{"id":2129162,"date":"2026-09-04T18:32:21","date_gmt":"2026-09-04T15:32:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2129162"},"modified":"2026-09-04T18:32:21","modified_gmt":"2026-09-04T15:32:21","slug":"enric-is-the-favourite-tadej-pogacars-director-at-uae-team-emirates-xrg-names-mas-as-top-candidate-to-win-vuelta-a-espana","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2129162","title":{"rendered":"&#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"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tLhPqs2f9R6CmEt8EyiZ7i-1024-80.jpg&#8221;]<\/p>\n<article class=\"m-0 box-border flex flex-row items-center pr-2.5 gap-[15px] w-[278px] h-20 flex-none upnext-article-divider\" role=\"listitem\" aria-label=\"Recommended article 1 of 3\">\n<div class=\"relative flex-none w-20 h-20\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xugVTju2QKinpXhphFnyUe-160-80.jpg.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xugVTju2QKinpXhphFnyUe-80-80.jpg.webp 80w\" sizes=\"80px\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex items-center justify-center absolute w-4 h-6 left-0 top-0 bg-white\/90 flex-none z-[1]\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"font-normal text-base leading-[17px] tracking-[1.3px] uppercase text-black flex-none\">1<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex flex-col items-center justify-center gap-1.5 w-[173px] h-20 flex-none\">\n<p class=\"font-article-heading font-medium text-base leading-[21px] text-gray-800 w-[173px] line-clamp-3 group-hover:underline\">\n                                    &#8216;We don&#8217;t know if he was racing at 100%&#8217; \u2013 Rival sports director believes Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a leader Poga\u010dar&#8217;s failure to finish solo on stage 6 delivers mixed messages\n                                <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"m-0 box-border flex flex-row items-center pr-2.5 gap-[15px] w-[278px] h-20 flex-none upnext-article-divider\" role=\"listitem\" aria-label=\"Recommended article 2 of 3\">\n<div class=\"relative flex-none w-20 h-20\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tHn8trN6dMv53qtc8uBmEj-160-80.png.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tHn8trN6dMv53qtc8uBmEj-80-80.png.webp 80w\" sizes=\"80px\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex items-center justify-center absolute w-[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                                    Poga\u010dar&#8217;s crash doesn&#8217;t just put his Worlds defence in doubt, it complicates next season&#8217;s plans \u2013 Sean Kelly&#8217;s Vuelta column\n                                <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"m-0 box-border flex flex-row items-center pr-2.5 gap-[15px] w-[278px] h-20 flex-none\" role=\"listitem\" aria-label=\"Recommended article 3 of 3\">\n<div class=\"relative flex-none w-20 h-20\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wxjP9efKu2o82BGoLujADf-160-80.jpg.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wxjP9efKu2o82BGoLujADf-80-80.jpg.webp 80w\" sizes=\"80px\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex items-center justify-center absolute w-[18px] h-6 left-0 top-0 bg-white\/90 flex-none z-[1]\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"font-normal text-base leading-[17px] tracking-[1.3px] uppercase text-black flex-none\">3<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex flex-col items-center justify-center gap-1.5 w-[173px] h-20 flex-none\">\n<p class=\"font-article-heading font-medium text-base leading-[21px] text-gray-800 w-[173px] line-clamp-3 group-hover:underline\">\n                                    Tadej Poga\u010dar&#8217;s brutally unexpected exit from the Vuelta\u00a0a Espa\u00f1a is a massive reminder of cycling&#8217;s intrinsic unpredictability &#8211; Analysis\n                                <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"page-content-onecol flex-1\nnews-article article\n\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"widget-area-group widget-area-group-2col flex flex-wrap box-border\">\n<div id=\"widgetArea16\" class=\"widget-area basis-full md:basis-2\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-2-3 page-widget-area-16\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"hero\" id=\"hero\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-hero widget-hero widget-hero-hero widget-hero widget-hero-fter-news\">\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRacing\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRoad\n<\/li>\n<li>\nVuelta a Espa\u00f1a\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>&#8216;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<\/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=\"2026-09-04T18:32:21Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n4 September 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Joxean Fern\u00e1ndez Matxin says team&#8217;s top priority remains &#8220;to recover Tadej the person before Tadej the cyclist,&#8221; after Slovenian&#8217;s crash out of Vuelta<\/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 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-c678bfc2-a88e-11f1-99b5-857b0d9ebb21\">The scene around the UAE Team Emirates-XRG bus at the starts and finishes of the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a, compared to a week ago, when Tadej Poga\u010dar was still present, may be much quieter than before. But the squad continues to fight their corner in the race &#8211; and even after Poga\u010dar&#8217;s abandon and the end of their GC options, to stay alert to developments in the overall classification battle.<\/p>\n<p>On that front, Poga\u010dar&#8217;s abandon has seen Enric Mas (Movistar) first inherit the overall lead, but then prove himself more than worthy of holding that position in the two summit finishes that followed.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-c678bfc2-a88e-11f1-99b5-857b0d9ebb21-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Mas now holds a 1:45 advantage on closest chaser Primo\u017e Rogli\u010d (Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe), 45 seconds more than when Poga\u010dar made his untimely exit. Yet with three summit finishes, the first on Saturday at La Pandera, and a long time trial still to come, there are still multiple options for the top spot in Granada on September 13.<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-6 w-full overflow-hidden rounded-[10px] lg:my-8\" data-component-name=\"JwPlayer:Carousel\" data-jwp-carousel data-jwp-carousel-payload=\"{&quot;ids&quot;:{&quot;playerID&quot;:&quot;jYDCcabO&quot;,&quot;searchPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;gwjdoYHD&quot;,&quot;divID&quot;:&quot;botr_gwjdoYHD_jYDCcabO_div&quot;,&quot;fallbackPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;gwjdoYHD&quot;,&quot;fallbackDivID&quot;:&quot;botr_gwjdoYHD_jYDCcabO_div&quot;,&quot;key&quot;:&quot;X9\/mXVGac0NphghLH9hZaqWA5d3dhAM\/Ih07grnEyMLjuO2E&quot;,&quot;tintLogo&quot;:true,&quot;useSearchPlaylist&quot;:false,&quot;enabled&quot;:true},&quot;signPostingEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;signPostingLinkEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;waitForAdLoad&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnDesktop&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnMobile&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnTablet&quot;:false}\">\n<div class=\"flex flex-nowrap items-center justify-between gap-3 bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-header>\n<div class=\"flex min-w-0 shrink items-center\"><span class=\"inline-flex items-center gap-1.5 text-sm font-article-heading capitalize leading-5 text-white whitespace-nowrap\"><span class=\"jwp-carousel-title-desktop\">Latest Videos From<\/span><span class=\"jwp-carousel-brand\">Cyclingnews<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"min-h-[44px] bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting><a class=\"invisible block truncate text-sm font-bold leading-5 text-white underline decoration-solid underline-offset-2\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting-link href target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span data-jwp-carousel-signposting-title>Watch full video here: <\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;For me, Enric is the favourite,&#8221; UAE heads sports director Joxean Fern\u00e1ndez Matxin tells <em>Cyclingnews<\/em>. &#8220;Rogli\u010d is a very important rival, he&#8217;s won the Vuelta four times, he&#8217;s got this race dialled, and that&#8217;s why Enric has so much respect for him.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;But I&#8217;m convinced that Enric is a few percentage points above him right now, not just because of the time gap, but also because of his mentality and motivation. Because he&#8217;s really interested in winning.<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            You may like<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JLYbQXUaN585xQmKbegacC-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JLYbQXUaN585xQmKbegacC-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;Tadej has made a big statement&#8217; &#8211; UAE Team Emirates-XRG cautiously delighted with Poga\u010dar&#8217;s knock-out Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a stage win<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vXx3fTTYeYfvhBsZ8FoUhF-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vXx3fTTYeYfvhBsZ8FoUhF-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\">Tadej Poga\u010dar vs the rest \u2013 Our analysis of the top 10 contenders at the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-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\/PJzFKS3pwzL4jQkRrF7YDR-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PJzFKS3pwzL4jQkRrF7YDR-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;He doesn&#8217;t always have these kinds of legs&#8217; &#8211; Enric Mas boosts overall lead in Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Matxin says he has a good relationship with Mas, a rider whom he&#8217;s known since Mas was racing at Klein Constantia in 2016, the Soudal-QuickStep feeder team, at a time when Matxin was a scout for the WorldTour squad. After Mas turned full-time pro in 2017, the two have continued to cross paths constantly.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;When he knows he can win, he&#8217;s the kind of rider who rises to the occasion. And this is one of them,&#8221; Matxin said. &#8220;So I&#8217;m convinced he&#8217;s going to be a top candidate from now on.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-UzpTBdLNLw2fKrzK2fjvKd\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-UzpTBdLNLw2fKrzK2fjvKd 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;He knows that Rogli\u010d is a very important rival in the time trial, so every day that he can be, he&#8217;ll have to be more aggressive, because he&#8217;s got lots to win and very little to lose.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">There&#8217;s a popular opinion right now that Mas has become a different kind of rider to previous years, but Matxin feels that the 31-year-old remains the same. &#8220;He&#8217;s always been equally good; it&#8217;s just that some moments are not as good as others,&#8221; Matxin reasons.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Not all years and races are different, and we shouldn&#8217;t think that just because a rider has been a long way out of the running in one race, means he can&#8217;t be up there in the next.&#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\/UkvgrYyTTp7uoHfYjUp9bK-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UkvgrYyTTp7uoHfYjUp9bK-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;Enric&#8217;s in the best shape I&#8217;ve ever seen him&#8217; &#8211;  Former Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a winner Alejandro Valverde backs Mas to defend lead on Calar Alto summit finish and beyond<\/span><\/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\/J6ndsr3tPvRvRRc5zKigKg-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/J6ndsr3tPvRvRRc5zKigKg-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;We are still careful in speaking this out&#8217; \u2013 Primo\u017e Rogli\u010d in position to strike and win fifth Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a, say Red Bull, but pre-race crash keeps them realistic<\/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\/txLrgsAEFvggkkWcyvZfem-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/txLrgsAEFvggkkWcyvZfem-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;I was like &#8211; what&#8217;s going on, is this a spectator?&#8217; &#8211; Tadej Poga\u010dar surprised by Enric Mas on Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a gravel climb<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The opposite is also true, and one rider who has been off the boil in this year&#8217;s Vuelta compared to 2025 is Jo\u00e3o Almeida. Second last year and even able to outstrip Jonas Vingegaard (Visma-Lease a Bike) at some points in the Vuelta, Almeida has been a shadow of the racer he was in 2025 this year.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;He had a virus at the start of April and May, and he couldn&#8217;t get a good enough training base to be in the Tour,&#8221; Matxin explained. &#8220;The fall he then had in the Tour de Pologne set him back nearly two weeks in terms of training, so he came here happy to help. But now he&#8217;s looking for that base condition and will try and get into breaks in the meantime.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Almeida&#8217;s teammate Jay Vine is another UAE rider who&#8217;s been in increasingly poor shape following his strong start in Sierra Nevada. Matxin described his condition as &#8220;feeling empty &#8211; he was unable to go on, and that&#8217;s all there is.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">But if Vine&#8217;s form has suffered in the second half, heading the opposite direction as the race has progressed, the US rider Kevin Vermaerke has been regularly in the breaks and on the front of the bunch.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;He&#8217;s doing great,&#8221; Matxin says. &#8220;He&#8217;s going well, got a great attitude\u2026 when we ask him to help, he helps, when we ask him to fight for the stage, he fights. We&#8217;re very pleased with him, not just because of his performance, but because of his attitude, and sometimes the attitude is more valuable than the performance.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The UAE rider whom all the fans are thinking about, though, even if he&#8217;s no longer at the Vuelta, is of course Poga\u010dar, but Matxin says they continue to give priority to &#8220;Tadej the person, not Tadej the cyclist.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">There is no news right now on his current date of return, Matxin says, with the focus purely on his recovery from his Vuelta injuries.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">While UAE continue to search for stage wins in the Vuelta &#8211; &#8220;all or any or interesting to us&#8221;, Matxin says, another Slovenian rider, Jacob Omrzel (Bahrain Victorious) has already clinched just such a victory at the summit finish of Calar Alto.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">In the process, aged 20, Omrzel has managed to become the second-youngest ever Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a stage winner &#8211; ahead of Poga\u010dar in 2019 &#8211; and clinch his first ever victory in a Grand Tour.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Matxin, for one, was very impressed.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;He&#8217;s a rider with a big future and if, on top of that, if he keeps on winning stages like he did yesterday against top riders and spending his energy exactly as he needs too, never overdoing it in the break, even more so.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;That goes to show he&#8217;s just strong for his age. He&#8217;s also very intelligent, and he&#8217;s got that extra per cent which only the top riders really have,&#8221; Matxin concluded. &#8220;He&#8217;s definitely a rider to watch.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><strong>For unbeatable coverage across road, gravel and tech, subscribe to Cyclingnews. You&#8217;ll get comprehensive race coverage of La Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a, subscriber-exclusive analysis from our expert columnists, in-depth features and industry-leading tech insight. Plus, the Cyclingnews app lets you follow the action wherever you go! <\/strong><u><strong>Join today.<\/strong><\/u><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-UzpTBdLNLw2fKrzK2fjvKd\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-UzpTBdLNLw2fKrzK2fjvKd 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\/JLYbQXUaN585xQmKbegacC-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JLYbQXUaN585xQmKbegacC-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JLYbQXUaN585xQmKbegacC-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JLYbQXUaN585xQmKbegacC-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JLYbQXUaN585xQmKbegacC-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Tadej has made a big statement&#8217; &#8211; UAE Team Emirates-XRG cautiously delighted with Poga\u010dar&#8217;s knock-out Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a stage win<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vXx3fTTYeYfvhBsZ8FoUhF-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vXx3fTTYeYfvhBsZ8FoUhF-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vXx3fTTYeYfvhBsZ8FoUhF-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vXx3fTTYeYfvhBsZ8FoUhF-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vXx3fTTYeYfvhBsZ8FoUhF-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\">Tadej Poga\u010dar vs the rest \u2013 Our analysis of the top 10 contenders at the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PJzFKS3pwzL4jQkRrF7YDR-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PJzFKS3pwzL4jQkRrF7YDR-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PJzFKS3pwzL4jQkRrF7YDR-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PJzFKS3pwzL4jQkRrF7YDR-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PJzFKS3pwzL4jQkRrF7YDR-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;He doesn&#8217;t always have these kinds of legs&#8217; &#8211; Enric Mas boosts overall lead in Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UkvgrYyTTp7uoHfYjUp9bK-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UkvgrYyTTp7uoHfYjUp9bK-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UkvgrYyTTp7uoHfYjUp9bK-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UkvgrYyTTp7uoHfYjUp9bK-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UkvgrYyTTp7uoHfYjUp9bK-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Enric&#8217;s in the best shape I&#8217;ve ever seen him&#8217; &#8211;  Former Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a winner Alejandro Valverde backs Mas to defend lead on Calar Alto summit finish and beyond<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/J6ndsr3tPvRvRRc5zKigKg-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/J6ndsr3tPvRvRRc5zKigKg-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/J6ndsr3tPvRvRRc5zKigKg-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/J6ndsr3tPvRvRRc5zKigKg-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/J6ndsr3tPvRvRRc5zKigKg-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;We are still careful in speaking this out&#8217; \u2013 Primo\u017e Rogli\u010d in position to strike and win fifth Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a, say Red Bull, but pre-race crash keeps them realistic<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/txLrgsAEFvggkkWcyvZfem-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/txLrgsAEFvggkkWcyvZfem-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/txLrgsAEFvggkkWcyvZfem-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/txLrgsAEFvggkkWcyvZfem-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/txLrgsAEFvggkkWcyvZfem-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I was like &#8211; what&#8217;s going on, is this a spectator?&#8217; &#8211; Tadej Poga\u010dar surprised by Enric Mas on Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a gravel climb<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\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\/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\/nqMV2ufKCe4Cn9HofW6sbQ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nqMV2ufKCe4Cn9HofW6sbQ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nqMV2ufKCe4Cn9HofW6sbQ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nqMV2ufKCe4Cn9HofW6sbQ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nqMV2ufKCe4Cn9HofW6sbQ-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;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<\/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\/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\/nqMV2ufKCe4Cn9HofW6sbQ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nqMV2ufKCe4Cn9HofW6sbQ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nqMV2ufKCe4Cn9HofW6sbQ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nqMV2ufKCe4Cn9HofW6sbQ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nqMV2ufKCe4Cn9HofW6sbQ-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;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<\/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;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<\/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=\"2026-09-04T18:32:21Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n4 September 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Joxean Fern\u00e1ndez Matxin says team&#8217;s top priority remains &#8220;to recover Tadej the person before Tadej the cyclist,&#8221; after Slovenian&#8217;s crash out of Vuelta<\/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 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-c678bfc2-a88e-11f1-99b5-857b0d9ebb21\">The scene around the UAE Team Emirates-XRG bus at the starts and finishes of the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a, compared to a week ago, when Tadej Poga\u010dar was still present, may be much quieter than before. But the squad continues to fight their corner in the race &#8211; and even after Poga\u010dar&#8217;s abandon and the end of their GC options, to stay alert to developments in the overall classification battle.<\/p>\n<p>On that front, Poga\u010dar&#8217;s abandon has seen Enric Mas (Movistar) first inherit the overall lead, but then prove himself more than worthy of holding that position in the two summit finishes that followed.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-c678bfc2-a88e-11f1-99b5-857b0d9ebb21-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Mas now holds a 1:45 advantage on closest chaser Primo\u017e Rogli\u010d (Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe), 45 seconds more than when Poga\u010dar made his untimely exit. Yet with three summit finishes, the first on Saturday at La Pandera, and a long time trial still to come, there are still multiple options for the top spot in Granada on September 13.<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-6 w-full overflow-hidden rounded-[10px] lg:my-8\" data-component-name=\"JwPlayer:Carousel\" data-jwp-carousel data-jwp-carousel-payload=\"{&quot;ids&quot;:{&quot;playerID&quot;:&quot;jYDCcabO&quot;,&quot;searchPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;gwjdoYHD&quot;,&quot;divID&quot;:&quot;botr_gwjdoYHD_jYDCcabO_div&quot;,&quot;fallbackPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;gwjdoYHD&quot;,&quot;fallbackDivID&quot;:&quot;botr_gwjdoYHD_jYDCcabO_div&quot;,&quot;key&quot;:&quot;X9\/mXVGac0NphghLH9hZaqWA5d3dhAM\/Ih07grnEyMLjuO2E&quot;,&quot;tintLogo&quot;:true,&quot;useSearchPlaylist&quot;:false,&quot;enabled&quot;:true},&quot;signPostingEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;signPostingLinkEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;waitForAdLoad&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnDesktop&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnMobile&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnTablet&quot;:false}\">\n<div class=\"flex flex-nowrap items-center justify-between gap-3 bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-header>\n<div class=\"flex min-w-0 shrink items-center\"><span class=\"inline-flex items-center gap-1.5 text-sm font-article-heading capitalize leading-5 text-white whitespace-nowrap\"><span class=\"jwp-carousel-title-desktop\">Latest Videos From<\/span><span class=\"jwp-carousel-brand\">Cyclingnews<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"min-h-[44px] bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting><a class=\"invisible block truncate text-sm font-bold leading-5 text-white underline decoration-solid underline-offset-2\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting-link href target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span data-jwp-carousel-signposting-title>Watch full video here: <\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;For me, Enric is the favourite,&#8221; UAE heads sports director Joxean Fern\u00e1ndez Matxin tells <em>Cyclingnews<\/em>. &#8220;Rogli\u010d is a very important rival, he&#8217;s won the Vuelta four times, he&#8217;s got this race dialled, and that&#8217;s why Enric has so much respect for him.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;But I&#8217;m convinced that Enric is a few percentage points above him right now, not just because of the time gap, but also because of his mentality and motivation. Because he&#8217;s really interested in winning.<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            You may like<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JLYbQXUaN585xQmKbegacC-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JLYbQXUaN585xQmKbegacC-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;Tadej has made a big statement&#8217; &#8211; UAE Team Emirates-XRG cautiously delighted with Poga\u010dar&#8217;s knock-out Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a stage win<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vXx3fTTYeYfvhBsZ8FoUhF-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vXx3fTTYeYfvhBsZ8FoUhF-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\">Tadej Poga\u010dar vs the rest \u2013 Our analysis of the top 10 contenders at the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-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\/PJzFKS3pwzL4jQkRrF7YDR-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PJzFKS3pwzL4jQkRrF7YDR-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;He doesn&#8217;t always have these kinds of legs&#8217; &#8211; Enric Mas boosts overall lead in Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Matxin says he has a good relationship with Mas, a rider whom he&#8217;s known since Mas was racing at Klein Constantia in 2016, the Soudal-QuickStep feeder team, at a time when Matxin was a scout for the WorldTour squad. After Mas turned full-time pro in 2017, the two have continued to cross paths constantly.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;When he knows he can win, he&#8217;s the kind of rider who rises to the occasion. And this is one of them,&#8221; Matxin said. &#8220;So I&#8217;m convinced he&#8217;s going to be a top candidate from now on.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-UzpTBdLNLw2fKrzK2fjvKd\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-UzpTBdLNLw2fKrzK2fjvKd 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;He knows that Rogli\u010d is a very important rival in the time trial, so every day that he can be, he&#8217;ll have to be more aggressive, because he&#8217;s got lots to win and very little to lose.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">There&#8217;s a popular opinion right now that Mas has become a different kind of rider to previous years, but Matxin feels that the 31-year-old remains the same. &#8220;He&#8217;s always been equally good; it&#8217;s just that some moments are not as good as others,&#8221; Matxin reasons.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Not all years and races are different, and we shouldn&#8217;t think that just because a rider has been a long way out of the running in one race, means he can&#8217;t be up there in the next.&#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\/UkvgrYyTTp7uoHfYjUp9bK-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UkvgrYyTTp7uoHfYjUp9bK-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;Enric&#8217;s in the best shape I&#8217;ve ever seen him&#8217; &#8211;  Former Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a winner Alejandro Valverde backs Mas to defend lead on Calar Alto summit finish and beyond<\/span><\/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\/J6ndsr3tPvRvRRc5zKigKg-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/J6ndsr3tPvRvRRc5zKigKg-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;We are still careful in speaking this out&#8217; \u2013 Primo\u017e Rogli\u010d in position to strike and win fifth Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a, say Red Bull, but pre-race crash keeps them realistic<\/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\/txLrgsAEFvggkkWcyvZfem-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/txLrgsAEFvggkkWcyvZfem-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;I was like &#8211; what&#8217;s going on, is this a spectator?&#8217; &#8211; Tadej Poga\u010dar surprised by Enric Mas on Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a gravel climb<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The opposite is also true, and one rider who has been off the boil in this year&#8217;s Vuelta compared to 2025 is Jo\u00e3o Almeida. Second last year and even able to outstrip Jonas Vingegaard (Visma-Lease a Bike) at some points in the Vuelta, Almeida has been a shadow of the racer he was in 2025 this year.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;He had a virus at the start of April and May, and he couldn&#8217;t get a good enough training base to be in the Tour,&#8221; Matxin explained. &#8220;The fall he then had in the Tour de Pologne set him back nearly two weeks in terms of training, so he came here happy to help. But now he&#8217;s looking for that base condition and will try and get into breaks in the meantime.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Almeida&#8217;s teammate Jay Vine is another UAE rider who&#8217;s been in increasingly poor shape following his strong start in Sierra Nevada. Matxin described his condition as &#8220;feeling empty &#8211; he was unable to go on, and that&#8217;s all there is.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">But if Vine&#8217;s form has suffered in the second half, heading the opposite direction as the race has progressed, the US rider Kevin Vermaerke has been regularly in the breaks and on the front of the bunch.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;He&#8217;s doing great,&#8221; Matxin says. &#8220;He&#8217;s going well, got a great attitude\u2026 when we ask him to help, he helps, when we ask him to fight for the stage, he fights. We&#8217;re very pleased with him, not just because of his performance, but because of his attitude, and sometimes the attitude is more valuable than the performance.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The UAE rider whom all the fans are thinking about, though, even if he&#8217;s no longer at the Vuelta, is of course Poga\u010dar, but Matxin says they continue to give priority to &#8220;Tadej the person, not Tadej the cyclist.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">There is no news right now on his current date of return, Matxin says, with the focus purely on his recovery from his Vuelta injuries.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">While UAE continue to search for stage wins in the Vuelta &#8211; &#8220;all or any or interesting to us&#8221;, Matxin says, another Slovenian rider, Jacob Omrzel (Bahrain Victorious) has already clinched just such a victory at the summit finish of Calar Alto.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">In the process, aged 20, Omrzel has managed to become the second-youngest ever Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a stage winner &#8211; ahead of Poga\u010dar in 2019 &#8211; and clinch his first ever victory in a Grand Tour.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Matxin, for one, was very impressed.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;He&#8217;s a rider with a big future and if, on top of that, if he keeps on winning stages like he did yesterday against top riders and spending his energy exactly as he needs too, never overdoing it in the break, even more so.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;That goes to show he&#8217;s just strong for his age. He&#8217;s also very intelligent, and he&#8217;s got that extra per cent which only the top riders really have,&#8221; Matxin concluded. &#8220;He&#8217;s definitely a rider to watch.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><strong>For unbeatable coverage across road, gravel and tech, subscribe to Cyclingnews. You&#8217;ll get comprehensive race coverage of La Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a, subscriber-exclusive analysis from our expert columnists, in-depth features and industry-leading tech insight. Plus, the Cyclingnews app lets you follow the action wherever you go! <\/strong><u><strong>Join today.<\/strong><\/u><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-UzpTBdLNLw2fKrzK2fjvKd\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-UzpTBdLNLw2fKrzK2fjvKd 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\/JLYbQXUaN585xQmKbegacC-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JLYbQXUaN585xQmKbegacC-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JLYbQXUaN585xQmKbegacC-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JLYbQXUaN585xQmKbegacC-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JLYbQXUaN585xQmKbegacC-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Tadej has made a big statement&#8217; &#8211; UAE Team Emirates-XRG cautiously delighted with Poga\u010dar&#8217;s knock-out Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a stage win<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vXx3fTTYeYfvhBsZ8FoUhF-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vXx3fTTYeYfvhBsZ8FoUhF-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vXx3fTTYeYfvhBsZ8FoUhF-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vXx3fTTYeYfvhBsZ8FoUhF-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vXx3fTTYeYfvhBsZ8FoUhF-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\">Tadej Poga\u010dar vs the rest \u2013 Our analysis of the top 10 contenders at the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PJzFKS3pwzL4jQkRrF7YDR-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PJzFKS3pwzL4jQkRrF7YDR-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PJzFKS3pwzL4jQkRrF7YDR-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PJzFKS3pwzL4jQkRrF7YDR-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PJzFKS3pwzL4jQkRrF7YDR-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;He doesn&#8217;t always have these kinds of legs&#8217; &#8211; Enric Mas boosts overall lead in Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UkvgrYyTTp7uoHfYjUp9bK-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UkvgrYyTTp7uoHfYjUp9bK-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UkvgrYyTTp7uoHfYjUp9bK-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UkvgrYyTTp7uoHfYjUp9bK-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UkvgrYyTTp7uoHfYjUp9bK-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Enric&#8217;s in the best shape I&#8217;ve ever seen him&#8217; &#8211;  Former Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a winner Alejandro Valverde backs Mas to defend lead on Calar Alto summit finish and beyond<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/J6ndsr3tPvRvRRc5zKigKg-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/J6ndsr3tPvRvRRc5zKigKg-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/J6ndsr3tPvRvRRc5zKigKg-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/J6ndsr3tPvRvRRc5zKigKg-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/J6ndsr3tPvRvRRc5zKigKg-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;We are still careful in speaking this out&#8217; \u2013 Primo\u017e Rogli\u010d in position to strike and win fifth Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a, say Red Bull, but pre-race crash keeps them realistic<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/txLrgsAEFvggkkWcyvZfem-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/txLrgsAEFvggkkWcyvZfem-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/txLrgsAEFvggkkWcyvZfem-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/txLrgsAEFvggkkWcyvZfem-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/txLrgsAEFvggkkWcyvZfem-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I was like &#8211; what&#8217;s going on, is this a spectator?&#8217; &#8211; Tadej Poga\u010dar surprised by Enric Mas on Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a gravel climb<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\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\/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\/nqMV2ufKCe4Cn9HofW6sbQ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nqMV2ufKCe4Cn9HofW6sbQ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nqMV2ufKCe4Cn9HofW6sbQ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nqMV2ufKCe4Cn9HofW6sbQ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nqMV2ufKCe4Cn9HofW6sbQ-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;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<\/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\/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\/nqMV2ufKCe4Cn9HofW6sbQ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nqMV2ufKCe4Cn9HofW6sbQ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nqMV2ufKCe4Cn9HofW6sbQ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nqMV2ufKCe4Cn9HofW6sbQ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nqMV2ufKCe4Cn9HofW6sbQ-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;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<\/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;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<\/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=\"2026-09-04T18:32:21Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n4 September 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Joxean Fern\u00e1ndez Matxin says team&#8217;s top priority remains &#8220;to recover Tadej the person before Tadej the cyclist,&#8221; after Slovenian&#8217;s crash out of Vuelta<\/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-c678bfc2-a88e-11f1-99b5-857b0d9ebb21\">The scene around the UAE Team Emirates-XRG bus at the starts and finishes of the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a, compared to a week ago, when Tadej Poga\u010dar was still present, may be much quieter than before. But the squad continues to fight their corner in the race &#8211; and even after Poga\u010dar&#8217;s abandon and the end of their GC options, to stay alert to developments in the overall classification battle.<\/p>\n<p>On that front, Poga\u010dar&#8217;s abandon has seen Enric Mas (Movistar) first inherit the overall lead, but then prove himself more than worthy of holding that position in the two summit finishes that followed.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-c678bfc2-a88e-11f1-99b5-857b0d9ebb21-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Mas now holds a 1:45 advantage on closest chaser Primo\u017e Rogli\u010d (Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe), 45 seconds more than when Poga\u010dar made his untimely exit. Yet with three summit finishes, the first on Saturday at La Pandera, and a long time trial still to come, there are still multiple options for the top spot in Granada on September 13.<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-6 w-full overflow-hidden rounded-[10px] lg:my-8\" data-component-name=\"JwPlayer:Carousel\" data-jwp-carousel data-jwp-carousel-payload=\"{&quot;ids&quot;:{&quot;playerID&quot;:&quot;jYDCcabO&quot;,&quot;searchPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;gwjdoYHD&quot;,&quot;divID&quot;:&quot;botr_gwjdoYHD_jYDCcabO_div&quot;,&quot;fallbackPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;gwjdoYHD&quot;,&quot;fallbackDivID&quot;:&quot;botr_gwjdoYHD_jYDCcabO_div&quot;,&quot;key&quot;:&quot;X9\/mXVGac0NphghLH9hZaqWA5d3dhAM\/Ih07grnEyMLjuO2E&quot;,&quot;tintLogo&quot;:true,&quot;useSearchPlaylist&quot;:false,&quot;enabled&quot;:true},&quot;signPostingEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;signPostingLinkEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;waitForAdLoad&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnDesktop&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnMobile&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnTablet&quot;:false}\">\n<div class=\"flex flex-nowrap items-center justify-between gap-3 bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-header>\n<div class=\"flex min-w-0 shrink items-center\"><span class=\"inline-flex items-center gap-1.5 text-sm font-article-heading capitalize leading-5 text-white whitespace-nowrap\"><span class=\"jwp-carousel-title-desktop\">Latest Videos From<\/span><span class=\"jwp-carousel-brand\">Cyclingnews<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"min-h-[44px] bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting><a class=\"invisible block truncate text-sm font-bold leading-5 text-white underline decoration-solid underline-offset-2\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting-link href target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span data-jwp-carousel-signposting-title>Watch full video here: <\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;For me, Enric is the favourite,&#8221; UAE heads sports director Joxean Fern\u00e1ndez Matxin tells <em>Cyclingnews<\/em>. &#8220;Rogli\u010d is a very important rival, he&#8217;s won the Vuelta four times, he&#8217;s got this race dialled, and that&#8217;s why Enric has so much respect for him.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;But I&#8217;m convinced that Enric is a few percentage points above him right now, not just because of the time gap, but also because of his mentality and motivation. Because he&#8217;s really interested in winning.<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            You may like<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JLYbQXUaN585xQmKbegacC-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JLYbQXUaN585xQmKbegacC-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;Tadej has made a big statement&#8217; &#8211; UAE Team Emirates-XRG cautiously delighted with Poga\u010dar&#8217;s knock-out Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a stage win<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vXx3fTTYeYfvhBsZ8FoUhF-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vXx3fTTYeYfvhBsZ8FoUhF-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\">Tadej Poga\u010dar vs the rest \u2013 Our analysis of the top 10 contenders at the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-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\/PJzFKS3pwzL4jQkRrF7YDR-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PJzFKS3pwzL4jQkRrF7YDR-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;He doesn&#8217;t always have these kinds of legs&#8217; &#8211; Enric Mas boosts overall lead in Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Matxin says he has a good relationship with Mas, a rider whom he&#8217;s known since Mas was racing at Klein Constantia in 2016, the Soudal-QuickStep feeder team, at a time when Matxin was a scout for the WorldTour squad. After Mas turned full-time pro in 2017, the two have continued to cross paths constantly.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;When he knows he can win, he&#8217;s the kind of rider who rises to the occasion. And this is one of them,&#8221; Matxin said. &#8220;So I&#8217;m convinced he&#8217;s going to be a top candidate from now on.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-UzpTBdLNLw2fKrzK2fjvKd\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-UzpTBdLNLw2fKrzK2fjvKd 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;He knows that Rogli\u010d is a very important rival in the time trial, so every day that he can be, he&#8217;ll have to be more aggressive, because he&#8217;s got lots to win and very little to lose.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">There&#8217;s a popular opinion right now that Mas has become a different kind of rider to previous years, but Matxin feels that the 31-year-old remains the same. &#8220;He&#8217;s always been equally good; it&#8217;s just that some moments are not as good as others,&#8221; Matxin reasons.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Not all years and races are different, and we shouldn&#8217;t think that just because a rider has been a long way out of the running in one race, means he can&#8217;t be up there in the next.&#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\/UkvgrYyTTp7uoHfYjUp9bK-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UkvgrYyTTp7uoHfYjUp9bK-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;Enric&#8217;s in the best shape I&#8217;ve ever seen him&#8217; &#8211;  Former Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a winner Alejandro Valverde backs Mas to defend lead on Calar Alto summit finish and beyond<\/span><\/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\/J6ndsr3tPvRvRRc5zKigKg-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/J6ndsr3tPvRvRRc5zKigKg-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;We are still careful in speaking this out&#8217; \u2013 Primo\u017e Rogli\u010d in position to strike and win fifth Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a, say Red Bull, but pre-race crash keeps them realistic<\/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\/txLrgsAEFvggkkWcyvZfem-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/txLrgsAEFvggkkWcyvZfem-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;I was like &#8211; what&#8217;s going on, is this a spectator?&#8217; &#8211; Tadej Poga\u010dar surprised by Enric Mas on Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a gravel climb<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The opposite is also true, and one rider who has been off the boil in this year&#8217;s Vuelta compared to 2025 is Jo\u00e3o Almeida. Second last year and even able to outstrip Jonas Vingegaard (Visma-Lease a Bike) at some points in the Vuelta, Almeida has been a shadow of the racer he was in 2025 this year.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;He had a virus at the start of April and May, and he couldn&#8217;t get a good enough training base to be in the Tour,&#8221; Matxin explained. &#8220;The fall he then had in the Tour de Pologne set him back nearly two weeks in terms of training, so he came here happy to help. But now he&#8217;s looking for that base condition and will try and get into breaks in the meantime.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Almeida&#8217;s teammate Jay Vine is another UAE rider who&#8217;s been in increasingly poor shape following his strong start in Sierra Nevada. Matxin described his condition as &#8220;feeling empty &#8211; he was unable to go on, and that&#8217;s all there is.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">But if Vine&#8217;s form has suffered in the second half, heading the opposite direction as the race has progressed, the US rider Kevin Vermaerke has been regularly in the breaks and on the front of the bunch.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;He&#8217;s doing great,&#8221; Matxin says. &#8220;He&#8217;s going well, got a great attitude\u2026 when we ask him to help, he helps, when we ask him to fight for the stage, he fights. We&#8217;re very pleased with him, not just because of his performance, but because of his attitude, and sometimes the attitude is more valuable than the performance.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The UAE rider whom all the fans are thinking about, though, even if he&#8217;s no longer at the Vuelta, is of course Poga\u010dar, but Matxin says they continue to give priority to &#8220;Tadej the person, not Tadej the cyclist.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">There is no news right now on his current date of return, Matxin says, with the focus purely on his recovery from his Vuelta injuries.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">While UAE continue to search for stage wins in the Vuelta &#8211; &#8220;all or any or interesting to us&#8221;, Matxin says, another Slovenian rider, Jacob Omrzel (Bahrain Victorious) has already clinched just such a victory at the summit finish of Calar Alto.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">In the process, aged 20, Omrzel has managed to become the second-youngest ever Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a stage winner &#8211; ahead of Poga\u010dar in 2019 &#8211; and clinch his first ever victory in a Grand Tour.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Matxin, for one, was very impressed.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;He&#8217;s a rider with a big future and if, on top of that, if he keeps on winning stages like he did yesterday against top riders and spending his energy exactly as he needs too, never overdoing it in the break, even more so.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;That goes to show he&#8217;s just strong for his age. He&#8217;s also very intelligent, and he&#8217;s got that extra per cent which only the top riders really have,&#8221; Matxin concluded. &#8220;He&#8217;s definitely a rider to watch.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><strong>For unbeatable coverage across road, gravel and tech, subscribe to Cyclingnews. You&#8217;ll get comprehensive race coverage of La Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a, subscriber-exclusive analysis from our expert columnists, in-depth features and industry-leading tech insight. Plus, the Cyclingnews app lets you follow the action wherever you go! <\/strong><u><strong>Join today.<\/strong><\/u><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/racing\/enric-is-the-favourite-tadej-pogacars-director-at-uae-team-emirates-xrg-names-mas-as-top-candidate-to-win-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\/tLhPqs2f9R6CmEt8EyiZ7i-1024-80.jpg&#8221;] 1 &#8216;We don&#8217;t know if he was racing at 100%&#8217; \u2013 Rival sports director believes Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a leader Poga\u010dar&#8217;s failure to finish solo on stage 6 delivers mixed messages 2 Poga\u010dar&#8217;s crash doesn&#8217;t just put his Worlds defence in doubt, it complicates next season&#8217;s plans \u2013 Sean Kelly&#8217;s Vuelta column 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-2129162","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\/2129162","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=2129162"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2129162\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2129162"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=2129162"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=2129162"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}