{"id":2127243,"date":"2026-09-03T18:05:20","date_gmt":"2026-09-03T15:05:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2127243"},"modified":"2026-09-03T18:05:20","modified_gmt":"2026-09-03T15:05:20","slug":"we-said-that-we-are-playing-playstation-breaking-pogacars-record-jakob-omrzel-becomes-slovenias-youngest-grand-tour-stage-winner-at-vuelta-a-espana","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2127243","title":{"rendered":"&#8216;We said that we are playing PlayStation&#8217; \u2013 Breaking Poga\u010dar&#8217;s record, Jakob Omrzel becomes Slovenia&#8217;s youngest Grand Tour stage winner at Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CfFtz5RyXwyHmTVPjx4pbA-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\/xugVTju2QKinpXhphFnyUe-160-80.jpg.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xugVTju2QKinpXhphFnyUe-80-80.jpg.webp 80w\" sizes=\"80px\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex items-center justify-center absolute w-4 h-6 left-0 top-0 bg-white\/90 flex-none z-[1]\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"font-normal text-base leading-[17px] tracking-[1.3px] uppercase text-black flex-none\">1<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex flex-col items-center justify-center gap-1.5 w-[173px] h-20 flex-none\">\n<p class=\"font-article-heading font-medium text-base leading-[21px] text-gray-800 w-[173px] line-clamp-3 group-hover:underline\">\n                                    &#8216;We don&#8217;t know if he was racing at 100%&#8217; \u2013 Rival sports director believes Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a leader Poga\u010dar&#8217;s failure to finish solo on stage 6 delivers mixed messages\n                                <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"m-0 box-border flex flex-row items-center pr-2.5 gap-[15px] w-[278px] h-20 flex-none 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\/pjK9p7y3xtAngyiJGxweM8-160-80.jpg.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pjK9p7y3xtAngyiJGxweM8-80-80.jpg.webp 80w\" sizes=\"80px\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex items-center justify-center absolute w-[18px] h-6 left-0 top-0 bg-white\/90 flex-none z-[1]\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"font-normal text-base leading-[17px] tracking-[1.3px] uppercase text-black flex-none\">2<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex flex-col items-center justify-center gap-1.5 w-[173px] h-20 flex-none\">\n<p class=\"font-article-heading font-medium text-base leading-[21px] text-gray-800 w-[173px] line-clamp-3 group-hover:underline\">\n                                    As it happened: A new Slovenian star is crowned and the red jersey plays his cards on stage 12 of the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a\n                                <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"m-0 box-border flex flex-row items-center pr-2.5 gap-[15px] w-[278px] h-20 flex-none\" 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\/wxjP9efKu2o82BGoLujADf-160-80.jpg.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wxjP9efKu2o82BGoLujADf-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                                    Tadej Poga\u010dar&#8217;s brutally unexpected exit from the Vuelta\u00a0a Espa\u00f1a is a massive reminder of cycling&#8217;s intrinsic unpredictability &#8211; Analysis\n                                <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"page-content-onecol flex-1\nnews-article article\n\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"widget-area-group widget-area-group-2col flex flex-wrap box-border\">\n<div id=\"widgetArea16\" class=\"widget-area basis-full md:basis-2\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-2-3 page-widget-area-16\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"hero\" id=\"hero\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-hero widget-hero widget-hero-hero widget-hero widget-hero-fter-news\">\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRacing\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRoad\n<\/li>\n<li>\nVuelta a Espa\u00f1a\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>&#8216;We said that we are playing PlayStation&#8217; \u2013 Breaking Poga\u010dar&#8217;s record, Jakob Omrzel becomes Slovenia&#8217;s youngest Grand Tour stage winner at Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"vds-byline-block flex flex-row flex-nowrap my-1.5 gap-2 text-left items-start justify-start\" data-component-name=\"Article:BylineBlock\">\n<p>News<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-auto vds-simple-byline\"><span class=\"inline-block vds-author\"><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nJames Moultrie <\/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=\"2026-09-03T18:05:20Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n3 September 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Following in the wheel tracks of Poga\u010dar and Rogli\u010d, 20-year-old Slovenian announces himself on the world stage with stage 12 breakaway triumph<\/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\/CfFtz5RyXwyHmTVPjx4pbA-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CfFtz5RyXwyHmTVPjx4pbA-1600-80.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CfFtz5RyXwyHmTVPjx4pbA-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CfFtz5RyXwyHmTVPjx4pbA-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CfFtz5RyXwyHmTVPjx4pbA-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CfFtz5RyXwyHmTVPjx4pbA-750-80.jpg.webp 750w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CfFtz5RyXwyHmTVPjx4pbA-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CfFtz5RyXwyHmTVPjx4pbA-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CfFtz5RyXwyHmTVPjx4pbA-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\">Jakob Omrzel (Bahrain Victorious)<\/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-04a45b68-a7c1-11f1-a332-e57a38acff85\">Slovenian riders winning on mountain-top finishes at the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a is nothing out of the ordinary; Primo\u017e Rogli\u010d has been doing that for years, and before he crashed out, Tadej Poga\u010dar had done similarly in his limited appearances.<\/p>\n<p>But stage 12 of the Vuelta saw a new name from the Central European nation, which has come to dominate the current cycling era, come to the fore: Jakob Omrzel (Bahrain Victorious).<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-04a45b68-a7c1-11f1-a332-e57a38acff85-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">With a dominant solo performance from the breakaway, the youngest rider at the 2026 race earned himself a maiden stage win on debut, but also beat Poga\u010dar&#8217;s benchmark to become Slovenia&#8217;s youngest-ever Grand Tour stage winner, and became the second-youngest stage winner in Vuelta history after Celestino Prieto in 1981.<\/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\">&#8220;I mean, it&#8217;s an incredible statistic; it doesn&#8217;t mean anything specific,&#8221; said a nonchalant Omrzel as he sat down for his post-race press conference. &#8220;I still need to work hard, and it&#8217;s a nice statistic to achieve, but that&#8217;s also it.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Also asked about it in his flash winners interview, he reiterated his point: &#8220;That&#8217;s just a statistic; it doesn&#8217;t mean anything else, but it&#8217;s a nice statistic.&#8221;<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            You may like<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/224zLADqoynLjoP8rH9AiD-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/224zLADqoynLjoP8rH9AiD-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;It\u2019s not normal. I\u2019m actually a bit surprised today&#8217; \u2013\u00a020-year-old Jarno Widar impresses with second place on first-ever Grand Tour mountain stage at Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a<\/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\/pXNHT4fLqKkNr4mJF9wXkY-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pXNHT4fLqKkNr4mJF9wXkY-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;It&#8217;s a tiny margin but a win is a win&#8217; &#8211; Tadej Poga\u010dar celebrates fourth stage win of career and first-ever lead in Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a<\/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\/mTCv9V3z6mz9pLLTqshU2V-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mTCv9V3z6mz9pLLTqshU2V-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;I&#8217;m not thinking about who is the best&#8217; &#8211; Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a dominator Tadej Poga\u010dar sidesteps debate over place in cycling history<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Clearly not overly interested in the comparisons to his compatriots and instead wanting to be his own rider, not the next Poga\u010dar or Rogli\u010d, Omrzel naturally still had to field questions about the two greats who have come before him.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;The best guys in Slovenia in history, and I mean, Pogi is Pogi; there&#8217;s not much more to say. Primo\u017e also, how much he achieved in his career is just something unbelievable,&#8221; he said. &#8220;For sure, they are both role models.&#8221;<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-RWfox8JzQ7zjNb7JZjP9q\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-RWfox8JzQ7zjNb7JZjP9q 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\">Even if he doesn&#8217;t want to be compared to Poga\u010dar, the way in which he rode the finale is going to make the comparisons seem fair, taking on the final 12km alone and appearing not to be struggling after he distanced Urko Berrade \u2013 which he then confirmed at the finish with a warranted level of confidence.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I&#8217;m not surprised because I know how much work I put in, and I knew that these days were going to come sooner or later. But for sure, I was not expecting 100% to do it on my first Grand Tour,&#8221; said Omrzel.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;So, I mean, I still can&#8217;t believe what I did, but I felt super good. I&#8217;m still feeling OK. I&#8217;m not tired, so I don&#8217;t know, I&#8217;m just enjoying it at the moment.&#8221;<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            What to read next<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/24LuhRdt73BessB293Ma37-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/24LuhRdt73BessB293Ma37-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a: Jakob Omrzel wins stage 12 as Enric Mas has another stellar ride on Calar Alto<\/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\/pjK9p7y3xtAngyiJGxweM8-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pjK9p7y3xtAngyiJGxweM8-150-80.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\">As it happened: A new Slovenian star is crowned and the red jersey plays his cards on stage 12 of the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a<\/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\/tkoZJeczfkYm67bNx3xmQj-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tkoZJeczfkYm67bNx3xmQj-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;My heart also sank&#8217; &#8211; Tadej Poga\u010dar talks about his relationship with compatriot Primo\u017e Rogli\u010d and that 2020 Tour de France win<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">He went on to further detail the ease with which Bahrain Victorious dominated the 30-man breakaway on stage 12 by comparing it to playing a video game.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">With Pello Bilbao putting in a solid shift on his final Grand Tour appearance, Santiago Buitrago strengthening his hold on the KOM jersey, Omrzel not only had experienced support alongside him before going off on his own, but his team were able to tick off several goals in one stage.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Actually, the team behind us is really great. As riders, we understand each other really well, and at the moment, we are working so well together. The whole team is just perfection,&#8221; said Omrzel.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;We said that we are playing PlayStation, and that&#8217;s what we are doing at the moment! What we want, we do. We go in the breakaway with Pello [Bilbao], Santi Buitrago], and the other guys. It&#8217;s just amazing, and I&#8217;m really proud of that.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">As a Baby Giro winner and top prospect coming out of the under-23 ranks, Omrzel seemed destined for success as a pro, but perhaps not this quickly. Even as their current superstars are nearing the latter years of their careers, Rogli\u010d is now 36, and Poga\u010dar is turning 28 later this month; Slovenia likely have their next figurehead in Omrzel.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><strong>For unbeatable coverage across road, gravel and tech, subscribe to Cyclingnews. You&#8217;ll get comprehensive race coverage of La Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a, subscriber-exclusive analysis from our expert columnists, in-depth features and industry-leading tech insight. Plus, the Cyclingnews app lets you follow the action wherever you go! <\/strong><u><strong>Join today.<\/strong><\/u><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-RWfox8JzQ7zjNb7JZjP9q\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-RWfox8JzQ7zjNb7JZjP9q 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\/5kc8nsofmMWAQECTbzYYw9-140-80.jpg.webp 140w\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__heading\">\n<div class=\"author__name\">\n<p>James Moultrie<\/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 class=\"author__role\">News Writer<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>James Moultrie is a gold-standard NCTJ journalist who joined\u00a0Cyclingnews\u00a0as a News Writer in 2023 after originally contributing as a freelancer for eight months, during which time he also wrote for Eurosport, Rouleur and Cycling Weekly. Prior to joining the team he reported on races such as Paris-Roubaix and the Giro d\u2019Italia Donne for Eurosport and has interviewed some of the sport\u2019s top riders in Chlo\u00e9 Dygert, Lizzie Deignan and Wout van Aert. Outside of cycling, he spends the majority of his time watching other sports \u2013 rugby, football, cricket, and American Football to name a few.<\/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\/224zLADqoynLjoP8rH9AiD-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/224zLADqoynLjoP8rH9AiD-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/224zLADqoynLjoP8rH9AiD-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/224zLADqoynLjoP8rH9AiD-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/224zLADqoynLjoP8rH9AiD-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\u2019s not normal. I\u2019m actually a bit surprised today&#8217; \u2013\u00a020-year-old Jarno Widar impresses with second place on first-ever Grand Tour mountain stage at Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pXNHT4fLqKkNr4mJF9wXkY-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pXNHT4fLqKkNr4mJF9wXkY-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pXNHT4fLqKkNr4mJF9wXkY-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pXNHT4fLqKkNr4mJF9wXkY-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pXNHT4fLqKkNr4mJF9wXkY-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 tiny margin but a win is a win&#8217; &#8211; Tadej Poga\u010dar celebrates fourth stage win of career and first-ever lead in Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a<\/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\/mTCv9V3z6mz9pLLTqshU2V-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mTCv9V3z6mz9pLLTqshU2V-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mTCv9V3z6mz9pLLTqshU2V-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mTCv9V3z6mz9pLLTqshU2V-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mTCv9V3z6mz9pLLTqshU2V-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I&#8217;m not thinking about who is the best&#8217; &#8211; Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a dominator Tadej Poga\u010dar sidesteps debate over place in cycling history<\/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\/24LuhRdt73BessB293Ma37-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/24LuhRdt73BessB293Ma37-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/24LuhRdt73BessB293Ma37-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/24LuhRdt73BessB293Ma37-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/24LuhRdt73BessB293Ma37-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a: Jakob Omrzel wins stage 12 as Enric Mas has another stellar ride 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\/pjK9p7y3xtAngyiJGxweM8-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pjK9p7y3xtAngyiJGxweM8-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pjK9p7y3xtAngyiJGxweM8-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pjK9p7y3xtAngyiJGxweM8-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pjK9p7y3xtAngyiJGxweM8-320-80.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\">As it happened: A new Slovenian star is crowned and the red jersey plays his cards on stage 12 of the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div 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\/tkoZJeczfkYm67bNx3xmQj-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tkoZJeczfkYm67bNx3xmQj-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tkoZJeczfkYm67bNx3xmQj-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tkoZJeczfkYm67bNx3xmQj-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tkoZJeczfkYm67bNx3xmQj-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;My heart also sank&#8217; &#8211; Tadej Poga\u010dar talks about his relationship with compatriot Primo\u017e Rogli\u010d and that 2020 Tour de France win<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-category\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Racing<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NhgziU9EbNnopvVrMDjxkk-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NhgziU9EbNnopvVrMDjxkk-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NhgziU9EbNnopvVrMDjxkk-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NhgziU9EbNnopvVrMDjxkk-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NhgziU9EbNnopvVrMDjxkk-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\">Tactically perfect and on the offensive like never before \u2013 Enric Mas drops all his rivals at the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a, but he must keep attacking \u2013 Analysis<\/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\/Y2oQro9XtMkFUcYNxVcrmn-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Y2oQro9XtMkFUcYNxVcrmn-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Y2oQro9XtMkFUcYNxVcrmn-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Y2oQro9XtMkFUcYNxVcrmn-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Y2oQro9XtMkFUcYNxVcrmn-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;We&#8217;ll keep on fighting&#8217; &#8211; Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a an uphill battle for Primo\u017e Rogli\u010d after Enric Mas gains time 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\/HtqAHqHaaMTVkNKrTGDjL7-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HtqAHqHaaMTVkNKrTGDjL7-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HtqAHqHaaMTVkNKrTGDjL7-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HtqAHqHaaMTVkNKrTGDjL7-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HtqAHqHaaMTVkNKrTGDjL7-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;It was an attack in my style&#8217; &#8211; Richard Carapaz gambles on long-distance move on Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a high mountain stage<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div 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\/PJzFKS3pwzL4jQkRrF7YDR-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PJzFKS3pwzL4jQkRrF7YDR-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PJzFKS3pwzL4jQkRrF7YDR-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PJzFKS3pwzL4jQkRrF7YDR-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PJzFKS3pwzL4jQkRrF7YDR-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;He doesn&#8217;t always have these kinds of legs&#8217; &#8211; Enric Mas boosts overall lead in 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\/vJp93LRDjYQoKiUkdAtiGD-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vJp93LRDjYQoKiUkdAtiGD-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vJp93LRDjYQoKiUkdAtiGD-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vJp93LRDjYQoKiUkdAtiGD-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vJp93LRDjYQoKiUkdAtiGD-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;He&#8217;s on a really high level&#8217; \u2013 Felix Gall fails to convert attack into time gain as he&#8217;s forced to concede to superior Enric Mas again at Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/24LuhRdt73BessB293Ma37-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/24LuhRdt73BessB293Ma37-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/24LuhRdt73BessB293Ma37-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/24LuhRdt73BessB293Ma37-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/24LuhRdt73BessB293Ma37-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a: Jakob Omrzel wins stage 12 as Enric Mas has another stellar ride 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>\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\/Y2oQro9XtMkFUcYNxVcrmn-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Y2oQro9XtMkFUcYNxVcrmn-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Y2oQro9XtMkFUcYNxVcrmn-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Y2oQro9XtMkFUcYNxVcrmn-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Y2oQro9XtMkFUcYNxVcrmn-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;We&#8217;ll keep on fighting&#8217; &#8211; Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a an uphill battle for Primo\u017e Rogli\u010d after Enric Mas gains time 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\/HtqAHqHaaMTVkNKrTGDjL7-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HtqAHqHaaMTVkNKrTGDjL7-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HtqAHqHaaMTVkNKrTGDjL7-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HtqAHqHaaMTVkNKrTGDjL7-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HtqAHqHaaMTVkNKrTGDjL7-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;It was an attack in my style&#8217; &#8211; Richard Carapaz gambles on long-distance move on Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a high mountain stage<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div 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\/PJzFKS3pwzL4jQkRrF7YDR-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PJzFKS3pwzL4jQkRrF7YDR-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PJzFKS3pwzL4jQkRrF7YDR-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PJzFKS3pwzL4jQkRrF7YDR-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PJzFKS3pwzL4jQkRrF7YDR-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;He doesn&#8217;t always have these kinds of legs&#8217; &#8211; Enric Mas boosts overall lead in 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\/vJp93LRDjYQoKiUkdAtiGD-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vJp93LRDjYQoKiUkdAtiGD-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vJp93LRDjYQoKiUkdAtiGD-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vJp93LRDjYQoKiUkdAtiGD-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vJp93LRDjYQoKiUkdAtiGD-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;He&#8217;s on a really high level&#8217; \u2013 Felix Gall fails to convert attack into time gain as he&#8217;s forced to concede to superior Enric Mas again at Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XCZNv7K9WWTEjadSYmTe9i-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XCZNv7K9WWTEjadSYmTe9i-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XCZNv7K9WWTEjadSYmTe9i-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XCZNv7K9WWTEjadSYmTe9i-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XCZNv7K9WWTEjadSYmTe9i-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\">Oscar Onley suffers huge dent to Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a podium hopes after early crash and summit finish struggles<\/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\/Hw8jWBxFXqnEVK8bxuv2NJ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Hw8jWBxFXqnEVK8bxuv2NJ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Hw8jWBxFXqnEVK8bxuv2NJ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Hw8jWBxFXqnEVK8bxuv2NJ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Hw8jWBxFXqnEVK8bxuv2NJ-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\">Disastrously-timed puncture sees Filippo Ganna caught out in GC-ending split at Tour of Britain<\/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\/NhgziU9EbNnopvVrMDjxkk-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NhgziU9EbNnopvVrMDjxkk-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NhgziU9EbNnopvVrMDjxkk-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NhgziU9EbNnopvVrMDjxkk-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>Tactically perfect and on the offensive like never before \u2013 Enric Mas drops all his rivals at the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a, but he must keep attacking \u2013 Analysis<\/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;We&#8217;ll keep on fighting&#8217; &#8211; Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a an uphill battle for Primo\u017e Rogli\u010d after Enric Mas gains time 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\">3<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>&#8216;It was an attack in my style&#8217; &#8211; Richard Carapaz gambles on long-distance move on Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a high mountain stage<\/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;We said that we are playing PlayStation&#8217; \u2013 Breaking Poga\u010dar&#8217;s record, Jakob Omrzel becomes Slovenia&#8217;s youngest Grand Tour stage winner at Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">5<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>&#8216;He doesn&#8217;t always have these kinds of legs&#8217; &#8211; Enric Mas boosts overall lead in Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"page-content-onecol flex-1\nnews-article article\n\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"widget-area-group widget-area-group-2col flex flex-wrap box-border\">\n<div id=\"widgetArea16\" class=\"widget-area basis-full md:basis-2\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-2-3 page-widget-area-16\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"hero\" id=\"hero\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-hero widget-hero widget-hero-hero widget-hero widget-hero-fter-news\">\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRacing\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRoad\n<\/li>\n<li>\nVuelta a Espa\u00f1a\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>&#8216;We said that we are playing PlayStation&#8217; \u2013 Breaking Poga\u010dar&#8217;s record, Jakob Omrzel becomes Slovenia&#8217;s youngest Grand Tour stage winner at Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"vds-byline-block flex flex-row flex-nowrap my-1.5 gap-2 text-left items-start justify-start\" data-component-name=\"Article:BylineBlock\">\n<p>News<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-auto vds-simple-byline\"><span class=\"inline-block vds-author\"><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nJames Moultrie <\/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=\"2026-09-03T18:05:20Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n3 September 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Following in the wheel tracks of Poga\u010dar and Rogli\u010d, 20-year-old Slovenian announces himself on the world stage with stage 12 breakaway triumph<\/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\/CfFtz5RyXwyHmTVPjx4pbA-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CfFtz5RyXwyHmTVPjx4pbA-1600-80.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CfFtz5RyXwyHmTVPjx4pbA-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CfFtz5RyXwyHmTVPjx4pbA-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CfFtz5RyXwyHmTVPjx4pbA-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CfFtz5RyXwyHmTVPjx4pbA-750-80.jpg.webp 750w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CfFtz5RyXwyHmTVPjx4pbA-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CfFtz5RyXwyHmTVPjx4pbA-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CfFtz5RyXwyHmTVPjx4pbA-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\">Jakob Omrzel (Bahrain Victorious)<\/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-04a45b68-a7c1-11f1-a332-e57a38acff85\">Slovenian riders winning on mountain-top finishes at the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a is nothing out of the ordinary; Primo\u017e Rogli\u010d has been doing that for years, and before he crashed out, Tadej Poga\u010dar had done similarly in his limited appearances.<\/p>\n<p>But stage 12 of the Vuelta saw a new name from the Central European nation, which has come to dominate the current cycling era, come to the fore: Jakob Omrzel (Bahrain Victorious).<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-04a45b68-a7c1-11f1-a332-e57a38acff85-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">With a dominant solo performance from the breakaway, the youngest rider at the 2026 race earned himself a maiden stage win on debut, but also beat Poga\u010dar&#8217;s benchmark to become Slovenia&#8217;s youngest-ever Grand Tour stage winner, and became the second-youngest stage winner in Vuelta history after Celestino Prieto in 1981.<\/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\">&#8220;I mean, it&#8217;s an incredible statistic; it doesn&#8217;t mean anything specific,&#8221; said a nonchalant Omrzel as he sat down for his post-race press conference. &#8220;I still need to work hard, and it&#8217;s a nice statistic to achieve, but that&#8217;s also it.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Also asked about it in his flash winners interview, he reiterated his point: &#8220;That&#8217;s just a statistic; it doesn&#8217;t mean anything else, but it&#8217;s a nice statistic.&#8221;<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            You may like<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/224zLADqoynLjoP8rH9AiD-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/224zLADqoynLjoP8rH9AiD-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;It\u2019s not normal. I\u2019m actually a bit surprised today&#8217; \u2013\u00a020-year-old Jarno Widar impresses with second place on first-ever Grand Tour mountain stage at Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a<\/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\/pXNHT4fLqKkNr4mJF9wXkY-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pXNHT4fLqKkNr4mJF9wXkY-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;It&#8217;s a tiny margin but a win is a win&#8217; &#8211; Tadej Poga\u010dar celebrates fourth stage win of career and first-ever lead in Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a<\/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\/mTCv9V3z6mz9pLLTqshU2V-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mTCv9V3z6mz9pLLTqshU2V-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;I&#8217;m not thinking about who is the best&#8217; &#8211; Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a dominator Tadej Poga\u010dar sidesteps debate over place in cycling history<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Clearly not overly interested in the comparisons to his compatriots and instead wanting to be his own rider, not the next Poga\u010dar or Rogli\u010d, Omrzel naturally still had to field questions about the two greats who have come before him.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;The best guys in Slovenia in history, and I mean, Pogi is Pogi; there&#8217;s not much more to say. Primo\u017e also, how much he achieved in his career is just something unbelievable,&#8221; he said. &#8220;For sure, they are both role models.&#8221;<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-RWfox8JzQ7zjNb7JZjP9q\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-RWfox8JzQ7zjNb7JZjP9q 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\">Even if he doesn&#8217;t want to be compared to Poga\u010dar, the way in which he rode the finale is going to make the comparisons seem fair, taking on the final 12km alone and appearing not to be struggling after he distanced Urko Berrade \u2013 which he then confirmed at the finish with a warranted level of confidence.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I&#8217;m not surprised because I know how much work I put in, and I knew that these days were going to come sooner or later. But for sure, I was not expecting 100% to do it on my first Grand Tour,&#8221; said Omrzel.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;So, I mean, I still can&#8217;t believe what I did, but I felt super good. I&#8217;m still feeling OK. I&#8217;m not tired, so I don&#8217;t know, I&#8217;m just enjoying it at the moment.&#8221;<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            What to read next<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/24LuhRdt73BessB293Ma37-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/24LuhRdt73BessB293Ma37-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a: Jakob Omrzel wins stage 12 as Enric Mas has another stellar ride on Calar Alto<\/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\/pjK9p7y3xtAngyiJGxweM8-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pjK9p7y3xtAngyiJGxweM8-150-80.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\">As it happened: A new Slovenian star is crowned and the red jersey plays his cards on stage 12 of the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a<\/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\/tkoZJeczfkYm67bNx3xmQj-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tkoZJeczfkYm67bNx3xmQj-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;My heart also sank&#8217; &#8211; Tadej Poga\u010dar talks about his relationship with compatriot Primo\u017e Rogli\u010d and that 2020 Tour de France win<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">He went on to further detail the ease with which Bahrain Victorious dominated the 30-man breakaway on stage 12 by comparing it to playing a video game.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">With Pello Bilbao putting in a solid shift on his final Grand Tour appearance, Santiago Buitrago strengthening his hold on the KOM jersey, Omrzel not only had experienced support alongside him before going off on his own, but his team were able to tick off several goals in one stage.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Actually, the team behind us is really great. As riders, we understand each other really well, and at the moment, we are working so well together. The whole team is just perfection,&#8221; said Omrzel.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;We said that we are playing PlayStation, and that&#8217;s what we are doing at the moment! What we want, we do. We go in the breakaway with Pello [Bilbao], Santi Buitrago], and the other guys. It&#8217;s just amazing, and I&#8217;m really proud of that.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">As a Baby Giro winner and top prospect coming out of the under-23 ranks, Omrzel seemed destined for success as a pro, but perhaps not this quickly. Even as their current superstars are nearing the latter years of their careers, Rogli\u010d is now 36, and Poga\u010dar is turning 28 later this month; Slovenia likely have their next figurehead in Omrzel.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><strong>For unbeatable coverage across road, gravel and tech, subscribe to Cyclingnews. You&#8217;ll get comprehensive race coverage of La Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a, subscriber-exclusive analysis from our expert columnists, in-depth features and industry-leading tech insight. Plus, the Cyclingnews app lets you follow the action wherever you go! <\/strong><u><strong>Join today.<\/strong><\/u><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-RWfox8JzQ7zjNb7JZjP9q\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-RWfox8JzQ7zjNb7JZjP9q 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\/5kc8nsofmMWAQECTbzYYw9-140-80.jpg.webp 140w\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__heading\">\n<div class=\"author__name\">\n<p>James Moultrie<\/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 class=\"author__role\">News Writer<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>James Moultrie is a gold-standard NCTJ journalist who joined\u00a0Cyclingnews\u00a0as a News Writer in 2023 after originally contributing as a freelancer for eight months, during which time he also wrote for Eurosport, Rouleur and Cycling Weekly. Prior to joining the team he reported on races such as Paris-Roubaix and the Giro d\u2019Italia Donne for Eurosport and has interviewed some of the sport\u2019s top riders in Chlo\u00e9 Dygert, Lizzie Deignan and Wout van Aert. Outside of cycling, he spends the majority of his time watching other sports \u2013 rugby, football, cricket, and American Football to name a few.<\/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\/224zLADqoynLjoP8rH9AiD-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/224zLADqoynLjoP8rH9AiD-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/224zLADqoynLjoP8rH9AiD-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/224zLADqoynLjoP8rH9AiD-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/224zLADqoynLjoP8rH9AiD-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\u2019s not normal. I\u2019m actually a bit surprised today&#8217; \u2013\u00a020-year-old Jarno Widar impresses with second place on first-ever Grand Tour mountain stage at Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pXNHT4fLqKkNr4mJF9wXkY-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pXNHT4fLqKkNr4mJF9wXkY-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pXNHT4fLqKkNr4mJF9wXkY-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pXNHT4fLqKkNr4mJF9wXkY-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pXNHT4fLqKkNr4mJF9wXkY-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 tiny margin but a win is a win&#8217; &#8211; Tadej Poga\u010dar celebrates fourth stage win of career and first-ever lead in Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a<\/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\/mTCv9V3z6mz9pLLTqshU2V-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mTCv9V3z6mz9pLLTqshU2V-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mTCv9V3z6mz9pLLTqshU2V-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mTCv9V3z6mz9pLLTqshU2V-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mTCv9V3z6mz9pLLTqshU2V-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I&#8217;m not thinking about who is the best&#8217; &#8211; Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a dominator Tadej Poga\u010dar sidesteps debate over place in cycling history<\/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\/24LuhRdt73BessB293Ma37-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/24LuhRdt73BessB293Ma37-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/24LuhRdt73BessB293Ma37-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/24LuhRdt73BessB293Ma37-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/24LuhRdt73BessB293Ma37-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a: Jakob Omrzel wins stage 12 as Enric Mas has another stellar ride 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\/pjK9p7y3xtAngyiJGxweM8-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pjK9p7y3xtAngyiJGxweM8-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pjK9p7y3xtAngyiJGxweM8-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pjK9p7y3xtAngyiJGxweM8-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pjK9p7y3xtAngyiJGxweM8-320-80.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\">As it happened: A new Slovenian star is crowned and the red jersey plays his cards on stage 12 of the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div 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\/tkoZJeczfkYm67bNx3xmQj-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tkoZJeczfkYm67bNx3xmQj-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tkoZJeczfkYm67bNx3xmQj-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tkoZJeczfkYm67bNx3xmQj-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tkoZJeczfkYm67bNx3xmQj-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;My heart also sank&#8217; &#8211; Tadej Poga\u010dar talks about his relationship with compatriot Primo\u017e Rogli\u010d and that 2020 Tour de France win<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-category\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Racing<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NhgziU9EbNnopvVrMDjxkk-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NhgziU9EbNnopvVrMDjxkk-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NhgziU9EbNnopvVrMDjxkk-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NhgziU9EbNnopvVrMDjxkk-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NhgziU9EbNnopvVrMDjxkk-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\">Tactically perfect and on the offensive like never before \u2013 Enric Mas drops all his rivals at the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a, but he must keep attacking \u2013 Analysis<\/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\/Y2oQro9XtMkFUcYNxVcrmn-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Y2oQro9XtMkFUcYNxVcrmn-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Y2oQro9XtMkFUcYNxVcrmn-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Y2oQro9XtMkFUcYNxVcrmn-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Y2oQro9XtMkFUcYNxVcrmn-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;We&#8217;ll keep on fighting&#8217; &#8211; Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a an uphill battle for Primo\u017e Rogli\u010d after Enric Mas gains time 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\/HtqAHqHaaMTVkNKrTGDjL7-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HtqAHqHaaMTVkNKrTGDjL7-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HtqAHqHaaMTVkNKrTGDjL7-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HtqAHqHaaMTVkNKrTGDjL7-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HtqAHqHaaMTVkNKrTGDjL7-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;It was an attack in my style&#8217; &#8211; Richard Carapaz gambles on long-distance move on Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a high mountain stage<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div 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\/PJzFKS3pwzL4jQkRrF7YDR-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PJzFKS3pwzL4jQkRrF7YDR-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PJzFKS3pwzL4jQkRrF7YDR-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PJzFKS3pwzL4jQkRrF7YDR-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PJzFKS3pwzL4jQkRrF7YDR-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;He doesn&#8217;t always have these kinds of legs&#8217; &#8211; Enric Mas boosts overall lead in 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\/vJp93LRDjYQoKiUkdAtiGD-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vJp93LRDjYQoKiUkdAtiGD-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vJp93LRDjYQoKiUkdAtiGD-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vJp93LRDjYQoKiUkdAtiGD-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vJp93LRDjYQoKiUkdAtiGD-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;He&#8217;s on a really high level&#8217; \u2013 Felix Gall fails to convert attack into time gain as he&#8217;s forced to concede to superior Enric Mas again at Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/24LuhRdt73BessB293Ma37-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/24LuhRdt73BessB293Ma37-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/24LuhRdt73BessB293Ma37-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/24LuhRdt73BessB293Ma37-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/24LuhRdt73BessB293Ma37-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a: Jakob Omrzel wins stage 12 as Enric Mas has another stellar ride 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>\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\/Y2oQro9XtMkFUcYNxVcrmn-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Y2oQro9XtMkFUcYNxVcrmn-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Y2oQro9XtMkFUcYNxVcrmn-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Y2oQro9XtMkFUcYNxVcrmn-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Y2oQro9XtMkFUcYNxVcrmn-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;We&#8217;ll keep on fighting&#8217; &#8211; Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a an uphill battle for Primo\u017e Rogli\u010d after Enric Mas gains time 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\/HtqAHqHaaMTVkNKrTGDjL7-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HtqAHqHaaMTVkNKrTGDjL7-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HtqAHqHaaMTVkNKrTGDjL7-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HtqAHqHaaMTVkNKrTGDjL7-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HtqAHqHaaMTVkNKrTGDjL7-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;It was an attack in my style&#8217; &#8211; Richard Carapaz gambles on long-distance move on Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a high mountain stage<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div 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\/PJzFKS3pwzL4jQkRrF7YDR-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PJzFKS3pwzL4jQkRrF7YDR-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PJzFKS3pwzL4jQkRrF7YDR-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PJzFKS3pwzL4jQkRrF7YDR-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PJzFKS3pwzL4jQkRrF7YDR-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;He doesn&#8217;t always have these kinds of legs&#8217; &#8211; Enric Mas boosts overall lead in 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\/vJp93LRDjYQoKiUkdAtiGD-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vJp93LRDjYQoKiUkdAtiGD-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vJp93LRDjYQoKiUkdAtiGD-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vJp93LRDjYQoKiUkdAtiGD-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vJp93LRDjYQoKiUkdAtiGD-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;He&#8217;s on a really high level&#8217; \u2013 Felix Gall fails to convert attack into time gain as he&#8217;s forced to concede to superior Enric Mas again at Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XCZNv7K9WWTEjadSYmTe9i-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XCZNv7K9WWTEjadSYmTe9i-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XCZNv7K9WWTEjadSYmTe9i-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XCZNv7K9WWTEjadSYmTe9i-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XCZNv7K9WWTEjadSYmTe9i-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\">Oscar Onley suffers huge dent to Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a podium hopes after early crash and summit finish struggles<\/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\/Hw8jWBxFXqnEVK8bxuv2NJ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Hw8jWBxFXqnEVK8bxuv2NJ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Hw8jWBxFXqnEVK8bxuv2NJ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Hw8jWBxFXqnEVK8bxuv2NJ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Hw8jWBxFXqnEVK8bxuv2NJ-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\">Disastrously-timed puncture sees Filippo Ganna caught out in GC-ending split at Tour of Britain<\/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\/NhgziU9EbNnopvVrMDjxkk-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NhgziU9EbNnopvVrMDjxkk-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NhgziU9EbNnopvVrMDjxkk-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NhgziU9EbNnopvVrMDjxkk-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>Tactically perfect and on the offensive like never before \u2013 Enric Mas drops all his rivals at the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a, but he must keep attacking \u2013 Analysis<\/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;We&#8217;ll keep on fighting&#8217; &#8211; Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a an uphill battle for Primo\u017e Rogli\u010d after Enric Mas gains time 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\">3<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>&#8216;It was an attack in my style&#8217; &#8211; Richard Carapaz gambles on long-distance move on Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a high mountain stage<\/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;We said that we are playing PlayStation&#8217; \u2013 Breaking Poga\u010dar&#8217;s record, Jakob Omrzel becomes Slovenia&#8217;s youngest Grand Tour stage winner at Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">5<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>&#8216;He doesn&#8217;t always have these kinds of legs&#8217; &#8211; Enric Mas boosts overall lead in Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRacing\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRoad\n<\/li>\n<li>\nVuelta a Espa\u00f1a\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>&#8216;We said that we are playing PlayStation&#8217; \u2013 Breaking Poga\u010dar&#8217;s record, Jakob Omrzel becomes Slovenia&#8217;s youngest Grand Tour stage winner at Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"vds-byline-block flex flex-row flex-nowrap my-1.5 gap-2 text-left items-start justify-start\" data-component-name=\"Article:BylineBlock\">\n<p>News<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-auto vds-simple-byline\"><span class=\"inline-block vds-author\"><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nJames Moultrie <\/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=\"2026-09-03T18:05:20Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n3 September 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Following in the wheel tracks of Poga\u010dar and Rogli\u010d, 20-year-old Slovenian announces himself on the world stage with stage 12 breakaway triumph<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"text-gray-700 flex items-center mx-0 my-5 p-0 justify-start text-left\" id=\"affiliate-disclaimer\" data-component-name=\"AffiliateDisclaimer\" data-hawk-message=\"Affiliate disclaimer removed because hawk deemed there are no affiliate links on this page\">\n<p class=\"text-[color:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--text-color,inherit)] mb-2 text-[length:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--font-size,0.75rem)] leading-[18px] md:text-[13px] [&amp;&gt;a]:text-inherit [&amp;&gt;a]:underline\">\nWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here\u2019s how it works.\n<\/p>\n<\/aside>\n<\/header>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\"text-copy bodyCopy auto paywall-locker\">\n<div data-analytics-id=\"utility-bar\" id=\"utility-bar\" class=\"font-ui-heading flex justify-between items-center py-2 border-t border-b border-gray-300 border-solid mb-5 mx-auto\" data-component-name=\"UtilityBar\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"utility-bar\">\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div data-component-name=\"Social:Dropdown\" role=\"menu\" id=\"utilitybar__dropdown--share\" aria-labelledby=\"utilitybar__button--share\" class=\"absolute left-0 top-full w-44 bg-white rounded-md shadow-md border border-neutral-200 z-[9996] list-none m-0 py-2 px-3 border-solid\">\n<ul class=\"m-0!\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Facebook<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>X<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Pinterest<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Email<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-share-this-article\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nShare this article\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\"><span class=\"ml-1 inline-flex h-5 px-2 shrink-0 items-center justify-center self-center overflow-hidden whitespace-nowrap rounded-[10px] bg-primary-500 text-[11px] leading-none font-ui-heading font-semibold text-white\">0<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-join-the-conversation\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nJoin the conversation\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<p>Follow us<\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-add-us-as-a-preferred-source-on-google\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nAdd us as a preferred source on Google\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-subscribe-to-our-newsletter\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nSubscribe to our newsletter\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-04a45b68-a7c1-11f1-a332-e57a38acff85\">Slovenian riders winning on mountain-top finishes at the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a is nothing out of the ordinary; Primo\u017e Rogli\u010d has been doing that for years, and before he crashed out, Tadej Poga\u010dar had done similarly in his limited appearances.<\/p>\n<p>But stage 12 of the Vuelta saw a new name from the Central European nation, which has come to dominate the current cycling era, come to the fore: Jakob Omrzel (Bahrain Victorious).<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-04a45b68-a7c1-11f1-a332-e57a38acff85-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">With a dominant solo performance from the breakaway, the youngest rider at the 2026 race earned himself a maiden stage win on debut, but also beat Poga\u010dar&#8217;s benchmark to become Slovenia&#8217;s youngest-ever Grand Tour stage winner, and became the second-youngest stage winner in Vuelta history after Celestino Prieto in 1981.<\/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\">&#8220;I mean, it&#8217;s an incredible statistic; it doesn&#8217;t mean anything specific,&#8221; said a nonchalant Omrzel as he sat down for his post-race press conference. &#8220;I still need to work hard, and it&#8217;s a nice statistic to achieve, but that&#8217;s also it.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Also asked about it in his flash winners interview, he reiterated his point: &#8220;That&#8217;s just a statistic; it doesn&#8217;t mean anything else, but it&#8217;s a nice statistic.&#8221;<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            You may like<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/224zLADqoynLjoP8rH9AiD-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/224zLADqoynLjoP8rH9AiD-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;It\u2019s not normal. I\u2019m actually a bit surprised today&#8217; \u2013\u00a020-year-old Jarno Widar impresses with second place on first-ever Grand Tour mountain stage at Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a<\/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\/pXNHT4fLqKkNr4mJF9wXkY-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pXNHT4fLqKkNr4mJF9wXkY-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;It&#8217;s a tiny margin but a win is a win&#8217; &#8211; Tadej Poga\u010dar celebrates fourth stage win of career and first-ever lead in Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a<\/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\/mTCv9V3z6mz9pLLTqshU2V-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mTCv9V3z6mz9pLLTqshU2V-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;I&#8217;m not thinking about who is the best&#8217; &#8211; Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a dominator Tadej Poga\u010dar sidesteps debate over place in cycling history<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Clearly not overly interested in the comparisons to his compatriots and instead wanting to be his own rider, not the next Poga\u010dar or Rogli\u010d, Omrzel naturally still had to field questions about the two greats who have come before him.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;The best guys in Slovenia in history, and I mean, Pogi is Pogi; there&#8217;s not much more to say. Primo\u017e also, how much he achieved in his career is just something unbelievable,&#8221; he said. &#8220;For sure, they are both role models.&#8221;<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-RWfox8JzQ7zjNb7JZjP9q\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-RWfox8JzQ7zjNb7JZjP9q 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\">Even if he doesn&#8217;t want to be compared to Poga\u010dar, the way in which he rode the finale is going to make the comparisons seem fair, taking on the final 12km alone and appearing not to be struggling after he distanced Urko Berrade \u2013 which he then confirmed at the finish with a warranted level of confidence.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I&#8217;m not surprised because I know how much work I put in, and I knew that these days were going to come sooner or later. But for sure, I was not expecting 100% to do it on my first Grand Tour,&#8221; said Omrzel.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;So, I mean, I still can&#8217;t believe what I did, but I felt super good. I&#8217;m still feeling OK. I&#8217;m not tired, so I don&#8217;t know, I&#8217;m just enjoying it at the moment.&#8221;<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            What to read next<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/24LuhRdt73BessB293Ma37-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/24LuhRdt73BessB293Ma37-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a: Jakob Omrzel wins stage 12 as Enric Mas has another stellar ride on Calar Alto<\/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\/pjK9p7y3xtAngyiJGxweM8-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pjK9p7y3xtAngyiJGxweM8-150-80.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\">As it happened: A new Slovenian star is crowned and the red jersey plays his cards on stage 12 of the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a<\/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\/tkoZJeczfkYm67bNx3xmQj-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tkoZJeczfkYm67bNx3xmQj-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;My heart also sank&#8217; &#8211; Tadej Poga\u010dar talks about his relationship with compatriot Primo\u017e Rogli\u010d and that 2020 Tour de France win<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">He went on to further detail the ease with which Bahrain Victorious dominated the 30-man breakaway on stage 12 by comparing it to playing a video game.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">With Pello Bilbao putting in a solid shift on his final Grand Tour appearance, Santiago Buitrago strengthening his hold on the KOM jersey, Omrzel not only had experienced support alongside him before going off on his own, but his team were able to tick off several goals in one stage.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Actually, the team behind us is really great. As riders, we understand each other really well, and at the moment, we are working so well together. The whole team is just perfection,&#8221; said Omrzel.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;We said that we are playing PlayStation, and that&#8217;s what we are doing at the moment! What we want, we do. We go in the breakaway with Pello [Bilbao], Santi Buitrago], and the other guys. It&#8217;s just amazing, and I&#8217;m really proud of that.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">As a Baby Giro winner and top prospect coming out of the under-23 ranks, Omrzel seemed destined for success as a pro, but perhaps not this quickly. Even as their current superstars are nearing the latter years of their careers, Rogli\u010d is now 36, and Poga\u010dar is turning 28 later this month; Slovenia likely have their next figurehead in Omrzel.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><strong>For unbeatable coverage across road, gravel and tech, subscribe to Cyclingnews. You&#8217;ll get comprehensive race coverage of La Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a, subscriber-exclusive analysis from our expert columnists, in-depth features and industry-leading tech insight. Plus, the Cyclingnews app lets you follow the action wherever you go! <\/strong><u><strong>Join today.<\/strong><\/u><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/racing\/we-said-that-we-are-playing-playstation-breaking-pogacars-record-jakob-omrzel-becomes-slovenias-youngest-grand-tour-stage-winner-at-vuelta-a-espana\/&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CfFtz5RyXwyHmTVPjx4pbA-2560-80.jpg&#8221;] 1 &#8216;We don&#8217;t know if he was racing at 100%&#8217; \u2013 Rival sports director believes Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a leader Poga\u010dar&#8217;s failure to finish solo on stage 6 delivers mixed messages 2 As it happened: A new Slovenian star is crowned and the red jersey plays his cards on stage 12 of the [&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-2127243","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\/2127243","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=2127243"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2127243\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2127243"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=2127243"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=2127243"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}