{"id":2117383,"date":"2026-08-28T08:03:29","date_gmt":"2026-08-28T05:03:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2117383"},"modified":"2026-08-28T08:03:29","modified_gmt":"2026-08-28T05:03:29","slug":"full-focus-on-world-championships-mads-wurtz-schmidt-chasing-a-set-of-rainbow-bands-to-add-to-the-traka-and-unbound-titles-in-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2117383","title":{"rendered":"&#8216;Full focus on World Championships&#8217; \u2013 Mads W\u00fcrtz Schmidt chasing a set of rainbow bands to add to The Traka and Unbound titles in 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AbEmgGQ3FERp3A8urwV5oQ-2000-80.jpg&#8221;]<\/p>\n<article class=\"m-0 box-border flex flex-row items-center pr-2.5 gap-[15px] w-[278px] h-20 flex-none upnext-article-divider\" role=\"listitem\" aria-label=\"Recommended article 1 of 3\">\n<div class=\"relative flex-none w-20 h-20\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xwfHZ2na3reEhMq7K4eAiK-160-80.jpg.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xwfHZ2na3reEhMq7K4eAiK-80-80.jpg.webp 80w\" sizes=\"80px\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex items-center justify-center absolute w-4 h-6 left-0 top-0 bg-white\/90 flex-none z-[1]\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"font-normal text-base leading-[17px] tracking-[1.3px] uppercase text-black flex-none\">1<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex flex-col items-center justify-center gap-1.5 w-[173px] h-20 flex-none\">\n<p class=\"font-article-heading font-medium text-base leading-[21px] text-gray-800 w-[173px] line-clamp-3 group-hover:underline\">\n                                    &#8216;I will need a bit of luck&#8217; \u2013 Mathieu van der Poel delivers strong mountain bike return at Les Gets but keeps a lid on World Championships expectations\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\/ijb7UgPtDfhSTZMd4BQ4KW-160-80.jpg.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ijb7UgPtDfhSTZMd4BQ4KW-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;A top 10 on GC isn&#8217;t as important as a stage win&#8217; \u2013 2023 Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a champion Sepp Kuss to make definitive decision on overall bid at end of first week\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\/rL93en7GmXKCfwTZMXBbah-160-80.jpg.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rL93en7GmXKCfwTZMXBbah-80-80.jpg.webp 80w\" sizes=\"80px\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex items-center justify-center absolute w-[18px] h-6 left-0 top-0 bg-white\/90 flex-none z-[1]\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"font-normal text-base leading-[17px] tracking-[1.3px] uppercase text-black flex-none\">3<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex flex-col items-center justify-center gap-1.5 w-[173px] h-20 flex-none\">\n<p class=\"font-article-heading font-medium text-base leading-[21px] text-gray-800 w-[173px] line-clamp-3 group-hover:underline\">\n                                    &#8216;From a spectator&#8217;s perspective, it&#8217;s awesome&#8217; &#8211; Michael Woods says gravel section on stage 6 of 2026 Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a is &#8216;ambush territory&#8217;\n                                <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"page-content-onecol flex-1\nnews-article article\n\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"widget-area-group widget-area-group-2col flex flex-wrap box-border\">\n<div id=\"widgetArea16\" class=\"widget-area basis-full md:basis-2\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-2-3 page-widget-area-16\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"hero\" id=\"hero\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-hero widget-hero widget-hero-hero widget-hero widget-hero-fter-news\">\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRacing\n<\/li>\n<li>\nGravel\n<\/li>\n<li>\nUCI Gravel World Championships\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>&#8216;Full focus on World Championships&#8217; \u2013 Mads W\u00fcrtz Schmidt chasing a set of rainbow bands to add to The Traka and Unbound titles in 2026<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"vds-byline-block flex flex-row flex-nowrap my-1.5 gap-2 text-left items-start justify-start\" data-component-name=\"Article:BylineBlock\">\n<p>News<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-auto vds-simple-byline\"><span class=\"inline-block vds-author\"><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nSimone Giuliani <\/span><\/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=\"2026-08-28T08:03:29Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n28 August 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">European championships defence next challenge along the way for the Danish gravel rider who has rarely been off the top step this season<\/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\/AbEmgGQ3FERp3A8urwV5oQ-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AbEmgGQ3FERp3A8urwV5oQ-1600-80.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AbEmgGQ3FERp3A8urwV5oQ-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AbEmgGQ3FERp3A8urwV5oQ-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AbEmgGQ3FERp3A8urwV5oQ-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AbEmgGQ3FERp3A8urwV5oQ-750-80.jpg.webp 750w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AbEmgGQ3FERp3A8urwV5oQ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AbEmgGQ3FERp3A8urwV5oQ-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AbEmgGQ3FERp3A8urwV5oQ-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 600px, 100vw\" \/><figcaption class=\"font-article-copy text-(--image--text--color) font-article-copy mt-2\"><span class=\"caption-text font-article-copy\">Mads W\u00fcrtz Schmidt among the 2025 Gravel World Championships peloton<\/span><span class=\"credit font-article-copy\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\"text-copy bodyCopy auto paywall-locker\">\n<div data-analytics-id=\"utility-bar\" id=\"utility-bar\" class=\"font-ui-heading flex justify-between items-center py-2 border-t border-b border-gray-300 border-solid mb-5 mx-auto\" data-component-name=\"UtilityBar\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"utility-bar\">\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div data-component-name=\"Social:Dropdown\" role=\"menu\" id=\"utilitybar__dropdown--share\" aria-labelledby=\"utilitybar__button--share\" class=\"absolute left-0 top-full w-44 bg-white rounded-md shadow-md border border-neutral-200 z-[9996] list-none m-0 py-2 px-3 border-solid\">\n<ul class=\"m-0!\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Facebook<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>X<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Pinterest<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Email<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-share-this-article\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nShare this article\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\"><span class=\"ml-1 inline-flex h-5 px-2 shrink-0 items-center justify-center self-center overflow-hidden whitespace-nowrap rounded-[10px] bg-primary-500 text-[11px] leading-none font-ui-heading font-semibold text-white\">0<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-join-the-conversation\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nJoin the conversation\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<p>Follow us<\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-add-us-as-a-preferred-source-on-google\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nAdd us as a preferred source on Google\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-subscribe-to-our-newsletter\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nSubscribe to our newsletter\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-6ad3396e-a2ac-11f1-abeb-bfbc84c0fc62\">It&#8217;s hard to imagine a more successful gravel season than Mads W\u00fcrtz Schmidt has already had in 2026, with the Danish rider sweeping up The Traka 360 and Unbound 200, but there is one more title that he is focussing on adding to that list \u2013 world champion.<\/p>\n<p>Not surprisingly, after the season start W\u00fcrtz Schmidt had, a short mid-year break was on the cards, but now the rebuild has begun with that very clear target in mind.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-6ad3396e-a2ac-11f1-abeb-bfbc84c0fc62-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;From when I start training, again it&#8217;s full focus on World Championships,&#8221; said W\u00fcrtz Schmidt in a recently released Specialized podcast which was recorded earlier this year. &#8220;From there I have three and a half months where I can rebuild.&#8221;<\/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 rider who has just been named as a confirmed starter for the rainbow jersey race on October 11 has already tried his hand at a World Championships since he shifted his focus from the road to gravel, after finding himself without a contract renewal on the tarmac. Still, the 2025 rainbow jersey race in the Netherlands, where he may have been looking for a bit of redemption as he lined up with many of his former road foes, didn&#8217;t go to plan.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I was like &#8216;I&#8217;m going to show these guys I can still ride a bike&#8217; then I had a flat and a side cut, and I couldn&#8217;t even finish the race because it kept leaking and I couldn&#8217;t fix it,&#8221; said W\u00fcrtz Schmidt. &#8220;So now there is another chance.&#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            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\/mmzr2QzgBHE8tLaEtw7naV-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mmzr2QzgBHE8tLaEtw7naV-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\">Field building for far-flung 2026 UCI Gravel World Championships, key Life Time Grand Prix competitors among expected starters despite Little Sugar MTB clash<\/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\/9MBaLAUEZyMXw8YzDdpsVN-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9MBaLAUEZyMXw8YzDdpsVN-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\">Mads W\u00fcrtz Schmidt continues off-road dominance at Ranxo Gravel one week after Unbound 200 plunder, Life Time Grand Prix expands U23 rosters, and more &#8211; Gravel Bits<\/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\/kMoMca9WffoSrbYm3J9wNY-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kMoMca9WffoSrbYm3J9wNY-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\">Former mountain bike World Champion set to line up at UCI Gravel Worlds in Nannup, while USPro U23 ITT champion DQ&#8217;d at FoCo Fondo &#8211; Gravel Bits<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The Gravel World Championships has, since starting in 2022, been largely dominated by road riders, with many key North American specialists skipping the race \u2013 top riders from other disciplines on the tarmac are also able to secure front-of-the-grid starting positions by virtue of their UCI points accumulated outside gravel, with 50% transferred over. Gravel riders rely on points from UCI Gravel World Series events, while top results at many of the most prestigious events in the discipline, such as The Traka and Unbound, along with the majority of the top-level US-based gravel calendar, count for nothing.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Races also haven&#8217;t always been overly heavy on gravel, though that has built from around 50% unpaved surfaces in the opening years and is now heading toward a not-seen-before level of above 80% at the October 10-11 event in Western Australia&#8217;s Nannup. The location of this first title race outside Europe will also perhaps alter the field, as it&#8217;s not a short trip that can easily be worked into an otherwise road-focussed calendar.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-hEtDdEYxpLmFFEkapeNZ2M\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-hEtDdEYxpLmFFEkapeNZ2M slice-container-newsletterForm\">\n<div data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"newsletter-form__wrapper newsletter-form__wrapper--inbodyContent\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__container\">\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__top-bar\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__header\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__main-section\">\n<p class=\"newsletter-form__strapline\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<footer class=\"newsletter-form__footer \">By submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.<\/footer>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I think it&#8217;s a very good opportunity when it&#8217;s in Australia. I hope we will see a peloton of mainly gravel riders,&#8221; said W\u00fcrtz Schmidt. &#8220;I think a World Championships with an Unbound peloton would be pretty special, so I hope the guys will come over and see the opportunity that it is to have a really cool, actual Gravel World Championships.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">There are, however, some other targets along the way, with the one W\u00fcrtz Schmidt is facing next an attempted title defence at the UEC Gravel European Championships on Sunday, August 30.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><strong>For unbeatable coverage across road, gravel and tech, subscribe to Cyclingnews. You&#8217;ll get comprehensive race coverage of La Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a, subscriber-exclusive analysis from our expert columnists, in-depth features and industry-leading tech insight. Plus, the Cyclingnews app lets you follow the action wherever you go! <\/strong><u><strong>Join today.<\/strong><\/u><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-hEtDdEYxpLmFFEkapeNZ2M\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-hEtDdEYxpLmFFEkapeNZ2M slice-container-authorBio\">\n<div class=\"author author__default-layout author--separator author--collapsible\" data-hydrate=\"true\">\n<div class=\"author__header\">\n<div class=\"author__avatar-block\">\n<figure class=\"image-wrapped__wrapper\" data-bordeaux-image-check=\"false\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__widthsetter\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__aspect-padding\">\n<div><source class=\"author__avatar image-wrapped__image image__image\" type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RUKCQmBBgAFRGkijgpLyah-140-80.jpg.webp 140w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RUKCQmBBgAFRGkijgpLyah.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RUKCQmBBgAFRGkijgpLyah.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RUKCQmBBgAFRGkijgpLyah.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__heading\">\n<div class=\"author__name\">Simone Giuliani<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__social\">\n<nav class=\"button-social-group author__social-buttons\" aria-labelledby=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">\n<div id=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">Social Links Navigation<\/div>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__role\">Australia Editor<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>Simone is a degree-qualified journalist that has accumulated decades of wide-ranging experience while working across a variety of leading media organisations. She joined <em>Cyclingnews<\/em> as a Production Editor at the start of the 2021 season and has now moved into the role of Australia Editor. Previously she worked as a freelance writer, Australian Editor at <em>Ella CyclingTips<\/em> and as a correspondent for <em>Reuters<\/em> and <em>Bloomberg<\/em>. Cycling was initially purely a leisure pursuit for Simone, who started out as a business journalist, but in 2015 her career focus also shifted to the sport.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\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\/mmzr2QzgBHE8tLaEtw7naV-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mmzr2QzgBHE8tLaEtw7naV-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mmzr2QzgBHE8tLaEtw7naV-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mmzr2QzgBHE8tLaEtw7naV-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mmzr2QzgBHE8tLaEtw7naV-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\">Field building for far-flung 2026 UCI Gravel World Championships, key Life Time Grand Prix competitors among expected starters despite Little Sugar MTB clash<\/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\/9MBaLAUEZyMXw8YzDdpsVN-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9MBaLAUEZyMXw8YzDdpsVN-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9MBaLAUEZyMXw8YzDdpsVN-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9MBaLAUEZyMXw8YzDdpsVN-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9MBaLAUEZyMXw8YzDdpsVN-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\">Mads W\u00fcrtz Schmidt continues off-road dominance at Ranxo Gravel one week after Unbound 200 plunder, Life Time Grand Prix expands U23 rosters, and more &#8211; Gravel Bits<\/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\/kMoMca9WffoSrbYm3J9wNY-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kMoMca9WffoSrbYm3J9wNY-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kMoMca9WffoSrbYm3J9wNY-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kMoMca9WffoSrbYm3J9wNY-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kMoMca9WffoSrbYm3J9wNY-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\">Former mountain bike World Champion set to line up at UCI Gravel Worlds in Nannup, while USPro U23 ITT champion DQ&#8217;d at FoCo Fondo &#8211; Gravel Bits<\/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\/k9zmDrDg9CYQpyHK4MVWeJ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/k9zmDrDg9CYQpyHK4MVWeJ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/k9zmDrDg9CYQpyHK4MVWeJ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/k9zmDrDg9CYQpyHK4MVWeJ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/k9zmDrDg9CYQpyHK4MVWeJ-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\">From road to gravel then back to road: Why is Wout van Aert racing the Belgian Gravel Championships for the first time ever this Sunday?<\/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\/pLFB3Jb2HG4TXK69CVJeVX-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pLFB3Jb2HG4TXK69CVJeVX-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pLFB3Jb2HG4TXK69CVJeVX-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pLFB3Jb2HG4TXK69CVJeVX-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pLFB3Jb2HG4TXK69CVJeVX-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;If I give him the wheel, he can win&#8217; \u2013 The story of Keegan Swenson&#8217;s sacrifice to help Mads W\u00fcrtz Schmidt triumph at Unbound Gravel 200<\/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\/mcMqa7mVgAeQMobJYNqDdd-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mcMqa7mVgAeQMobJYNqDdd-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mcMqa7mVgAeQMobJYNqDdd-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mcMqa7mVgAeQMobJYNqDdd-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mcMqa7mVgAeQMobJYNqDdd-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\">2026 gravel national and continental champions index<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-category\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Racing<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/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\/7d6FJ3mhLbq94pfqzgq9TG-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7d6FJ3mhLbq94pfqzgq9TG-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7d6FJ3mhLbq94pfqzgq9TG-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7d6FJ3mhLbq94pfqzgq9TG-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7d6FJ3mhLbq94pfqzgq9TG-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: Andreas Leknessund, Tobias Johannessen solo away from Wout van Aert in Uno-X Mobility 1-2 on stage 7<\/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 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\/xugVTju2QKinpXhphFnyUe-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xugVTju2QKinpXhphFnyUe-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xugVTju2QKinpXhphFnyUe-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xugVTju2QKinpXhphFnyUe-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xugVTju2QKinpXhphFnyUe-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;We 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<\/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>\nRacing\n<\/li>\n<li>\nGravel\n<\/li>\n<li>\nUCI Gravel World Championships\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>&#8216;Full focus on World Championships&#8217; \u2013 Mads W\u00fcrtz Schmidt chasing a set of rainbow bands to add to The Traka and Unbound titles in 2026<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"vds-byline-block flex flex-row flex-nowrap my-1.5 gap-2 text-left items-start justify-start\" data-component-name=\"Article:BylineBlock\">\n<p>News<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-auto vds-simple-byline\"><span class=\"inline-block vds-author\"><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nSimone Giuliani <\/span><\/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=\"2026-08-28T08:03:29Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n28 August 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">European championships defence next challenge along the way for the Danish gravel rider who has rarely been off the top step this season<\/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\/AbEmgGQ3FERp3A8urwV5oQ-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AbEmgGQ3FERp3A8urwV5oQ-1600-80.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AbEmgGQ3FERp3A8urwV5oQ-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AbEmgGQ3FERp3A8urwV5oQ-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AbEmgGQ3FERp3A8urwV5oQ-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AbEmgGQ3FERp3A8urwV5oQ-750-80.jpg.webp 750w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AbEmgGQ3FERp3A8urwV5oQ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AbEmgGQ3FERp3A8urwV5oQ-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AbEmgGQ3FERp3A8urwV5oQ-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 600px, 100vw\" \/><figcaption class=\"font-article-copy text-(--image--text--color) font-article-copy mt-2\"><span class=\"caption-text font-article-copy\">Mads W\u00fcrtz Schmidt among the 2025 Gravel World Championships peloton<\/span><span class=\"credit font-article-copy\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\"text-copy bodyCopy auto paywall-locker\">\n<div data-analytics-id=\"utility-bar\" id=\"utility-bar\" class=\"font-ui-heading flex justify-between items-center py-2 border-t border-b border-gray-300 border-solid mb-5 mx-auto\" data-component-name=\"UtilityBar\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"utility-bar\">\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] 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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 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on the cards, but now the rebuild has begun with that very clear target in mind.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-6ad3396e-a2ac-11f1-abeb-bfbc84c0fc62-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;From when I start training, again it&#8217;s full focus on World Championships,&#8221; said W\u00fcrtz Schmidt in a recently released Specialized podcast which was recorded earlier this year. &#8220;From there I have three and a half months where I can rebuild.&#8221;<\/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 rider who has just been named as a confirmed starter for the rainbow jersey race on October 11 has already tried his hand at a World Championships since he shifted his focus from the road to gravel, after finding himself without a contract renewal on the tarmac. Still, the 2025 rainbow jersey race in the Netherlands, where he may have been looking for a bit of redemption as he lined up with many of his former road foes, didn&#8217;t go to plan.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I was like &#8216;I&#8217;m going to show these guys I can still ride a bike&#8217; then I had a flat and a side cut, and I couldn&#8217;t even finish the race because it kept leaking and I couldn&#8217;t fix it,&#8221; said W\u00fcrtz Schmidt. &#8220;So now there is another chance.&#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            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\/mmzr2QzgBHE8tLaEtw7naV-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mmzr2QzgBHE8tLaEtw7naV-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\">Field building for far-flung 2026 UCI Gravel World Championships, key Life Time Grand Prix competitors among expected starters despite Little Sugar MTB clash<\/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\/9MBaLAUEZyMXw8YzDdpsVN-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9MBaLAUEZyMXw8YzDdpsVN-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\">Mads W\u00fcrtz Schmidt continues off-road dominance at Ranxo Gravel one week after Unbound 200 plunder, Life Time Grand Prix expands U23 rosters, and more &#8211; Gravel Bits<\/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\/kMoMca9WffoSrbYm3J9wNY-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kMoMca9WffoSrbYm3J9wNY-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\">Former mountain bike World Champion set to line up at UCI Gravel Worlds in Nannup, while USPro U23 ITT champion DQ&#8217;d at FoCo Fondo &#8211; Gravel Bits<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The Gravel World Championships has, since starting in 2022, been largely dominated by road riders, with many key North American specialists skipping the race \u2013 top riders from other disciplines on the tarmac are also able to secure front-of-the-grid starting positions by virtue of their UCI points accumulated outside gravel, with 50% transferred over. Gravel riders rely on points from UCI Gravel World Series events, while top results at many of the most prestigious events in the discipline, such as The Traka and Unbound, along with the majority of the top-level US-based gravel calendar, count for nothing.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Races also haven&#8217;t always been overly heavy on gravel, though that has built from around 50% unpaved surfaces in the opening years and is now heading toward a not-seen-before level of above 80% at the October 10-11 event in Western Australia&#8217;s Nannup. The location of this first title race outside Europe will also perhaps alter the field, as it&#8217;s not a short trip that can easily be worked into an otherwise road-focussed calendar.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-hEtDdEYxpLmFFEkapeNZ2M\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-hEtDdEYxpLmFFEkapeNZ2M slice-container-newsletterForm\">\n<div data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"newsletter-form__wrapper newsletter-form__wrapper--inbodyContent\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__container\">\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__top-bar\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__header\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__main-section\">\n<p class=\"newsletter-form__strapline\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<footer class=\"newsletter-form__footer \">By submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.<\/footer>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I think it&#8217;s a very good opportunity when it&#8217;s in Australia. I hope we will see a peloton of mainly gravel riders,&#8221; said W\u00fcrtz Schmidt. &#8220;I think a World Championships with an Unbound peloton would be pretty special, so I hope the guys will come over and see the opportunity that it is to have a really cool, actual Gravel World Championships.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">There are, however, some other targets along the way, with the one W\u00fcrtz Schmidt is facing next an attempted title defence at the UEC Gravel European Championships on Sunday, August 30.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><strong>For unbeatable coverage across road, gravel and tech, subscribe to Cyclingnews. You&#8217;ll get comprehensive race coverage of La Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a, subscriber-exclusive analysis from our expert columnists, in-depth features and industry-leading tech insight. Plus, the Cyclingnews app lets you follow the action wherever you go! <\/strong><u><strong>Join today.<\/strong><\/u><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-hEtDdEYxpLmFFEkapeNZ2M\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-hEtDdEYxpLmFFEkapeNZ2M slice-container-authorBio\">\n<div class=\"author author__default-layout author--separator author--collapsible\" data-hydrate=\"true\">\n<div class=\"author__header\">\n<div class=\"author__avatar-block\">\n<figure class=\"image-wrapped__wrapper\" data-bordeaux-image-check=\"false\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__widthsetter\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__aspect-padding\">\n<div><source class=\"author__avatar image-wrapped__image image__image\" type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RUKCQmBBgAFRGkijgpLyah-140-80.jpg.webp 140w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RUKCQmBBgAFRGkijgpLyah.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RUKCQmBBgAFRGkijgpLyah.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RUKCQmBBgAFRGkijgpLyah.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__heading\">\n<div class=\"author__name\">Simone Giuliani<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__social\">\n<nav class=\"button-social-group author__social-buttons\" aria-labelledby=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">\n<div id=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">Social Links Navigation<\/div>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__role\">Australia Editor<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>Simone is a degree-qualified journalist that has accumulated decades of wide-ranging experience while working across a variety of leading media organisations. She joined <em>Cyclingnews<\/em> as a Production Editor at the start of the 2021 season and has now moved into the role of Australia Editor. Previously she worked as a freelance writer, Australian Editor at <em>Ella CyclingTips<\/em> and as a correspondent for <em>Reuters<\/em> and <em>Bloomberg<\/em>. Cycling was initially purely a leisure pursuit for Simone, who started out as a business journalist, but in 2015 her career focus also shifted to the sport.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\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\/mmzr2QzgBHE8tLaEtw7naV-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mmzr2QzgBHE8tLaEtw7naV-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mmzr2QzgBHE8tLaEtw7naV-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mmzr2QzgBHE8tLaEtw7naV-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mmzr2QzgBHE8tLaEtw7naV-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\">Field building for far-flung 2026 UCI Gravel World Championships, key Life Time Grand Prix competitors among expected starters despite Little Sugar MTB clash<\/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\/9MBaLAUEZyMXw8YzDdpsVN-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9MBaLAUEZyMXw8YzDdpsVN-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9MBaLAUEZyMXw8YzDdpsVN-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9MBaLAUEZyMXw8YzDdpsVN-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9MBaLAUEZyMXw8YzDdpsVN-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\">Mads W\u00fcrtz Schmidt continues off-road dominance at Ranxo Gravel one week after Unbound 200 plunder, Life Time Grand Prix expands U23 rosters, and more &#8211; Gravel Bits<\/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\/kMoMca9WffoSrbYm3J9wNY-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kMoMca9WffoSrbYm3J9wNY-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kMoMca9WffoSrbYm3J9wNY-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kMoMca9WffoSrbYm3J9wNY-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kMoMca9WffoSrbYm3J9wNY-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\">Former mountain bike World Champion set to line up at UCI Gravel Worlds in Nannup, while USPro U23 ITT champion DQ&#8217;d at FoCo Fondo &#8211; Gravel Bits<\/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\/k9zmDrDg9CYQpyHK4MVWeJ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/k9zmDrDg9CYQpyHK4MVWeJ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/k9zmDrDg9CYQpyHK4MVWeJ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/k9zmDrDg9CYQpyHK4MVWeJ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/k9zmDrDg9CYQpyHK4MVWeJ-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\">From road to gravel then back to road: Why is Wout van Aert racing the Belgian Gravel Championships for the first time ever this Sunday?<\/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\/pLFB3Jb2HG4TXK69CVJeVX-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pLFB3Jb2HG4TXK69CVJeVX-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pLFB3Jb2HG4TXK69CVJeVX-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pLFB3Jb2HG4TXK69CVJeVX-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pLFB3Jb2HG4TXK69CVJeVX-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;If I give him the wheel, he can win&#8217; \u2013 The story of Keegan Swenson&#8217;s sacrifice to help Mads W\u00fcrtz Schmidt triumph at Unbound Gravel 200<\/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\/mcMqa7mVgAeQMobJYNqDdd-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mcMqa7mVgAeQMobJYNqDdd-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mcMqa7mVgAeQMobJYNqDdd-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mcMqa7mVgAeQMobJYNqDdd-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mcMqa7mVgAeQMobJYNqDdd-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\">2026 gravel national and continental champions index<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-category\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Racing<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/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\/7d6FJ3mhLbq94pfqzgq9TG-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7d6FJ3mhLbq94pfqzgq9TG-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7d6FJ3mhLbq94pfqzgq9TG-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7d6FJ3mhLbq94pfqzgq9TG-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7d6FJ3mhLbq94pfqzgq9TG-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: Andreas Leknessund, Tobias Johannessen solo away from Wout van Aert in Uno-X Mobility 1-2 on stage 7<\/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 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\/xugVTju2QKinpXhphFnyUe-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xugVTju2QKinpXhphFnyUe-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xugVTju2QKinpXhphFnyUe-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xugVTju2QKinpXhphFnyUe-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xugVTju2QKinpXhphFnyUe-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;We 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<\/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>\nRacing\n<\/li>\n<li>\nGravel\n<\/li>\n<li>\nUCI Gravel World Championships\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>&#8216;Full focus on World Championships&#8217; \u2013 Mads W\u00fcrtz Schmidt chasing a set of rainbow bands to add to The Traka and Unbound titles in 2026<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"vds-byline-block flex flex-row flex-nowrap my-1.5 gap-2 text-left items-start justify-start\" data-component-name=\"Article:BylineBlock\">\n<p>News<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-auto vds-simple-byline\"><span class=\"inline-block vds-author\"><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nSimone Giuliani <\/span><\/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=\"2026-08-28T08:03:29Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n28 August 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">European championships defence next challenge along the way for the Danish gravel rider who has rarely been off the top step this season<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"text-gray-700 flex items-center mx-0 my-5 p-0 justify-start text-left\" id=\"affiliate-disclaimer\" data-component-name=\"AffiliateDisclaimer\" data-hawk-message=\"Affiliate disclaimer removed because hawk deemed there are no affiliate links on this page\">\n<p class=\"text-[color:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--text-color,inherit)] mb-2 text-[length:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--font-size,0.75rem)] leading-[18px] md:text-[13px] [&amp;&gt;a]:text-inherit [&amp;&gt;a]:underline\">\nWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here\u2019s how it works.\n<\/p>\n<\/aside>\n<\/header>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\"text-copy bodyCopy auto paywall-locker\">\n<div data-analytics-id=\"utility-bar\" id=\"utility-bar\" class=\"font-ui-heading flex justify-between items-center py-2 border-t border-b border-gray-300 border-solid mb-5 mx-auto\" data-component-name=\"UtilityBar\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"utility-bar\">\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div data-component-name=\"Social:Dropdown\" role=\"menu\" id=\"utilitybar__dropdown--share\" aria-labelledby=\"utilitybar__button--share\" class=\"absolute left-0 top-full w-44 bg-white rounded-md shadow-md border border-neutral-200 z-[9996] list-none m-0 py-2 px-3 border-solid\">\n<ul class=\"m-0!\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Facebook<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>X<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Pinterest<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Email<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-share-this-article\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nShare this article\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\"><span class=\"ml-1 inline-flex h-5 px-2 shrink-0 items-center justify-center self-center overflow-hidden whitespace-nowrap rounded-[10px] bg-primary-500 text-[11px] leading-none font-ui-heading font-semibold text-white\">0<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-join-the-conversation\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nJoin the conversation\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<p>Follow us<\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-add-us-as-a-preferred-source-on-google\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nAdd us as a preferred source on Google\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-subscribe-to-our-newsletter\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nSubscribe to our newsletter\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-6ad3396e-a2ac-11f1-abeb-bfbc84c0fc62\">It&#8217;s hard to imagine a more successful gravel season than Mads W\u00fcrtz Schmidt has already had in 2026, with the Danish rider sweeping up The Traka 360 and Unbound 200, but there is one more title that he is focussing on adding to that list \u2013 world champion.<\/p>\n<p>Not surprisingly, after the season start W\u00fcrtz Schmidt had, a short mid-year break was on the cards, but now the rebuild has begun with that very clear target in mind.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-6ad3396e-a2ac-11f1-abeb-bfbc84c0fc62-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;From when I start training, again it&#8217;s full focus on World Championships,&#8221; said W\u00fcrtz Schmidt in a recently released Specialized podcast which was recorded earlier this year. &#8220;From there I have three and a half months where I can rebuild.&#8221;<\/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 rider who has just been named as a confirmed starter for the rainbow jersey race on October 11 has already tried his hand at a World Championships since he shifted his focus from the road to gravel, after finding himself without a contract renewal on the tarmac. Still, the 2025 rainbow jersey race in the Netherlands, where he may have been looking for a bit of redemption as he lined up with many of his former road foes, didn&#8217;t go to plan.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I was like &#8216;I&#8217;m going to show these guys I can still ride a bike&#8217; then I had a flat and a side cut, and I couldn&#8217;t even finish the race because it kept leaking and I couldn&#8217;t fix it,&#8221; said W\u00fcrtz Schmidt. &#8220;So now there is another chance.&#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            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\/mmzr2QzgBHE8tLaEtw7naV-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mmzr2QzgBHE8tLaEtw7naV-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\">Field building for far-flung 2026 UCI Gravel World Championships, key Life Time Grand Prix competitors among expected starters despite Little Sugar MTB clash<\/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\/9MBaLAUEZyMXw8YzDdpsVN-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9MBaLAUEZyMXw8YzDdpsVN-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\">Mads W\u00fcrtz Schmidt continues off-road dominance at Ranxo Gravel one week after Unbound 200 plunder, Life Time Grand Prix expands U23 rosters, and more &#8211; Gravel Bits<\/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\/kMoMca9WffoSrbYm3J9wNY-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kMoMca9WffoSrbYm3J9wNY-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\">Former mountain bike World Champion set to line up at UCI Gravel Worlds in Nannup, while USPro U23 ITT champion DQ&#8217;d at FoCo Fondo &#8211; Gravel Bits<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The Gravel World Championships has, since starting in 2022, been largely dominated by road riders, with many key North American specialists skipping the race \u2013 top riders from other disciplines on the tarmac are also able to secure front-of-the-grid starting positions by virtue of their UCI points accumulated outside gravel, with 50% transferred over. Gravel riders rely on points from UCI Gravel World Series events, while top results at many of the most prestigious events in the discipline, such as The Traka and Unbound, along with the majority of the top-level US-based gravel calendar, count for nothing.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Races also haven&#8217;t always been overly heavy on gravel, though that has built from around 50% unpaved surfaces in the opening years and is now heading toward a not-seen-before level of above 80% at the October 10-11 event in Western Australia&#8217;s Nannup. The location of this first title race outside Europe will also perhaps alter the field, as it&#8217;s not a short trip that can easily be worked into an otherwise road-focussed calendar.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-hEtDdEYxpLmFFEkapeNZ2M\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-hEtDdEYxpLmFFEkapeNZ2M slice-container-newsletterForm\">\n<div data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"newsletter-form__wrapper newsletter-form__wrapper--inbodyContent\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__container\">\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__top-bar\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__header\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__main-section\">\n<p class=\"newsletter-form__strapline\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<footer class=\"newsletter-form__footer \">By submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.<\/footer>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I think it&#8217;s a very good opportunity when it&#8217;s in Australia. I hope we will see a peloton of mainly gravel riders,&#8221; said W\u00fcrtz Schmidt. &#8220;I think a World Championships with an Unbound peloton would be pretty special, so I hope the guys will come over and see the opportunity that it is to have a really cool, actual Gravel World Championships.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">There are, however, some other targets along the way, with the one W\u00fcrtz Schmidt is facing next an attempted title defence at the UEC Gravel European Championships on Sunday, August 30.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><strong>For unbeatable coverage across road, gravel and tech, subscribe to Cyclingnews. You&#8217;ll get comprehensive race coverage of La Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a, subscriber-exclusive analysis from our expert columnists, in-depth features and industry-leading tech insight. Plus, the Cyclingnews app lets you follow the action wherever you go! <\/strong><u><strong>Join today.<\/strong><\/u><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/racing\/full-focus-on-world-championships-mads-wurtz-schmidt-chasing-a-set-of-rainbow-bands-to-add-to-the-traka-and-unbound-titles-in-2026\/&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AbEmgGQ3FERp3A8urwV5oQ-2000-80.jpg&#8221;] 1 &#8216;I will need a bit of luck&#8217; \u2013 Mathieu van der Poel delivers strong mountain bike return at Les Gets but keeps a lid on World Championships expectations 2 &#8216;A top 10 on GC isn&#8217;t as important as a stage win&#8217; \u2013 2023 Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a champion Sepp Kuss to make [&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-2117383","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\/2117383","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=2117383"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2117383\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2117383"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=2117383"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=2117383"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}