{"id":2125096,"date":"2026-09-02T17:42:47","date_gmt":"2026-09-02T14:42:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2125096"},"modified":"2026-09-02T17:42:47","modified_gmt":"2026-09-02T14:42:47","slug":"the-vuelta-was-my-choice-to-be-at-110-for-the-worlds-hugo-houle-building-form-in-spanish-grand-tour-as-likely-last-rainbow-jersey-battle-of-career-approaches","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2125096","title":{"rendered":"&#8216;The Vuelta was my choice to be at 110% for the Worlds&#8217; &#8211; Hugo Houle building form in Spanish Grand Tour as likely last rainbow jersey battle of career approaches"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/titvv7iuAAH8M4nhiNdDQm-2560-80.jpg&#8221;]<\/p>\n<article class=\"m-0 box-border flex flex-row items-center pr-2.5 gap-[15px] w-[278px] h-20 flex-none upnext-article-divider\" role=\"listitem\" aria-label=\"Recommended article 1 of 3\">\n<div class=\"relative flex-none w-20 h-20\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tHn8trN6dMv53qtc8uBmEj-160-80.png.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tHn8trN6dMv53qtc8uBmEj-80-80.png.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                                    Poga\u010dar&#8217;s crash doesn&#8217;t just put his Worlds defence in doubt, it complicates next season&#8217;s plans \u2013 Sean Kelly&#8217;s Vuelta column\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\/YAAGbcE7DoGBtYeoD2veci-160-80.jpg.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YAAGbcE7DoGBtYeoD2veci-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;Something is clearly not as it should be&#8217; \u2013 Mads Pedersen weighs up Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a exit amid World Championships form fears\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\/urUeDCWicNVcKCHSxJU4wY-160-80.jpg.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/urUeDCWicNVcKCHSxJU4wY-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;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\n                                <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"page-content-onecol flex-1\nnews-article article\n\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"widget-area-group widget-area-group-2col flex flex-wrap box-border\">\n<div id=\"widgetArea16\" class=\"widget-area basis-full md:basis-2\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-2-3 page-widget-area-16\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"hero\" id=\"hero\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-hero widget-hero widget-hero-hero widget-hero widget-hero-fter-news\">\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nTeams &amp; Riders\n<\/li>\n<li>\nAlpecin-Premier Tech\n<\/li>\n<li>\nHugo Houle\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>&#8216;The Vuelta was my choice to be at 110% for the Worlds&#8217; &#8211; Hugo Houle building form in Spanish Grand Tour as likely last rainbow jersey battle of career approaches<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"vds-byline-block flex flex-row flex-nowrap my-1.5 gap-2 text-left items-start justify-start\" data-component-name=\"Article:BylineBlock\">\n<p>News<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-auto vds-simple-byline\"><span class=\"inline-block vds-author\"><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nAlasdair Fotheringham <\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex gap-1 vds-byline-with-avatar__meta\"><span class=\"vds-date block font-normal tracking-normal normal-case text-xs\"><br \/>\nPublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-09-02T17:42:47Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n2 September 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">35-year-old former Tour de France stage winner aiming to retire after Canadian WorldTour races in 2027<\/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\/titvv7iuAAH8M4nhiNdDQm-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/titvv7iuAAH8M4nhiNdDQm-1600-80.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/titvv7iuAAH8M4nhiNdDQm-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/titvv7iuAAH8M4nhiNdDQm-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/titvv7iuAAH8M4nhiNdDQm-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/titvv7iuAAH8M4nhiNdDQm-750-80.jpg.webp 750w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/titvv7iuAAH8M4nhiNdDQm-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/titvv7iuAAH8M4nhiNdDQm-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/titvv7iuAAH8M4nhiNdDQm-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\">Hugo Houle (Alpecin-Premier Tech)<\/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-9621a740-a6f3-11f1-bea7-85e46fc80ec2\">Tour de France stage winner Hugo Houle may be heading towards the finale of his career, but the Alpecin-Premier Tech racer already knows that he will have at least one high point still to come: participating in the UCI Road World Championships in Montr\u00e9al later this month.<\/p>\n<p>Racing the Worlds on home soil is something that only a minority of riders in each generation get the chance to do, the 35-year-old points out to <em>Cyclingnews<\/em>, but that is exactly what lies in store for the Canadian come September 20.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-9621a740-a6f3-11f1-bea7-85e46fc80ec2-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The Grands Prix de Qu\u00e9bec and Montr\u00e9al will almost certainly be his last races, too, as Houle&#8217;s current plan is to retire after the Canadian WorldTour races in 2027.<\/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\">Currently racing in the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a, Houle is eying his own chances, especially with the absence of Alpecin&#8217;s sprinter Kaden Groves, who had to abandon after a crash.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">It was a major loss for the team for the flat days in Spain like stage 12. But Houle, already a Tour de France stage winner in the Pyrenees back in 2022, is looking to try his luck on any terrain. Then after that, it&#8217;s straight onto Canada.<\/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\/AmmDKwfABUctnz4XJLdD2W-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AmmDKwfABUctnz4XJLdD2W-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\">Michael Woods to come out of road retirement for home World Championships in Montreal<\/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\/zjHmUwnskFuJeTYbEF8aYC-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zjHmUwnskFuJeTYbEF8aYC-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\">La Vuelta, Canada, or elsewhere \u2013 Where are the men&#8217;s stars riding in preparation for the Road World Championships?<\/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\/ZH9tPKdEpRDyEkVonao4Rf-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZH9tPKdEpRDyEkVonao4Rf-150-80.png.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;At my very best, I certainly have a chance&#8217; \u2013 Wout van Aert confident in World Championships road race bid after rediscovering top form before Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;For me personally, the Vuelta&#8217;s going better and better every day. I&#8217;m looking forward to what&#8217;s coming up, and we have a good block of stages up to the next rest day. It could be interesting,&#8221; Houle, currently running 89th overall, told <em>Cyclingnews<\/em> before stage 12.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Everything is going well for me and we are keeping the World Championships in mind, that&#8217;s all good.&#8221;<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-RdW8XGRcuz8rG9ttNLtfiU\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-RdW8XGRcuz8rG9ttNLtfiU 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;For the team here in the Vuelta, the loss of Kaden is a big deal for sprint days and regarding Calar Alto [the summit finish on stage 12 &#8211; Ed.], a lot will depend on the GC teams, so of course you need some luck. But personally, whatever options there are, I want to try.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Houle&#8217;s thoughts are turning increasingly to Montreal, Qu\u00e9bec and the World Championships where Canada will celebrate its first battles for the rainbow jersey since Hamilton in 2003. That was a full eight years before Houle turned pro with the small Canadian squad, Spidertech Powered by C10, aged 21.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Honestly, this World Championships got a really different feel to it,&#8221; Houle, set to race the ninth pro Worlds of his career, told <em>Cyclingnews<\/em>.<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            What to read next<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dkNBfv8UpN2da7mxUPFFNn-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dkNBfv8UpN2da7mxUPFFNn-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;A once-in-a-career kind of thing&#8217; \u2013 A year on from a stunning victory, Canada&#8217;s top women riders look ahead to &#8216;special&#8217; home Road World Championships<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rL93en7GmXKCfwTZMXBbah-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rL93en7GmXKCfwTZMXBbah-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;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;<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iLTEfzvJViu9P8R9b485wH-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iLTEfzvJViu9P8R9b485wH-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\">Sepp Kuss hoping to ride Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a for Grand Tour treble after &#8216;crazy fast&#8217; but &#8216;enjoyable&#8217; Tour de France<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;First just to be there is really important. Then, it will probably be my last World Championships, so it is a really big opportunity. Not every generation of cyclists gets that opportunity to race them at home.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It&#8217;s not easy for anywhere to get a World Championships, and I&#8217;m starting to feel the vibe in Qu\u00e9bec, lots of people asking me about it. On social media and media that doesn&#8217;t really ever report on cycling, too &#8211; now they&#8217;re writing about it.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Houle&#8217;s hopes that it will create momentum in Canada and &#8220;inspire kids to jump on the bike&#8221; also combine with his enjoyment of &#8220;the chance to show people what we do all year long.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Of course we have Qu\u00e9bec and Montreal in the WorldTour, but I think that what is interesting about the Worlds is that you have the younger categories as well and for men and women. So it can have a much broader impact.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It&#8217;s also a great opportunity for North Americans to see a good cycling show for free.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Houle is not certain what role he and the other riders in the Canadian line-up for men&#8217;s road race will have, depending on how much preparation each has had. But he&#8217;s adamant that he wants to be in on the action when it counts.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Being at the Vuelta was my choice to be at 110% in Canada at the Championships.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">I want to be there to race. I want to be there in the final. I want to be there at my best level and be ready to compete.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Quite apart from the location, Houle&#8217;s motivation is even higher given he wants to stop racing in 2027, ideally after next year&#8217;s GP Montr\u00e9al, he tells <em>Cyclingnews<\/em>, so his home Worlds this autumn will likely be his last.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">It could also be a last opportunity to race alongside former trade teammate and compatriot Mike Woods, who is coming out of retirement to take part in his home World Championships.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I think it was his wish,&#8221; Houle said. &#8220;He was a bit disappointed that last year, when he retired [through injury] &#8211; he could not race in Montr\u00e9al. So it would be great for him to do one last ride. Also, I guess&#8221; &#8211; he says with a broad grin and jokingly &#8211; &#8220;but maybe he was finding it a little bit boring with his &#8216;pension.&#8217;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Certainly riding a World Championships is a great way to bow out, or to come back, like Woods will do, for a final swansong, while Houle will have almost 12 months more left as a pro, after this autumn&#8217;s battles for the rainbow jersey. But either way for Houle, riding the Canadian Championships will represent a landmark moment of his career come what may.<\/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.a<\/strong><\/u><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"block mb-5\" id=\"articleTag\" data-component-name=\"PostArticleLinks\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"post-article-links\">\n<div class=\"border-b border-b-black border-solid py-2.5 text-black font-bold uppercase\">TOPICS<\/div>\n<nav class=\"py-2.5 flex gap-2.5 flex-wrap\" data-analytics-id=\"article-tag\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-tag\">\n<p>Road<\/p>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-RdW8XGRcuz8rG9ttNLtfiU\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-RdW8XGRcuz8rG9ttNLtfiU slice-container-authorBio\">\n<div class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio slice-container-authorBio\" id=\"slice-container-authorBio\" data-component-name=\"Slice:AuthorBio\">\n<div class=\"author author__default-layout author--separator author--collapsible\" data-author-bio-max-height=\"250\" data-author-bio-read-more=\"Read more\" data-author-bio-read-less=\"Read less\">\n<div class=\"author__header\">\n<div class=\"author__avatar-block\">\n<figure class=\"image-wrapped__wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__widthsetter\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__aspect-padding\">\n<div>\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5QLhaPay9asJvmaNsCjFVZ-140-80.jpg.webp 140w\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__heading\">\n<div class=\"author__name\">\n<p>Alasdair Fotheringham<\/p>\n<\/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\">\nSocial Links Navigation\n<\/div>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>Alasdair Fotheringham has been reporting on cycling since 1991. He has covered every Tour de France since 1992 bar one, as well as numerous other bike races of all shapes and sizes, ranging from the Olympic Games in 2008 to the now sadly defunct Subida a Urkiola hill climb in Spain. As well as working for <em>Cyclingnews<\/em>, he has also written for <em>The Independent<\/em>,\u00a0 <em>The Guardian<\/em>,\u00a0 <em>ProCycling<\/em>, <em>The Express<\/em> and <em>Reuters<\/em>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/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\/AmmDKwfABUctnz4XJLdD2W-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AmmDKwfABUctnz4XJLdD2W-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AmmDKwfABUctnz4XJLdD2W-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AmmDKwfABUctnz4XJLdD2W-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AmmDKwfABUctnz4XJLdD2W-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\">Michael Woods to come out of road retirement for home World Championships in Montreal<\/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\/zjHmUwnskFuJeTYbEF8aYC-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zjHmUwnskFuJeTYbEF8aYC-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zjHmUwnskFuJeTYbEF8aYC-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zjHmUwnskFuJeTYbEF8aYC-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zjHmUwnskFuJeTYbEF8aYC-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\">La Vuelta, Canada, or elsewhere \u2013 Where are the men&#8217;s stars riding in preparation for the Road 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\/ZH9tPKdEpRDyEkVonao4Rf-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZH9tPKdEpRDyEkVonao4Rf-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZH9tPKdEpRDyEkVonao4Rf-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZH9tPKdEpRDyEkVonao4Rf-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZH9tPKdEpRDyEkVonao4Rf-320-80.png.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;At my very best, I certainly have a chance&#8217; \u2013 Wout van Aert confident in World Championships road race bid after rediscovering top form before 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\/dkNBfv8UpN2da7mxUPFFNn-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dkNBfv8UpN2da7mxUPFFNn-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dkNBfv8UpN2da7mxUPFFNn-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dkNBfv8UpN2da7mxUPFFNn-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dkNBfv8UpN2da7mxUPFFNn-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;A once-in-a-career kind of thing&#8217; \u2013 A year on from a stunning victory, Canada&#8217;s top women riders look ahead to &#8216;special&#8217; home Road 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\/rL93en7GmXKCfwTZMXBbah-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rL93en7GmXKCfwTZMXBbah-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rL93en7GmXKCfwTZMXBbah-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rL93en7GmXKCfwTZMXBbah-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rL93en7GmXKCfwTZMXBbah-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;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;<\/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\/iLTEfzvJViu9P8R9b485wH-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iLTEfzvJViu9P8R9b485wH-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iLTEfzvJViu9P8R9b485wH-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iLTEfzvJViu9P8R9b485wH-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iLTEfzvJViu9P8R9b485wH-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\">Sepp Kuss hoping to ride Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a for Grand Tour treble after &#8216;crazy fast&#8217; but &#8216;enjoyable&#8217; Tour de France<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-category\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Teams &amp; Riders<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zBhE3nRBPTPkZVuofv4jLB-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zBhE3nRBPTPkZVuofv4jLB-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zBhE3nRBPTPkZVuofv4jLB-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zBhE3nRBPTPkZVuofv4jLB-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zBhE3nRBPTPkZVuofv4jLB-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\">Return to lead-out duties for Wout van Aert brings Visma more success at Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a, but &#8216;he also needs wins himself&#8217; says DS<\/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\/tS7sJw4uDW8Kv4Qi5yAqX7-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tS7sJw4uDW8Kv4Qi5yAqX7-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tS7sJw4uDW8Kv4Qi5yAqX7-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tS7sJw4uDW8Kv4Qi5yAqX7-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tS7sJw4uDW8Kv4Qi5yAqX7-320-80.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;It&#8217;s going to be more tactical than when Tadej was here&#8217; &#8211; in Poga\u010dar&#8217;s absence, Jack Haig predicts strategic high mountain battle for Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a on Calar Alto<\/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\/WmXeDCxvGJm8xXUU8qD2Um-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WmXeDCxvGJm8xXUU8qD2Um-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WmXeDCxvGJm8xXUU8qD2Um-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WmXeDCxvGJm8xXUU8qD2Um-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WmXeDCxvGJm8xXUU8qD2Um-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;It&#8217;s a one in a million situation, isn&#8217;t it?&#8217; \u2013 Superstar lead-out helps Matthew Brennan match Tadej Poga\u010dar at Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a in more ways than one<\/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\/UkvgrYyTTp7uoHfYjUp9bK-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UkvgrYyTTp7uoHfYjUp9bK-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UkvgrYyTTp7uoHfYjUp9bK-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UkvgrYyTTp7uoHfYjUp9bK-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UkvgrYyTTp7uoHfYjUp9bK-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;Enric&#8217;s in the best shape I&#8217;ve ever seen him&#8217; &#8211;  Former Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a winner Alejandro Valverde backs Mas to defend lead on Calar Alto summit finish and beyond<\/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\/JJ7Xm8YquhqE7737opNpn4-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JJ7Xm8YquhqE7737opNpn4-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JJ7Xm8YquhqE7737opNpn4-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JJ7Xm8YquhqE7737opNpn4-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JJ7Xm8YquhqE7737opNpn4-320-80.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;That\u2019s why I ride my bike&#8217; &#8211; Lewis Askey dominates Tour of Britain stage 1 and celebrates with throwback dance move<\/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\/SKpRmGRoJSwJWEJAiZZSYb-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SKpRmGRoJSwJWEJAiZZSYb-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SKpRmGRoJSwJWEJAiZZSYb-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SKpRmGRoJSwJWEJAiZZSYb-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SKpRmGRoJSwJWEJAiZZSYb-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\">Riley Sheehan hits out at selectors after missing USA Road Worlds selection<\/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\/zBhE3nRBPTPkZVuofv4jLB-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zBhE3nRBPTPkZVuofv4jLB-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zBhE3nRBPTPkZVuofv4jLB-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zBhE3nRBPTPkZVuofv4jLB-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zBhE3nRBPTPkZVuofv4jLB-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\">Return to lead-out duties for Wout van Aert brings Visma more success at Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a, but &#8216;he also needs wins himself&#8217; says DS<\/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\/tS7sJw4uDW8Kv4Qi5yAqX7-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tS7sJw4uDW8Kv4Qi5yAqX7-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tS7sJw4uDW8Kv4Qi5yAqX7-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tS7sJw4uDW8Kv4Qi5yAqX7-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tS7sJw4uDW8Kv4Qi5yAqX7-320-80.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;It&#8217;s going to be more tactical than when Tadej was here&#8217; &#8211; in Poga\u010dar&#8217;s absence, Jack Haig predicts strategic high mountain battle for Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a on Calar Alto<\/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\/WmXeDCxvGJm8xXUU8qD2Um-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WmXeDCxvGJm8xXUU8qD2Um-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WmXeDCxvGJm8xXUU8qD2Um-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WmXeDCxvGJm8xXUU8qD2Um-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WmXeDCxvGJm8xXUU8qD2Um-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;It&#8217;s a one in a million situation, isn&#8217;t it?&#8217; \u2013 Superstar lead-out helps Matthew Brennan match Tadej Poga\u010dar at Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a in more ways than one<\/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\/UkvgrYyTTp7uoHfYjUp9bK-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UkvgrYyTTp7uoHfYjUp9bK-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UkvgrYyTTp7uoHfYjUp9bK-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UkvgrYyTTp7uoHfYjUp9bK-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UkvgrYyTTp7uoHfYjUp9bK-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;Enric&#8217;s in the best shape I&#8217;ve ever seen him&#8217; &#8211;  Former Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a winner Alejandro Valverde backs Mas to defend lead on Calar Alto summit finish and beyond<\/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\/JJ7Xm8YquhqE7737opNpn4-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JJ7Xm8YquhqE7737opNpn4-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JJ7Xm8YquhqE7737opNpn4-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JJ7Xm8YquhqE7737opNpn4-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JJ7Xm8YquhqE7737opNpn4-320-80.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;That\u2019s why I ride my bike&#8217; &#8211; Lewis Askey dominates Tour of Britain stage 1 and celebrates with throwback dance move<\/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\/mJS5smANCPNxfWKaDwBvxM-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mJS5smANCPNxfWKaDwBvxM-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mJS5smANCPNxfWKaDwBvxM-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mJS5smANCPNxfWKaDwBvxM-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mJS5smANCPNxfWKaDwBvxM-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\">Cycling Tech &amp; Components<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Indoor cycling platform MyWhoosh says racers must buy a new $789 Favero power meter, or be banned from winning prize money<\/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\/tS7sJw4uDW8Kv4Qi5yAqX7-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tS7sJw4uDW8Kv4Qi5yAqX7-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tS7sJw4uDW8Kv4Qi5yAqX7-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tS7sJw4uDW8Kv4Qi5yAqX7-320-80.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;It&#8217;s going to be more tactical than when Tadej was here&#8217; &#8211; in Poga\u010dar&#8217;s absence, Jack Haig predicts strategic high mountain battle for Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a on Calar Alto<\/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;It&#8217;s a one in a million situation, isn&#8217;t it?&#8217; \u2013 Superstar lead-out helps Matthew Brennan match Tadej Poga\u010dar at Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a in more ways than one<\/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;The Vuelta was my choice to be at 110% for the Worlds&#8217; &#8211; Hugo Houle building form in Spanish Grand Tour as likely last rainbow jersey battle of career approaches<\/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;Enric&#8217;s in the best shape I&#8217;ve ever seen him&#8217; &#8211; Former Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a winner Alejandro Valverde backs Mas to defend lead on Calar Alto summit finish and beyond<\/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>&#8216;That\u2019s why I ride my bike&#8217; &#8211; Lewis Askey dominates Tour of Britain stage 1 and celebrates with throwback dance move<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"page-content-onecol flex-1\nnews-article article\n\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"widget-area-group widget-area-group-2col flex flex-wrap box-border\">\n<div id=\"widgetArea16\" class=\"widget-area basis-full md:basis-2\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-2-3 page-widget-area-16\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"hero\" id=\"hero\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-hero widget-hero widget-hero-hero widget-hero widget-hero-fter-news\">\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nTeams &amp; Riders\n<\/li>\n<li>\nAlpecin-Premier Tech\n<\/li>\n<li>\nHugo Houle\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>&#8216;The Vuelta was my choice to be at 110% for the Worlds&#8217; &#8211; Hugo Houle building form in Spanish Grand Tour as likely last rainbow jersey battle of career approaches<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"vds-byline-block flex flex-row flex-nowrap my-1.5 gap-2 text-left items-start justify-start\" data-component-name=\"Article:BylineBlock\">\n<p>News<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-auto vds-simple-byline\"><span class=\"inline-block vds-author\"><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nAlasdair Fotheringham <\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex gap-1 vds-byline-with-avatar__meta\"><span class=\"vds-date block font-normal tracking-normal normal-case text-xs\"><br \/>\nPublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-09-02T17:42:47Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n2 September 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">35-year-old former Tour de France stage winner aiming to retire after Canadian WorldTour races in 2027<\/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\/titvv7iuAAH8M4nhiNdDQm-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/titvv7iuAAH8M4nhiNdDQm-1600-80.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/titvv7iuAAH8M4nhiNdDQm-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/titvv7iuAAH8M4nhiNdDQm-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/titvv7iuAAH8M4nhiNdDQm-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/titvv7iuAAH8M4nhiNdDQm-750-80.jpg.webp 750w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/titvv7iuAAH8M4nhiNdDQm-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/titvv7iuAAH8M4nhiNdDQm-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/titvv7iuAAH8M4nhiNdDQm-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\">Hugo Houle (Alpecin-Premier Tech)<\/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-9621a740-a6f3-11f1-bea7-85e46fc80ec2\">Tour de France stage winner Hugo Houle may be heading towards the finale of his career, but the Alpecin-Premier Tech racer already knows that he will have at least one high point still to come: participating in the UCI Road World Championships in Montr\u00e9al later this month.<\/p>\n<p>Racing the Worlds on home soil is something that only a minority of riders in each generation get the chance to do, the 35-year-old points out to <em>Cyclingnews<\/em>, but that is exactly what lies in store for the Canadian come September 20.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-9621a740-a6f3-11f1-bea7-85e46fc80ec2-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The Grands Prix de Qu\u00e9bec and Montr\u00e9al will almost certainly be his last races, too, as Houle&#8217;s current plan is to retire after the Canadian WorldTour races in 2027.<\/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\">Currently racing in the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a, Houle is eying his own chances, especially with the absence of Alpecin&#8217;s sprinter Kaden Groves, who had to abandon after a crash.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">It was a major loss for the team for the flat days in Spain like stage 12. But Houle, already a Tour de France stage winner in the Pyrenees back in 2022, is looking to try his luck on any terrain. Then after that, it&#8217;s straight onto Canada.<\/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\/AmmDKwfABUctnz4XJLdD2W-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AmmDKwfABUctnz4XJLdD2W-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\">Michael Woods to come out of road retirement for home World Championships in Montreal<\/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\/zjHmUwnskFuJeTYbEF8aYC-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zjHmUwnskFuJeTYbEF8aYC-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\">La Vuelta, Canada, or elsewhere \u2013 Where are the men&#8217;s stars riding in preparation for the Road World Championships?<\/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\/ZH9tPKdEpRDyEkVonao4Rf-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZH9tPKdEpRDyEkVonao4Rf-150-80.png.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;At my very best, I certainly have a chance&#8217; \u2013 Wout van Aert confident in World Championships road race bid after rediscovering top form before Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;For me personally, the Vuelta&#8217;s going better and better every day. I&#8217;m looking forward to what&#8217;s coming up, and we have a good block of stages up to the next rest day. It could be interesting,&#8221; Houle, currently running 89th overall, told <em>Cyclingnews<\/em> before stage 12.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Everything is going well for me and we are keeping the World Championships in mind, that&#8217;s all good.&#8221;<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-RdW8XGRcuz8rG9ttNLtfiU\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-RdW8XGRcuz8rG9ttNLtfiU 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;For the team here in the Vuelta, the loss of Kaden is a big deal for sprint days and regarding Calar Alto [the summit finish on stage 12 &#8211; Ed.], a lot will depend on the GC teams, so of course you need some luck. But personally, whatever options there are, I want to try.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Houle&#8217;s thoughts are turning increasingly to Montreal, Qu\u00e9bec and the World Championships where Canada will celebrate its first battles for the rainbow jersey since Hamilton in 2003. That was a full eight years before Houle turned pro with the small Canadian squad, Spidertech Powered by C10, aged 21.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Honestly, this World Championships got a really different feel to it,&#8221; Houle, set to race the ninth pro Worlds of his career, told <em>Cyclingnews<\/em>.<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            What to read next<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dkNBfv8UpN2da7mxUPFFNn-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dkNBfv8UpN2da7mxUPFFNn-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;A once-in-a-career kind of thing&#8217; \u2013 A year on from a stunning victory, Canada&#8217;s top women riders look ahead to &#8216;special&#8217; home Road World Championships<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rL93en7GmXKCfwTZMXBbah-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rL93en7GmXKCfwTZMXBbah-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;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;<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iLTEfzvJViu9P8R9b485wH-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iLTEfzvJViu9P8R9b485wH-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\">Sepp Kuss hoping to ride Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a for Grand Tour treble after &#8216;crazy fast&#8217; but &#8216;enjoyable&#8217; Tour de France<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;First just to be there is really important. Then, it will probably be my last World Championships, so it is a really big opportunity. Not every generation of cyclists gets that opportunity to race them at home.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It&#8217;s not easy for anywhere to get a World Championships, and I&#8217;m starting to feel the vibe in Qu\u00e9bec, lots of people asking me about it. On social media and media that doesn&#8217;t really ever report on cycling, too &#8211; now they&#8217;re writing about it.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Houle&#8217;s hopes that it will create momentum in Canada and &#8220;inspire kids to jump on the bike&#8221; also combine with his enjoyment of &#8220;the chance to show people what we do all year long.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Of course we have Qu\u00e9bec and Montreal in the WorldTour, but I think that what is interesting about the Worlds is that you have the younger categories as well and for men and women. So it can have a much broader impact.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It&#8217;s also a great opportunity for North Americans to see a good cycling show for free.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Houle is not certain what role he and the other riders in the Canadian line-up for men&#8217;s road race will have, depending on how much preparation each has had. But he&#8217;s adamant that he wants to be in on the action when it counts.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Being at the Vuelta was my choice to be at 110% in Canada at the Championships.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">I want to be there to race. I want to be there in the final. I want to be there at my best level and be ready to compete.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Quite apart from the location, Houle&#8217;s motivation is even higher given he wants to stop racing in 2027, ideally after next year&#8217;s GP Montr\u00e9al, he tells <em>Cyclingnews<\/em>, so his home Worlds this autumn will likely be his last.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">It could also be a last opportunity to race alongside former trade teammate and compatriot Mike Woods, who is coming out of retirement to take part in his home World Championships.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I think it was his wish,&#8221; Houle said. &#8220;He was a bit disappointed that last year, when he retired [through injury] &#8211; he could not race in Montr\u00e9al. So it would be great for him to do one last ride. Also, I guess&#8221; &#8211; he says with a broad grin and jokingly &#8211; &#8220;but maybe he was finding it a little bit boring with his &#8216;pension.&#8217;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Certainly riding a World Championships is a great way to bow out, or to come back, like Woods will do, for a final swansong, while Houle will have almost 12 months more left as a pro, after this autumn&#8217;s battles for the rainbow jersey. But either way for Houle, riding the Canadian Championships will represent a landmark moment of his career come what may.<\/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.a<\/strong><\/u><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"block mb-5\" id=\"articleTag\" data-component-name=\"PostArticleLinks\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"post-article-links\">\n<div class=\"border-b border-b-black border-solid py-2.5 text-black font-bold uppercase\">TOPICS<\/div>\n<nav class=\"py-2.5 flex gap-2.5 flex-wrap\" data-analytics-id=\"article-tag\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-tag\">\n<p>Road<\/p>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-RdW8XGRcuz8rG9ttNLtfiU\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-RdW8XGRcuz8rG9ttNLtfiU slice-container-authorBio\">\n<div class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio slice-container-authorBio\" id=\"slice-container-authorBio\" data-component-name=\"Slice:AuthorBio\">\n<div class=\"author author__default-layout author--separator author--collapsible\" data-author-bio-max-height=\"250\" data-author-bio-read-more=\"Read more\" data-author-bio-read-less=\"Read less\">\n<div class=\"author__header\">\n<div class=\"author__avatar-block\">\n<figure class=\"image-wrapped__wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__widthsetter\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__aspect-padding\">\n<div>\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5QLhaPay9asJvmaNsCjFVZ-140-80.jpg.webp 140w\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__heading\">\n<div class=\"author__name\">\n<p>Alasdair Fotheringham<\/p>\n<\/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\">\nSocial Links Navigation\n<\/div>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>Alasdair Fotheringham has been reporting on cycling since 1991. He has covered every Tour de France since 1992 bar one, as well as numerous other bike races of all shapes and sizes, ranging from the Olympic Games in 2008 to the now sadly defunct Subida a Urkiola hill climb in Spain. As well as working for <em>Cyclingnews<\/em>, he has also written for <em>The Independent<\/em>,\u00a0 <em>The Guardian<\/em>,\u00a0 <em>ProCycling<\/em>, <em>The Express<\/em> and <em>Reuters<\/em>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/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\/AmmDKwfABUctnz4XJLdD2W-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AmmDKwfABUctnz4XJLdD2W-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AmmDKwfABUctnz4XJLdD2W-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AmmDKwfABUctnz4XJLdD2W-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AmmDKwfABUctnz4XJLdD2W-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\">Michael Woods to come out of road retirement for home World Championships in Montreal<\/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\/zjHmUwnskFuJeTYbEF8aYC-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zjHmUwnskFuJeTYbEF8aYC-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zjHmUwnskFuJeTYbEF8aYC-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zjHmUwnskFuJeTYbEF8aYC-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zjHmUwnskFuJeTYbEF8aYC-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\">La Vuelta, Canada, or elsewhere \u2013 Where are the men&#8217;s stars riding in preparation for the Road 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\/ZH9tPKdEpRDyEkVonao4Rf-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZH9tPKdEpRDyEkVonao4Rf-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZH9tPKdEpRDyEkVonao4Rf-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZH9tPKdEpRDyEkVonao4Rf-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZH9tPKdEpRDyEkVonao4Rf-320-80.png.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;At my very best, I certainly have a chance&#8217; \u2013 Wout van Aert confident in World Championships road race bid after rediscovering top form before 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\/dkNBfv8UpN2da7mxUPFFNn-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dkNBfv8UpN2da7mxUPFFNn-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dkNBfv8UpN2da7mxUPFFNn-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dkNBfv8UpN2da7mxUPFFNn-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dkNBfv8UpN2da7mxUPFFNn-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;A once-in-a-career kind of thing&#8217; \u2013 A year on from a stunning victory, Canada&#8217;s top women riders look ahead to &#8216;special&#8217; home Road 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\/rL93en7GmXKCfwTZMXBbah-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rL93en7GmXKCfwTZMXBbah-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rL93en7GmXKCfwTZMXBbah-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rL93en7GmXKCfwTZMXBbah-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rL93en7GmXKCfwTZMXBbah-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;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;<\/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\/iLTEfzvJViu9P8R9b485wH-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iLTEfzvJViu9P8R9b485wH-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iLTEfzvJViu9P8R9b485wH-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iLTEfzvJViu9P8R9b485wH-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iLTEfzvJViu9P8R9b485wH-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\">Sepp Kuss hoping to ride Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a for Grand Tour treble after &#8216;crazy fast&#8217; but &#8216;enjoyable&#8217; Tour de France<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-category\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Teams &amp; Riders<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zBhE3nRBPTPkZVuofv4jLB-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zBhE3nRBPTPkZVuofv4jLB-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zBhE3nRBPTPkZVuofv4jLB-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zBhE3nRBPTPkZVuofv4jLB-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zBhE3nRBPTPkZVuofv4jLB-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\">Return to lead-out duties for Wout van Aert brings Visma more success at Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a, but &#8216;he also needs wins himself&#8217; says DS<\/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\/tS7sJw4uDW8Kv4Qi5yAqX7-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tS7sJw4uDW8Kv4Qi5yAqX7-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tS7sJw4uDW8Kv4Qi5yAqX7-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tS7sJw4uDW8Kv4Qi5yAqX7-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tS7sJw4uDW8Kv4Qi5yAqX7-320-80.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;It&#8217;s going to be more tactical than when Tadej was here&#8217; &#8211; in Poga\u010dar&#8217;s absence, Jack Haig predicts strategic high mountain battle for Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a on Calar Alto<\/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\/WmXeDCxvGJm8xXUU8qD2Um-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WmXeDCxvGJm8xXUU8qD2Um-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WmXeDCxvGJm8xXUU8qD2Um-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WmXeDCxvGJm8xXUU8qD2Um-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WmXeDCxvGJm8xXUU8qD2Um-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;It&#8217;s a one in a million situation, isn&#8217;t it?&#8217; \u2013 Superstar lead-out helps Matthew Brennan match Tadej Poga\u010dar at Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a in more ways than one<\/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\/UkvgrYyTTp7uoHfYjUp9bK-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UkvgrYyTTp7uoHfYjUp9bK-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UkvgrYyTTp7uoHfYjUp9bK-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UkvgrYyTTp7uoHfYjUp9bK-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UkvgrYyTTp7uoHfYjUp9bK-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;Enric&#8217;s in the best shape I&#8217;ve ever seen him&#8217; &#8211;  Former Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a winner Alejandro Valverde backs Mas to defend lead on Calar Alto summit finish and beyond<\/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\/JJ7Xm8YquhqE7737opNpn4-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JJ7Xm8YquhqE7737opNpn4-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JJ7Xm8YquhqE7737opNpn4-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JJ7Xm8YquhqE7737opNpn4-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JJ7Xm8YquhqE7737opNpn4-320-80.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;That\u2019s why I ride my bike&#8217; &#8211; Lewis Askey dominates Tour of Britain stage 1 and celebrates with throwback dance move<\/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\/SKpRmGRoJSwJWEJAiZZSYb-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SKpRmGRoJSwJWEJAiZZSYb-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SKpRmGRoJSwJWEJAiZZSYb-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SKpRmGRoJSwJWEJAiZZSYb-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SKpRmGRoJSwJWEJAiZZSYb-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\">Riley Sheehan hits out at selectors after missing USA Road Worlds selection<\/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\/zBhE3nRBPTPkZVuofv4jLB-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zBhE3nRBPTPkZVuofv4jLB-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zBhE3nRBPTPkZVuofv4jLB-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zBhE3nRBPTPkZVuofv4jLB-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zBhE3nRBPTPkZVuofv4jLB-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\">Return to lead-out duties for Wout van Aert brings Visma more success at Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a, but &#8216;he also needs wins himself&#8217; says DS<\/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\/tS7sJw4uDW8Kv4Qi5yAqX7-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tS7sJw4uDW8Kv4Qi5yAqX7-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tS7sJw4uDW8Kv4Qi5yAqX7-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tS7sJw4uDW8Kv4Qi5yAqX7-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tS7sJw4uDW8Kv4Qi5yAqX7-320-80.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;It&#8217;s going to be more tactical than when Tadej was here&#8217; &#8211; in Poga\u010dar&#8217;s absence, Jack Haig predicts strategic high mountain battle for Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a on Calar Alto<\/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\/WmXeDCxvGJm8xXUU8qD2Um-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WmXeDCxvGJm8xXUU8qD2Um-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WmXeDCxvGJm8xXUU8qD2Um-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WmXeDCxvGJm8xXUU8qD2Um-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WmXeDCxvGJm8xXUU8qD2Um-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;It&#8217;s a one in a million situation, isn&#8217;t it?&#8217; \u2013 Superstar lead-out helps Matthew Brennan match Tadej Poga\u010dar at Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a in more ways than one<\/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\/UkvgrYyTTp7uoHfYjUp9bK-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UkvgrYyTTp7uoHfYjUp9bK-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UkvgrYyTTp7uoHfYjUp9bK-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UkvgrYyTTp7uoHfYjUp9bK-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UkvgrYyTTp7uoHfYjUp9bK-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;Enric&#8217;s in the best shape I&#8217;ve ever seen him&#8217; &#8211;  Former Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a winner Alejandro Valverde backs Mas to defend lead on Calar Alto summit finish and beyond<\/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\/JJ7Xm8YquhqE7737opNpn4-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JJ7Xm8YquhqE7737opNpn4-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JJ7Xm8YquhqE7737opNpn4-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JJ7Xm8YquhqE7737opNpn4-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JJ7Xm8YquhqE7737opNpn4-320-80.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;That\u2019s why I ride my bike&#8217; &#8211; Lewis Askey dominates Tour of Britain stage 1 and celebrates with throwback dance move<\/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\/mJS5smANCPNxfWKaDwBvxM-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mJS5smANCPNxfWKaDwBvxM-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mJS5smANCPNxfWKaDwBvxM-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mJS5smANCPNxfWKaDwBvxM-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mJS5smANCPNxfWKaDwBvxM-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\">Cycling Tech &amp; Components<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Indoor cycling platform MyWhoosh says racers must buy a new $789 Favero power meter, or be banned from winning prize money<\/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\/tS7sJw4uDW8Kv4Qi5yAqX7-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tS7sJw4uDW8Kv4Qi5yAqX7-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tS7sJw4uDW8Kv4Qi5yAqX7-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tS7sJw4uDW8Kv4Qi5yAqX7-320-80.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;It&#8217;s going to be more tactical than when Tadej was here&#8217; &#8211; in Poga\u010dar&#8217;s absence, Jack Haig predicts strategic high mountain battle for Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a on Calar Alto<\/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;It&#8217;s a one in a million situation, isn&#8217;t it?&#8217; \u2013 Superstar lead-out helps Matthew Brennan match Tadej Poga\u010dar at Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a in more ways than one<\/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;The Vuelta was my choice to be at 110% for the Worlds&#8217; &#8211; Hugo Houle building form in Spanish Grand Tour as likely last rainbow jersey battle of career approaches<\/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;Enric&#8217;s in the best shape I&#8217;ve ever seen him&#8217; &#8211; Former Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a winner Alejandro Valverde backs Mas to defend lead on Calar Alto summit finish and beyond<\/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>&#8216;That\u2019s why I ride my bike&#8217; &#8211; Lewis Askey dominates Tour of Britain stage 1 and celebrates with throwback dance move<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nTeams &amp; Riders\n<\/li>\n<li>\nAlpecin-Premier Tech\n<\/li>\n<li>\nHugo Houle\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>&#8216;The Vuelta was my choice to be at 110% for the Worlds&#8217; &#8211; Hugo Houle building form in Spanish Grand Tour as likely last rainbow jersey battle of career approaches<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"vds-byline-block flex flex-row flex-nowrap my-1.5 gap-2 text-left items-start justify-start\" data-component-name=\"Article:BylineBlock\">\n<p>News<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-auto vds-simple-byline\"><span class=\"inline-block vds-author\"><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nAlasdair Fotheringham <\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex gap-1 vds-byline-with-avatar__meta\"><span class=\"vds-date block font-normal tracking-normal normal-case text-xs\"><br \/>\nPublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-09-02T17:42:47Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n2 September 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">35-year-old former Tour de France stage winner aiming to retire after Canadian WorldTour races in 2027<\/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 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newsletter\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-9621a740-a6f3-11f1-bea7-85e46fc80ec2\">Tour de France stage winner Hugo Houle may be heading towards the finale of his career, but the Alpecin-Premier Tech racer already knows that he will have at least one high point still to come: participating in the UCI Road World Championships in Montr\u00e9al later this month.<\/p>\n<p>Racing the Worlds on home soil is something that only a minority of riders in each generation get the chance to do, the 35-year-old points out to <em>Cyclingnews<\/em>, but that is exactly what lies in store for the Canadian come September 20.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-9621a740-a6f3-11f1-bea7-85e46fc80ec2-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The Grands Prix de Qu\u00e9bec and Montr\u00e9al will almost certainly be his last races, too, as Houle&#8217;s current plan is to retire after the Canadian WorldTour races in 2027.<\/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\">Currently racing in the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a, Houle is eying his own chances, especially with the absence of Alpecin&#8217;s sprinter Kaden Groves, who had to abandon after a crash.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">It was a major loss for the team for the flat days in Spain like stage 12. But Houle, already a Tour de France stage winner in the Pyrenees back in 2022, is looking to try his luck on any terrain. Then after that, it&#8217;s straight onto Canada.<\/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\/AmmDKwfABUctnz4XJLdD2W-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AmmDKwfABUctnz4XJLdD2W-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\">Michael Woods to come out of road retirement for home World Championships in Montreal<\/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\/zjHmUwnskFuJeTYbEF8aYC-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zjHmUwnskFuJeTYbEF8aYC-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\">La Vuelta, Canada, or elsewhere \u2013 Where are the men&#8217;s stars riding in preparation for the Road World Championships?<\/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\/ZH9tPKdEpRDyEkVonao4Rf-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZH9tPKdEpRDyEkVonao4Rf-150-80.png.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;At my very best, I certainly have a chance&#8217; \u2013 Wout van Aert confident in World Championships road race bid after rediscovering top form before Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;For me personally, the Vuelta&#8217;s going better and better every day. I&#8217;m looking forward to what&#8217;s coming up, and we have a good block of stages up to the next rest day. It could be interesting,&#8221; Houle, currently running 89th overall, told <em>Cyclingnews<\/em> before stage 12.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Everything is going well for me and we are keeping the World Championships in mind, that&#8217;s all good.&#8221;<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-RdW8XGRcuz8rG9ttNLtfiU\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-RdW8XGRcuz8rG9ttNLtfiU 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;For the team here in the Vuelta, the loss of Kaden is a big deal for sprint days and regarding Calar Alto [the summit finish on stage 12 &#8211; Ed.], a lot will depend on the GC teams, so of course you need some luck. But personally, whatever options there are, I want to try.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Houle&#8217;s thoughts are turning increasingly to Montreal, Qu\u00e9bec and the World Championships where Canada will celebrate its first battles for the rainbow jersey since Hamilton in 2003. That was a full eight years before Houle turned pro with the small Canadian squad, Spidertech Powered by C10, aged 21.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Honestly, this World Championships got a really different feel to it,&#8221; Houle, set to race the ninth pro Worlds of his career, told <em>Cyclingnews<\/em>.<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            What to read next<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dkNBfv8UpN2da7mxUPFFNn-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dkNBfv8UpN2da7mxUPFFNn-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;A once-in-a-career kind of thing&#8217; \u2013 A year on from a stunning victory, Canada&#8217;s top women riders look ahead to &#8216;special&#8217; home Road World Championships<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rL93en7GmXKCfwTZMXBbah-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rL93en7GmXKCfwTZMXBbah-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;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;<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iLTEfzvJViu9P8R9b485wH-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iLTEfzvJViu9P8R9b485wH-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\">Sepp Kuss hoping to ride Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a for Grand Tour treble after &#8216;crazy fast&#8217; but &#8216;enjoyable&#8217; Tour de France<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;First just to be there is really important. Then, it will probably be my last World Championships, so it is a really big opportunity. Not every generation of cyclists gets that opportunity to race them at home.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It&#8217;s not easy for anywhere to get a World Championships, and I&#8217;m starting to feel the vibe in Qu\u00e9bec, lots of people asking me about it. On social media and media that doesn&#8217;t really ever report on cycling, too &#8211; now they&#8217;re writing about it.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Houle&#8217;s hopes that it will create momentum in Canada and &#8220;inspire kids to jump on the bike&#8221; also combine with his enjoyment of &#8220;the chance to show people what we do all year long.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Of course we have Qu\u00e9bec and Montreal in the WorldTour, but I think that what is interesting about the Worlds is that you have the younger categories as well and for men and women. So it can have a much broader impact.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It&#8217;s also a great opportunity for North Americans to see a good cycling show for free.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Houle is not certain what role he and the other riders in the Canadian line-up for men&#8217;s road race will have, depending on how much preparation each has had. But he&#8217;s adamant that he wants to be in on the action when it counts.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Being at the Vuelta was my choice to be at 110% in Canada at the Championships.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">I want to be there to race. I want to be there in the final. I want to be there at my best level and be ready to compete.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Quite apart from the location, Houle&#8217;s motivation is even higher given he wants to stop racing in 2027, ideally after next year&#8217;s GP Montr\u00e9al, he tells <em>Cyclingnews<\/em>, so his home Worlds this autumn will likely be his last.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">It could also be a last opportunity to race alongside former trade teammate and compatriot Mike Woods, who is coming out of retirement to take part in his home World Championships.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I think it was his wish,&#8221; Houle said. &#8220;He was a bit disappointed that last year, when he retired [through injury] &#8211; he could not race in Montr\u00e9al. So it would be great for him to do one last ride. Also, I guess&#8221; &#8211; he says with a broad grin and jokingly &#8211; &#8220;but maybe he was finding it a little bit boring with his &#8216;pension.&#8217;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Certainly riding a World Championships is a great way to bow out, or to come back, like Woods will do, for a final swansong, while Houle will have almost 12 months more left as a pro, after this autumn&#8217;s battles for the rainbow jersey. But either way for Houle, riding the Canadian Championships will represent a landmark moment of his career come what may.<\/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.a<\/strong><\/u><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/teams-riders\/the-vuelta-was-my-choice-to-be-at-110-percent-for-the-worlds-hugo-houle-building-form-in-spanish-grand-tour-as-likely-last-rainbow-jersey-battle-of-career-approaches\/&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/titvv7iuAAH8M4nhiNdDQm-2560-80.jpg&#8221;] 1 Poga\u010dar&#8217;s crash doesn&#8217;t just put his Worlds defence in doubt, it complicates next season&#8217;s plans \u2013 Sean Kelly&#8217;s Vuelta column 2 &#8216;Something is clearly not as it should be&#8217; \u2013 Mads Pedersen weighs up Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a exit amid World Championships form fears 3 &#8216;I\u2019ll probably need a season where I [&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-2125096","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\/2125096","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=2125096"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2125096\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2125096"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=2125096"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=2125096"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}