win<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" 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\/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<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">But as Vine told <em>Cyclingnews<\/em>, the Vuelta and working for Poga\u010dar is where he can finally get the ball rolling in 2026.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I&#8217;m happy with how my form&#8217;s going, it&#8217;s also really nice to be in a team with the red jersey already in week 1 and hopefully that continues throughout the race,&#8221; Vine said.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-JJQGzpsJuXhAxUtg8tbqbk\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-JJQGzpsJuXhAxUtg8tbqbk 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;With Tadej before here, I&#8217;ve only done this kind of work in one-day races, but not in Grand Tours, and not stage races, either.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I was supposed to do this with him in the Giro d&#8217;Italia a couple of years ago, but I sort of broke my neck in the Basque Country&#8221; &#8211; in the same big crash where riders like Jonas Vingegaard (Visma-Lease a Bike) were amongst the dozens badly injured.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;But we&#8217;ve done Lombardia and Emilia a couple of times. We&#8217;re pretty good together.&#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\/cLSHcRATZJ5wsZjNMcxxtC-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cLSHcRATZJ5wsZjNMcxxtC-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;When Wout goes, you have to react&#8217; &#8211; Tadej Poga\u010dar retains Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a lead after sizzling finale duel with Van Aert<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#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\/8kchXacdwvwXDcMiu9KiFF-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8kchXacdwvwXDcMiu9KiFF-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;There was never a sign that he was struggling&#8217; \u2013 Primo\u017e Rogli\u010d dispels doubts as he moves up to second overall at Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a on first mountain test<\/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\/5675Zjt2LPA2r3i4Ga7LX-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5675Zjt2LPA2r3i4Ga7LX-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;Without Remco going for the overall, you feel more free&#8217; \u2013 Valentin Paret-Peintre enjoys extra liberty to aim high in the mountains of the Tour de France<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Despite the triumph in the Tour Down Under for a second time, globally the 2026 season has been a tough one, given his falls and injuries in the first five months. But Vine says it&#8217;s good to get the ball rolling for real in Spain.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I&#8217;ve had a few peaks this year but not [had the chance to] show the form. Hopefully, I can do this through this race and actually get a start to my season.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;On a personal level, I couldn&#8217;t be happier for Jay and how he&#8217;s going here because he&#8217;s had to suffer a lot,&#8221; UAE Team Emirates-XRG head of sport Joxean Fern\u00e1ndez Matxin told <em>Cyclingnews<\/em> when asked about his performances to date in the 2026 Vuelta.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;He&#8217;s a real tough guy, he crashes, he gets back up again, he crashes, he gets back on again. And when he does get back on again, he&#8217;s not scared of being in the peloton on the descents. We need to be publicly grateful for his courage, his willpower and above all his professionality.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;He knows what it means to win stages and fight for success, and to be so willing to work for Tadej the way he does is something very really special. We have to be very proud of him.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Compared with his Vuelta form in 2025, Vine says last year he only began to start firing on all engines on stage 6 &#8211; the first fully mountainous day into Andorra &#8211; whereas this time round, he&#8217;s already hitting the heights. &#8220;So we&#8217;ll see how the race develops and if it gets better or worse from here.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Very encouragingly, he was already in searing form on the short, punchy stage through Andorra, helping to set things up for Poga\u010dar as last man in the line before the Slovenian took off on a 50 kilometre breakaway to glory.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I know all the roads in Andorra, so I was able to guide him into the bottom of Beixalis&#8221; &#8211; the climb where Poga\u010dar launched his attack. &#8220;The goal was to be pretty much in the front and string it out from the beginning, so he doesn&#8217;t get swamped in the first parts of climbs.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Then we&#8217;d talked about how when they began sprinting in the 12, 13, 14% sections, I needed to get him onto the wheel so he could do his thing.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It&#8217;s one of those climbs when drafting doesn&#8217;t matter, and sure enough after six minutes into the 15-minute effort, he was off solo.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Rather than there being any thoughts of stage wins for the teammates &#8211; the Vuelta has only just begun &#8211; Vine says his main aim is to be working &#8220;on the day by day. I want to get to Granada and to see my family again.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">In the meantime, Vine is in the privileged but hard-earned place of working with the number 1 racer in the world, guiding Poga\u010dar through the climbs to a point where he can take off to make a bid for lone glory.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;We get clear instructions from the briefing in the morning before the stage, then after that we go with what we&#8217;re feeling on the road,&#8221; Vine explained.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;He doesn&#8217;t need to speak to me on the radio, &#8216;cos he&#8217;s right there, riding right behind me. He&#8217;s a pretty chill guy.&#8221;<\/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<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-JJQGzpsJuXhAxUtg8tbqbk\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-JJQGzpsJuXhAxUtg8tbqbk 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\/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\/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\/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\/cLSHcRATZJ5wsZjNMcxxtC-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cLSHcRATZJ5wsZjNMcxxtC-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cLSHcRATZJ5wsZjNMcxxtC-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cLSHcRATZJ5wsZjNMcxxtC-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cLSHcRATZJ5wsZjNMcxxtC-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;When Wout goes, you have to react&#8217; &#8211; Tadej Poga\u010dar retains Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a lead after sizzling finale duel with Van Aert<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8kchXacdwvwXDcMiu9KiFF-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8kchXacdwvwXDcMiu9KiFF-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8kchXacdwvwXDcMiu9KiFF-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8kchXacdwvwXDcMiu9KiFF-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8kchXacdwvwXDcMiu9KiFF-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;There was never a sign that he was struggling&#8217; \u2013 Primo\u017e Rogli\u010d dispels doubts as he moves up to second overall at Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a on first mountain test<\/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\/5675Zjt2LPA2r3i4Ga7LX-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5675Zjt2LPA2r3i4Ga7LX-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5675Zjt2LPA2r3i4Ga7LX-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5675Zjt2LPA2r3i4Ga7LX-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5675Zjt2LPA2r3i4Ga7LX-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;Without Remco going for the overall, you feel more free&#8217; \u2013 Valentin Paret-Peintre enjoys extra liberty to aim high in the mountains of the Tour de France<\/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\/u9UuYeqv9RGqM23uTbJXx9-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/u9UuYeqv9RGqM23uTbJXx9-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/u9UuYeqv9RGqM23uTbJXx9-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/u9UuYeqv9RGqM23uTbJXx9-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/u9UuYeqv9RGqM23uTbJXx9-320-80.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 to try something&#8217; &#8211; Felix Gall upbeat after aggressive final ascent at Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cm6jjADNpv2DyLYYmYBJnM-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cm6jjADNpv2DyLYYmYBJnM-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cm6jjADNpv2DyLYYmYBJnM-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cm6jjADNpv2DyLYYmYBJnM-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cm6jjADNpv2DyLYYmYBJnM-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 didn&#8217;t have confidence in myself&#8217; \u2013 Wout van Aert bags green jersey but regrets missed opportunity in Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a breakaway<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/urUeDCWicNVcKCHSxJU4wY-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/urUeDCWicNVcKCHSxJU4wY-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/urUeDCWicNVcKCHSxJU4wY-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/urUeDCWicNVcKCHSxJU4wY-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/urUeDCWicNVcKCHSxJU4wY-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\u2019ll probably need a season where I spend more time on the mountain bike&#8217; &#8211; Mathieu van der Poel realistic ahead of the UCI Mountain Bike World Championships<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vSdkiAvEmYY6WQZwHJEjhW-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vSdkiAvEmYY6WQZwHJEjhW-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vSdkiAvEmYY6WQZwHJEjhW-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vSdkiAvEmYY6WQZwHJEjhW-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vSdkiAvEmYY6WQZwHJEjhW-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Motherhood and elite-level sports are entirely compatible&#8217; &#8211; Sandra Alonso targets Paris-Roubaix, returning after childbirth and storming the Spanish club scene<\/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\/LxEHaFBfMyo2nFXMDykbbi-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LxEHaFBfMyo2nFXMDykbbi-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LxEHaFBfMyo2nFXMDykbbi-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LxEHaFBfMyo2nFXMDykbbi-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LxEHaFBfMyo2nFXMDykbbi-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Former British champion Pfeiffer Georgi ends 8-year Picnic-PostNL spell to join UAE Team L&#8217;IMAD<\/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\/MsZ9LPKUKLXpVgpbnKAnLE-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MsZ9LPKUKLXpVgpbnKAnLE-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MsZ9LPKUKLXpVgpbnKAnLE-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MsZ9LPKUKLXpVgpbnKAnLE-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MsZ9LPKUKLXpVgpbnKAnLE-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I was pretty useless&#8217; \u2013 Oscar Onley &#8216;overcooks&#8217; gravel climb at Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a and pays the price<\/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\/u9UuYeqv9RGqM23uTbJXx9-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/u9UuYeqv9RGqM23uTbJXx9-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/u9UuYeqv9RGqM23uTbJXx9-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/u9UuYeqv9RGqM23uTbJXx9-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/u9UuYeqv9RGqM23uTbJXx9-320-80.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 to try something&#8217; &#8211; Felix Gall upbeat after aggressive final ascent at Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yt79PW2pJtSFxkDjt7Nz65-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yt79PW2pJtSFxkDjt7Nz65-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yt79PW2pJtSFxkDjt7Nz65-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yt79PW2pJtSFxkDjt7Nz65-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yt79PW2pJtSFxkDjt7Nz65-320-80.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 wasn&#8217;t angry at all&#8217; &#8211; Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a leader Tadej Poga\u010dar denies he attacked on Aram\u00f3n Valdelinares finish because he was upset<\/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\/cm6jjADNpv2DyLYYmYBJnM-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cm6jjADNpv2DyLYYmYBJnM-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cm6jjADNpv2DyLYYmYBJnM-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cm6jjADNpv2DyLYYmYBJnM-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cm6jjADNpv2DyLYYmYBJnM-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 didn&#8217;t have confidence in myself&#8217; \u2013 Wout van Aert bags green jersey but regrets missed opportunity in Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a breakaway<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/urUeDCWicNVcKCHSxJU4wY-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/urUeDCWicNVcKCHSxJU4wY-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/urUeDCWicNVcKCHSxJU4wY-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/urUeDCWicNVcKCHSxJU4wY-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/urUeDCWicNVcKCHSxJU4wY-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\u2019ll probably need a season where I spend more time on the mountain bike&#8217; &#8211; Mathieu van der Poel realistic ahead of the UCI Mountain Bike World Championships<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8BBmwDdaLF9SPqhiJM4PzJ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8BBmwDdaLF9SPqhiJM4PzJ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8BBmwDdaLF9SPqhiJM4PzJ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8BBmwDdaLF9SPqhiJM4PzJ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8BBmwDdaLF9SPqhiJM4PzJ-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\">Did dehydration play a role in Tadej Poga\u010dar&#8217;s failed solo move at Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a? World champion says no but was denied a bottle and has a few fuelling fails to his name<\/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\/vSdkiAvEmYY6WQZwHJEjhW-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vSdkiAvEmYY6WQZwHJEjhW-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vSdkiAvEmYY6WQZwHJEjhW-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vSdkiAvEmYY6WQZwHJEjhW-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vSdkiAvEmYY6WQZwHJEjhW-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Motherhood and elite-level sports are entirely compatible&#8217; &#8211; Sandra Alonso targets Paris-Roubaix, returning after childbirth and storming the Spanish club scene<\/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\/u9UuYeqv9RGqM23uTbJXx9-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/u9UuYeqv9RGqM23uTbJXx9-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/u9UuYeqv9RGqM23uTbJXx9-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/u9UuYeqv9RGqM23uTbJXx9-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"99vw\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">1<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>&#8216;A good day to try something&#8217; &#8211; Felix Gall upbeat after aggressive final ascent at Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a<\/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;I wasn&#8217;t angry at all&#8217; &#8211; Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a leader Tadej Poga\u010dar denies he attacked on Aram\u00f3n Valdelinares finish because he was upset<\/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>&#8216;I didn&#8217;t have confidence in myself&#8217; \u2013 Wout van Aert bags green jersey but regrets missed opportunity in Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a breakaway<\/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>&#8216;I\u2019ll probably need a season where I spend more time on the mountain bike&#8217; &#8211; Mathieu van der Poel realistic ahead of the UCI Mountain Bike World Championships<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">5<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a: Andreas Leknessund, Tobias Johannessen solo away from Wout van Aert in Uno-X Mobility 1-2 on stage 7<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"page-content-onecol flex-1\nnews-article article\n\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"widget-area-group widget-area-group-2col flex flex-wrap box-border\">\n<div id=\"widgetArea16\" class=\"widget-area basis-full md:basis-2\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-2-3 page-widget-area-16\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"hero\" id=\"hero\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-hero widget-hero widget-hero-hero widget-hero widget-hero-fter-news\">\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nTeams &amp; Riders\n<\/li>\n<li>\nJay Vine\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>&#8216;Hopefully I can get a start to my season&#8217; &#8211; After injury-plagued season, Jay Vine finds form supporting Tadej Poga\u010dar at Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"vds-byline-block flex flex-row flex-nowrap my-1.5 gap-2 text-left items-start justify-start\" data-component-name=\"Article:BylineBlock\">\n<p>News<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-auto vds-simple-byline\"><span class=\"inline-block vds-author\"><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nAlasdair Fotheringham <\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex gap-1 vds-byline-with-avatar__meta\"><span class=\"vds-date block font-normal tracking-normal normal-case text-xs\"><br \/>\nPublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-08-27T20:47:46Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n27 August 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">First-ever climbing support role for Australian in a stage race with Poga\u010dar<\/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\/CfBFSCiFcGsgRMAAkva4QL-1024-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CfBFSCiFcGsgRMAAkva4QL-1024-80.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CfBFSCiFcGsgRMAAkva4QL-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CfBFSCiFcGsgRMAAkva4QL-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CfBFSCiFcGsgRMAAkva4QL-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CfBFSCiFcGsgRMAAkva4QL-750-80.jpg.webp 750w, 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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-ef641730-a256-11f1-b286-ef4160ae1ae1\">If the sight of Jay Vine playing a key role for UAE Team Emirates XRG teammate Tadej Poga\u010dar on the mountains of Andorra and Valencia in the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a felt a shade unusual to viewers, that has an explanation.<\/p>\n<p>Although the 31-year-old Australian has had that star climbing support role for Poga\u010dar on various occasions in the Classics, including Il Lombardia, this year&#8217;s Vuelta is the first time Vine has supported Poga\u010dar in any kind of stage race, let alone a Grand Tour.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-ef641730-a256-11f1-b286-ef4160ae1ae1-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">However, that&#8217;s all changed, and big time in this year&#8217;s Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a, where Vine has already proved instrumental in Poga\u010dar&#8217;s climbing support squad in Andorra on stage 4.<\/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\">The Pyrenean mini-state was where Vine took one of his four stage wins in the Vuelta last year and is where he has his European residence. But he was back in the thick of the climbing action, too, on stage 6 through the mountains of north-west Valencia, up to and including the crunch ascent of the Puerto del Bartolo.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Vine had a difficult first half of the year, starting with a heavy fall and injuries in Australia at the Tour Down Under, followed by another bad crash in Catalunya and then a third bad crash and yet more serious injuries in the Giro d&#8217;Italia,<\/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\/JLYbQXUaN585xQmKbegacC-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JLYbQXUaN585xQmKbegacC-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;Tadej has made a big statement&#8217; &#8211; UAE Team Emirates-XRG cautiously delighted with Poga\u010dar&#8217;s knock-out Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a stage win<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" 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\/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<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">But as Vine told <em>Cyclingnews<\/em>, the Vuelta and working for Poga\u010dar is where he can finally get the ball rolling in 2026.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I&#8217;m happy with how my form&#8217;s going, it&#8217;s also really nice to be in a team with the red jersey already in week 1 and hopefully that continues throughout the race,&#8221; Vine said.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-JJQGzpsJuXhAxUtg8tbqbk\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-JJQGzpsJuXhAxUtg8tbqbk 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;With Tadej before here, I&#8217;ve only done this kind of work in one-day races, but not in Grand Tours, and not stage races, either.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I was supposed to do this with him in the Giro d&#8217;Italia a couple of years ago, but I sort of broke my neck in the Basque Country&#8221; &#8211; in the same big crash where riders like Jonas Vingegaard (Visma-Lease a Bike) were amongst the dozens badly injured.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;But we&#8217;ve done Lombardia and Emilia a couple of times. We&#8217;re pretty good together.&#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\/cLSHcRATZJ5wsZjNMcxxtC-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cLSHcRATZJ5wsZjNMcxxtC-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;When Wout goes, you have to react&#8217; &#8211; Tadej Poga\u010dar retains Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a lead after sizzling finale duel with Van Aert<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#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\/8kchXacdwvwXDcMiu9KiFF-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8kchXacdwvwXDcMiu9KiFF-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;There was never a sign that he was struggling&#8217; \u2013 Primo\u017e Rogli\u010d dispels doubts as he moves up to second overall at Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a on first mountain test<\/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\/5675Zjt2LPA2r3i4Ga7LX-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5675Zjt2LPA2r3i4Ga7LX-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;Without Remco going for the overall, you feel more free&#8217; \u2013 Valentin Paret-Peintre enjoys extra liberty to aim high in the mountains of the Tour de France<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Despite the triumph in the Tour Down Under for a second time, globally the 2026 season has been a tough one, given his falls and injuries in the first five months. But Vine says it&#8217;s good to get the ball rolling for real in Spain.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I&#8217;ve had a few peaks this year but not [had the chance to] show the form. Hopefully, I can do this through this race and actually get a start to my season.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;On a personal level, I couldn&#8217;t be happier for Jay and how he&#8217;s going here because he&#8217;s had to suffer a lot,&#8221; UAE Team Emirates-XRG head of sport Joxean Fern\u00e1ndez Matxin told <em>Cyclingnews<\/em> when asked about his performances to date in the 2026 Vuelta.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;He&#8217;s a real tough guy, he crashes, he gets back up again, he crashes, he gets back on again. And when he does get back on again, he&#8217;s not scared of being in the peloton on the descents. We need to be publicly grateful for his courage, his willpower and above all his professionality.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;He knows what it means to win stages and fight for success, and to be so willing to work for Tadej the way he does is something very really special. We have to be very proud of him.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Compared with his Vuelta form in 2025, Vine says last year he only began to start firing on all engines on stage 6 &#8211; the first fully mountainous day into Andorra &#8211; whereas this time round, he&#8217;s already hitting the heights. &#8220;So we&#8217;ll see how the race develops and if it gets better or worse from here.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Very encouragingly, he was already in searing form on the short, punchy stage through Andorra, helping to set things up for Poga\u010dar as last man in the line before the Slovenian took off on a 50 kilometre breakaway to glory.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I know all the roads in Andorra, so I was able to guide him into the bottom of Beixalis&#8221; &#8211; the climb where Poga\u010dar launched his attack. &#8220;The goal was to be pretty much in the front and string it out from the beginning, so he doesn&#8217;t get swamped in the first parts of climbs.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Then we&#8217;d talked about how when they began sprinting in the 12, 13, 14% sections, I needed to get him onto the wheel so he could do his thing.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It&#8217;s one of those climbs when drafting doesn&#8217;t matter, and sure enough after six minutes into the 15-minute effort, he was off solo.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Rather than there being any thoughts of stage wins for the teammates &#8211; the Vuelta has only just begun &#8211; Vine says his main aim is to be working &#8220;on the day by day. I want to get to Granada and to see my family again.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">In the meantime, Vine is in the privileged but hard-earned place of working with the number 1 racer in the world, guiding Poga\u010dar through the climbs to a point where he can take off to make a bid for lone glory.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;We get clear instructions from the briefing in the morning before the stage, then after that we go with what we&#8217;re feeling on the road,&#8221; Vine explained.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;He doesn&#8217;t need to speak to me on the radio, &#8216;cos he&#8217;s right there, riding right behind me. He&#8217;s a pretty chill guy.&#8221;<\/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<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-JJQGzpsJuXhAxUtg8tbqbk\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-JJQGzpsJuXhAxUtg8tbqbk 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\/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\/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\/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\/cLSHcRATZJ5wsZjNMcxxtC-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cLSHcRATZJ5wsZjNMcxxtC-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cLSHcRATZJ5wsZjNMcxxtC-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cLSHcRATZJ5wsZjNMcxxtC-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cLSHcRATZJ5wsZjNMcxxtC-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;When Wout goes, you have to react&#8217; &#8211; Tadej Poga\u010dar retains Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a lead after sizzling finale duel with Van Aert<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8kchXacdwvwXDcMiu9KiFF-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8kchXacdwvwXDcMiu9KiFF-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8kchXacdwvwXDcMiu9KiFF-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8kchXacdwvwXDcMiu9KiFF-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8kchXacdwvwXDcMiu9KiFF-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;There was never a sign that he was struggling&#8217; \u2013 Primo\u017e Rogli\u010d dispels doubts as he moves up to second overall at Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a on first mountain test<\/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\/5675Zjt2LPA2r3i4Ga7LX-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5675Zjt2LPA2r3i4Ga7LX-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5675Zjt2LPA2r3i4Ga7LX-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5675Zjt2LPA2r3i4Ga7LX-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5675Zjt2LPA2r3i4Ga7LX-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;Without Remco going for the overall, you feel more free&#8217; \u2013 Valentin Paret-Peintre enjoys extra liberty to aim high in the mountains of the Tour de France<\/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\/u9UuYeqv9RGqM23uTbJXx9-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/u9UuYeqv9RGqM23uTbJXx9-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/u9UuYeqv9RGqM23uTbJXx9-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/u9UuYeqv9RGqM23uTbJXx9-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/u9UuYeqv9RGqM23uTbJXx9-320-80.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 to try something&#8217; &#8211; Felix Gall upbeat after aggressive final ascent at Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cm6jjADNpv2DyLYYmYBJnM-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cm6jjADNpv2DyLYYmYBJnM-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cm6jjADNpv2DyLYYmYBJnM-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cm6jjADNpv2DyLYYmYBJnM-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cm6jjADNpv2DyLYYmYBJnM-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 didn&#8217;t have confidence in myself&#8217; \u2013 Wout van Aert bags green jersey but regrets missed opportunity in Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a breakaway<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/urUeDCWicNVcKCHSxJU4wY-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/urUeDCWicNVcKCHSxJU4wY-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/urUeDCWicNVcKCHSxJU4wY-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/urUeDCWicNVcKCHSxJU4wY-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/urUeDCWicNVcKCHSxJU4wY-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\u2019ll probably need a season where I spend more time on the mountain bike&#8217; &#8211; Mathieu van der Poel realistic ahead of the UCI Mountain Bike World Championships<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vSdkiAvEmYY6WQZwHJEjhW-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vSdkiAvEmYY6WQZwHJEjhW-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vSdkiAvEmYY6WQZwHJEjhW-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vSdkiAvEmYY6WQZwHJEjhW-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vSdkiAvEmYY6WQZwHJEjhW-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Motherhood and elite-level sports are entirely compatible&#8217; &#8211; Sandra Alonso targets Paris-Roubaix, returning after childbirth and storming the Spanish club scene<\/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\/LxEHaFBfMyo2nFXMDykbbi-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LxEHaFBfMyo2nFXMDykbbi-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LxEHaFBfMyo2nFXMDykbbi-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LxEHaFBfMyo2nFXMDykbbi-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LxEHaFBfMyo2nFXMDykbbi-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Former British champion Pfeiffer Georgi ends 8-year Picnic-PostNL spell to join UAE Team L&#8217;IMAD<\/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\/MsZ9LPKUKLXpVgpbnKAnLE-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MsZ9LPKUKLXpVgpbnKAnLE-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MsZ9LPKUKLXpVgpbnKAnLE-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MsZ9LPKUKLXpVgpbnKAnLE-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MsZ9LPKUKLXpVgpbnKAnLE-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I was pretty useless&#8217; \u2013 Oscar Onley &#8216;overcooks&#8217; gravel climb at Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a and pays the price<\/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\/u9UuYeqv9RGqM23uTbJXx9-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/u9UuYeqv9RGqM23uTbJXx9-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/u9UuYeqv9RGqM23uTbJXx9-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/u9UuYeqv9RGqM23uTbJXx9-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/u9UuYeqv9RGqM23uTbJXx9-320-80.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 to try something&#8217; &#8211; Felix Gall upbeat after aggressive final ascent at Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yt79PW2pJtSFxkDjt7Nz65-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yt79PW2pJtSFxkDjt7Nz65-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yt79PW2pJtSFxkDjt7Nz65-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yt79PW2pJtSFxkDjt7Nz65-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yt79PW2pJtSFxkDjt7Nz65-320-80.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 wasn&#8217;t angry at all&#8217; &#8211; Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a leader Tadej Poga\u010dar denies he attacked on Aram\u00f3n Valdelinares finish because he was upset<\/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\/cm6jjADNpv2DyLYYmYBJnM-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cm6jjADNpv2DyLYYmYBJnM-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cm6jjADNpv2DyLYYmYBJnM-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cm6jjADNpv2DyLYYmYBJnM-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cm6jjADNpv2DyLYYmYBJnM-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 didn&#8217;t have confidence in myself&#8217; \u2013 Wout van Aert bags green jersey but regrets missed opportunity in Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a breakaway<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/urUeDCWicNVcKCHSxJU4wY-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/urUeDCWicNVcKCHSxJU4wY-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/urUeDCWicNVcKCHSxJU4wY-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/urUeDCWicNVcKCHSxJU4wY-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/urUeDCWicNVcKCHSxJU4wY-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\u2019ll probably need a season where I spend more time on the mountain bike&#8217; &#8211; Mathieu van der Poel realistic ahead of the UCI Mountain Bike World Championships<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8BBmwDdaLF9SPqhiJM4PzJ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8BBmwDdaLF9SPqhiJM4PzJ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8BBmwDdaLF9SPqhiJM4PzJ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8BBmwDdaLF9SPqhiJM4PzJ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8BBmwDdaLF9SPqhiJM4PzJ-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\">Did dehydration play a role in Tadej Poga\u010dar&#8217;s failed solo move at Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a? World champion says no but was denied a bottle and has a few fuelling fails to his name<\/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\/vSdkiAvEmYY6WQZwHJEjhW-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vSdkiAvEmYY6WQZwHJEjhW-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vSdkiAvEmYY6WQZwHJEjhW-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vSdkiAvEmYY6WQZwHJEjhW-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vSdkiAvEmYY6WQZwHJEjhW-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Motherhood and elite-level sports are entirely compatible&#8217; &#8211; Sandra Alonso targets Paris-Roubaix, returning after childbirth and storming the Spanish club scene<\/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\/u9UuYeqv9RGqM23uTbJXx9-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/u9UuYeqv9RGqM23uTbJXx9-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/u9UuYeqv9RGqM23uTbJXx9-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/u9UuYeqv9RGqM23uTbJXx9-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"99vw\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">1<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>&#8216;A good day to try something&#8217; &#8211; Felix Gall upbeat after aggressive final ascent at Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a<\/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;I wasn&#8217;t angry at all&#8217; &#8211; Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a leader Tadej Poga\u010dar denies he attacked on Aram\u00f3n Valdelinares finish because he was upset<\/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>&#8216;I didn&#8217;t have confidence in myself&#8217; \u2013 Wout van Aert bags green jersey but regrets missed opportunity in Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a breakaway<\/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>&#8216;I\u2019ll probably need a season where I spend more time on the mountain bike&#8217; &#8211; Mathieu van der Poel realistic ahead of the UCI Mountain Bike World Championships<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">5<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a: Andreas Leknessund, Tobias Johannessen solo away from Wout van Aert in Uno-X Mobility 1-2 on stage 7<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nTeams &amp; Riders\n<\/li>\n<li>\nJay Vine\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>&#8216;Hopefully I can get a start to my season&#8217; &#8211; After injury-plagued season, Jay Vine finds form supporting Tadej Poga\u010dar at Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"vds-byline-block flex flex-row flex-nowrap my-1.5 gap-2 text-left items-start justify-start\" data-component-name=\"Article:BylineBlock\">\n<p>News<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-auto vds-simple-byline\"><span class=\"inline-block vds-author\"><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nAlasdair Fotheringham <\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex gap-1 vds-byline-with-avatar__meta\"><span class=\"vds-date block font-normal tracking-normal normal-case text-xs\"><br \/>\nPublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-08-27T20:47:46Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n27 August 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">First-ever climbing support role for Australian in a stage race with Poga\u010dar<\/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. 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newsletter\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-ef641730-a256-11f1-b286-ef4160ae1ae1\">If the sight of Jay Vine playing a key role for UAE Team Emirates XRG teammate Tadej Poga\u010dar on the mountains of Andorra and Valencia in the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a felt a shade unusual to viewers, that has an explanation.<\/p>\n<p>Although the 31-year-old Australian has had that star climbing support role for Poga\u010dar on various occasions in the Classics, including Il Lombardia, this year&#8217;s Vuelta is the first time Vine has supported Poga\u010dar in any kind of stage race, let alone a Grand Tour.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-ef641730-a256-11f1-b286-ef4160ae1ae1-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">However, that&#8217;s all changed, and big time in this year&#8217;s Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a, where Vine has already proved instrumental in Poga\u010dar&#8217;s climbing support squad in Andorra on stage 4.<\/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\">The Pyrenean mini-state was where Vine took one of his four stage wins in the Vuelta last year and is where he has his European residence. But he was back in the thick of the climbing action, too, on stage 6 through the mountains of north-west Valencia, up to and including the crunch ascent of the Puerto del Bartolo.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Vine had a difficult first half of the year, starting with a heavy fall and injuries in Australia at the Tour Down Under, followed by another bad crash in Catalunya and then a third bad crash and yet more serious injuries in the Giro d&#8217;Italia,<\/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\/JLYbQXUaN585xQmKbegacC-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JLYbQXUaN585xQmKbegacC-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;Tadej has made a big statement&#8217; &#8211; UAE Team Emirates-XRG cautiously delighted with Poga\u010dar&#8217;s knock-out Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a stage win<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" 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\/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<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">But as Vine told <em>Cyclingnews<\/em>, the Vuelta and working for Poga\u010dar is where he can finally get the ball rolling in 2026.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I&#8217;m happy with how my form&#8217;s going, it&#8217;s also really nice to be in a team with the red jersey already in week 1 and hopefully that continues throughout the race,&#8221; Vine said.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-JJQGzpsJuXhAxUtg8tbqbk\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-JJQGzpsJuXhAxUtg8tbqbk 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;With Tadej before here, I&#8217;ve only done this kind of work in one-day races, but not in Grand Tours, and not stage races, either.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I was supposed to do this with him in the Giro d&#8217;Italia a couple of years ago, but I sort of broke my neck in the Basque Country&#8221; &#8211; in the same big crash where riders like Jonas Vingegaard (Visma-Lease a Bike) were amongst the dozens badly injured.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;But we&#8217;ve done Lombardia and Emilia a couple of times. We&#8217;re pretty good together.&#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\/cLSHcRATZJ5wsZjNMcxxtC-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cLSHcRATZJ5wsZjNMcxxtC-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;When Wout goes, you have to react&#8217; &#8211; Tadej Poga\u010dar retains Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a lead after sizzling finale duel with Van Aert<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#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\/8kchXacdwvwXDcMiu9KiFF-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8kchXacdwvwXDcMiu9KiFF-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;There was never a sign that he was struggling&#8217; \u2013 Primo\u017e Rogli\u010d dispels doubts as he moves up to second overall at Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a on first mountain test<\/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\/5675Zjt2LPA2r3i4Ga7LX-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5675Zjt2LPA2r3i4Ga7LX-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;Without Remco going for the overall, you feel more free&#8217; \u2013 Valentin Paret-Peintre enjoys extra liberty to aim high in the mountains of the Tour de France<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Despite the triumph in the Tour Down Under for a second time, globally the 2026 season has been a tough one, given his falls and injuries in the first five months. But Vine says it&#8217;s good to get the ball rolling for real in Spain.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I&#8217;ve had a few peaks this year but not [had the chance to] show the form. Hopefully, I can do this through this race and actually get a start to my season.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;On a personal level, I couldn&#8217;t be happier for Jay and how he&#8217;s going here because he&#8217;s had to suffer a lot,&#8221; UAE Team Emirates-XRG head of sport Joxean Fern\u00e1ndez Matxin told <em>Cyclingnews<\/em> when asked about his performances to date in the 2026 Vuelta.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;He&#8217;s a real tough guy, he crashes, he gets back up again, he crashes, he gets back on again. And when he does get back on again, he&#8217;s not scared of being in the peloton on the descents. We need to be publicly grateful for his courage, his willpower and above all his professionality.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;He knows what it means to win stages and fight for success, and to be so willing to work for Tadej the way he does is something very really special. We have to be very proud of him.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Compared with his Vuelta form in 2025, Vine says last year he only began to start firing on all engines on stage 6 &#8211; the first fully mountainous day into Andorra &#8211; whereas this time round, he&#8217;s already hitting the heights. &#8220;So we&#8217;ll see how the race develops and if it gets better or worse from here.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Very encouragingly, he was already in searing form on the short, punchy stage through Andorra, helping to set things up for Poga\u010dar as last man in the line before the Slovenian took off on a 50 kilometre breakaway to glory.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I know all the roads in Andorra, so I was able to guide him into the bottom of Beixalis&#8221; &#8211; the climb where Poga\u010dar launched his attack. &#8220;The goal was to be pretty much in the front and string it out from the beginning, so he doesn&#8217;t get swamped in the first parts of climbs.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Then we&#8217;d talked about how when they began sprinting in the 12, 13, 14% sections, I needed to get him onto the wheel so he could do his thing.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It&#8217;s one of those climbs when drafting doesn&#8217;t matter, and sure enough after six minutes into the 15-minute effort, he was off solo.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Rather than there being any thoughts of stage wins for the teammates &#8211; the Vuelta has only just begun &#8211; Vine says his main aim is to be working &#8220;on the day by day. I want to get to Granada and to see my family again.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">In the meantime, Vine is in the privileged but hard-earned place of working with the number 1 racer in the world, guiding Poga\u010dar through the climbs to a point where he can take off to make a bid for lone glory.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;We get clear instructions from the briefing in the morning before the stage, then after that we go with what we&#8217;re feeling on the road,&#8221; Vine explained.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;He doesn&#8217;t need to speak to me on the radio, &#8216;cos he&#8217;s right there, riding right behind me. He&#8217;s a pretty chill guy.&#8221;<\/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\/hopefully-i-can-get-a-start-to-my-season-after-injury-plagued-season-jay-vine-finds-form-supporting-tadej-pogacar-at-vuelta-a-espana\/&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CfBFSCiFcGsgRMAAkva4QL-1024-80.jpg&#8221;] 1 As it happened: Domination on stage 4 of the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a with a long-range solo move in Andorra 2 &#8216;We don&#8217;t know if he was racing at 100%&#8217; \u2013 Rival sports director believes Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a leader Poga\u010dar&#8217;s failure to finish solo on stage 6 delivers mixed messages 3 Vuelta [&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-2117381","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\/2117381","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=2117381"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2117381\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2117381"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=2117381"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=2117381"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}