{"id":2165919,"date":"2026-09-26T13:55:30","date_gmt":"2026-09-26T10:55:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2165919"},"modified":"2026-09-26T13:55:30","modified_gmt":"2026-09-26T10:55:30","slug":"team-masseur-to-start-world-championships-mens-road-race-as-slovakias-only-rider-after-desperate-situation","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2165919","title":{"rendered":"Team masseur to start World Championships men&#8217;s road race as Slovakia&#8217;s only rider after desperate situation"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yQMiVnAEEukBdE9joN5dg4-2560-80.jpg&#8221;]<\/p>\n<article class=\"m-0 box-border flex flex-row items-center pr-2.5 gap-[15px] w-[278px] h-20 flex-none upnext-article-divider\" role=\"listitem\" aria-label=\"Recommended article 1 of 3\">\n<div class=\"relative flex-none w-20 h-20\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8PkTJPKGrgqMM2cQxQMqxX-160-80.png.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8PkTJPKGrgqMM2cQxQMqxX-80-80.png.webp 80w\" sizes=\"80px\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex items-center justify-center absolute w-4 h-6 left-0 top-0 bg-white\/90 flex-none z-[1]\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"font-normal text-base leading-[17px] tracking-[1.3px] uppercase text-black flex-none\">1<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex flex-col items-center justify-center gap-1.5 w-[173px] h-20 flex-none\">\n<p class=\"font-article-heading font-medium text-base leading-[21px] text-gray-800 w-[173px] line-clamp-3 group-hover:underline\">\n                                    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\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\/6CsumsDa97jomNaVhGcgMX-160-80.jpg.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6CsumsDa97jomNaVhGcgMX-80-80.jpg.webp 80w\" sizes=\"80px\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex items-center justify-center absolute w-[18px] h-6 left-0 top-0 bg-white\/90 flex-none z-[1]\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"font-normal text-base leading-[17px] tracking-[1.3px] uppercase text-black flex-none\">2<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex flex-col items-center justify-center gap-1.5 w-[173px] h-20 flex-none\">\n<p class=\"font-article-heading font-medium text-base leading-[21px] text-gray-800 w-[173px] line-clamp-3 group-hover:underline\">\n                                    &#8216;I don&#8217;t think that solo changes much&#8217; \u2013 Modest Mathieu van der Poel and Wout van Aert unconcerned by jet lag as they head late to World Championships in Canada\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\/uEPvfuLaZwSxv4H4U9psGD-160-80.jpg.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uEPvfuLaZwSxv4H4U9psGD-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                                    World Championships &#8216;favours saving for one big move&#8217; &#8211; Tom Pidcock aiming for &#8216;truly amazing&#8217; road title\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<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>Team masseur to start World Championships men&#8217;s road race as Slovakia&#8217;s only rider after desperate situation<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"vds-byline-block flex flex-row flex-nowrap my-1.5 gap-2 text-left items-start justify-start\" data-component-name=\"Article:BylineBlock\">\n<p>News<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-auto vds-simple-byline\"><span class=\"inline-block vds-author\"><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nJames Moultrie <\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex gap-1 vds-byline-with-avatar__meta\"><span class=\"vds-date block font-normal tracking-normal normal-case text-xs\"><br \/>\nPublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-09-26T13:55:30Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n26 September 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Injuries and racing commitments forces support staff member to save the day, preventing potential loss of UCI points and protecting prospects of young talents<\/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\">\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\/yQMiVnAEEukBdE9joN5dg4-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yQMiVnAEEukBdE9joN5dg4-1600-80.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yQMiVnAEEukBdE9joN5dg4-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yQMiVnAEEukBdE9joN5dg4-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yQMiVnAEEukBdE9joN5dg4-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yQMiVnAEEukBdE9joN5dg4-750-80.jpg.webp 750w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yQMiVnAEEukBdE9joN5dg4-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yQMiVnAEEukBdE9joN5dg4-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yQMiVnAEEukBdE9joN5dg4-320-80.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\">Slovakia have enjoyed a successful Worlds up to this point, winning the U23 women&#8217;s road race and finishing eighth in the men&#8217;s U23 road race with Richard Riska [pictured]<\/span><span class=\"credit font-article-copy\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\"text-copy bodyCopy auto paywall-locker\">\n<div data-analytics-id=\"utility-bar\" id=\"utility-bar\" class=\"font-ui-heading flex justify-between items-center py-2 border-t border-b border-gray-300 border-solid mb-5 mx-auto\" 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class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-share-this-article\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nShare this article\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\"><span class=\"ml-1 inline-flex h-5 px-2 shrink-0 items-center justify-center self-center overflow-hidden whitespace-nowrap rounded-[10px] bg-primary-500 text-[11px] leading-none font-ui-heading font-semibold text-white\">0<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-join-the-conversation\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nJoin the conversation\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<p>Follow us<\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-add-us-as-a-preferred-source-on-google\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nAdd us as a preferred source on Google\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-subscribe-to-our-newsletter\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nSubscribe to our newsletter\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-6a6a7da8-b9a8-11f1-b7a2-e996087e4357\">Alongside the superstars Remco Evenepoel, Mathieu van der Poel and Isaac del Toro on the start line of the World Championships men&#8217;s elite road race on Sunday will be a surprising entry: Vladim\u00edr Kov\u00e1\u010dik, a masseur for the Slovakian national team.<\/p>\n<p>It&#8217;s been a decade since Slovakian superstar Peter Sagan won the second of his three world titles in a row, and while still not one of the major cycling nations, the situation hasn&#8217;t turned that bleak since the all-time great&#8217;s retirement. Slovakia has more than enough talent to be able to field a strong team between the likes of Luk\u00e1\u0161 Kubi\u0161 (Unibet Rose Rockets), Martin Svr\u010dek (Soudal Quick-Step) and Matthias Schwarzbacher (EF Education-EasyPost), but a series of events led them to this being the only solution.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-6a6a7da8-b9a8-11f1-b7a2-e996087e4357-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Their ranking meant they were due to be fielding a four-man team, but between injuries and rider schedules taking priority, they found themselves in an emergency, and a potentially costly one, as not fielding a team could see their national championships drop into the B category for 2027, with a cut to the number of UCI points on offer.<\/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\">Late cancellations left them unable to nominate a replacement, with the window for registration closing on September 11, so they were forced to turn to a member of the support staff to protect the future prospects of Slovakian riders.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;The only nominated racer [for the women&#8217;s race], Nora Jen\u010du\u0161ov\u00e1, had to end the season prematurely due to injuries and adverse health conditions. Likewise, the only relevant nominated men &#8211; Luk\u00e1\u0161 Kubi\u0161, Matthias Schwarzbacher and Martin Svr\u010dek had to cancel their participation at the last moment,&#8221; read a post from the Slovakian federation&#8217;s Instagram.<\/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\/R3YgfY3HbjPaqqyejx6LEo-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/R3YgfY3HbjPaqqyejx6LEo-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;Our tactics will change a lot&#8217; &#8211; Absence of Tadej Poga\u010dar leave Slovenia casting around for other options in 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\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sxjZyPzXUPWQCXYsdn2MYa-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sxjZyPzXUPWQCXYsdn2MYa-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;I&#8217;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<\/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\/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<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Due to the late cancellation of their participation, it was no longer possible to supplement the nomination adequately. Given the UCI rules and the fact that the World Championships are taking place in Canada, the situation was only possible to be resolved through a member of the Slovak team, who was already on site and met the conditions of the start. At the same time, it is not possible to further include U23 in the elite category of quality racers, because they could lose the opportunity to start in their age category.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">A 28-year-old masseur for the national team, Kov\u00e1\u010dik has raced previously, but according to his ProCyclingStats profile, not since 2017. That season he was 32nd in the national time trial championships in Slovakia, and he had raced at Paris-Roubaix juniors the season before that \u2013 though he did not finish.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-UaZrDY92HEGgdqF3f5DJwL\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-UaZrDY92HEGgdqF3f5DJwL 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\">In the women&#8217;s elite road race, they will similarly be fielding only one rider, but the situation hasn&#8217;t been quite as desperate, with Tereza Kurnick\u00e1 taking the start as Jen\u010du\u0161ov\u00e1&#8217;s replacement, a multiple-time Slovakian national champion in mountain biking.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">National coach Jakub Van\u010do explained the consequences in greater detail, stating how essential the points could be for their goal of qualifying for the 2028 LA Olympics, but made sure to stress that the masseur&#8217;s entry was nothing more than a &#8220;formal representation&#8221;.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;For the national champion, the drop is half, for the second one almost two-thirds. We would count the losses in the hundreds. These points are equal to winning a World Tour stage race, which is beyond our capabilities,&#8221; Van\u010do told <em>Sportnet<\/em><\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            What to read next<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/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-[#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\/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<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\/6E9pDrZDWz2kNwVgp9cG56-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6E9pDrZDWz2kNwVgp9cG56-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;We will now be in the third or fourth row of favourites&#8217; \u2013 Slovenia announce squad for Road World Championships with Primo\u017e Rogli\u010d as leader in Tadej Poga\u010dar&#8217;s absence<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;So we have to fulfil our obligation to the UCI to have someone compete in the elite races. Moreover, next year will be a qualifying year for the 2028 Olympics.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Our participation will only be formal. We will have representation in the form of a person who is here and formally meets the conditions and licenses.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Slovakia has performed well throughout the ongoing championships in Montreal, Canada, with top young talent and Visma-Lease a Bike rider Vikt\u00f3ria Chlado\u0148ov\u00e1 winning the women&#8217;s under-23 road race and Richard Ri\u0161ka taking eighth in the equivalent men&#8217;s race. It&#8217;s the future of these riders and the rest of their developing talent that the decision has been made for.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Minimum representation of Slovakia in the Elite category is important in terms of maintaining the ranking and point positions required for future nominations for the World Championships, European Championships and Olympic Games,&#8221; read the post on the federation&#8217;s Instagram.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Although such a solution is not ideal and it is not a decision that we would accept easily, in the current situation it is necessary to preserve start possibilities for prospective Slovak cyclists and cyclists, such as Chlado\u0148ov\u00e1, Kubi\u0161, Schwarzbacher, Ungerov\u00e1, Svr\u010dek, Ri\u0161ka, Nov\u00e1k, Andack\u00e1 and other quality juniors. We therefore believe in understanding this extraordinary situation.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I would like to thank Terka Kurnick\u00e1 and Vlad Kov\u00e1\u010dik for starting in the elite category. With their participation, we will not lose important points that will be useful to us in the future,&#8221; said Chlado\u0148ov\u00e1.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-6a6a7ed4-b9a8-11f1-974a-c74fa1b007be\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><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><u><strong>Join today.<\/strong><\/u><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"block mb-5\" id=\"articleTag\" data-component-name=\"PostArticleLinks\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"post-article-links\">\n<div class=\"border-b border-b-black border-solid py-2.5 text-black font-bold uppercase\">TOPICS<\/div>\n<nav class=\"py-2.5 flex gap-2.5 flex-wrap\" data-analytics-id=\"article-tag\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-tag\">\n<p>Road<\/p>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-UaZrDY92HEGgdqF3f5DJwL\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-UaZrDY92HEGgdqF3f5DJwL slice-container-authorBio\">\n<div class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio slice-container-authorBio\" id=\"slice-container-authorBio\" data-component-name=\"Slice:AuthorBio\">\n<div class=\"author author__default-layout author--separator author--collapsible\" data-author-bio-max-height=\"250\" data-author-bio-read-more=\"Read more\" data-author-bio-read-less=\"Read less\">\n<div class=\"author__header\">\n<div class=\"author__avatar-block\">\n<figure class=\"image-wrapped__wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__widthsetter\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__aspect-padding\">\n<div>\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5kc8nsofmMWAQECTbzYYw9-140-80.jpg.webp 140w\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__heading\">\n<div class=\"author__name\">\n<p>James Moultrie<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__social\">\n<nav class=\"button-social-group author__social-buttons\" aria-labelledby=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">\n<div id=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">\nSocial Links Navigation\n<\/div>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__role\">News Writer<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>James Moultrie is a gold-standard NCTJ journalist who joined\u00a0Cyclingnews\u00a0as a News Writer in 2023 after originally contributing as a freelancer for eight months, during which time he also wrote for Eurosport, Rouleur and Cycling Weekly. Prior to joining the team he reported on races such as Paris-Roubaix and the Giro d\u2019Italia Donne for Eurosport and has interviewed some of the sport\u2019s top riders in Chlo\u00e9 Dygert, Lizzie Deignan and Wout van Aert. Outside of cycling, he spends the majority of his time watching other sports \u2013 rugby, football, cricket, and American Football to name a few.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<div class=\"relative max-w-[1070px] viafoura-twig-component mt-6 mx-4 lg:mx-0\" data-component-name=\"Viafoura:Comments\" data-nosnippet data-community-guidelines-text=\"&lt;p class=&apos;vfcustom-community-guidelines&apos;&gt;Please follow our &lt;a href=&quot;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/about\/#section-community-guidelines&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;community guidelines&lt;\/a&gt;.&lt;\/p&gt;\" data-join-the-conversation-text=\"Join the Conversation\">\n<div class=\"absolute top-0 left-0 w-full h-full flex items-center justify-center z-50 bg-white\/90 border-1 rounded-b-[var(--comment-widget-border-radius,0)]\">\n<div class=\"p-2 text-center\">\n<p class=\"mb-3 text-lg!\">You must confirm your public display name before commenting<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-3 text-sm!\">Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<section class=\"mx-2 my-5 sm:mx-0\">\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-adviser:hybrid\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Read more<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/R3YgfY3HbjPaqqyejx6LEo-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/R3YgfY3HbjPaqqyejx6LEo-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/R3YgfY3HbjPaqqyejx6LEo-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/R3YgfY3HbjPaqqyejx6LEo-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/R3YgfY3HbjPaqqyejx6LEo-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;Our tactics will change a lot&#8217; &#8211; Absence of Tadej Poga\u010dar leave Slovenia casting around for other options in 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\/sxjZyPzXUPWQCXYsdn2MYa-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sxjZyPzXUPWQCXYsdn2MYa-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sxjZyPzXUPWQCXYsdn2MYa-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sxjZyPzXUPWQCXYsdn2MYa-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sxjZyPzXUPWQCXYsdn2MYa-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I&#8217;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<\/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\/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\/6E9pDrZDWz2kNwVgp9cG56-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6E9pDrZDWz2kNwVgp9cG56-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6E9pDrZDWz2kNwVgp9cG56-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6E9pDrZDWz2kNwVgp9cG56-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6E9pDrZDWz2kNwVgp9cG56-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;We will now be in the third or fourth row of favourites&#8217; \u2013 Slovenia announce squad for Road World Championships with Primo\u017e Rogli\u010d as leader in Tadej Poga\u010dar&#8217;s absence<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\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\/uXiYiJczgSr6n4PeyA2txh-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uXiYiJczgSr6n4PeyA2txh-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uXiYiJczgSr6n4PeyA2txh-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uXiYiJczgSr6n4PeyA2txh-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uXiYiJczgSr6n4PeyA2txh-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;Yes, put me in&#8217; &#8211; Riley Sheehan gets his call to compete for USA at Road Worlds hours after finishing GP Montreal and flying to Paris<\/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\/efvC3RGXEF5rCQAYedrpaG-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/efvC3RGXEF5rCQAYedrpaG-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/efvC3RGXEF5rCQAYedrpaG-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/efvC3RGXEF5rCQAYedrpaG-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/efvC3RGXEF5rCQAYedrpaG-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;First day back, last day with rainbow&#8217; \u2013 Tadej Poga\u010dar shows off scar from collarbone surgery as he returns to riding outdoors for the first time since season-ending crash<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mjc7ot2qpohAoKffov2qt-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mjc7ot2qpohAoKffov2qt-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mjc7ot2qpohAoKffov2qt-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mjc7ot2qpohAoKffov2qt-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mjc7ot2qpohAoKffov2qt-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\">Message in a bottle? Belgium get around lack of radios at World Championships with unique strategy<\/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\/MrmfaD9abgHBd8b3BvVpvk-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MrmfaD9abgHBd8b3BvVpvk-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MrmfaD9abgHBd8b3BvVpvk-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MrmfaD9abgHBd8b3BvVpvk-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MrmfaD9abgHBd8b3BvVpvk-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\">Emerging Swiss star Anja Grossmann split between cheering for home squad and &#8216;biggest idol&#8217; Demi Vollering in elite women&#8217;s road race at Montreal 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\/j6Y2gjVCHWSan7nktJGaML-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/j6Y2gjVCHWSan7nktJGaML-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/j6Y2gjVCHWSan7nktJGaML-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/j6Y2gjVCHWSan7nktJGaML-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/j6Y2gjVCHWSan7nktJGaML-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 Tour de Langkawi that has the potential to provide the first answers on Lennart Jasch&#8217;s development into a GC threat<\/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\/y6FJP8wvnZ7tb8wGmz823Z-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/y6FJP8wvnZ7tb8wGmz823Z-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/y6FJP8wvnZ7tb8wGmz823Z-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/y6FJP8wvnZ7tb8wGmz823Z-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/y6FJP8wvnZ7tb8wGmz823Z-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\">Racing defensively not an option for bullish Remco Evenepoel and Wout van Aert in World Championships road race, but it&#8217;s up to Seixas and France &#8216;to make it a long and tough race&#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>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-articletype\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in News<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Mad5vM2S4dN7zeQYpiXyWD-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Mad5vM2S4dN7zeQYpiXyWD-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Mad5vM2S4dN7zeQYpiXyWD-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Mad5vM2S4dN7zeQYpiXyWD-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Mad5vM2S4dN7zeQYpiXyWD-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\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">UCI hits Demi Vollering with hefty fine and yellow card for position on the bike after World Championships triumph in Montreal<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uXiYiJczgSr6n4PeyA2txh-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uXiYiJczgSr6n4PeyA2txh-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uXiYiJczgSr6n4PeyA2txh-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uXiYiJczgSr6n4PeyA2txh-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uXiYiJczgSr6n4PeyA2txh-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;Yes, put me in&#8217; &#8211; Riley Sheehan gets his call to compete for USA at Road Worlds hours after finishing GP Montreal and flying to Paris<\/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\/CrTGuJjP85WjMJoVWT44SA-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CrTGuJjP85WjMJoVWT44SA-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CrTGuJjP85WjMJoVWT44SA-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CrTGuJjP85WjMJoVWT44SA-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CrTGuJjP85WjMJoVWT44SA-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;There is definitely a beauty of having a competitor that&#8217;s so strong&#8217; &#8211; Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney second best in explosive battle against Dutch rival at 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\/vgfSf2RcEkXpRrkgCoLLf-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vgfSf2RcEkXpRrkgCoLLf-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vgfSf2RcEkXpRrkgCoLLf-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vgfSf2RcEkXpRrkgCoLLf-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vgfSf2RcEkXpRrkgCoLLf-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\">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;There were a lot of people racing for second&#8217; \u2013 Frustrated Marlen Reusser rues mistake in World Championships road race after narrowly missing podium in fourth<\/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\/eo5bkmFSY9e4FcpTsoK8ZQ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eo5bkmFSY9e4FcpTsoK8ZQ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eo5bkmFSY9e4FcpTsoK8ZQ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eo5bkmFSY9e4FcpTsoK8ZQ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eo5bkmFSY9e4FcpTsoK8ZQ-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;It&#8217;s the biggest victory of my career&#8217; &#8211; Demi Vollering&#8217;s team-based plan pays off with title in World Championship road race<\/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\/FcQHZ3o5kiSQwp7zAn8fAD-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FcQHZ3o5kiSQwp7zAn8fAD-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FcQHZ3o5kiSQwp7zAn8fAD-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FcQHZ3o5kiSQwp7zAn8fAD-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FcQHZ3o5kiSQwp7zAn8fAD-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;We will just lick our wounds and come back for more&#8217; &#8211; Kate Courtney&#8217;s debut at Road World Championships ends early after crash on fastest part of course<\/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\/j6Y2gjVCHWSan7nktJGaML-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/j6Y2gjVCHWSan7nktJGaML-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/j6Y2gjVCHWSan7nktJGaML-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/j6Y2gjVCHWSan7nktJGaML-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>A Tour de Langkawi that has the potential to provide the first answers on Lennart Jasch&#8217;s development into a GC threat<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">2<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>&#8216;Yes, put me in&#8217; 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&#8211; Kate Courtney&#8217;s debut at Road World Championships ends early after crash on fastest part of course<\/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;It&#8217;s the biggest victory of my career&#8217; &#8211; Demi Vollering&#8217;s team-based plan pays off with title in World Championship road race<\/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<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>Team masseur to start World Championships men&#8217;s road race as Slovakia&#8217;s only rider after desperate situation<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"vds-byline-block flex flex-row flex-nowrap my-1.5 gap-2 text-left items-start justify-start\" data-component-name=\"Article:BylineBlock\">\n<p>News<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-auto vds-simple-byline\"><span class=\"inline-block vds-author\"><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nJames Moultrie <\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex gap-1 vds-byline-with-avatar__meta\"><span class=\"vds-date block font-normal tracking-normal normal-case text-xs\"><br \/>\nPublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-09-26T13:55:30Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n26 September 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Injuries and racing commitments forces support staff member to save the day, preventing potential loss of UCI points and protecting prospects of young talents<\/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\">\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\/yQMiVnAEEukBdE9joN5dg4-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yQMiVnAEEukBdE9joN5dg4-1600-80.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yQMiVnAEEukBdE9joN5dg4-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yQMiVnAEEukBdE9joN5dg4-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yQMiVnAEEukBdE9joN5dg4-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yQMiVnAEEukBdE9joN5dg4-750-80.jpg.webp 750w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yQMiVnAEEukBdE9joN5dg4-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yQMiVnAEEukBdE9joN5dg4-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yQMiVnAEEukBdE9joN5dg4-320-80.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\">Slovakia have enjoyed a successful Worlds up to this point, winning the U23 women&#8217;s road race and finishing eighth in the men&#8217;s U23 road race with Richard Riska [pictured]<\/span><span class=\"credit font-article-copy\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\"text-copy bodyCopy auto paywall-locker\">\n<div data-analytics-id=\"utility-bar\" id=\"utility-bar\" class=\"font-ui-heading flex justify-between items-center py-2 border-t border-b border-gray-300 border-solid mb-5 mx-auto\" 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class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-share-this-article\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nShare this article\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\"><span class=\"ml-1 inline-flex h-5 px-2 shrink-0 items-center justify-center self-center overflow-hidden whitespace-nowrap rounded-[10px] bg-primary-500 text-[11px] leading-none font-ui-heading font-semibold text-white\">0<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-join-the-conversation\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nJoin the conversation\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<p>Follow us<\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-add-us-as-a-preferred-source-on-google\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nAdd us as a preferred source on Google\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-subscribe-to-our-newsletter\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nSubscribe to our newsletter\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-6a6a7da8-b9a8-11f1-b7a2-e996087e4357\">Alongside the superstars Remco Evenepoel, Mathieu van der Poel and Isaac del Toro on the start line of the World Championships men&#8217;s elite road race on Sunday will be a surprising entry: Vladim\u00edr Kov\u00e1\u010dik, a masseur for the Slovakian national team.<\/p>\n<p>It&#8217;s been a decade since Slovakian superstar Peter Sagan won the second of his three world titles in a row, and while still not one of the major cycling nations, the situation hasn&#8217;t turned that bleak since the all-time great&#8217;s retirement. Slovakia has more than enough talent to be able to field a strong team between the likes of Luk\u00e1\u0161 Kubi\u0161 (Unibet Rose Rockets), Martin Svr\u010dek (Soudal Quick-Step) and Matthias Schwarzbacher (EF Education-EasyPost), but a series of events led them to this being the only solution.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-6a6a7da8-b9a8-11f1-b7a2-e996087e4357-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Their ranking meant they were due to be fielding a four-man team, but between injuries and rider schedules taking priority, they found themselves in an emergency, and a potentially costly one, as not fielding a team could see their national championships drop into the B category for 2027, with a cut to the number of UCI points on offer.<\/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\">Late cancellations left them unable to nominate a replacement, with the window for registration closing on September 11, so they were forced to turn to a member of the support staff to protect the future prospects of Slovakian riders.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;The only nominated racer [for the women&#8217;s race], Nora Jen\u010du\u0161ov\u00e1, had to end the season prematurely due to injuries and adverse health conditions. Likewise, the only relevant nominated men &#8211; Luk\u00e1\u0161 Kubi\u0161, Matthias Schwarzbacher and Martin Svr\u010dek had to cancel their participation at the last moment,&#8221; read a post from the Slovakian federation&#8217;s Instagram.<\/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\/R3YgfY3HbjPaqqyejx6LEo-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/R3YgfY3HbjPaqqyejx6LEo-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;Our tactics will change a lot&#8217; &#8211; Absence of Tadej Poga\u010dar leave Slovenia casting around for other options in 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\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sxjZyPzXUPWQCXYsdn2MYa-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sxjZyPzXUPWQCXYsdn2MYa-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;I&#8217;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<\/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\/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<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Due to the late cancellation of their participation, it was no longer possible to supplement the nomination adequately. Given the UCI rules and the fact that the World Championships are taking place in Canada, the situation was only possible to be resolved through a member of the Slovak team, who was already on site and met the conditions of the start. At the same time, it is not possible to further include U23 in the elite category of quality racers, because they could lose the opportunity to start in their age category.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">A 28-year-old masseur for the national team, Kov\u00e1\u010dik has raced previously, but according to his ProCyclingStats profile, not since 2017. That season he was 32nd in the national time trial championships in Slovakia, and he had raced at Paris-Roubaix juniors the season before that \u2013 though he did not finish.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-UaZrDY92HEGgdqF3f5DJwL\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-UaZrDY92HEGgdqF3f5DJwL 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\">In the women&#8217;s elite road race, they will similarly be fielding only one rider, but the situation hasn&#8217;t been quite as desperate, with Tereza Kurnick\u00e1 taking the start as Jen\u010du\u0161ov\u00e1&#8217;s replacement, a multiple-time Slovakian national champion in mountain biking.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">National coach Jakub Van\u010do explained the consequences in greater detail, stating how essential the points could be for their goal of qualifying for the 2028 LA Olympics, but made sure to stress that the masseur&#8217;s entry was nothing more than a &#8220;formal representation&#8221;.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;For the national champion, the drop is half, for the second one almost two-thirds. We would count the losses in the hundreds. These points are equal to winning a World Tour stage race, which is beyond our capabilities,&#8221; Van\u010do told <em>Sportnet<\/em><\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            What to read next<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/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-[#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\/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<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\/6E9pDrZDWz2kNwVgp9cG56-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6E9pDrZDWz2kNwVgp9cG56-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;We will now be in the third or fourth row of favourites&#8217; \u2013 Slovenia announce squad for Road World Championships with Primo\u017e Rogli\u010d as leader in Tadej Poga\u010dar&#8217;s absence<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;So we have to fulfil our obligation to the UCI to have someone compete in the elite races. Moreover, next year will be a qualifying year for the 2028 Olympics.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Our participation will only be formal. We will have representation in the form of a person who is here and formally meets the conditions and licenses.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Slovakia has performed well throughout the ongoing championships in Montreal, Canada, with top young talent and Visma-Lease a Bike rider Vikt\u00f3ria Chlado\u0148ov\u00e1 winning the women&#8217;s under-23 road race and Richard Ri\u0161ka taking eighth in the equivalent men&#8217;s race. It&#8217;s the future of these riders and the rest of their developing talent that the decision has been made for.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Minimum representation of Slovakia in the Elite category is important in terms of maintaining the ranking and point positions required for future nominations for the World Championships, European Championships and Olympic Games,&#8221; read the post on the federation&#8217;s Instagram.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Although such a solution is not ideal and it is not a decision that we would accept easily, in the current situation it is necessary to preserve start possibilities for prospective Slovak cyclists and cyclists, such as Chlado\u0148ov\u00e1, Kubi\u0161, Schwarzbacher, Ungerov\u00e1, Svr\u010dek, Ri\u0161ka, Nov\u00e1k, Andack\u00e1 and other quality juniors. We therefore believe in understanding this extraordinary situation.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I would like to thank Terka Kurnick\u00e1 and Vlad Kov\u00e1\u010dik for starting in the elite category. With their participation, we will not lose important points that will be useful to us in the future,&#8221; said Chlado\u0148ov\u00e1.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-6a6a7ed4-b9a8-11f1-974a-c74fa1b007be\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><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><u><strong>Join today.<\/strong><\/u><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"block mb-5\" id=\"articleTag\" data-component-name=\"PostArticleLinks\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"post-article-links\">\n<div class=\"border-b border-b-black border-solid py-2.5 text-black font-bold uppercase\">TOPICS<\/div>\n<nav class=\"py-2.5 flex gap-2.5 flex-wrap\" data-analytics-id=\"article-tag\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-tag\">\n<p>Road<\/p>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-UaZrDY92HEGgdqF3f5DJwL\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-UaZrDY92HEGgdqF3f5DJwL slice-container-authorBio\">\n<div class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio slice-container-authorBio\" id=\"slice-container-authorBio\" data-component-name=\"Slice:AuthorBio\">\n<div class=\"author author__default-layout author--separator author--collapsible\" data-author-bio-max-height=\"250\" data-author-bio-read-more=\"Read more\" data-author-bio-read-less=\"Read less\">\n<div class=\"author__header\">\n<div class=\"author__avatar-block\">\n<figure class=\"image-wrapped__wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__widthsetter\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__aspect-padding\">\n<div>\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5kc8nsofmMWAQECTbzYYw9-140-80.jpg.webp 140w\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__heading\">\n<div class=\"author__name\">\n<p>James Moultrie<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__social\">\n<nav class=\"button-social-group author__social-buttons\" aria-labelledby=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">\n<div id=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">\nSocial Links Navigation\n<\/div>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__role\">News Writer<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>James Moultrie is a gold-standard NCTJ journalist who joined\u00a0Cyclingnews\u00a0as a News Writer in 2023 after originally contributing as a freelancer for eight months, during which time he also wrote for Eurosport, Rouleur and Cycling Weekly. Prior to joining the team he reported on races such as Paris-Roubaix and the Giro d\u2019Italia Donne for Eurosport and has interviewed some of the sport\u2019s top riders in Chlo\u00e9 Dygert, Lizzie Deignan and Wout van Aert. Outside of cycling, he spends the majority of his time watching other sports \u2013 rugby, football, cricket, and American Football to name a few.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<div class=\"relative max-w-[1070px] viafoura-twig-component mt-6 mx-4 lg:mx-0\" data-component-name=\"Viafoura:Comments\" data-nosnippet data-community-guidelines-text=\"&lt;p class=&apos;vfcustom-community-guidelines&apos;&gt;Please follow our &lt;a href=&quot;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/about\/#section-community-guidelines&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;community guidelines&lt;\/a&gt;.&lt;\/p&gt;\" data-join-the-conversation-text=\"Join the Conversation\">\n<div class=\"absolute top-0 left-0 w-full h-full flex items-center justify-center z-50 bg-white\/90 border-1 rounded-b-[var(--comment-widget-border-radius,0)]\">\n<div class=\"p-2 text-center\">\n<p class=\"mb-3 text-lg!\">You must confirm your public display name before commenting<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-3 text-sm!\">Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<section class=\"mx-2 my-5 sm:mx-0\">\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-adviser:hybrid\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Read more<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/R3YgfY3HbjPaqqyejx6LEo-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/R3YgfY3HbjPaqqyejx6LEo-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/R3YgfY3HbjPaqqyejx6LEo-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/R3YgfY3HbjPaqqyejx6LEo-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/R3YgfY3HbjPaqqyejx6LEo-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;Our tactics will change a lot&#8217; &#8211; Absence of Tadej Poga\u010dar leave Slovenia casting around for other options in 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\/sxjZyPzXUPWQCXYsdn2MYa-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sxjZyPzXUPWQCXYsdn2MYa-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sxjZyPzXUPWQCXYsdn2MYa-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sxjZyPzXUPWQCXYsdn2MYa-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sxjZyPzXUPWQCXYsdn2MYa-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I&#8217;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<\/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\/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\/6E9pDrZDWz2kNwVgp9cG56-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6E9pDrZDWz2kNwVgp9cG56-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6E9pDrZDWz2kNwVgp9cG56-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6E9pDrZDWz2kNwVgp9cG56-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6E9pDrZDWz2kNwVgp9cG56-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;We will now be in the third or fourth row of favourites&#8217; \u2013 Slovenia announce squad for Road World Championships with Primo\u017e Rogli\u010d as leader in Tadej Poga\u010dar&#8217;s absence<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\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\/uXiYiJczgSr6n4PeyA2txh-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uXiYiJczgSr6n4PeyA2txh-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uXiYiJczgSr6n4PeyA2txh-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uXiYiJczgSr6n4PeyA2txh-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uXiYiJczgSr6n4PeyA2txh-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;Yes, put me in&#8217; &#8211; Riley Sheehan gets his call to compete for USA at Road Worlds hours after finishing GP Montreal and flying to Paris<\/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\/efvC3RGXEF5rCQAYedrpaG-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/efvC3RGXEF5rCQAYedrpaG-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/efvC3RGXEF5rCQAYedrpaG-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/efvC3RGXEF5rCQAYedrpaG-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/efvC3RGXEF5rCQAYedrpaG-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;First day back, last day with rainbow&#8217; \u2013 Tadej Poga\u010dar shows off scar from collarbone surgery as he returns to riding outdoors for the first time since season-ending crash<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mjc7ot2qpohAoKffov2qt-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mjc7ot2qpohAoKffov2qt-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mjc7ot2qpohAoKffov2qt-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mjc7ot2qpohAoKffov2qt-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mjc7ot2qpohAoKffov2qt-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\">Message in a bottle? Belgium get around lack of radios at World Championships with unique strategy<\/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\/MrmfaD9abgHBd8b3BvVpvk-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MrmfaD9abgHBd8b3BvVpvk-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MrmfaD9abgHBd8b3BvVpvk-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MrmfaD9abgHBd8b3BvVpvk-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MrmfaD9abgHBd8b3BvVpvk-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\">Emerging Swiss star Anja Grossmann split between cheering for home squad and &#8216;biggest idol&#8217; Demi Vollering in elite women&#8217;s road race at Montreal 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\/j6Y2gjVCHWSan7nktJGaML-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/j6Y2gjVCHWSan7nktJGaML-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/j6Y2gjVCHWSan7nktJGaML-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/j6Y2gjVCHWSan7nktJGaML-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/j6Y2gjVCHWSan7nktJGaML-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 Tour de Langkawi that has the potential to provide the first answers on Lennart Jasch&#8217;s development into a GC threat<\/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\/y6FJP8wvnZ7tb8wGmz823Z-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/y6FJP8wvnZ7tb8wGmz823Z-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/y6FJP8wvnZ7tb8wGmz823Z-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/y6FJP8wvnZ7tb8wGmz823Z-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/y6FJP8wvnZ7tb8wGmz823Z-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\">Racing defensively not an option for bullish Remco Evenepoel and Wout van Aert in World Championships road race, but it&#8217;s up to Seixas and France &#8216;to make it a long and tough race&#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>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-articletype\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in News<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Mad5vM2S4dN7zeQYpiXyWD-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Mad5vM2S4dN7zeQYpiXyWD-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Mad5vM2S4dN7zeQYpiXyWD-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Mad5vM2S4dN7zeQYpiXyWD-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Mad5vM2S4dN7zeQYpiXyWD-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\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">UCI hits Demi Vollering with hefty fine and yellow card for position on the bike after World Championships triumph in Montreal<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uXiYiJczgSr6n4PeyA2txh-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uXiYiJczgSr6n4PeyA2txh-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uXiYiJczgSr6n4PeyA2txh-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uXiYiJczgSr6n4PeyA2txh-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uXiYiJczgSr6n4PeyA2txh-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;Yes, put me in&#8217; &#8211; Riley Sheehan gets his call to compete for USA at Road Worlds hours after finishing GP Montreal and flying to Paris<\/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\/CrTGuJjP85WjMJoVWT44SA-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CrTGuJjP85WjMJoVWT44SA-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CrTGuJjP85WjMJoVWT44SA-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CrTGuJjP85WjMJoVWT44SA-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CrTGuJjP85WjMJoVWT44SA-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;There is definitely a beauty of having a competitor that&#8217;s so strong&#8217; &#8211; Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney second best in explosive battle against Dutch rival at 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\/vgfSf2RcEkXpRrkgCoLLf-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vgfSf2RcEkXpRrkgCoLLf-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vgfSf2RcEkXpRrkgCoLLf-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vgfSf2RcEkXpRrkgCoLLf-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vgfSf2RcEkXpRrkgCoLLf-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\">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;There were a lot of people racing for second&#8217; \u2013 Frustrated Marlen Reusser rues mistake in World Championships road race after narrowly missing podium in fourth<\/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\/eo5bkmFSY9e4FcpTsoK8ZQ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eo5bkmFSY9e4FcpTsoK8ZQ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eo5bkmFSY9e4FcpTsoK8ZQ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eo5bkmFSY9e4FcpTsoK8ZQ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eo5bkmFSY9e4FcpTsoK8ZQ-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;It&#8217;s the biggest victory of my career&#8217; &#8211; Demi Vollering&#8217;s team-based plan pays off with title in World Championship road race<\/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\/FcQHZ3o5kiSQwp7zAn8fAD-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FcQHZ3o5kiSQwp7zAn8fAD-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FcQHZ3o5kiSQwp7zAn8fAD-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FcQHZ3o5kiSQwp7zAn8fAD-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FcQHZ3o5kiSQwp7zAn8fAD-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;We will just lick our wounds and come back for more&#8217; &#8211; Kate Courtney&#8217;s debut at Road World Championships ends early after crash on fastest part of course<\/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\/j6Y2gjVCHWSan7nktJGaML-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/j6Y2gjVCHWSan7nktJGaML-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/j6Y2gjVCHWSan7nktJGaML-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/j6Y2gjVCHWSan7nktJGaML-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>A Tour de Langkawi that has the potential to provide the first answers on Lennart Jasch&#8217;s development into a GC threat<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">2<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>&#8216;Yes, put me in&#8217; 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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\">0<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-join-the-conversation\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nJoin the conversation\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<p>Follow us<\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-add-us-as-a-preferred-source-on-google\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nAdd us as a preferred source on Google\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-subscribe-to-our-newsletter\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nSubscribe to our newsletter\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-6a6a7da8-b9a8-11f1-b7a2-e996087e4357\">Alongside the superstars Remco Evenepoel, Mathieu van der Poel and Isaac del Toro on the start line of the World Championships men&#8217;s elite road race on Sunday will be a surprising entry: Vladim\u00edr Kov\u00e1\u010dik, a masseur for the Slovakian national team.<\/p>\n<p>It&#8217;s been a decade since Slovakian superstar Peter Sagan won the second of his three world titles in a row, and while still not one of the major cycling nations, the situation hasn&#8217;t turned that bleak since the all-time great&#8217;s retirement. Slovakia has more than enough talent to be able to field a strong team between the likes of Luk\u00e1\u0161 Kubi\u0161 (Unibet Rose Rockets), Martin Svr\u010dek (Soudal Quick-Step) and Matthias Schwarzbacher (EF Education-EasyPost), but a series of events led them to this being the only solution.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-6a6a7da8-b9a8-11f1-b7a2-e996087e4357-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Their ranking meant they were due to be fielding a four-man team, but between injuries and rider schedules taking priority, they found themselves in an emergency, and a potentially costly one, as not fielding a team could see their national championships drop into the B category for 2027, with a cut to the number of UCI points on offer.<\/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\">Late cancellations left them unable to nominate a replacement, with the window for registration closing on September 11, so they were forced to turn to a member of the support staff to protect the future prospects of Slovakian riders.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;The only nominated racer [for the women&#8217;s race], Nora Jen\u010du\u0161ov\u00e1, had to end the season prematurely due to injuries and adverse health conditions. Likewise, the only relevant nominated men &#8211; Luk\u00e1\u0161 Kubi\u0161, Matthias Schwarzbacher and Martin Svr\u010dek had to cancel their participation at the last moment,&#8221; read a post from the Slovakian federation&#8217;s Instagram.<\/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\/R3YgfY3HbjPaqqyejx6LEo-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/R3YgfY3HbjPaqqyejx6LEo-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;Our tactics will change a lot&#8217; &#8211; Absence of Tadej Poga\u010dar leave Slovenia casting around for other options in 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\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sxjZyPzXUPWQCXYsdn2MYa-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sxjZyPzXUPWQCXYsdn2MYa-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;I&#8217;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<\/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\/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<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Due to the late cancellation of their participation, it was no longer possible to supplement the nomination adequately. Given the UCI rules and the fact that the World Championships are taking place in Canada, the situation was only possible to be resolved through a member of the Slovak team, who was already on site and met the conditions of the start. At the same time, it is not possible to further include U23 in the elite category of quality racers, because they could lose the opportunity to start in their age category.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">A 28-year-old masseur for the national team, Kov\u00e1\u010dik has raced previously, but according to his ProCyclingStats profile, not since 2017. That season he was 32nd in the national time trial championships in Slovakia, and he had raced at Paris-Roubaix juniors the season before that \u2013 though he did not finish.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-UaZrDY92HEGgdqF3f5DJwL\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-UaZrDY92HEGgdqF3f5DJwL 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\">In the women&#8217;s elite road race, they will similarly be fielding only one rider, but the situation hasn&#8217;t been quite as desperate, with Tereza Kurnick\u00e1 taking the start as Jen\u010du\u0161ov\u00e1&#8217;s replacement, a multiple-time Slovakian national champion in mountain biking.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">National coach Jakub Van\u010do explained the consequences in greater detail, stating how essential the points could be for their goal of qualifying for the 2028 LA Olympics, but made sure to stress that the masseur&#8217;s entry was nothing more than a &#8220;formal representation&#8221;.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;For the national champion, the drop is half, for the second one almost two-thirds. We would count the losses in the hundreds. These points are equal to winning a World Tour stage race, which is beyond our capabilities,&#8221; Van\u010do told <em>Sportnet<\/em><\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            What to read next<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/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-[#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\/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<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\/6E9pDrZDWz2kNwVgp9cG56-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6E9pDrZDWz2kNwVgp9cG56-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;We will now be in the third or fourth row of favourites&#8217; \u2013 Slovenia announce squad for Road World Championships with Primo\u017e Rogli\u010d as leader in Tadej Poga\u010dar&#8217;s absence<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;So we have to fulfil our obligation to the UCI to have someone compete in the elite races. Moreover, next year will be a qualifying year for the 2028 Olympics.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Our participation will only be formal. We will have representation in the form of a person who is here and formally meets the conditions and licenses.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Slovakia has performed well throughout the ongoing championships in Montreal, Canada, with top young talent and Visma-Lease a Bike rider Vikt\u00f3ria Chlado\u0148ov\u00e1 winning the women&#8217;s under-23 road race and Richard Ri\u0161ka taking eighth in the equivalent men&#8217;s race. It&#8217;s the future of these riders and the rest of their developing talent that the decision has been made for.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Minimum representation of Slovakia in the Elite category is important in terms of maintaining the ranking and point positions required for future nominations for the World Championships, European Championships and Olympic Games,&#8221; read the post on the federation&#8217;s Instagram.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Although such a solution is not ideal and it is not a decision that we would accept easily, in the current situation it is necessary to preserve start possibilities for prospective Slovak cyclists and cyclists, such as Chlado\u0148ov\u00e1, Kubi\u0161, Schwarzbacher, Ungerov\u00e1, Svr\u010dek, Ri\u0161ka, Nov\u00e1k, Andack\u00e1 and other quality juniors. We therefore believe in understanding this extraordinary situation.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I would like to thank Terka Kurnick\u00e1 and Vlad Kov\u00e1\u010dik for starting in the elite category. With their participation, we will not lose important points that will be useful to us in the future,&#8221; said Chlado\u0148ov\u00e1.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-6a6a7ed4-b9a8-11f1-974a-c74fa1b007be\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><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><u><strong>Join today.<\/strong><\/u><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/teams-riders\/team-masseur-to-start-world-championships-mens-road-race-as-slovakias-only-rider-after-desperate-situation\/&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yQMiVnAEEukBdE9joN5dg4-2560-80.jpg&#8221;] 1 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 2 &#8216;I don&#8217;t think that solo changes much&#8217; \u2013 Modest Mathieu van der Poel and Wout van Aert unconcerned by jet lag as [&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-2165919","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\/2165919","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=2165919"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2165919\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2165919"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=2165919"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=2165919"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}