{"id":2163071,"date":"2026-09-24T09:26:37","date_gmt":"2026-09-24T06:26:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2163071"},"modified":"2026-09-24T09:26:37","modified_gmt":"2026-09-24T06:26:37","slug":"ive-got-to-make-it-count-toms-skujins-is-a-rider-for-the-big-occasions-and-hes-ready-aim-high-again-at-the-world-championships","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2163071","title":{"rendered":"&#8216;I&#8217;ve got to make it count&#8217; \u2013 Toms Skuji\u0146\u0161 is a rider for the big occasions, and he&#8217;s ready aim high again at the World Championships"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sxjZyPzXUPWQCXYsdn2MYa-2400-80.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\/q2nq2tBaZGoeqrhM3kPSRY-160-80.jpg.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/q2nq2tBaZGoeqrhM3kPSRY-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;It&#8217;s definitive proof that I&#8217;m one of the specialists&#8217; &#8211; Paul Seixas makes his mark on World Championships time trial with podium\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\/CSGdgiHdXY9V3zcw7oFCE6-160-80.jpg.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CSGdgiHdXY9V3zcw7oFCE6-80-80.jpg.webp 80w\" sizes=\"80px\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex items-center justify-center absolute w-[18px] h-6 left-0 top-0 bg-white\/90 flex-none z-[1]\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"font-normal text-base leading-[17px] tracking-[1.3px] uppercase text-black flex-none\">2<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex flex-col items-center justify-center gap-1.5 w-[173px] h-20 flex-none\">\n<p class=\"font-article-heading font-medium text-base leading-[21px] text-gray-800 w-[173px] line-clamp-3 group-hover:underline\">\n                                    From a &#8216;jaded&#8217; retirement to a Montreal do-over \u2013 Mike Woods is bowing out with a fairytale home World Championships appearance\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\/tjxzf8EsCzYu2pgXrkBTKX-160-80.jpg.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tjxzf8EsCzYu2pgXrkBTKX-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                                    France&#8217;s next prodigy and Brazil&#8217;s best chance at a rainbow jersey \u2013 World Championships under-23 men&#8217;s road race contenders\n                                <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"page-content-onecol flex-1\nnews-article article\n\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"widget-area-group widget-area-group-2col flex flex-wrap box-border\">\n<div id=\"widgetArea16\" class=\"widget-area basis-full md:basis-2\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-2-3 page-widget-area-16\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"hero\" id=\"hero\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-hero widget-hero widget-hero-hero widget-hero widget-hero-fter-news\">\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nTeams &amp; Riders\n<\/li>\n<li>\nToms Skujins\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>&#8216;I&#8217;ve got to make it count&#8217; \u2013 Toms Skuji\u0146\u0161 is a rider for the big occasions, and he&#8217;s ready aim high again at the World Championships<\/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>Features<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-auto vds-simple-byline\"><span class=\"inline-block vds-author\"><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nLukas Kn\u00f6fler <\/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=\"2026-09-24T09:26:37Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n24 September 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Latvian rider has proven himself as one of the peloton&#8217;s most consistent Championship riders, but still carries something of an underdog status<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"text-gray-700 flex items-center mx-0 my-5 p-0 justify-start text-left\" id=\"affiliate-disclaimer\" data-component-name=\"AffiliateDisclaimer\" data-hawk-message=\"Affiliate disclaimer removed because hawk deemed there are no affiliate links on this page\">\n<p class=\"text-[color:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--text-color,inherit)] mb-2 text-[length:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--font-size,0.75rem)] leading-[18px] md:text-[13px] [&amp;&gt;a]:text-inherit [&amp;&gt;a]:underline\">\nWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here\u2019s how it works.\n<\/p>\n<\/aside>\n<\/header>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-widget-type=\"contentparsed\" id=\"content\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-contentparsed widget-content widget-contentparsed-content widget-content-parsed widget-content-parsed-content_document \">\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<section class=\"content-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"box less-space hero-image-wrapper\">\n<figure class=\"mb-0\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sxjZyPzXUPWQCXYsdn2MYa-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sxjZyPzXUPWQCXYsdn2MYa-1600-80.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sxjZyPzXUPWQCXYsdn2MYa-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sxjZyPzXUPWQCXYsdn2MYa-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sxjZyPzXUPWQCXYsdn2MYa-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sxjZyPzXUPWQCXYsdn2MYa-750-80.jpg.webp 750w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sxjZyPzXUPWQCXYsdn2MYa-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sxjZyPzXUPWQCXYsdn2MYa-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sxjZyPzXUPWQCXYsdn2MYa-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 600px, 100vw\" \/><figcaption class=\"font-article-copy text-(--image--text--color) font-article-copy mt-2\"><span class=\"caption-text font-article-copy\">Toms Skuji\u0146\u0161 has multiple top 10s at Worlds and Olympics, but is still seen as something of an outside favourite<\/span><span class=\"credit font-article-copy\">(Image credit: Chris Auld\/SWpix.com)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\"text-copy bodyCopy auto paywall-locker\">\n<div data-analytics-id=\"utility-bar\" id=\"utility-bar\" class=\"font-ui-heading flex justify-between items-center py-2 border-t border-b border-gray-300 border-solid mb-5 mx-auto\" data-component-name=\"UtilityBar\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"utility-bar\">\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div data-component-name=\"Social:Dropdown\" role=\"menu\" id=\"utilitybar__dropdown--share\" aria-labelledby=\"utilitybar__button--share\" class=\"absolute left-0 top-full w-44 bg-white rounded-md shadow-md border border-neutral-200 z-[9996] list-none m-0 py-2 px-3 border-solid\">\n<ul class=\"m-0!\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Facebook<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>X<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Pinterest<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Email<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-share-this-article\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nShare this article\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\"><span class=\"ml-1 inline-flex h-5 px-2 shrink-0 items-center justify-center self-center overflow-hidden whitespace-nowrap rounded-[10px] bg-primary-500 text-[11px] leading-none font-ui-heading font-semibold text-white\">1<\/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-34a76dc4-b76a-11f1-a03a-5b645822bb8e\">When Toms Skuji\u0146\u0161 lines up for the World Championships road race in Montreal this weekend., he can take confidence from a string of impressive results he\u2019s achieved wearing the dark red and white national team kit of Latvia. Since 2023, he has finished 8th, 4th, and 5th in the World Championships, as well as 5th in the 2024 Olympic road race in Paris.<\/p>\n<p>The 35-year-old has previous form on the Montreal circuit as well, placing 6th in the GP de Montr\u00e9al for Lidl-Trek in 2024, and he hopes to race for another top result on Sunday.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-34a76dc4-b76a-11f1-a03a-5b645822bb8e-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">For most of his career, Skuji\u0146\u0161 has performed admirably as a strong and dependable domestique supporting his teammates\u2019 ambitions, but occasionally he does get the nod as the supported rider himself. His biggest result is a second place in the 2024 Strade Bianche, finishing behind only an untouchable Tadej Poga\u010dar but beating everyone else.<\/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;It was the first and only time that I\u2019ve had the full support of the team. And without that, I definitely wouldn\u2019t have made it on the podium. It was the first year where I punctured, not just once but twice, and then I crashed, so I also had to change the bike. Without the guys supporting me, I definitely would have not made it back to the peloton [to fight for the podium],&#8221; Skuji\u0146\u0161 looked back on his best trade team result when <em>Cyclingnews<\/em> spoke to him ahead of the GP Quebec earlier this month.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-630a78a4-b7f7-11f1-9393-45889b042510\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kUDsxCUfntWoxuiGnvVVD6-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kUDsxCUfntWoxuiGnvVVD6-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kUDsxCUfntWoxuiGnvVVD6-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kUDsxCUfntWoxuiGnvVVD6-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kUDsxCUfntWoxuiGnvVVD6-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kUDsxCUfntWoxuiGnvVVD6-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Skuji\u0146\u0161 battled through misfortune to take second in Strade Bianche in 2024 <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-630a7912-b7f7-11f1-95a8-b7c40fb0899b\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Racing Worlds or Olympics for the national team, Skuji\u0146\u0161 can plan his preparation for that one big day well in advance, a luxury that he doesn\u2019t have with Lidl-Trek where he isn\u2019t among the out-and-out leaders.<\/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\/zLLbbZMNGwFReCwkUyTZrD-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zLLbbZMNGwFReCwkUyTZrD-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\">A big World Championships warm-up where Poga\u010dar&#8217;s absence opens the field significantly \u2013 Riders to watch at the Grands Prix de Qu\u00e9bec and Montr\u00e9al<\/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\/8PkTJPKGrgqMM2cQxQMqxX-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8PkTJPKGrgqMM2cQxQMqxX-150-80.png.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">A wide open face-off between Evenepoel, Del Toro, Seixas, Van der Poel and more for the rainbow jersey \u2013 Analysing the World Championships elite men&#8217;s road race contenders<\/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\/pkDVJi9MsWHf96JEXtc3sm-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pkDVJi9MsWHf96JEXtc3sm-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\">Small nations, rising stars, and the home advantage \u2013 Eight side quests and subplots to follow at the Montreal World Championships<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;A lot of things in sport are not just physical preparation but the mental side as well. For these races, I know in advance that I will be the leader. With Lidl-Trek, it\u2019s rare that I will know more than a week in advance that I will have a chance at a certain race,&#8221; he explained.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;And even if I get a heads-up in the last week, you can\u2019t change your training. A few years ago [in 2023], I was at home with my daughter, still very young at the time, just the two of us. I was dropping her off [at daycare], changed in the parking lot, went training, changed back in the parking lot, picked her up, went home, made dinner for both of us, and showered only after she went to bed. That was the week leading up to San Sebasti\u00e1n.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-RUCWsf7oiZnf6wmEB6M6PB\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-RUCWsf7oiZnf6wmEB6M6PB 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;A few days before the race, the team was like, you can be the leader. And I\u2019m like, &#8216;This is not the preparation I would have done if I knew this before!&#8217; But still, I finished sixth, my best San Sebasti\u00e1n that I\u2019ve ever done. So of course, once I get the support, most of the time, the results also come.&#8221;<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"39-i-m-not-someone-who-will-demand-the-team-to-ride-for-me-39-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8216;I\u2019m not someone who will demand the team to ride for me&#8217;<\/h2>\n<p id=\"elk-630a79da-b7f7-11f1-8f08-1930625171cf\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Skuji\u0146\u0161\u2019 own character also plays into it, as he isn\u2019t the person to assert leadership ahead of a race, and he made clear he often prefers to ride for a teammate \u2013 which also increases his own chances.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I\u2019m not someone who will demand the team to ride for me. And a lot of times, it is to my advantage to have people look at my teammates as the leaders because then I can take the opportunity,&#8221; he said.<\/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\/zjHmUwnskFuJeTYbEF8aYC-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zjHmUwnskFuJeTYbEF8aYC-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">La Vuelta, Canada, or elsewhere \u2013 Where are the men&#8217;s stars riding in preparation for the Road World Championships?<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#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\/4w3qLesyYvCrGoyJcKfVvi-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4w3qLesyYvCrGoyJcKfVvi-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\">The best riders who have never won at the Road World Championships \u2013 and who could change that in 2026<\/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\/ytKMCAWdoeKoxdomn4dR7V-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ytKMCAWdoeKoxdomn4dR7V-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&#8217;s absence changes everything \u2013 How will World Championships strategies and tactics be rewritten in Montreal?<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Realistically, I\u2019m never going to be able to follow Tadej. For me to beat him, I need something interesting to happen. I need a situation that is out of the ordinary. And I don\u2019t like racing for a sixth place or a top-10, that\u2019s not why I race. I want to race for the win, and I\u2019d rather race for the win with a teammate who can actually win than hope that I can make it into the top 10 myself.&#8221;<\/p>\n<div class=\"fancy-box kiosq-b\" id=\"elk-630a7a34-b7f7-11f1-96b2-15a876b5c0ac\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"fancy_box-title\">Read more<\/div>\n<div class=\"fancy_box_body\">\n<ul>\n<li><strong>&#8216;World champion in the 70+ kilo category&#8217; \u2013 Toms Skuji\u0146\u0161 jokes after taking fifth in World Championships road race<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-630a7a98-b7f7-11f1-93e4-2d60ec9445a4\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">In the Canadian WorldTour races, Skuji\u0146\u0161 performed exactly that role and still finished with a respectable result himself. At the GP de Qu\u00e9bec, he finished 20th in a selective race after supporting his Lidl-Trek teammates Quinn Simmons and Giulio Ciccone who placed 2nd and 5th. In the GP de Montr\u00e9al, Ciccone and Simmons finished 4th and 7th while Skuji\u0146\u0161 crossed the line in 29th place.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">For the Worlds road race, however, Skuji\u0146\u0161 will be the undisputed leader of the Latvian selection, and he wants to be at the pointy end of the race for the rainbow jersey once again.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I am very good at reading a race, it\u2019s definitely my strong suit. The harder the race, the better for me as well. And the races where it becomes man against man are the ones that suit me the most,&#8221; he said.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-630a7af2-b7f7-11f1-af86-3f05b85ddf03\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MQQSdYpzpdwrabn2Gfi2Zm-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MQQSdYpzpdwrabn2Gfi2Zm-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MQQSdYpzpdwrabn2Gfi2Zm-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MQQSdYpzpdwrabn2Gfi2Zm-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MQQSdYpzpdwrabn2Gfi2Zm-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MQQSdYpzpdwrabn2Gfi2Zm-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Skuji\u0146\u0161 in action in last year&#8217;s Worlds road race <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-630a7b56-b7f7-11f1-8181-5de6367524f5\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Latvia is a small country with only three riders in the current men&#8217;s professional peloton: Skuji\u0146\u0161 himself, Em\u012bls Liepi\u0146\u0161 (Pinarello Q36.5), and Krists Neilands (NSN). Only Skuji\u0146\u0161 and Liepi\u0146\u0161 will line up in Montreal, though.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Krists would have been a great asset to have, but unfortunately he\u2019s injured, so I think his season is done. That\u2019s a bit of a blow for us, especially on such a small team, but we\u2019ll keep fighting on,&#8221; Skuji\u0146\u0161 said.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The four-rider team will be completed by two riders from the Continental ranks, the national road race champion M\u0101rti\u0146\u0161 Pluto (Energus) and national ITT champion Kristi\u0101ns Belohvo\u0161\u010diks (Bike Aid), son of ex-pro Raivis Belohvo\u0161\u010diks.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It is kind of a tactical choice to bring four riders. It\u2019s for having our own car, because Worlds is an interesting situation. I remember my first years in Worlds, a lot of times we shared a car with the Slovaks when Sagan was winning all his world titles. It was actually super cool. But if you have control of the car, you can organise yourselves much better. With four riders, we will still have another nation with us, but they will be with us, not us with another nation,&#8221; explained Skuji\u0146\u0161.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"opportunities-for-the-taking-in-montreal-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Opportunities for the taking in Montreal<\/h2>\n<p id=\"elk-630a7c1e-b7f7-11f1-ac5d-d911301c6435\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The Montreal circuit with the 1.8km, 8% climb on the Voie Camillien-Houde through the Parc du Mont-Royal as well as the shorter climbs of the Chemin de Polytechnique and Avenue Pagnuelo and the rise towards the finish line on the Avenue du Parc is hardly ever flat, and this suits both Skuji\u0146\u0161 himself and a smaller team well.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;In Montreal, you can wait, you don\u2019t have to invest as much from a team perspective unless you have the big favourite and you\u2019re controlling the race. You don\u2019t have to invest as many people because in the end it\u2019s the legs that decide,&#8221; he said.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">With Skuji\u0146\u0161 having said he prefers to race for the win, the next question was obvious: Could he repeat the feat of Rom\u0101ns Vain\u0161teins who won the rainbow jersey in Plouay in 2000 and actually win the World Championships?<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I think if Tadej was here, it would have been better for me, honestly. But a lot of things need to go right for me to win Worlds,&#8221; he said.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;You were saying, I\u2019m an outsider. But honestly, if you\u2019ll ask around in the cycling world, they will not think of me as an outsider. I think there\u2019s only a few people that will have noticed my consistency in these races and think that I have a realistic chance. It\u2019s good for me to be a bit of an underdog from a smaller nation because I need the big nations to fight against each other for me to use the opportunity. I\u2019m very much looking forward to it. It\u2019s probably my last Worlds that I go for it, so I\u2019ve got to make it count.&#8221;<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-630a7c8c-b7f7-11f1-bddd-a1c536cfdb90\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gS7ZdKQWp53CMqfGmYoF8H-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gS7ZdKQWp53CMqfGmYoF8H-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gS7ZdKQWp53CMqfGmYoF8H-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gS7ZdKQWp53CMqfGmYoF8H-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gS7ZdKQWp53CMqfGmYoF8H-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gS7ZdKQWp53CMqfGmYoF8H-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-630a7cfa-b7f7-11f1-8577-d58a02b7a2e2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">And even if more people would consider him a real threat, his approach to the race wouldn\u2019t change much.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;In the end, it\u2019s going to be a really tough race either way. Even without Tadej, there\u2019s plenty of strong nations and I\u2019m sure everybody\u2019s talking about how Belgium is going to race and look at them. I like that I\u2019m flying under the radar and luckily plenty of cyclists still think about themselves more than anything else. It works for me.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>Skuji\u0146\u0161 will enter the Montreal Worlds as an outsider. But if things go his way and he finds an opportunity and can anticipate the big favourites\u2019 moves, like Magdeleine Valli\u00e8res did in the women\u2019s elite road race in Kigali last year, another top result, even an improvement on his 4th place from 2024, is very much possible and would not be a surprise.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-630a7d5e-b7f7-11f1-9e7e-a569d974b60b\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><em><strong>Subscribe to Cyclingnews for comprehensive race coverage of both the UCI Road and Gravel World Championships, alongside the final monument of the season, Il Lombardia. Subscribers get unlimited access to 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><\/em><u><em><strong>Join today.<\/strong><\/em><\/u><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"block mb-5\" id=\"articleTag\" data-component-name=\"PostArticleLinks\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"post-article-links\">\n<div class=\"border-b border-b-black border-solid py-2.5 text-black font-bold uppercase\">TOPICS<\/div>\n<nav class=\"py-2.5 flex gap-2.5 flex-wrap\" data-analytics-id=\"article-tag\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-tag\">\n<p>Road<\/p>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-RUCWsf7oiZnf6wmEB6M6PB\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-RUCWsf7oiZnf6wmEB6M6PB 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__heading\">\n<div class=\"author__name\">\n<p>Lukas Kn\u00f6fler<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>Lukas\u00a0Kn\u00f6fler started working in cycling communications in 2013 and has seen the inside of the scene from many angles. Having worked as press officer for teams and races and written for several online and print publications, he has been Cyclingnews\u2019 Women\u2019s WorldTour correspondent since 2018.<\/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\/zLLbbZMNGwFReCwkUyTZrD-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zLLbbZMNGwFReCwkUyTZrD-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zLLbbZMNGwFReCwkUyTZrD-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zLLbbZMNGwFReCwkUyTZrD-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zLLbbZMNGwFReCwkUyTZrD-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\">A big World Championships warm-up where Poga\u010dar&#8217;s absence opens the field significantly \u2013 Riders to watch at the Grands Prix de Qu\u00e9bec and Montr\u00e9al<\/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\/8PkTJPKGrgqMM2cQxQMqxX-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8PkTJPKGrgqMM2cQxQMqxX-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8PkTJPKGrgqMM2cQxQMqxX-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8PkTJPKGrgqMM2cQxQMqxX-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8PkTJPKGrgqMM2cQxQMqxX-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">A wide open face-off between Evenepoel, Del Toro, Seixas, Van der Poel and more for the rainbow jersey \u2013 Analysing the World Championships elite men&#8217;s road race contenders<\/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\/pkDVJi9MsWHf96JEXtc3sm-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pkDVJi9MsWHf96JEXtc3sm-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pkDVJi9MsWHf96JEXtc3sm-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pkDVJi9MsWHf96JEXtc3sm-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pkDVJi9MsWHf96JEXtc3sm-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\">Small nations, rising stars, and the home advantage \u2013 Eight side quests and subplots to follow at the Montreal World Championships<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zjHmUwnskFuJeTYbEF8aYC-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zjHmUwnskFuJeTYbEF8aYC-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zjHmUwnskFuJeTYbEF8aYC-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zjHmUwnskFuJeTYbEF8aYC-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zjHmUwnskFuJeTYbEF8aYC-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">La Vuelta, Canada, or elsewhere \u2013 Where are the men&#8217;s stars riding in preparation for the Road World Championships?<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4w3qLesyYvCrGoyJcKfVvi-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4w3qLesyYvCrGoyJcKfVvi-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4w3qLesyYvCrGoyJcKfVvi-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4w3qLesyYvCrGoyJcKfVvi-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4w3qLesyYvCrGoyJcKfVvi-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\">The best riders who have never won at the Road World Championships \u2013 and who could change that in 2026<\/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\/ytKMCAWdoeKoxdomn4dR7V-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ytKMCAWdoeKoxdomn4dR7V-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ytKMCAWdoeKoxdomn4dR7V-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ytKMCAWdoeKoxdomn4dR7V-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ytKMCAWdoeKoxdomn4dR7V-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&#8217;s absence changes everything \u2013 How will World Championships strategies and tactics be rewritten in Montreal?<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-category\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Teams &amp; Riders<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UR7X2tWYWBbYXPC4VqeVNN-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UR7X2tWYWBbYXPC4VqeVNN-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UR7X2tWYWBbYXPC4VqeVNN-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UR7X2tWYWBbYXPC4VqeVNN-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UR7X2tWYWBbYXPC4VqeVNN-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;If I had the legs, then I would have been alone&#8217; &#8211; Canadian star Isabella Holmgren&#8217;s blueprint for gold turns to silver in women&#8217;s U23 road race at Road Worlds<\/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\/ZuRKjbxrCX6rjeJ4dgEmfC-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZuRKjbxrCX6rjeJ4dgEmfC-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZuRKjbxrCX6rjeJ4dgEmfC-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZuRKjbxrCX6rjeJ4dgEmfC-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZuRKjbxrCX6rjeJ4dgEmfC-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\">Six contract renewals for UAE Team Emirates-XRG as team nears completion of 2027 squad<\/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\/gTrHjzbwtbAU57E8f7TvfP-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gTrHjzbwtbAU57E8f7TvfP-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gTrHjzbwtbAU57E8f7TvfP-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gTrHjzbwtbAU57E8f7TvfP-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gTrHjzbwtbAU57E8f7TvfP-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\">US national champion Ashlin Barry expects long, hard day of &#8216;uncontrolled&#8217; racing at U23 World Championships road race as &#8216;course is on the limit&#8217;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CSGdgiHdXY9V3zcw7oFCE6-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CSGdgiHdXY9V3zcw7oFCE6-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CSGdgiHdXY9V3zcw7oFCE6-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CSGdgiHdXY9V3zcw7oFCE6-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CSGdgiHdXY9V3zcw7oFCE6-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">From a &#8216;jaded&#8217; retirement to a Montreal do-over \u2013 Mike Woods is bowing out with a fairytale home World Championships appearance<\/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\/UxyzDgXKoS6EVqYz6zx3qS-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UxyzDgXKoS6EVqYz6zx3qS-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UxyzDgXKoS6EVqYz6zx3qS-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UxyzDgXKoS6EVqYz6zx3qS-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UxyzDgXKoS6EVqYz6zx3qS-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;No plans&#8217; for Tadej Poga\u010dar to race again in 2026, say UAE Team Emirates-XRG amid European Championships confusion<\/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\/CgVTbUMNV8pmnBTGNynaVY-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CgVTbUMNV8pmnBTGNynaVY-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CgVTbUMNV8pmnBTGNynaVY-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CgVTbUMNV8pmnBTGNynaVY-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CgVTbUMNV8pmnBTGNynaVY-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\">Derek Gee-West withdraws from Sunday&#8217;s road race missing &#8216;once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to represent Canada&#8217; at Road World Championships in Montr\u00e9al<\/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 Features<\/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\/i57Z8fJ5j2mEA8J94MtMPo-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/i57Z8fJ5j2mEA8J94MtMPo-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/i57Z8fJ5j2mEA8J94MtMPo-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/i57Z8fJ5j2mEA8J94MtMPo-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/i57Z8fJ5j2mEA8J94MtMPo-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;When we talk about legacy, things don&#8217;t happen just by a one-off event&#8217; \u2013 One year later, what is the lasting impact of the Kigali World Championships?<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CSGdgiHdXY9V3zcw7oFCE6-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CSGdgiHdXY9V3zcw7oFCE6-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CSGdgiHdXY9V3zcw7oFCE6-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CSGdgiHdXY9V3zcw7oFCE6-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CSGdgiHdXY9V3zcw7oFCE6-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">From a &#8216;jaded&#8217; retirement to a Montreal do-over \u2013 Mike Woods is bowing out with a fairytale home World Championships appearance<\/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\/3rgQr6SG8Zvp7Ds3RUtNQj-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3rgQr6SG8Zvp7Ds3RUtNQj-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3rgQr6SG8Zvp7Ds3RUtNQj-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3rgQr6SG8Zvp7Ds3RUtNQj-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3rgQr6SG8Zvp7Ds3RUtNQj-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\">Two years on from Muriel Furrer&#8217;s death, GPS trackers still haven&#8217;t been introduced to cycling \u2013 Why teams can&#8217;t agree, and what&#8217;s next<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" 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\/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Pro Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;There are two kinds of ages: the number in your passport and your body age&#8217; \u2013 Why are cycling&#8217;s veteran pros refusing to slow down?<\/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\/8gb8L9T2sRorvqQofYmfLW-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8gb8L9T2sRorvqQofYmfLW-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8gb8L9T2sRorvqQofYmfLW-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8gb8L9T2sRorvqQofYmfLW-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8gb8L9T2sRorvqQofYmfLW-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;Truly an exceptional memory&#8217; \u2013\u00a0Eddy Merckx and Genevieve Gambillon look back on 1974 World Championships wins as Montreal&#8217;s Mount Royal climb returns to centre stage<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TB47WbpbjEqfJMDHmyVBig-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TB47WbpbjEqfJMDHmyVBig-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TB47WbpbjEqfJMDHmyVBig-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TB47WbpbjEqfJMDHmyVBig-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TB47WbpbjEqfJMDHmyVBig-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Wheels &amp; Tyres<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Wind tunnel tested: Who makes the fastest deep aero wide gravel wheels?<\/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\/MW76VW5U8wTuyUmM3wvwWQ-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MW76VW5U8wTuyUmM3wvwWQ-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MW76VW5U8wTuyUmM3wvwWQ-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MW76VW5U8wTuyUmM3wvwWQ-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>Spanish DS ejected from World Championships after dramatic speeding on course during Benjam\u00edn Noval&#8217;s victory \u2013 Video<\/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>Colombian pro racer Germ\u00e1n G\u00f3mez Becerra cleared of doping charges by ITA<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div 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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;When we talk about legacy, things don&#8217;t happen just by a one-off event&#8217; \u2013 One year later, what is the lasting impact of the Kigali World Championships?<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"page-content-onecol flex-1\nnews-article article\n\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"widget-area-group widget-area-group-2col flex flex-wrap box-border\">\n<div id=\"widgetArea16\" class=\"widget-area basis-full md:basis-2\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-2-3 page-widget-area-16\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"hero\" id=\"hero\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-hero widget-hero widget-hero-hero widget-hero widget-hero-fter-news\">\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nTeams &amp; Riders\n<\/li>\n<li>\nToms Skujins\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>&#8216;I&#8217;ve got to make it count&#8217; \u2013 Toms Skuji\u0146\u0161 is a rider for the big occasions, and he&#8217;s ready aim high again at the World Championships<\/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>Features<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-auto vds-simple-byline\"><span class=\"inline-block vds-author\"><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nLukas Kn\u00f6fler <\/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=\"2026-09-24T09:26:37Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n24 September 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Latvian rider has proven himself as one of the peloton&#8217;s most consistent Championship riders, but still carries something of an underdog status<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"text-gray-700 flex items-center mx-0 my-5 p-0 justify-start text-left\" id=\"affiliate-disclaimer\" data-component-name=\"AffiliateDisclaimer\" data-hawk-message=\"Affiliate disclaimer removed because hawk deemed there are no affiliate links on this page\">\n<p class=\"text-[color:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--text-color,inherit)] mb-2 text-[length:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--font-size,0.75rem)] leading-[18px] md:text-[13px] [&amp;&gt;a]:text-inherit [&amp;&gt;a]:underline\">\nWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here\u2019s how it works.\n<\/p>\n<\/aside>\n<\/header>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-widget-type=\"contentparsed\" id=\"content\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-contentparsed widget-content widget-contentparsed-content widget-content-parsed widget-content-parsed-content_document \">\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<section class=\"content-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"box less-space hero-image-wrapper\">\n<figure class=\"mb-0\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sxjZyPzXUPWQCXYsdn2MYa-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sxjZyPzXUPWQCXYsdn2MYa-1600-80.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sxjZyPzXUPWQCXYsdn2MYa-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sxjZyPzXUPWQCXYsdn2MYa-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sxjZyPzXUPWQCXYsdn2MYa-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sxjZyPzXUPWQCXYsdn2MYa-750-80.jpg.webp 750w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sxjZyPzXUPWQCXYsdn2MYa-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sxjZyPzXUPWQCXYsdn2MYa-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sxjZyPzXUPWQCXYsdn2MYa-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 600px, 100vw\" \/><figcaption class=\"font-article-copy text-(--image--text--color) font-article-copy mt-2\"><span class=\"caption-text font-article-copy\">Toms Skuji\u0146\u0161 has multiple top 10s at Worlds and Olympics, but is still seen as something of an outside favourite<\/span><span class=\"credit font-article-copy\">(Image credit: Chris Auld\/SWpix.com)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\"text-copy bodyCopy auto paywall-locker\">\n<div data-analytics-id=\"utility-bar\" id=\"utility-bar\" class=\"font-ui-heading flex justify-between items-center py-2 border-t border-b border-gray-300 border-solid mb-5 mx-auto\" data-component-name=\"UtilityBar\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"utility-bar\">\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div data-component-name=\"Social:Dropdown\" role=\"menu\" id=\"utilitybar__dropdown--share\" aria-labelledby=\"utilitybar__button--share\" class=\"absolute left-0 top-full w-44 bg-white rounded-md shadow-md border border-neutral-200 z-[9996] list-none m-0 py-2 px-3 border-solid\">\n<ul class=\"m-0!\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Facebook<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>X<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Pinterest<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Email<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-share-this-article\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nShare this article\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\"><span class=\"ml-1 inline-flex h-5 px-2 shrink-0 items-center justify-center self-center overflow-hidden whitespace-nowrap rounded-[10px] bg-primary-500 text-[11px] leading-none font-ui-heading font-semibold text-white\">1<\/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-34a76dc4-b76a-11f1-a03a-5b645822bb8e\">When Toms Skuji\u0146\u0161 lines up for the World Championships road race in Montreal this weekend., he can take confidence from a string of impressive results he\u2019s achieved wearing the dark red and white national team kit of Latvia. Since 2023, he has finished 8th, 4th, and 5th in the World Championships, as well as 5th in the 2024 Olympic road race in Paris.<\/p>\n<p>The 35-year-old has previous form on the Montreal circuit as well, placing 6th in the GP de Montr\u00e9al for Lidl-Trek in 2024, and he hopes to race for another top result on Sunday.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-34a76dc4-b76a-11f1-a03a-5b645822bb8e-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">For most of his career, Skuji\u0146\u0161 has performed admirably as a strong and dependable domestique supporting his teammates\u2019 ambitions, but occasionally he does get the nod as the supported rider himself. His biggest result is a second place in the 2024 Strade Bianche, finishing behind only an untouchable Tadej Poga\u010dar but beating everyone else.<\/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;It was the first and only time that I\u2019ve had the full support of the team. And without that, I definitely wouldn\u2019t have made it on the podium. It was the first year where I punctured, not just once but twice, and then I crashed, so I also had to change the bike. Without the guys supporting me, I definitely would have not made it back to the peloton [to fight for the podium],&#8221; Skuji\u0146\u0161 looked back on his best trade team result when <em>Cyclingnews<\/em> spoke to him ahead of the GP Quebec earlier this month.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-630a78a4-b7f7-11f1-9393-45889b042510\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kUDsxCUfntWoxuiGnvVVD6-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kUDsxCUfntWoxuiGnvVVD6-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kUDsxCUfntWoxuiGnvVVD6-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kUDsxCUfntWoxuiGnvVVD6-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kUDsxCUfntWoxuiGnvVVD6-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kUDsxCUfntWoxuiGnvVVD6-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Skuji\u0146\u0161 battled through misfortune to take second in Strade Bianche in 2024 <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-630a7912-b7f7-11f1-95a8-b7c40fb0899b\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Racing Worlds or Olympics for the national team, Skuji\u0146\u0161 can plan his preparation for that one big day well in advance, a luxury that he doesn\u2019t have with Lidl-Trek where he isn\u2019t among the out-and-out leaders.<\/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\/zLLbbZMNGwFReCwkUyTZrD-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zLLbbZMNGwFReCwkUyTZrD-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\">A big World Championships warm-up where Poga\u010dar&#8217;s absence opens the field significantly \u2013 Riders to watch at the Grands Prix de Qu\u00e9bec and Montr\u00e9al<\/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\/8PkTJPKGrgqMM2cQxQMqxX-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8PkTJPKGrgqMM2cQxQMqxX-150-80.png.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">A wide open face-off between Evenepoel, Del Toro, Seixas, Van der Poel and more for the rainbow jersey \u2013 Analysing the World Championships elite men&#8217;s road race contenders<\/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\/pkDVJi9MsWHf96JEXtc3sm-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pkDVJi9MsWHf96JEXtc3sm-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\">Small nations, rising stars, and the home advantage \u2013 Eight side quests and subplots to follow at the Montreal World Championships<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;A lot of things in sport are not just physical preparation but the mental side as well. For these races, I know in advance that I will be the leader. With Lidl-Trek, it\u2019s rare that I will know more than a week in advance that I will have a chance at a certain race,&#8221; he explained.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;And even if I get a heads-up in the last week, you can\u2019t change your training. A few years ago [in 2023], I was at home with my daughter, still very young at the time, just the two of us. I was dropping her off [at daycare], changed in the parking lot, went training, changed back in the parking lot, picked her up, went home, made dinner for both of us, and showered only after she went to bed. That was the week leading up to San Sebasti\u00e1n.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-RUCWsf7oiZnf6wmEB6M6PB\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-RUCWsf7oiZnf6wmEB6M6PB 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;A few days before the race, the team was like, you can be the leader. And I\u2019m like, &#8216;This is not the preparation I would have done if I knew this before!&#8217; But still, I finished sixth, my best San Sebasti\u00e1n that I\u2019ve ever done. So of course, once I get the support, most of the time, the results also come.&#8221;<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"39-i-m-not-someone-who-will-demand-the-team-to-ride-for-me-39-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8216;I\u2019m not someone who will demand the team to ride for me&#8217;<\/h2>\n<p id=\"elk-630a79da-b7f7-11f1-8f08-1930625171cf\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Skuji\u0146\u0161\u2019 own character also plays into it, as he isn\u2019t the person to assert leadership ahead of a race, and he made clear he often prefers to ride for a teammate \u2013 which also increases his own chances.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I\u2019m not someone who will demand the team to ride for me. And a lot of times, it is to my advantage to have people look at my teammates as the leaders because then I can take the opportunity,&#8221; he said.<\/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\/zjHmUwnskFuJeTYbEF8aYC-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zjHmUwnskFuJeTYbEF8aYC-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">La Vuelta, Canada, or elsewhere \u2013 Where are the men&#8217;s stars riding in preparation for the Road World Championships?<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#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\/4w3qLesyYvCrGoyJcKfVvi-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4w3qLesyYvCrGoyJcKfVvi-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\">The best riders who have never won at the Road World Championships \u2013 and who could change that in 2026<\/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\/ytKMCAWdoeKoxdomn4dR7V-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ytKMCAWdoeKoxdomn4dR7V-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&#8217;s absence changes everything \u2013 How will World Championships strategies and tactics be rewritten in Montreal?<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Realistically, I\u2019m never going to be able to follow Tadej. For me to beat him, I need something interesting to happen. I need a situation that is out of the ordinary. And I don\u2019t like racing for a sixth place or a top-10, that\u2019s not why I race. I want to race for the win, and I\u2019d rather race for the win with a teammate who can actually win than hope that I can make it into the top 10 myself.&#8221;<\/p>\n<div class=\"fancy-box kiosq-b\" id=\"elk-630a7a34-b7f7-11f1-96b2-15a876b5c0ac\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"fancy_box-title\">Read more<\/div>\n<div class=\"fancy_box_body\">\n<ul>\n<li><strong>&#8216;World champion in the 70+ kilo category&#8217; \u2013 Toms Skuji\u0146\u0161 jokes after taking fifth in World Championships road race<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-630a7a98-b7f7-11f1-93e4-2d60ec9445a4\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">In the Canadian WorldTour races, Skuji\u0146\u0161 performed exactly that role and still finished with a respectable result himself. At the GP de Qu\u00e9bec, he finished 20th in a selective race after supporting his Lidl-Trek teammates Quinn Simmons and Giulio Ciccone who placed 2nd and 5th. In the GP de Montr\u00e9al, Ciccone and Simmons finished 4th and 7th while Skuji\u0146\u0161 crossed the line in 29th place.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">For the Worlds road race, however, Skuji\u0146\u0161 will be the undisputed leader of the Latvian selection, and he wants to be at the pointy end of the race for the rainbow jersey once again.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I am very good at reading a race, it\u2019s definitely my strong suit. The harder the race, the better for me as well. And the races where it becomes man against man are the ones that suit me the most,&#8221; he said.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-630a7af2-b7f7-11f1-af86-3f05b85ddf03\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MQQSdYpzpdwrabn2Gfi2Zm-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MQQSdYpzpdwrabn2Gfi2Zm-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MQQSdYpzpdwrabn2Gfi2Zm-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MQQSdYpzpdwrabn2Gfi2Zm-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MQQSdYpzpdwrabn2Gfi2Zm-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MQQSdYpzpdwrabn2Gfi2Zm-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Skuji\u0146\u0161 in action in last year&#8217;s Worlds road race <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-630a7b56-b7f7-11f1-8181-5de6367524f5\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Latvia is a small country with only three riders in the current men&#8217;s professional peloton: Skuji\u0146\u0161 himself, Em\u012bls Liepi\u0146\u0161 (Pinarello Q36.5), and Krists Neilands (NSN). Only Skuji\u0146\u0161 and Liepi\u0146\u0161 will line up in Montreal, though.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Krists would have been a great asset to have, but unfortunately he\u2019s injured, so I think his season is done. That\u2019s a bit of a blow for us, especially on such a small team, but we\u2019ll keep fighting on,&#8221; Skuji\u0146\u0161 said.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The four-rider team will be completed by two riders from the Continental ranks, the national road race champion M\u0101rti\u0146\u0161 Pluto (Energus) and national ITT champion Kristi\u0101ns Belohvo\u0161\u010diks (Bike Aid), son of ex-pro Raivis Belohvo\u0161\u010diks.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It is kind of a tactical choice to bring four riders. It\u2019s for having our own car, because Worlds is an interesting situation. I remember my first years in Worlds, a lot of times we shared a car with the Slovaks when Sagan was winning all his world titles. It was actually super cool. But if you have control of the car, you can organise yourselves much better. With four riders, we will still have another nation with us, but they will be with us, not us with another nation,&#8221; explained Skuji\u0146\u0161.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"opportunities-for-the-taking-in-montreal-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Opportunities for the taking in Montreal<\/h2>\n<p id=\"elk-630a7c1e-b7f7-11f1-ac5d-d911301c6435\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The Montreal circuit with the 1.8km, 8% climb on the Voie Camillien-Houde through the Parc du Mont-Royal as well as the shorter climbs of the Chemin de Polytechnique and Avenue Pagnuelo and the rise towards the finish line on the Avenue du Parc is hardly ever flat, and this suits both Skuji\u0146\u0161 himself and a smaller team well.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;In Montreal, you can wait, you don\u2019t have to invest as much from a team perspective unless you have the big favourite and you\u2019re controlling the race. You don\u2019t have to invest as many people because in the end it\u2019s the legs that decide,&#8221; he said.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">With Skuji\u0146\u0161 having said he prefers to race for the win, the next question was obvious: Could he repeat the feat of Rom\u0101ns Vain\u0161teins who won the rainbow jersey in Plouay in 2000 and actually win the World Championships?<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I think if Tadej was here, it would have been better for me, honestly. But a lot of things need to go right for me to win Worlds,&#8221; he said.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;You were saying, I\u2019m an outsider. But honestly, if you\u2019ll ask around in the cycling world, they will not think of me as an outsider. I think there\u2019s only a few people that will have noticed my consistency in these races and think that I have a realistic chance. It\u2019s good for me to be a bit of an underdog from a smaller nation because I need the big nations to fight against each other for me to use the opportunity. I\u2019m very much looking forward to it. It\u2019s probably my last Worlds that I go for it, so I\u2019ve got to make it count.&#8221;<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-630a7c8c-b7f7-11f1-bddd-a1c536cfdb90\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gS7ZdKQWp53CMqfGmYoF8H-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gS7ZdKQWp53CMqfGmYoF8H-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gS7ZdKQWp53CMqfGmYoF8H-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gS7ZdKQWp53CMqfGmYoF8H-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gS7ZdKQWp53CMqfGmYoF8H-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gS7ZdKQWp53CMqfGmYoF8H-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-630a7cfa-b7f7-11f1-8577-d58a02b7a2e2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">And even if more people would consider him a real threat, his approach to the race wouldn\u2019t change much.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;In the end, it\u2019s going to be a really tough race either way. Even without Tadej, there\u2019s plenty of strong nations and I\u2019m sure everybody\u2019s talking about how Belgium is going to race and look at them. I like that I\u2019m flying under the radar and luckily plenty of cyclists still think about themselves more than anything else. It works for me.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>Skuji\u0146\u0161 will enter the Montreal Worlds as an outsider. But if things go his way and he finds an opportunity and can anticipate the big favourites\u2019 moves, like Magdeleine Valli\u00e8res did in the women\u2019s elite road race in Kigali last year, another top result, even an improvement on his 4th place from 2024, is very much possible and would not be a surprise.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-630a7d5e-b7f7-11f1-9e7e-a569d974b60b\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><em><strong>Subscribe to Cyclingnews for comprehensive race coverage of both the UCI Road and Gravel World Championships, alongside the final monument of the season, Il Lombardia. Subscribers get unlimited access to 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><\/em><u><em><strong>Join today.<\/strong><\/em><\/u><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"block mb-5\" id=\"articleTag\" data-component-name=\"PostArticleLinks\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"post-article-links\">\n<div class=\"border-b border-b-black border-solid py-2.5 text-black font-bold uppercase\">TOPICS<\/div>\n<nav class=\"py-2.5 flex gap-2.5 flex-wrap\" data-analytics-id=\"article-tag\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-tag\">\n<p>Road<\/p>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-RUCWsf7oiZnf6wmEB6M6PB\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-RUCWsf7oiZnf6wmEB6M6PB 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__heading\">\n<div class=\"author__name\">\n<p>Lukas Kn\u00f6fler<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>Lukas\u00a0Kn\u00f6fler started working in cycling communications in 2013 and has seen the inside of the scene from many angles. Having worked as press officer for teams and races and written for several online and print publications, he has been Cyclingnews\u2019 Women\u2019s WorldTour correspondent since 2018.<\/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\/zLLbbZMNGwFReCwkUyTZrD-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zLLbbZMNGwFReCwkUyTZrD-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zLLbbZMNGwFReCwkUyTZrD-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zLLbbZMNGwFReCwkUyTZrD-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zLLbbZMNGwFReCwkUyTZrD-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\">A big World Championships warm-up where Poga\u010dar&#8217;s absence opens the field significantly \u2013 Riders to watch at the Grands Prix de Qu\u00e9bec and Montr\u00e9al<\/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\/8PkTJPKGrgqMM2cQxQMqxX-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8PkTJPKGrgqMM2cQxQMqxX-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8PkTJPKGrgqMM2cQxQMqxX-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8PkTJPKGrgqMM2cQxQMqxX-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8PkTJPKGrgqMM2cQxQMqxX-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">A wide open face-off between Evenepoel, Del Toro, Seixas, Van der Poel and more for the rainbow jersey \u2013 Analysing the World Championships elite men&#8217;s road race contenders<\/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\/pkDVJi9MsWHf96JEXtc3sm-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pkDVJi9MsWHf96JEXtc3sm-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pkDVJi9MsWHf96JEXtc3sm-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pkDVJi9MsWHf96JEXtc3sm-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pkDVJi9MsWHf96JEXtc3sm-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\">Small nations, rising stars, and the home advantage \u2013 Eight side quests and subplots to follow at the Montreal World Championships<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zjHmUwnskFuJeTYbEF8aYC-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zjHmUwnskFuJeTYbEF8aYC-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zjHmUwnskFuJeTYbEF8aYC-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zjHmUwnskFuJeTYbEF8aYC-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zjHmUwnskFuJeTYbEF8aYC-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">La Vuelta, Canada, or elsewhere \u2013 Where are the men&#8217;s stars riding in preparation for the Road World Championships?<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4w3qLesyYvCrGoyJcKfVvi-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4w3qLesyYvCrGoyJcKfVvi-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4w3qLesyYvCrGoyJcKfVvi-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4w3qLesyYvCrGoyJcKfVvi-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4w3qLesyYvCrGoyJcKfVvi-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\">The best riders who have never won at the Road World Championships \u2013 and who could change that in 2026<\/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\/ytKMCAWdoeKoxdomn4dR7V-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ytKMCAWdoeKoxdomn4dR7V-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ytKMCAWdoeKoxdomn4dR7V-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ytKMCAWdoeKoxdomn4dR7V-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ytKMCAWdoeKoxdomn4dR7V-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&#8217;s absence changes everything \u2013 How will World Championships strategies and tactics be rewritten in Montreal?<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-category\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Teams &amp; Riders<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UR7X2tWYWBbYXPC4VqeVNN-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UR7X2tWYWBbYXPC4VqeVNN-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UR7X2tWYWBbYXPC4VqeVNN-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UR7X2tWYWBbYXPC4VqeVNN-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UR7X2tWYWBbYXPC4VqeVNN-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;If I had the legs, then I would have been alone&#8217; &#8211; Canadian star Isabella Holmgren&#8217;s blueprint for gold turns to silver in women&#8217;s U23 road race at Road Worlds<\/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\/ZuRKjbxrCX6rjeJ4dgEmfC-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZuRKjbxrCX6rjeJ4dgEmfC-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZuRKjbxrCX6rjeJ4dgEmfC-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZuRKjbxrCX6rjeJ4dgEmfC-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZuRKjbxrCX6rjeJ4dgEmfC-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\">Six contract renewals for UAE Team Emirates-XRG as team nears completion of 2027 squad<\/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\/gTrHjzbwtbAU57E8f7TvfP-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gTrHjzbwtbAU57E8f7TvfP-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gTrHjzbwtbAU57E8f7TvfP-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gTrHjzbwtbAU57E8f7TvfP-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gTrHjzbwtbAU57E8f7TvfP-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\">US national champion Ashlin Barry expects long, hard day of &#8216;uncontrolled&#8217; racing at U23 World Championships road race as &#8216;course is on the limit&#8217;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CSGdgiHdXY9V3zcw7oFCE6-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CSGdgiHdXY9V3zcw7oFCE6-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CSGdgiHdXY9V3zcw7oFCE6-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CSGdgiHdXY9V3zcw7oFCE6-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CSGdgiHdXY9V3zcw7oFCE6-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">From a &#8216;jaded&#8217; retirement to a Montreal do-over \u2013 Mike Woods is bowing out with a fairytale home World Championships appearance<\/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\/UxyzDgXKoS6EVqYz6zx3qS-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UxyzDgXKoS6EVqYz6zx3qS-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UxyzDgXKoS6EVqYz6zx3qS-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UxyzDgXKoS6EVqYz6zx3qS-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UxyzDgXKoS6EVqYz6zx3qS-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;No plans&#8217; for Tadej Poga\u010dar to race again in 2026, say UAE Team Emirates-XRG amid European Championships confusion<\/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\/CgVTbUMNV8pmnBTGNynaVY-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CgVTbUMNV8pmnBTGNynaVY-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CgVTbUMNV8pmnBTGNynaVY-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CgVTbUMNV8pmnBTGNynaVY-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CgVTbUMNV8pmnBTGNynaVY-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\">Derek Gee-West withdraws from Sunday&#8217;s road race missing &#8216;once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to represent Canada&#8217; at Road World Championships in Montr\u00e9al<\/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 Features<\/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\/i57Z8fJ5j2mEA8J94MtMPo-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/i57Z8fJ5j2mEA8J94MtMPo-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/i57Z8fJ5j2mEA8J94MtMPo-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/i57Z8fJ5j2mEA8J94MtMPo-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/i57Z8fJ5j2mEA8J94MtMPo-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;When we talk about legacy, things don&#8217;t happen just by a one-off event&#8217; \u2013 One year later, what is the lasting impact of the Kigali World Championships?<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CSGdgiHdXY9V3zcw7oFCE6-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CSGdgiHdXY9V3zcw7oFCE6-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CSGdgiHdXY9V3zcw7oFCE6-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CSGdgiHdXY9V3zcw7oFCE6-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CSGdgiHdXY9V3zcw7oFCE6-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">From a &#8216;jaded&#8217; retirement to a Montreal do-over \u2013 Mike Woods is bowing out with a fairytale home World Championships appearance<\/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\/3rgQr6SG8Zvp7Ds3RUtNQj-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3rgQr6SG8Zvp7Ds3RUtNQj-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3rgQr6SG8Zvp7Ds3RUtNQj-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3rgQr6SG8Zvp7Ds3RUtNQj-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3rgQr6SG8Zvp7Ds3RUtNQj-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\">Two years on from Muriel Furrer&#8217;s death, GPS trackers still haven&#8217;t been introduced to cycling \u2013 Why teams can&#8217;t agree, and what&#8217;s next<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" 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\/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Pro Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;There are two kinds of ages: the number in your passport and your body age&#8217; \u2013 Why are cycling&#8217;s veteran pros refusing to slow down?<\/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\/8gb8L9T2sRorvqQofYmfLW-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8gb8L9T2sRorvqQofYmfLW-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8gb8L9T2sRorvqQofYmfLW-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8gb8L9T2sRorvqQofYmfLW-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8gb8L9T2sRorvqQofYmfLW-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;Truly an exceptional memory&#8217; \u2013\u00a0Eddy Merckx and Genevieve Gambillon look back on 1974 World Championships wins as Montreal&#8217;s Mount Royal climb returns to centre stage<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TB47WbpbjEqfJMDHmyVBig-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TB47WbpbjEqfJMDHmyVBig-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TB47WbpbjEqfJMDHmyVBig-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TB47WbpbjEqfJMDHmyVBig-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TB47WbpbjEqfJMDHmyVBig-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Wheels &amp; Tyres<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Wind tunnel tested: Who makes the fastest deep aero wide gravel wheels?<\/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 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https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MW76VW5U8wTuyUmM3wvwWQ-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MW76VW5U8wTuyUmM3wvwWQ-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>Spanish DS ejected from World Championships after dramatic speeding on course during Benjam\u00edn Noval&#8217;s victory \u2013 Video<\/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>Colombian pro racer Germ\u00e1n G\u00f3mez Becerra cleared of doping charges by ITA<\/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;She might well be the woman to beat&#8217; \u2013 Lotte Kopecky acknowledges Demi Vollering is top World Championships favourite but points to strong field of contenders<\/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>A wide open face-off between Evenepoel, Del Toro, Seixas, Van der Poel and more for the rainbow jersey \u2013 Analysing the World Championships elite men&#8217;s road race contenders<\/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;When we talk about legacy, things don&#8217;t happen just by a one-off event&#8217; \u2013 One year later, what is the lasting impact of the Kigali World Championships?<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nTeams &amp; Riders\n<\/li>\n<li>\nToms Skujins\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>&#8216;I&#8217;ve got to make it count&#8217; \u2013 Toms Skuji\u0146\u0161 is a rider for the big occasions, and he&#8217;s ready aim high again at the World Championships<\/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>Features<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-auto vds-simple-byline\"><span class=\"inline-block vds-author\"><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nLukas Kn\u00f6fler <\/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=\"2026-09-24T09:26:37Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n24 September 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Latvian rider has proven himself as one of the peloton&#8217;s most consistent Championship riders, but still carries something of an underdog status<\/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\" 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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\">1<\/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-34a76dc4-b76a-11f1-a03a-5b645822bb8e\">When Toms Skuji\u0146\u0161 lines up for the World Championships road race in Montreal this weekend., he can take confidence from a string of impressive results he\u2019s achieved wearing the dark red and white national team kit of Latvia. Since 2023, he has finished 8th, 4th, and 5th in the World Championships, as well as 5th in the 2024 Olympic road race in Paris.<\/p>\n<p>The 35-year-old has previous form on the Montreal circuit as well, placing 6th in the GP de Montr\u00e9al for Lidl-Trek in 2024, and he hopes to race for another top result on Sunday.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-34a76dc4-b76a-11f1-a03a-5b645822bb8e-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">For most of his career, Skuji\u0146\u0161 has performed admirably as a strong and dependable domestique supporting his teammates\u2019 ambitions, but occasionally he does get the nod as the supported rider himself. His biggest result is a second place in the 2024 Strade Bianche, finishing behind only an untouchable Tadej Poga\u010dar but beating everyone else.<\/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;It was the first and only time that I\u2019ve had the full support of the team. And without that, I definitely wouldn\u2019t have made it on the podium. It was the first year where I punctured, not just once but twice, and then I crashed, so I also had to change the bike. Without the guys supporting me, I definitely would have not made it back to the peloton [to fight for the podium],&#8221; Skuji\u0146\u0161 looked back on his best trade team result when <em>Cyclingnews<\/em> spoke to him ahead of the GP Quebec earlier this month.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-630a78a4-b7f7-11f1-9393-45889b042510\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kUDsxCUfntWoxuiGnvVVD6-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kUDsxCUfntWoxuiGnvVVD6-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kUDsxCUfntWoxuiGnvVVD6-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kUDsxCUfntWoxuiGnvVVD6-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kUDsxCUfntWoxuiGnvVVD6-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kUDsxCUfntWoxuiGnvVVD6-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Skuji\u0146\u0161 battled through misfortune to take second in Strade Bianche in 2024 <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-630a7912-b7f7-11f1-95a8-b7c40fb0899b\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Racing Worlds or Olympics for the national team, Skuji\u0146\u0161 can plan his preparation for that one big day well in advance, a luxury that he doesn\u2019t have with Lidl-Trek where he isn\u2019t among the out-and-out leaders.<\/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\/zLLbbZMNGwFReCwkUyTZrD-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zLLbbZMNGwFReCwkUyTZrD-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\">A big World Championships warm-up where Poga\u010dar&#8217;s absence opens the field significantly \u2013 Riders to watch at the Grands Prix de Qu\u00e9bec and Montr\u00e9al<\/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\/8PkTJPKGrgqMM2cQxQMqxX-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8PkTJPKGrgqMM2cQxQMqxX-150-80.png.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">A wide open face-off between Evenepoel, Del Toro, Seixas, Van der Poel and more for the rainbow jersey \u2013 Analysing the World Championships elite men&#8217;s road race contenders<\/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\/pkDVJi9MsWHf96JEXtc3sm-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pkDVJi9MsWHf96JEXtc3sm-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\">Small nations, rising stars, and the home advantage \u2013 Eight side quests and subplots to follow at the Montreal World Championships<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;A lot of things in sport are not just physical preparation but the mental side as well. For these races, I know in advance that I will be the leader. With Lidl-Trek, it\u2019s rare that I will know more than a week in advance that I will have a chance at a certain race,&#8221; he explained.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;And even if I get a heads-up in the last week, you can\u2019t change your training. A few years ago [in 2023], I was at home with my daughter, still very young at the time, just the two of us. I was dropping her off [at daycare], changed in the parking lot, went training, changed back in the parking lot, picked her up, went home, made dinner for both of us, and showered only after she went to bed. That was the week leading up to San Sebasti\u00e1n.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-RUCWsf7oiZnf6wmEB6M6PB\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-RUCWsf7oiZnf6wmEB6M6PB 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;A few days before the race, the team was like, you can be the leader. And I\u2019m like, &#8216;This is not the preparation I would have done if I knew this before!&#8217; But still, I finished sixth, my best San Sebasti\u00e1n that I\u2019ve ever done. So of course, once I get the support, most of the time, the results also come.&#8221;<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"39-i-m-not-someone-who-will-demand-the-team-to-ride-for-me-39-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8216;I\u2019m not someone who will demand the team to ride for me&#8217;<\/h2>\n<p id=\"elk-630a79da-b7f7-11f1-8f08-1930625171cf\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Skuji\u0146\u0161\u2019 own character also plays into it, as he isn\u2019t the person to assert leadership ahead of a race, and he made clear he often prefers to ride for a teammate \u2013 which also increases his own chances.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I\u2019m not someone who will demand the team to ride for me. And a lot of times, it is to my advantage to have people look at my teammates as the leaders because then I can take the opportunity,&#8221; he said.<\/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\/zjHmUwnskFuJeTYbEF8aYC-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zjHmUwnskFuJeTYbEF8aYC-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">La Vuelta, Canada, or elsewhere \u2013 Where are the men&#8217;s stars riding in preparation for the Road World Championships?<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#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\/4w3qLesyYvCrGoyJcKfVvi-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4w3qLesyYvCrGoyJcKfVvi-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\">The best riders who have never won at the Road World Championships \u2013 and who could change that in 2026<\/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\/ytKMCAWdoeKoxdomn4dR7V-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ytKMCAWdoeKoxdomn4dR7V-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&#8217;s absence changes everything \u2013 How will World Championships strategies and tactics be rewritten in Montreal?<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Realistically, I\u2019m never going to be able to follow Tadej. For me to beat him, I need something interesting to happen. I need a situation that is out of the ordinary. And I don\u2019t like racing for a sixth place or a top-10, that\u2019s not why I race. I want to race for the win, and I\u2019d rather race for the win with a teammate who can actually win than hope that I can make it into the top 10 myself.&#8221;<\/p>\n<div class=\"fancy-box kiosq-b\" id=\"elk-630a7a34-b7f7-11f1-96b2-15a876b5c0ac\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"fancy_box-title\">Read more<\/div>\n<div class=\"fancy_box_body\">\n<ul>\n<li><strong>&#8216;World champion in the 70+ kilo category&#8217; \u2013 Toms Skuji\u0146\u0161 jokes after taking fifth in World Championships road race<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-630a7a98-b7f7-11f1-93e4-2d60ec9445a4\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">In the Canadian WorldTour races, Skuji\u0146\u0161 performed exactly that role and still finished with a respectable result himself. At the GP de Qu\u00e9bec, he finished 20th in a selective race after supporting his Lidl-Trek teammates Quinn Simmons and Giulio Ciccone who placed 2nd and 5th. In the GP de Montr\u00e9al, Ciccone and Simmons finished 4th and 7th while Skuji\u0146\u0161 crossed the line in 29th place.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">For the Worlds road race, however, Skuji\u0146\u0161 will be the undisputed leader of the Latvian selection, and he wants to be at the pointy end of the race for the rainbow jersey once again.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I am very good at reading a race, it\u2019s definitely my strong suit. The harder the race, the better for me as well. And the races where it becomes man against man are the ones that suit me the most,&#8221; he said.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-630a7af2-b7f7-11f1-af86-3f05b85ddf03\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MQQSdYpzpdwrabn2Gfi2Zm-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MQQSdYpzpdwrabn2Gfi2Zm-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MQQSdYpzpdwrabn2Gfi2Zm-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MQQSdYpzpdwrabn2Gfi2Zm-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MQQSdYpzpdwrabn2Gfi2Zm-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MQQSdYpzpdwrabn2Gfi2Zm-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Skuji\u0146\u0161 in action in last year&#8217;s Worlds road race <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-630a7b56-b7f7-11f1-8181-5de6367524f5\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Latvia is a small country with only three riders in the current men&#8217;s professional peloton: Skuji\u0146\u0161 himself, Em\u012bls Liepi\u0146\u0161 (Pinarello Q36.5), and Krists Neilands (NSN). Only Skuji\u0146\u0161 and Liepi\u0146\u0161 will line up in Montreal, though.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Krists would have been a great asset to have, but unfortunately he\u2019s injured, so I think his season is done. That\u2019s a bit of a blow for us, especially on such a small team, but we\u2019ll keep fighting on,&#8221; Skuji\u0146\u0161 said.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The four-rider team will be completed by two riders from the Continental ranks, the national road race champion M\u0101rti\u0146\u0161 Pluto (Energus) and national ITT champion Kristi\u0101ns Belohvo\u0161\u010diks (Bike Aid), son of ex-pro Raivis Belohvo\u0161\u010diks.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It is kind of a tactical choice to bring four riders. It\u2019s for having our own car, because Worlds is an interesting situation. I remember my first years in Worlds, a lot of times we shared a car with the Slovaks when Sagan was winning all his world titles. It was actually super cool. But if you have control of the car, you can organise yourselves much better. With four riders, we will still have another nation with us, but they will be with us, not us with another nation,&#8221; explained Skuji\u0146\u0161.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"opportunities-for-the-taking-in-montreal-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Opportunities for the taking in Montreal<\/h2>\n<p id=\"elk-630a7c1e-b7f7-11f1-ac5d-d911301c6435\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The Montreal circuit with the 1.8km, 8% climb on the Voie Camillien-Houde through the Parc du Mont-Royal as well as the shorter climbs of the Chemin de Polytechnique and Avenue Pagnuelo and the rise towards the finish line on the Avenue du Parc is hardly ever flat, and this suits both Skuji\u0146\u0161 himself and a smaller team well.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;In Montreal, you can wait, you don\u2019t have to invest as much from a team perspective unless you have the big favourite and you\u2019re controlling the race. You don\u2019t have to invest as many people because in the end it\u2019s the legs that decide,&#8221; he said.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">With Skuji\u0146\u0161 having said he prefers to race for the win, the next question was obvious: Could he repeat the feat of Rom\u0101ns Vain\u0161teins who won the rainbow jersey in Plouay in 2000 and actually win the World Championships?<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I think if Tadej was here, it would have been better for me, honestly. But a lot of things need to go right for me to win Worlds,&#8221; he said.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;You were saying, I\u2019m an outsider. But honestly, if you\u2019ll ask around in the cycling world, they will not think of me as an outsider. I think there\u2019s only a few people that will have noticed my consistency in these races and think that I have a realistic chance. It\u2019s good for me to be a bit of an underdog from a smaller nation because I need the big nations to fight against each other for me to use the opportunity. I\u2019m very much looking forward to it. It\u2019s probably my last Worlds that I go for it, so I\u2019ve got to make it count.&#8221;<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-630a7c8c-b7f7-11f1-bddd-a1c536cfdb90\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gS7ZdKQWp53CMqfGmYoF8H-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gS7ZdKQWp53CMqfGmYoF8H-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gS7ZdKQWp53CMqfGmYoF8H-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gS7ZdKQWp53CMqfGmYoF8H-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gS7ZdKQWp53CMqfGmYoF8H-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gS7ZdKQWp53CMqfGmYoF8H-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-630a7cfa-b7f7-11f1-8577-d58a02b7a2e2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">And even if more people would consider him a real threat, his approach to the race wouldn\u2019t change much.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;In the end, it\u2019s going to be a really tough race either way. Even without Tadej, there\u2019s plenty of strong nations and I\u2019m sure everybody\u2019s talking about how Belgium is going to race and look at them. I like that I\u2019m flying under the radar and luckily plenty of cyclists still think about themselves more than anything else. It works for me.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>Skuji\u0146\u0161 will enter the Montreal Worlds as an outsider. But if things go his way and he finds an opportunity and can anticipate the big favourites\u2019 moves, like Magdeleine Valli\u00e8res did in the women\u2019s elite road race in Kigali last year, another top result, even an improvement on his 4th place from 2024, is very much possible and would not be a surprise.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-630a7d5e-b7f7-11f1-9e7e-a569d974b60b\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><em><strong>Subscribe to Cyclingnews for comprehensive race coverage of both the UCI Road and Gravel World Championships, alongside the final monument of the season, Il Lombardia. Subscribers get unlimited access to 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><\/em><u><em><strong>Join today.<\/strong><\/em><\/u><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/teams-riders\/ive-got-to-make-it-count-toms-skujins-is-a-rider-for-the-big-occasions-and-hes-ready-aim-high-again-at-the-world-championships\/&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sxjZyPzXUPWQCXYsdn2MYa-2400-80.jpg&#8221;] 1 &#8216;It&#8217;s definitive proof that I&#8217;m one of the specialists&#8217; &#8211; Paul Seixas makes his mark on World Championships time trial with podium 2 From a &#8216;jaded&#8217; retirement to a Montreal do-over \u2013 Mike Woods is bowing out with a fairytale home World Championships appearance 3 France&#8217;s next prodigy and Brazil&#8217;s best [&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-2163071","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\/2163071","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=2163071"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2163071\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2163071"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=2163071"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=2163071"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}