{"id":2129157,"date":"2026-09-04T18:04:43","date_gmt":"2026-09-04T15:04:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2129157"},"modified":"2026-09-04T18:04:43","modified_gmt":"2026-09-04T15:04:43","slug":"a-serious-confidence-boost-for-the-worlds-as-rainbow-jersey-battle-looms-wout-van-aert-shows-stunning-form-and-racecraft-in-vuelta-a-espana","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2129157","title":{"rendered":"&#8216;A serious confidence boost for the Worlds&#8217; &#8211; as rainbow jersey battle looms, Wout van Aert shows stunning form and racecraft in Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nqMV2ufKCe4Cn9HofW6sbQ-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\/oUU4nmXSFM9oQu8rooJrTJ-160-80.jpg.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oUU4nmXSFM9oQu8rooJrTJ-80-80.jpg.webp 80w\" sizes=\"80px\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex items-center justify-center absolute w-4 h-6 left-0 top-0 bg-white\/90 flex-none z-[1]\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"font-normal text-base leading-[17px] tracking-[1.3px] uppercase text-black flex-none\">1<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex flex-col items-center justify-center gap-1.5 w-[173px] h-20 flex-none\">\n<p class=\"font-article-heading font-medium text-base leading-[21px] text-gray-800 w-[173px] line-clamp-3 group-hover:underline\">\n                                    As it happened: sprint decides stage 8 of the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a on a day where the red jersey changes hands\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\/mD5nZjaWkFu8HDD654YFLk-160-80.jpg.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mD5nZjaWkFu8HDD654YFLk-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 nail biting finish as a late attack is caught on the line as the punchy sprinters fight for Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a stage 10 victory\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\/ohBH3FJgEra4fJichuuQJc-160-80.jpg.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ohBH3FJgEra4fJichuuQJc-80-80.jpg.webp 80w\" sizes=\"80px\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex items-center justify-center absolute w-[18px] h-6 left-0 top-0 bg-white\/90 flex-none z-[1]\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"font-normal text-base leading-[17px] tracking-[1.3px] uppercase text-black flex-none\">3<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex flex-col items-center justify-center gap-1.5 w-[173px] h-20 flex-none\">\n<p class=\"font-article-heading font-medium text-base leading-[21px] text-gray-800 w-[173px] line-clamp-3 group-hover:underline\">\n                                    As it happened: victory goes to the breakaway on tactical stage 13 of the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a\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;A serious confidence boost for the Worlds&#8217; &#8211; as rainbow jersey battle looms, Wout van Aert shows stunning form and racecraft in Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"vds-byline-block flex flex-row flex-nowrap my-1.5 gap-2 text-left items-start justify-start\" data-component-name=\"Article:BylineBlock\">\n<p>News<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-auto vds-simple-byline\"><span class=\"inline-block vds-author\"><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nAlasdair Fotheringham <\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex gap-1 vds-byline-with-avatar__meta\"><span class=\"vds-date block font-normal tracking-normal normal-case text-xs\"><br \/>\nPublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-09-04T18:04:43Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n4 September 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Belgian claims 15th Grand Tour stage win of career after he and teammate Matthew Brennan keep firm grip on finale<\/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\/nqMV2ufKCe4Cn9HofW6sbQ-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nqMV2ufKCe4Cn9HofW6sbQ-1600-80.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nqMV2ufKCe4Cn9HofW6sbQ-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nqMV2ufKCe4Cn9HofW6sbQ-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nqMV2ufKCe4Cn9HofW6sbQ-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nqMV2ufKCe4Cn9HofW6sbQ-750-80.jpg.webp 750w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nqMV2ufKCe4Cn9HofW6sbQ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nqMV2ufKCe4Cn9HofW6sbQ-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nqMV2ufKCe4Cn9HofW6sbQ-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\">Wout van Aert wins stage 13<\/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-8a1b4e7e-a888-11f1-8e3d-b1d75af82b42\">From breakaways to battling for the green and polkadot jerseys, from lead-outs for sprint victories to late attacks with Tadej Poga\u010dar, Wout van Aert has had plenty of standout moments in this year&#8217;s Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a. But if a stage win wasn&#8217;t among them until deep into the second week of the 2026 race, when Van Aert finally raised his arms in victory on stage 13 into Loja, it was certainly worth the wait.<\/p>\n<p>In Grand Tours, the 31-year-old has taken dramatic victories over the Ventoux and on the Champs-\u00c9lys\u00e9es in the Tour de France, as well as across the strade bianche of the Giro d&#8217;Italia.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-8a1b4e7e-a888-11f1-8e3d-b1d75af82b42-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Yet his win in Spain in the quiet backwoods town of Loja in central Andalucia was memorable in its own way too &#8211; both for being a masterclass in team tactics with Matthew Brennan, and for the major boost to his morale his first stage win in the 2026 Vuelta represents en route to the World Championships.<\/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\">Battling across very hilly terrain starting in Almu\u00f1ecar on the Mediterranean coast and with the final key category 2 climb of Puerto de Granada some 40 kilometres from the line, as Van Aert put it afterwards, he and Brennan worked to ensure that either one or the other was ahead at all the key moments.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">They did this by both getting in a large, 40-rider break when the stage started, then it was Brennan who kept control over a 10-man move over the Puerto de Granada, and then it was both of them again in the decisive nine-rider attack on the run-in to Loja.<\/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\/zBhE3nRBPTPkZVuofv4jLB-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zBhE3nRBPTPkZVuofv4jLB-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\">Return to lead-out duties for Wout van Aert brings Visma more success at Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a, but &#8216;he also needs wins himself&#8217; says DS<\/span><\/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\/uBGwK9wgsbd9v6w9Wb2Cpm-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uBGwK9wgsbd9v6w9Wb2Cpm-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;I don&#8217;t think I was very popular in that breakaway&#8217; \u2013 Matthew Brennan locks down rivals&#8217; attacks with imperious performance to repay Wout van Aert 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\/ZXitbV9acMhUDwiVe8Ucp9-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZXitbV9acMhUDwiVe8Ucp9-150-80.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;Initially frustrated, but mostly disappointed&#8217; &#8211; Switch of tactics at Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a fails to reward Wout van Aert and Visma-Lease a Bike<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">No other team had such a clear control of every scenario, and by the time Van Aert soared away with only Valentin Paret-Peintre (Soudal-QuickStep) three kilometres from the line, such was their domination that it felt like there could only be one outcome.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;We&#8217;d targeted this stage, we knew it was favourable for us,&#8221; Van Aert said a few minutes after easily dispatching Paret-Peintre on the grinding uphill finish.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-cGYNfYwHrTfXaDQJkgCfaS\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-cGYNfYwHrTfXaDQJkgCfaS slice-container-newsletterForm\">\n<div data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"newsletter-form__wrapper newsletter-form__wrapper--inbodyContent\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__container\">\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__top-bar\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__header\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__main-section\">\n<p class=\"newsletter-form__strapline\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<footer class=\"newsletter-form__footer \">By submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.<\/footer>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It was great to have Matthew in that front group on the climb early on; I could ease back a little, and that was a good situation going into the final.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Then after I&#8217;d bridged across, Matthew and I made sure we could win from every situation that developed after that. There were a lot of attacks, but we controlled them all.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;As long as one of us was there, we always had the advantage of having the fastest sprint.&#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\/HtP86xv66utsDw3xwQRaRZ-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HtP86xv66utsDw3xwQRaRZ-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: Wout van Aert finally takes a victory on stage 13 as breakaway stays away<\/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\/vGSz3mmntd7cRcLKHDx2hk-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vGSz3mmntd7cRcLKHDx2hk-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 like Poga\u010dar&#8217; \u2013 Wout van Aert happy in support role at Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a but wants his sunglasses back<\/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\/cm6jjADNpv2DyLYYmYBJnM-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cm6jjADNpv2DyLYYmYBJnM-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 didn&#8217;t have confidence in myself&#8217; \u2013 Wout van Aert bags green jersey but regrets missed opportunity in Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a breakaway<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The ability to work off each other&#8217;s moves was critical, and by the time Van Aert took off with three kilometres to go, jumping away from around five riders back in the front of nine, only Paret-Peintre had any kind of answer. Even Kevin Vermaercke (UAE Team Emirates-XRG) was unable to respond.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;There were constant small attacks, but we still had plenty of power, &#8220;Van Aert explained in comments reported by <em>Sporza<\/em>.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;We kept attacking, and that final attack was the right one. I already had it in my head to go on that little chicane before the finish.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The Van Aert-Brennan duo has seen the Briton claim victories on stages 2, 5 and 11, but before Friday the Belgian, whilst stacking up points in the green jersey competition &#8211; and stage 13 gives him an almost unassailable advantage in that respect &#8211; did not get his own win. It wasn&#8217;t a question of confidence, Van Aert said, just one of waiting for the right moment to come.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I had no doubts that I could win a stage, but that doesn&#8217;t mean it would happen,&#8221; Van Aert said. &#8220;There were lots of guys in the break, so it was great to have the support of the team. I didn&#8217;t doubt it was possible, but it&#8217;s still super nice to be able to get it.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">As for why he had managed to pull off a win in Spain, Van Aert said the style of racing and the route itself suited him more, say, than the Tour de France of 2026.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;There were less sprint stages than in France and more opportunities for aggressive racing. It&#8217;s a type of racing that suits me and also, this is also the second time we&#8217;ve come here with a team looking for stage wins and the second time I can enjoy it.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The Vuelta for Van Aert is also very much a race that will propel him towards the UCI Road World Championships, and this latest success on very difficult terrain can only give him confidence for a course as hilly as the one in Canada.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">There, too, he&#8217;ll be working in tandem with another top candidate for success, Remco Evenepoel, but after the masterclass in Spain, it&#8217;s clear that when it comes to teamwork under pressure, Van Aert is on top form.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It is a great victory and a serious confidence boost heading into the World Championships,&#8221; Van Aert told <em>Sporza<\/em>. &#8220;Because this was a tough stage, and the World Championships will be, too.\u201d<\/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-cGYNfYwHrTfXaDQJkgCfaS\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-cGYNfYwHrTfXaDQJkgCfaS slice-container-authorBio\">\n<div class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio slice-container-authorBio\" id=\"slice-container-authorBio\" data-component-name=\"Slice:AuthorBio\">\n<div class=\"author author__default-layout author--separator author--collapsible\" data-author-bio-max-height=\"250\" data-author-bio-read-more=\"Read more\" data-author-bio-read-less=\"Read less\">\n<div class=\"author__header\">\n<div class=\"author__avatar-block\">\n<figure class=\"image-wrapped__wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__widthsetter\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__aspect-padding\">\n<div>\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5QLhaPay9asJvmaNsCjFVZ-140-80.jpg.webp 140w\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__heading\">\n<div class=\"author__name\">\n<p>Alasdair Fotheringham<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__social\">\n<nav class=\"button-social-group author__social-buttons\" aria-labelledby=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">\n<div id=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">\nSocial Links Navigation\n<\/div>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>Alasdair Fotheringham has been reporting on cycling since 1991. He has covered every Tour de France since 1992 bar one, as well as numerous other bike races of all shapes and sizes, ranging from the Olympic Games in 2008 to the now sadly defunct Subida a Urkiola hill climb in Spain. As well as working for <em>Cyclingnews<\/em>, he has also written for <em>The Independent<\/em>,\u00a0 <em>The Guardian<\/em>,\u00a0 <em>ProCycling<\/em>, <em>The Express<\/em> and <em>Reuters<\/em>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<div class=\"relative max-w-[1070px] viafoura-twig-component mt-6 mx-4 lg:mx-0\" data-component-name=\"Viafoura:Comments\" data-nosnippet data-community-guidelines-text=\"&lt;p class=&apos;vfcustom-community-guidelines&apos;&gt;Please follow our &lt;a href=&quot;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/about\/#section-community-guidelines&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;community guidelines&lt;\/a&gt;.&lt;\/p&gt;\" data-join-the-conversation-text=\"Join the Conversation\">\n<div class=\"absolute top-0 left-0 w-full h-full flex items-center justify-center z-50 bg-white\/90 border-1 rounded-b-[var(--comment-widget-border-radius,0)]\">\n<div class=\"p-2 text-center\">\n<p class=\"mb-3 text-lg!\">You must confirm your public display name before commenting<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-3 text-sm!\">Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<section class=\"mx-2 my-5 sm:mx-0\">\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-adviser:hybrid\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Read more<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zBhE3nRBPTPkZVuofv4jLB-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zBhE3nRBPTPkZVuofv4jLB-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zBhE3nRBPTPkZVuofv4jLB-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zBhE3nRBPTPkZVuofv4jLB-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zBhE3nRBPTPkZVuofv4jLB-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Return to lead-out duties for Wout van Aert brings Visma more success at Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a, but &#8216;he also needs wins himself&#8217; says DS<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uBGwK9wgsbd9v6w9Wb2Cpm-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uBGwK9wgsbd9v6w9Wb2Cpm-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uBGwK9wgsbd9v6w9Wb2Cpm-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uBGwK9wgsbd9v6w9Wb2Cpm-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uBGwK9wgsbd9v6w9Wb2Cpm-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I don&#8217;t think I was very popular in that breakaway&#8217; \u2013 Matthew Brennan locks down rivals&#8217; attacks with imperious performance to repay Wout van Aert 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\/ZXitbV9acMhUDwiVe8Ucp9-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZXitbV9acMhUDwiVe8Ucp9-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZXitbV9acMhUDwiVe8Ucp9-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZXitbV9acMhUDwiVe8Ucp9-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZXitbV9acMhUDwiVe8Ucp9-320-80.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;Initially frustrated, but mostly disappointed&#8217; &#8211; Switch of tactics at Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a fails to reward Wout van Aert and Visma-Lease a Bike<\/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\/HtP86xv66utsDw3xwQRaRZ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HtP86xv66utsDw3xwQRaRZ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HtP86xv66utsDw3xwQRaRZ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HtP86xv66utsDw3xwQRaRZ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HtP86xv66utsDw3xwQRaRZ-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: Wout van Aert finally takes a victory on stage 13 as breakaway stays away<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vGSz3mmntd7cRcLKHDx2hk-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vGSz3mmntd7cRcLKHDx2hk-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vGSz3mmntd7cRcLKHDx2hk-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vGSz3mmntd7cRcLKHDx2hk-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vGSz3mmntd7cRcLKHDx2hk-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I&#8217;m not like Poga\u010dar&#8217; \u2013 Wout van Aert happy in support role at Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a but wants his sunglasses back<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cm6jjADNpv2DyLYYmYBJnM-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cm6jjADNpv2DyLYYmYBJnM-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cm6jjADNpv2DyLYYmYBJnM-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cm6jjADNpv2DyLYYmYBJnM-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cm6jjADNpv2DyLYYmYBJnM-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I didn&#8217;t have confidence in myself&#8217; \u2013 Wout van Aert bags green jersey but regrets missed opportunity in Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a breakaway<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\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\/tLhPqs2f9R6CmEt8EyiZ7i-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tLhPqs2f9R6CmEt8EyiZ7i-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tLhPqs2f9R6CmEt8EyiZ7i-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tLhPqs2f9R6CmEt8EyiZ7i-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tLhPqs2f9R6CmEt8EyiZ7i-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;Enric is the favourite&#8217; &#8211; Tadej Poga\u010dar&#8217;s director at UAE Team Emirates-XRG names Mas as top candidate to win 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\/KzDRc6A68HYMpPGJDvMgUZ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KzDRc6A68HYMpPGJDvMgUZ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KzDRc6A68HYMpPGJDvMgUZ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KzDRc6A68HYMpPGJDvMgUZ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KzDRc6A68HYMpPGJDvMgUZ-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;In a way, I don&#8217;t know any different&#8217; \u2013 All three Grand Tours in one season no problem for Sepp Kuss as he enjoys a more open Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a in Poga\u010dar&#8217;s absence<\/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\/M6w8hh3DVs5mS9NKHHU2Wm-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/M6w8hh3DVs5mS9NKHHU2Wm-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/M6w8hh3DVs5mS9NKHHU2Wm-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/M6w8hh3DVs5mS9NKHHU2Wm-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/M6w8hh3DVs5mS9NKHHU2Wm-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I have tough memories of that year&#8217; &#8211; Enric Mas looks to avoid repeat of 2022 time loss to Rogli\u010d on Sierra de la Pandera<\/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\/uBGwK9wgsbd9v6w9Wb2Cpm-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uBGwK9wgsbd9v6w9Wb2Cpm-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uBGwK9wgsbd9v6w9Wb2Cpm-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uBGwK9wgsbd9v6w9Wb2Cpm-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uBGwK9wgsbd9v6w9Wb2Cpm-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I don&#8217;t think I was very popular in that breakaway&#8217; \u2013 Matthew Brennan locks down rivals&#8217; attacks with imperious performance to repay Wout van Aert 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\/HtP86xv66utsDw3xwQRaRZ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HtP86xv66utsDw3xwQRaRZ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HtP86xv66utsDw3xwQRaRZ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HtP86xv66utsDw3xwQRaRZ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HtP86xv66utsDw3xwQRaRZ-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: Wout van Aert finally takes a victory on stage 13 as breakaway stays away<\/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\/Xs7tPQY64T9P8ergfC8W6-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Xs7tPQY64T9P8ergfC8W6-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Xs7tPQY64T9P8ergfC8W6-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Xs7tPQY64T9P8ergfC8W6-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Xs7tPQY64T9P8ergfC8W6-320-80.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\">Worker strikes possible in Montreal during Road World Championships<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\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\/tLhPqs2f9R6CmEt8EyiZ7i-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tLhPqs2f9R6CmEt8EyiZ7i-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tLhPqs2f9R6CmEt8EyiZ7i-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tLhPqs2f9R6CmEt8EyiZ7i-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tLhPqs2f9R6CmEt8EyiZ7i-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;Enric is the favourite&#8217; &#8211; Tadej Poga\u010dar&#8217;s director at UAE Team Emirates-XRG names Mas as top candidate to win 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\/KzDRc6A68HYMpPGJDvMgUZ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KzDRc6A68HYMpPGJDvMgUZ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KzDRc6A68HYMpPGJDvMgUZ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KzDRc6A68HYMpPGJDvMgUZ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KzDRc6A68HYMpPGJDvMgUZ-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;In a way, I don&#8217;t know any different&#8217; \u2013 All three Grand Tours in one season no problem for Sepp Kuss as he enjoys a more open Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a in Poga\u010dar&#8217;s absence<\/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\/M6w8hh3DVs5mS9NKHHU2Wm-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/M6w8hh3DVs5mS9NKHHU2Wm-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/M6w8hh3DVs5mS9NKHHU2Wm-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/M6w8hh3DVs5mS9NKHHU2Wm-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/M6w8hh3DVs5mS9NKHHU2Wm-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I have tough memories of that year&#8217; &#8211; Enric Mas looks to avoid repeat of 2022 time loss to Rogli\u010d on Sierra de la Pandera<\/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\/uBGwK9wgsbd9v6w9Wb2Cpm-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uBGwK9wgsbd9v6w9Wb2Cpm-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uBGwK9wgsbd9v6w9Wb2Cpm-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uBGwK9wgsbd9v6w9Wb2Cpm-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uBGwK9wgsbd9v6w9Wb2Cpm-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I don&#8217;t think I was very popular in that breakaway&#8217; \u2013 Matthew Brennan locks down rivals&#8217; attacks with imperious performance to repay Wout van Aert 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\/cjWVQnow7FLyqCcB9UupQV-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cjWVQnow7FLyqCcB9UupQV-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cjWVQnow7FLyqCcB9UupQV-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cjWVQnow7FLyqCcB9UupQV-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cjWVQnow7FLyqCcB9UupQV-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\">Safety<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">UCI to require safer barriers along race finishes in 2027, seven years after Fabio Jakobsen&#8217;s Tour de Pologne crash<\/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\/VZ5Tb9hHN7gEoS9RLjGtuA-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VZ5Tb9hHN7gEoS9RLjGtuA-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VZ5Tb9hHN7gEoS9RLjGtuA-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VZ5Tb9hHN7gEoS9RLjGtuA-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VZ5Tb9hHN7gEoS9RLjGtuA-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\">Decathlon CMA CGM lose key climber as Gregor M\u00fchlberger crashes out of ninth overall on stage 13 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>\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\/tLhPqs2f9R6CmEt8EyiZ7i-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tLhPqs2f9R6CmEt8EyiZ7i-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tLhPqs2f9R6CmEt8EyiZ7i-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tLhPqs2f9R6CmEt8EyiZ7i-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"99vw\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">1<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>&#8216;Enric is the favourite&#8217; &#8211; Tadej Poga\u010dar&#8217;s director at UAE Team Emirates-XRG names Mas as top candidate to win Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">2<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>&#8216;In a way, I don&#8217;t know any different&#8217; \u2013 All three Grand Tours in one season no problem for Sepp Kuss as he enjoys a more open Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a in Poga\u010dar&#8217;s absence<\/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;A serious confidence boost for the Worlds&#8217; &#8211; as rainbow jersey battle looms, Wout van Aert shows stunning form and racecraft in 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\">4<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>&#8216;I have tough memories of that year&#8217; &#8211; Enric Mas looks to avoid repeat of 2022 time loss to Rogli\u010d on Sierra de la Pandera<\/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;I don&#8217;t think I was very popular in that breakaway&#8217; \u2013 Matthew Brennan locks down rivals&#8217; attacks with imperious performance to repay Wout van Aert 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;A serious confidence boost for the Worlds&#8217; &#8211; as rainbow jersey battle looms, Wout van Aert shows stunning form and racecraft in Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"vds-byline-block flex flex-row flex-nowrap my-1.5 gap-2 text-left items-start justify-start\" data-component-name=\"Article:BylineBlock\">\n<p>News<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-auto vds-simple-byline\"><span class=\"inline-block vds-author\"><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nAlasdair Fotheringham <\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex gap-1 vds-byline-with-avatar__meta\"><span class=\"vds-date block font-normal tracking-normal normal-case text-xs\"><br \/>\nPublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-09-04T18:04:43Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n4 September 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Belgian claims 15th Grand Tour stage win of career after he and teammate Matthew Brennan keep firm grip on finale<\/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\/nqMV2ufKCe4Cn9HofW6sbQ-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nqMV2ufKCe4Cn9HofW6sbQ-1600-80.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nqMV2ufKCe4Cn9HofW6sbQ-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nqMV2ufKCe4Cn9HofW6sbQ-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nqMV2ufKCe4Cn9HofW6sbQ-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nqMV2ufKCe4Cn9HofW6sbQ-750-80.jpg.webp 750w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nqMV2ufKCe4Cn9HofW6sbQ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nqMV2ufKCe4Cn9HofW6sbQ-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nqMV2ufKCe4Cn9HofW6sbQ-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\">Wout van Aert wins stage 13<\/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-8a1b4e7e-a888-11f1-8e3d-b1d75af82b42\">From breakaways to battling for the green and polkadot jerseys, from lead-outs for sprint victories to late attacks with Tadej Poga\u010dar, Wout van Aert has had plenty of standout moments in this year&#8217;s Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a. But if a stage win wasn&#8217;t among them until deep into the second week of the 2026 race, when Van Aert finally raised his arms in victory on stage 13 into Loja, it was certainly worth the wait.<\/p>\n<p>In Grand Tours, the 31-year-old has taken dramatic victories over the Ventoux and on the Champs-\u00c9lys\u00e9es in the Tour de France, as well as across the strade bianche of the Giro d&#8217;Italia.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-8a1b4e7e-a888-11f1-8e3d-b1d75af82b42-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Yet his win in Spain in the quiet backwoods town of Loja in central Andalucia was memorable in its own way too &#8211; both for being a masterclass in team tactics with Matthew Brennan, and for the major boost to his morale his first stage win in the 2026 Vuelta represents en route to the World Championships.<\/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\">Battling across very hilly terrain starting in Almu\u00f1ecar on the Mediterranean coast and with the final key category 2 climb of Puerto de Granada some 40 kilometres from the line, as Van Aert put it afterwards, he and Brennan worked to ensure that either one or the other was ahead at all the key moments.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">They did this by both getting in a large, 40-rider break when the stage started, then it was Brennan who kept control over a 10-man move over the Puerto de Granada, and then it was both of them again in the decisive nine-rider attack on the run-in to Loja.<\/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\/zBhE3nRBPTPkZVuofv4jLB-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zBhE3nRBPTPkZVuofv4jLB-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\">Return to lead-out duties for Wout van Aert brings Visma more success at Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a, but &#8216;he also needs wins himself&#8217; says DS<\/span><\/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\/uBGwK9wgsbd9v6w9Wb2Cpm-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uBGwK9wgsbd9v6w9Wb2Cpm-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;I don&#8217;t think I was very popular in that breakaway&#8217; \u2013 Matthew Brennan locks down rivals&#8217; attacks with imperious performance to repay Wout van Aert 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\/ZXitbV9acMhUDwiVe8Ucp9-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZXitbV9acMhUDwiVe8Ucp9-150-80.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;Initially frustrated, but mostly disappointed&#8217; &#8211; Switch of tactics at Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a fails to reward Wout van Aert and Visma-Lease a Bike<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">No other team had such a clear control of every scenario, and by the time Van Aert soared away with only Valentin Paret-Peintre (Soudal-QuickStep) three kilometres from the line, such was their domination that it felt like there could only be one outcome.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;We&#8217;d targeted this stage, we knew it was favourable for us,&#8221; Van Aert said a few minutes after easily dispatching Paret-Peintre on the grinding uphill finish.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-cGYNfYwHrTfXaDQJkgCfaS\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-cGYNfYwHrTfXaDQJkgCfaS slice-container-newsletterForm\">\n<div data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"newsletter-form__wrapper newsletter-form__wrapper--inbodyContent\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__container\">\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__top-bar\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__header\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__main-section\">\n<p class=\"newsletter-form__strapline\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<footer class=\"newsletter-form__footer \">By submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.<\/footer>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It was great to have Matthew in that front group on the climb early on; I could ease back a little, and that was a good situation going into the final.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Then after I&#8217;d bridged across, Matthew and I made sure we could win from every situation that developed after that. There were a lot of attacks, but we controlled them all.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;As long as one of us was there, we always had the advantage of having the fastest sprint.&#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\/HtP86xv66utsDw3xwQRaRZ-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HtP86xv66utsDw3xwQRaRZ-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: Wout van Aert finally takes a victory on stage 13 as breakaway stays away<\/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\/vGSz3mmntd7cRcLKHDx2hk-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vGSz3mmntd7cRcLKHDx2hk-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 like Poga\u010dar&#8217; \u2013 Wout van Aert happy in support role at Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a but wants his sunglasses back<\/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\/cm6jjADNpv2DyLYYmYBJnM-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cm6jjADNpv2DyLYYmYBJnM-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 didn&#8217;t have confidence in myself&#8217; \u2013 Wout van Aert bags green jersey but regrets missed opportunity in Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a breakaway<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The ability to work off each other&#8217;s moves was critical, and by the time Van Aert took off with three kilometres to go, jumping away from around five riders back in the front of nine, only Paret-Peintre had any kind of answer. Even Kevin Vermaercke (UAE Team Emirates-XRG) was unable to respond.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;There were constant small attacks, but we still had plenty of power, &#8220;Van Aert explained in comments reported by <em>Sporza<\/em>.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;We kept attacking, and that final attack was the right one. I already had it in my head to go on that little chicane before the finish.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The Van Aert-Brennan duo has seen the Briton claim victories on stages 2, 5 and 11, but before Friday the Belgian, whilst stacking up points in the green jersey competition &#8211; and stage 13 gives him an almost unassailable advantage in that respect &#8211; did not get his own win. It wasn&#8217;t a question of confidence, Van Aert said, just one of waiting for the right moment to come.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I had no doubts that I could win a stage, but that doesn&#8217;t mean it would happen,&#8221; Van Aert said. &#8220;There were lots of guys in the break, so it was great to have the support of the team. I didn&#8217;t doubt it was possible, but it&#8217;s still super nice to be able to get it.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">As for why he had managed to pull off a win in Spain, Van Aert said the style of racing and the route itself suited him more, say, than the Tour de France of 2026.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;There were less sprint stages than in France and more opportunities for aggressive racing. It&#8217;s a type of racing that suits me and also, this is also the second time we&#8217;ve come here with a team looking for stage wins and the second time I can enjoy it.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The Vuelta for Van Aert is also very much a race that will propel him towards the UCI Road World Championships, and this latest success on very difficult terrain can only give him confidence for a course as hilly as the one in Canada.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">There, too, he&#8217;ll be working in tandem with another top candidate for success, Remco Evenepoel, but after the masterclass in Spain, it&#8217;s clear that when it comes to teamwork under pressure, Van Aert is on top form.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It is a great victory and a serious confidence boost heading into the World Championships,&#8221; Van Aert told <em>Sporza<\/em>. &#8220;Because this was a tough stage, and the World Championships will be, too.\u201d<\/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-cGYNfYwHrTfXaDQJkgCfaS\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-cGYNfYwHrTfXaDQJkgCfaS slice-container-authorBio\">\n<div class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio slice-container-authorBio\" id=\"slice-container-authorBio\" data-component-name=\"Slice:AuthorBio\">\n<div class=\"author author__default-layout author--separator author--collapsible\" data-author-bio-max-height=\"250\" data-author-bio-read-more=\"Read more\" data-author-bio-read-less=\"Read less\">\n<div class=\"author__header\">\n<div class=\"author__avatar-block\">\n<figure class=\"image-wrapped__wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__widthsetter\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__aspect-padding\">\n<div>\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5QLhaPay9asJvmaNsCjFVZ-140-80.jpg.webp 140w\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__heading\">\n<div class=\"author__name\">\n<p>Alasdair Fotheringham<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__social\">\n<nav class=\"button-social-group author__social-buttons\" aria-labelledby=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">\n<div id=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">\nSocial Links Navigation\n<\/div>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>Alasdair Fotheringham has been reporting on cycling since 1991. He has covered every Tour de France since 1992 bar one, as well as numerous other bike races of all shapes and sizes, ranging from the Olympic Games in 2008 to the now sadly defunct Subida a Urkiola hill climb in Spain. As well as working for <em>Cyclingnews<\/em>, he has also written for <em>The Independent<\/em>,\u00a0 <em>The Guardian<\/em>,\u00a0 <em>ProCycling<\/em>, <em>The Express<\/em> and <em>Reuters<\/em>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<div class=\"relative max-w-[1070px] viafoura-twig-component mt-6 mx-4 lg:mx-0\" data-component-name=\"Viafoura:Comments\" data-nosnippet data-community-guidelines-text=\"&lt;p class=&apos;vfcustom-community-guidelines&apos;&gt;Please follow our &lt;a href=&quot;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/about\/#section-community-guidelines&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;community guidelines&lt;\/a&gt;.&lt;\/p&gt;\" data-join-the-conversation-text=\"Join the Conversation\">\n<div class=\"absolute top-0 left-0 w-full h-full flex items-center justify-center z-50 bg-white\/90 border-1 rounded-b-[var(--comment-widget-border-radius,0)]\">\n<div class=\"p-2 text-center\">\n<p class=\"mb-3 text-lg!\">You must confirm your public display name before commenting<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-3 text-sm!\">Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<section class=\"mx-2 my-5 sm:mx-0\">\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-adviser:hybrid\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Read more<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zBhE3nRBPTPkZVuofv4jLB-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zBhE3nRBPTPkZVuofv4jLB-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zBhE3nRBPTPkZVuofv4jLB-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zBhE3nRBPTPkZVuofv4jLB-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zBhE3nRBPTPkZVuofv4jLB-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Return to lead-out duties for Wout van Aert brings Visma more success at Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a, but &#8216;he also needs wins himself&#8217; says DS<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uBGwK9wgsbd9v6w9Wb2Cpm-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uBGwK9wgsbd9v6w9Wb2Cpm-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uBGwK9wgsbd9v6w9Wb2Cpm-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uBGwK9wgsbd9v6w9Wb2Cpm-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uBGwK9wgsbd9v6w9Wb2Cpm-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I don&#8217;t think I was very popular in that breakaway&#8217; \u2013 Matthew Brennan locks down rivals&#8217; attacks with imperious performance to repay Wout van Aert 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\/ZXitbV9acMhUDwiVe8Ucp9-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZXitbV9acMhUDwiVe8Ucp9-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZXitbV9acMhUDwiVe8Ucp9-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZXitbV9acMhUDwiVe8Ucp9-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZXitbV9acMhUDwiVe8Ucp9-320-80.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;Initially frustrated, but mostly disappointed&#8217; &#8211; Switch of tactics at Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a fails to reward Wout van Aert and Visma-Lease a Bike<\/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\/HtP86xv66utsDw3xwQRaRZ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HtP86xv66utsDw3xwQRaRZ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HtP86xv66utsDw3xwQRaRZ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HtP86xv66utsDw3xwQRaRZ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HtP86xv66utsDw3xwQRaRZ-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: Wout van Aert finally takes a victory on stage 13 as breakaway stays away<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vGSz3mmntd7cRcLKHDx2hk-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vGSz3mmntd7cRcLKHDx2hk-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vGSz3mmntd7cRcLKHDx2hk-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vGSz3mmntd7cRcLKHDx2hk-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vGSz3mmntd7cRcLKHDx2hk-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I&#8217;m not like Poga\u010dar&#8217; \u2013 Wout van Aert happy in support role at Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a but wants his sunglasses back<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cm6jjADNpv2DyLYYmYBJnM-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cm6jjADNpv2DyLYYmYBJnM-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cm6jjADNpv2DyLYYmYBJnM-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cm6jjADNpv2DyLYYmYBJnM-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cm6jjADNpv2DyLYYmYBJnM-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I didn&#8217;t have confidence in myself&#8217; \u2013 Wout van Aert bags green jersey but regrets missed opportunity in Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a breakaway<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\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\/tLhPqs2f9R6CmEt8EyiZ7i-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tLhPqs2f9R6CmEt8EyiZ7i-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tLhPqs2f9R6CmEt8EyiZ7i-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tLhPqs2f9R6CmEt8EyiZ7i-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tLhPqs2f9R6CmEt8EyiZ7i-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;Enric is the favourite&#8217; &#8211; Tadej Poga\u010dar&#8217;s director at UAE Team Emirates-XRG names Mas as top candidate to win 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\/KzDRc6A68HYMpPGJDvMgUZ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KzDRc6A68HYMpPGJDvMgUZ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KzDRc6A68HYMpPGJDvMgUZ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KzDRc6A68HYMpPGJDvMgUZ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KzDRc6A68HYMpPGJDvMgUZ-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;In a way, I don&#8217;t know any different&#8217; \u2013 All three Grand Tours in one season no problem for Sepp Kuss as he enjoys a more open Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a in Poga\u010dar&#8217;s absence<\/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\/M6w8hh3DVs5mS9NKHHU2Wm-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/M6w8hh3DVs5mS9NKHHU2Wm-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/M6w8hh3DVs5mS9NKHHU2Wm-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/M6w8hh3DVs5mS9NKHHU2Wm-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/M6w8hh3DVs5mS9NKHHU2Wm-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I have tough memories of that year&#8217; &#8211; Enric Mas looks to avoid repeat of 2022 time loss to Rogli\u010d on Sierra de la Pandera<\/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\/uBGwK9wgsbd9v6w9Wb2Cpm-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uBGwK9wgsbd9v6w9Wb2Cpm-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uBGwK9wgsbd9v6w9Wb2Cpm-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uBGwK9wgsbd9v6w9Wb2Cpm-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uBGwK9wgsbd9v6w9Wb2Cpm-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I don&#8217;t think I was very popular in that breakaway&#8217; \u2013 Matthew Brennan locks down rivals&#8217; attacks with imperious performance to repay Wout van Aert 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\/HtP86xv66utsDw3xwQRaRZ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HtP86xv66utsDw3xwQRaRZ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HtP86xv66utsDw3xwQRaRZ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HtP86xv66utsDw3xwQRaRZ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HtP86xv66utsDw3xwQRaRZ-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: Wout van Aert finally takes a victory on stage 13 as breakaway stays away<\/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\/Xs7tPQY64T9P8ergfC8W6-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Xs7tPQY64T9P8ergfC8W6-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Xs7tPQY64T9P8ergfC8W6-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Xs7tPQY64T9P8ergfC8W6-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Xs7tPQY64T9P8ergfC8W6-320-80.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\">Worker strikes possible in Montreal during Road World Championships<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\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\/tLhPqs2f9R6CmEt8EyiZ7i-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tLhPqs2f9R6CmEt8EyiZ7i-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tLhPqs2f9R6CmEt8EyiZ7i-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tLhPqs2f9R6CmEt8EyiZ7i-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tLhPqs2f9R6CmEt8EyiZ7i-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;Enric is the favourite&#8217; &#8211; Tadej Poga\u010dar&#8217;s director at UAE Team Emirates-XRG names Mas as top candidate to win 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\/KzDRc6A68HYMpPGJDvMgUZ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KzDRc6A68HYMpPGJDvMgUZ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KzDRc6A68HYMpPGJDvMgUZ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KzDRc6A68HYMpPGJDvMgUZ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KzDRc6A68HYMpPGJDvMgUZ-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;In a way, I don&#8217;t know any different&#8217; \u2013 All three Grand Tours in one season no problem for Sepp Kuss as he enjoys a more open Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a in Poga\u010dar&#8217;s absence<\/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\/M6w8hh3DVs5mS9NKHHU2Wm-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/M6w8hh3DVs5mS9NKHHU2Wm-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/M6w8hh3DVs5mS9NKHHU2Wm-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/M6w8hh3DVs5mS9NKHHU2Wm-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/M6w8hh3DVs5mS9NKHHU2Wm-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I have tough memories of that year&#8217; &#8211; Enric Mas looks to avoid repeat of 2022 time loss to Rogli\u010d on Sierra de la Pandera<\/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\/uBGwK9wgsbd9v6w9Wb2Cpm-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uBGwK9wgsbd9v6w9Wb2Cpm-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uBGwK9wgsbd9v6w9Wb2Cpm-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uBGwK9wgsbd9v6w9Wb2Cpm-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uBGwK9wgsbd9v6w9Wb2Cpm-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I don&#8217;t think I was very popular in that breakaway&#8217; \u2013 Matthew Brennan locks down rivals&#8217; attacks with imperious performance to repay Wout van Aert 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\/cjWVQnow7FLyqCcB9UupQV-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cjWVQnow7FLyqCcB9UupQV-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cjWVQnow7FLyqCcB9UupQV-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cjWVQnow7FLyqCcB9UupQV-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cjWVQnow7FLyqCcB9UupQV-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\">Safety<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">UCI to require safer barriers along race finishes in 2027, seven years after Fabio Jakobsen&#8217;s Tour de Pologne crash<\/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\/VZ5Tb9hHN7gEoS9RLjGtuA-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VZ5Tb9hHN7gEoS9RLjGtuA-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VZ5Tb9hHN7gEoS9RLjGtuA-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VZ5Tb9hHN7gEoS9RLjGtuA-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VZ5Tb9hHN7gEoS9RLjGtuA-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\">Decathlon CMA CGM lose key climber as Gregor M\u00fchlberger crashes out of ninth overall on stage 13 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>\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\/tLhPqs2f9R6CmEt8EyiZ7i-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tLhPqs2f9R6CmEt8EyiZ7i-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tLhPqs2f9R6CmEt8EyiZ7i-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tLhPqs2f9R6CmEt8EyiZ7i-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"99vw\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">1<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>&#8216;Enric is the favourite&#8217; &#8211; Tadej Poga\u010dar&#8217;s director at UAE Team Emirates-XRG names Mas as top candidate to win Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">2<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>&#8216;In a way, I don&#8217;t know any different&#8217; \u2013 All three Grand Tours in one season no problem for Sepp Kuss as he enjoys a more open Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a in Poga\u010dar&#8217;s absence<\/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;A serious confidence boost for the Worlds&#8217; &#8211; as rainbow jersey battle looms, Wout van Aert shows stunning form and racecraft in 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\">4<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>&#8216;I have tough memories of that year&#8217; &#8211; Enric Mas looks to avoid repeat of 2022 time loss to Rogli\u010d on Sierra de la Pandera<\/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;I don&#8217;t think I was very popular in that breakaway&#8217; \u2013 Matthew Brennan locks down rivals&#8217; attacks with imperious performance to repay Wout van Aert 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;A serious confidence boost for the Worlds&#8217; &#8211; as rainbow jersey battle looms, Wout van Aert shows stunning form and racecraft in Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"vds-byline-block flex flex-row flex-nowrap my-1.5 gap-2 text-left items-start justify-start\" data-component-name=\"Article:BylineBlock\">\n<p>News<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-auto vds-simple-byline\"><span class=\"inline-block vds-author\"><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nAlasdair Fotheringham <\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex gap-1 vds-byline-with-avatar__meta\"><span class=\"vds-date block font-normal tracking-normal normal-case text-xs\"><br \/>\nPublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-09-04T18:04:43Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n4 September 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Belgian claims 15th Grand Tour stage win of career after he and teammate Matthew Brennan keep firm grip on finale<\/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-8a1b4e7e-a888-11f1-8e3d-b1d75af82b42\">From breakaways to battling for the green and polkadot jerseys, from lead-outs for sprint victories to late attacks with Tadej Poga\u010dar, Wout van Aert has had plenty of standout moments in this year&#8217;s Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a. But if a stage win wasn&#8217;t among them until deep into the second week of the 2026 race, when Van Aert finally raised his arms in victory on stage 13 into Loja, it was certainly worth the wait.<\/p>\n<p>In Grand Tours, the 31-year-old has taken dramatic victories over the Ventoux and on the Champs-\u00c9lys\u00e9es in the Tour de France, as well as across the strade bianche of the Giro d&#8217;Italia.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-8a1b4e7e-a888-11f1-8e3d-b1d75af82b42-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Yet his win in Spain in the quiet backwoods town of Loja in central Andalucia was memorable in its own way too &#8211; both for being a masterclass in team tactics with Matthew Brennan, and for the major boost to his morale his first stage win in the 2026 Vuelta represents en route to the World Championships.<\/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\">Battling across very hilly terrain starting in Almu\u00f1ecar on the Mediterranean coast and with the final key category 2 climb of Puerto de Granada some 40 kilometres from the line, as Van Aert put it afterwards, he and Brennan worked to ensure that either one or the other was ahead at all the key moments.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">They did this by both getting in a large, 40-rider break when the stage started, then it was Brennan who kept control over a 10-man move over the Puerto de Granada, and then it was both of them again in the decisive nine-rider attack on the run-in to Loja.<\/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\/zBhE3nRBPTPkZVuofv4jLB-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zBhE3nRBPTPkZVuofv4jLB-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\">Return to lead-out duties for Wout van Aert brings Visma more success at Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a, but &#8216;he also needs wins himself&#8217; says DS<\/span><\/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\/uBGwK9wgsbd9v6w9Wb2Cpm-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uBGwK9wgsbd9v6w9Wb2Cpm-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;I don&#8217;t think I was very popular in that breakaway&#8217; \u2013 Matthew Brennan locks down rivals&#8217; attacks with imperious performance to repay Wout van Aert 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\/ZXitbV9acMhUDwiVe8Ucp9-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZXitbV9acMhUDwiVe8Ucp9-150-80.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;Initially frustrated, but mostly disappointed&#8217; &#8211; Switch of tactics at Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a fails to reward Wout van Aert and Visma-Lease a Bike<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">No other team had such a clear control of every scenario, and by the time Van Aert soared away with only Valentin Paret-Peintre (Soudal-QuickStep) three kilometres from the line, such was their domination that it felt like there could only be one outcome.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;We&#8217;d targeted this stage, we knew it was favourable for us,&#8221; Van Aert said a few minutes after easily dispatching Paret-Peintre on the grinding uphill finish.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-cGYNfYwHrTfXaDQJkgCfaS\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-cGYNfYwHrTfXaDQJkgCfaS slice-container-newsletterForm\">\n<div data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"newsletter-form__wrapper newsletter-form__wrapper--inbodyContent\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__container\">\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__top-bar\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__header\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__main-section\">\n<p class=\"newsletter-form__strapline\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<footer class=\"newsletter-form__footer \">By submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.<\/footer>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It was great to have Matthew in that front group on the climb early on; I could ease back a little, and that was a good situation going into the final.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Then after I&#8217;d bridged across, Matthew and I made sure we could win from every situation that developed after that. There were a lot of attacks, but we controlled them all.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;As long as one of us was there, we always had the advantage of having the fastest sprint.&#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\/HtP86xv66utsDw3xwQRaRZ-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HtP86xv66utsDw3xwQRaRZ-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: Wout van Aert finally takes a victory on stage 13 as breakaway stays away<\/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\/vGSz3mmntd7cRcLKHDx2hk-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vGSz3mmntd7cRcLKHDx2hk-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 like Poga\u010dar&#8217; \u2013 Wout van Aert happy in support role at Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a but wants his sunglasses back<\/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\/cm6jjADNpv2DyLYYmYBJnM-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cm6jjADNpv2DyLYYmYBJnM-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 didn&#8217;t have confidence in myself&#8217; \u2013 Wout van Aert bags green jersey but regrets missed opportunity in Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a breakaway<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The ability to work off each other&#8217;s moves was critical, and by the time Van Aert took off with three kilometres to go, jumping away from around five riders back in the front of nine, only Paret-Peintre had any kind of answer. Even Kevin Vermaercke (UAE Team Emirates-XRG) was unable to respond.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;There were constant small attacks, but we still had plenty of power, &#8220;Van Aert explained in comments reported by <em>Sporza<\/em>.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;We kept attacking, and that final attack was the right one. I already had it in my head to go on that little chicane before the finish.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The Van Aert-Brennan duo has seen the Briton claim victories on stages 2, 5 and 11, but before Friday the Belgian, whilst stacking up points in the green jersey competition &#8211; and stage 13 gives him an almost unassailable advantage in that respect &#8211; did not get his own win. It wasn&#8217;t a question of confidence, Van Aert said, just one of waiting for the right moment to come.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I had no doubts that I could win a stage, but that doesn&#8217;t mean it would happen,&#8221; Van Aert said. &#8220;There were lots of guys in the break, so it was great to have the support of the team. I didn&#8217;t doubt it was possible, but it&#8217;s still super nice to be able to get it.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">As for why he had managed to pull off a win in Spain, Van Aert said the style of racing and the route itself suited him more, say, than the Tour de France of 2026.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;There were less sprint stages than in France and more opportunities for aggressive racing. It&#8217;s a type of racing that suits me and also, this is also the second time we&#8217;ve come here with a team looking for stage wins and the second time I can enjoy it.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The Vuelta for Van Aert is also very much a race that will propel him towards the UCI Road World Championships, and this latest success on very difficult terrain can only give him confidence for a course as hilly as the one in Canada.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">There, too, he&#8217;ll be working in tandem with another top candidate for success, Remco Evenepoel, but after the masterclass in Spain, it&#8217;s clear that when it comes to teamwork under pressure, Van Aert is on top form.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It is a great victory and a serious confidence boost heading into the World Championships,&#8221; Van Aert told <em>Sporza<\/em>. &#8220;Because this was a tough stage, and the World Championships will be, too.\u201d<\/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\/a-serious-confidence-boost-for-the-worlds-as-rainbow-jersey-battle-looms-wout-van-aert-shows-stunning-form-and-racecraft-in-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\/nqMV2ufKCe4Cn9HofW6sbQ-2560-80.jpg&#8221;] 1 As it happened: sprint decides stage 8 of the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a on a day where the red jersey changes hands 2 As it happened: A nail biting finish as a late attack is caught on the line as the punchy sprinters fight for Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a stage 10 victory 3 [&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-2129157","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\/2129157","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=2129157"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2129157\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2129157"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=2129157"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=2129157"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}