{"id":2170054,"date":"2026-09-28T14:37:15","date_gmt":"2026-09-28T11:37:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2170054"},"modified":"2026-09-28T14:37:15","modified_gmt":"2026-09-28T11:37:15","slug":"big-opportunity-abel-balderstone-sets-the-scene-to-make-a-mark-at-le-tour-de-langkawi-ahead-of-transfer-to-uae-team-emirates-xrg","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2170054","title":{"rendered":"&#8216;Big opportunity&#8217; \u2013 Abel Balderstone sets the scene to make a mark at Le Tour de Langkawi ahead of transfer to UAE Team Emirates-XRG"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qKgzRhFsdhVD5nNTnywrkG-2081-80.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\/j6Y2gjVCHWSan7nktJGaML-160-80.jpg.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/j6Y2gjVCHWSan7nktJGaML-80-80.jpg.webp 80w\" sizes=\"80px\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex items-center justify-center absolute w-4 h-6 left-0 top-0 bg-white\/90 flex-none z-[1]\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"font-normal text-base leading-[17px] tracking-[1.3px] uppercase text-black flex-none\">1<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex flex-col items-center justify-center gap-1.5 w-[173px] h-20 flex-none\">\n<p class=\"font-article-heading font-medium text-base leading-[21px] text-gray-800 w-[173px] line-clamp-3 group-hover:underline\">\n                                    A Tour de Langkawi that has the potential to provide the first answers on Lennart Jasch&#8217;s development into a GC threat\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\/SKPDErtoWWzouBCfdQZKzT-160-80.jpg.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SKPDErtoWWzouBCfdQZKzT-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 thought I had it&#8217; \u2013 Riley Pickrell just short of Le Tour de Langkawi opening stage win as he closes out year with Modern Adventure where &#8216;what they sold is exactly what I got&#8217;\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\/BhB55ycJL3WLp4vSnmSCeC-160-80.jpg.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BhB55ycJL3WLp4vSnmSCeC-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                                    Matteo Malucelli reasserts Le Tour de Langkawi sprint power with stage 1 victory in photo finish ahead of Riley Pickrell\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>&#8216;Big opportunity&#8217; \u2013 Abel Balderstone sets the scene to make a mark at Le Tour de Langkawi ahead of transfer to UAE Team Emirates-XRG<\/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 \/>\nSimone Giuliani <\/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=\"2026-09-28T14:37:15Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n28 September 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Spanish rider finishes second after launching early on brutal ascent of Gunung Jerai, with teammate Jan Castellon third<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"text-gray-700 flex items-center mx-0 my-5 p-0 justify-start text-left\" id=\"affiliate-disclaimer\" data-component-name=\"AffiliateDisclaimer\" data-hawk-message=\"Affiliate disclaimer removed because hawk deemed there are no affiliate links on this page\">\n<p class=\"text-[color:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--text-color,inherit)] mb-2 text-[length:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--font-size,0.75rem)] leading-[18px] md:text-[13px] [&amp;&gt;a]:text-inherit [&amp;&gt;a]:underline\">\nWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here\u2019s how it works.\n<\/p>\n<\/aside>\n<\/header>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-widget-type=\"contentparsed\" id=\"content\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-contentparsed widget-content widget-contentparsed-content widget-content-parsed widget-content-parsed-content_document \">\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<section class=\"content-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"box less-space hero-image-wrapper\">\n<figure class=\"mb-0\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qKgzRhFsdhVD5nNTnywrkG-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qKgzRhFsdhVD5nNTnywrkG-1600-80.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qKgzRhFsdhVD5nNTnywrkG-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qKgzRhFsdhVD5nNTnywrkG-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qKgzRhFsdhVD5nNTnywrkG-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qKgzRhFsdhVD5nNTnywrkG-750-80.jpg.webp 750w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qKgzRhFsdhVD5nNTnywrkG-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qKgzRhFsdhVD5nNTnywrkG-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qKgzRhFsdhVD5nNTnywrkG-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\">Abel Balderstone (Caja Rural-Serguros RGA) grits his teeth and pushes through to the finish line on Gunung Jerai to take second place<\/span><span class=\"credit font-article-copy\">(Image credit: Le Tour de Langkawi)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\"text-copy bodyCopy auto paywall-locker\">\n<div data-analytics-id=\"utility-bar\" id=\"utility-bar\" class=\"font-ui-heading flex justify-between items-center py-2 border-t border-b border-gray-300 border-solid mb-5 mx-auto\" data-component-name=\"UtilityBar\" 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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-f80eece6-bb44-11f1-bfca-b3ec4bfb5793\">There are big things ahead for Abel Balderstone, with the Spanish Caja Rural-Seguros RGA rider having signed a contract with UAE Team Emirates-XRG for the next three seasons, but that doesn&#8217;t mean he is resting on his laurels in the meantime.<\/p>\n<p>On Monday&#8217;s stage 2 at Le Tour de Langkawi the 26-year-old laid down a task to his rivals on the lower slopes of Gunung Jerai, going early on the 10.6km climb with an average gradient approaching ten percent but with steep ramps to deliver an extra punch.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-f80eece6-bb44-11f1-bfca-b3ec4bfb5793-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Balderstone and his teammate Jan Castellon, who will be racing for Pinarello Q36.5 from next season, were both part of the leading group that took off on the climb which meant they made a decision.<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-6 w-full overflow-hidden rounded-[10px] lg:my-8\" data-component-name=\"JwPlayer:Carousel\" data-jwp-carousel data-jwp-carousel-payload=\"{&quot;ids&quot;:{&quot;playerID&quot;:&quot;jYDCcabO&quot;,&quot;searchPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;gwjdoYHD&quot;,&quot;divID&quot;:&quot;botr_gwjdoYHD_jYDCcabO_div&quot;,&quot;fallbackPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;gwjdoYHD&quot;,&quot;fallbackDivID&quot;:&quot;botr_gwjdoYHD_jYDCcabO_div&quot;,&quot;key&quot;:&quot;X9\/mXVGac0NphghLH9hZaqWA5d3dhAM\/Ih07grnEyMLjuO2E&quot;,&quot;tintLogo&quot;:true,&quot;useSearchPlaylist&quot;:false,&quot;enabled&quot;:true},&quot;signPostingEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;signPostingLinkEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;waitForAdLoad&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnDesktop&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnMobile&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnTablet&quot;:false}\">\n<div class=\"flex flex-nowrap items-center justify-between gap-3 bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-header>\n<div class=\"flex min-w-0 shrink items-center\"><span class=\"inline-flex items-center gap-1.5 text-sm font-article-heading capitalize leading-5 text-white whitespace-nowrap\"><span class=\"jwp-carousel-title-desktop\">Latest Videos From<\/span><span class=\"jwp-carousel-brand\">Cyclingnews<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"min-h-[44px] bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting><a class=\"invisible block truncate text-sm font-bold leading-5 text-white underline decoration-solid underline-offset-2\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting-link href target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span data-jwp-carousel-signposting-title>Watch full video here: <\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;We were two, and we decided that one would attack and another stay behind,&#8221; Balderstone told <em>Cyclingnews<\/em> at the top of the climb.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">It looked for quite some time like that may have been the winning plan, with Balderstone appearing unflappable as rode on alone toward the top. But then Lennart Jasch (Tudor Pro Cycling) leapt out of the group and made the junction before pushing on alone with a powerful turn of pace.<\/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\/L7jVF4Xg8bmwqFk9LoQQWc-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/L7jVF4Xg8bmwqFk9LoQQWc-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\">Abel Balderstone breaks contract to join UAE Team Emirates-XRG<\/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\/6MgRn3Ss4PBZAPDcaJ9mSj-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6MgRn3Ss4PBZAPDcaJ9mSj-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\">Lennart Jasch charges to top of Gunung Jerai to claim stage 2 of Le Tour de Langkawi and leap into the overall lead<\/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\/bQgUx2k93XB6Qim9qrgBeG-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bQgUx2k93XB6Qim9qrgBeG-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\">\u2018Everyone wants to be in UAE Team Emirates-XRG, you can decide how the race happens\u2019 \u2013 Tables turn at Tour de France as Wellens and McNulty become breakaway riders<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;The last one kilometer, I was very dead, and I did the most I can,&#8221; said Balderstone<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The Spanish rider added in a media statement from the Caja Rural-Seguros RGA team that he was ; &#8220;A little disappointed to finish second after leading for much of the climb, but I have to admit the Tudor rider was stronger.&#8221;<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-SoFC79Honi4gghgzeckn9n\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-SoFC79Honi4gghgzeckn9n 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\">Still Balderstone held firm in second, crossing the line just 16 seconds back from Jasch, while teammate Castellon crossed the line 32 seconds back from the winning time, and also with a 32 second advantage to the fourth-placed Jos\u00e9 Manuel Diaz (Burgos Burpellet BH). With time bonuses factored in Balderstone is now 20 seconds back from Jasch on the general classification and Castellon 38 seconds in arrears, and there are no other rivals within a minute.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">On top of that the rider is content with his form, having raced Vuelta a Burgos since the Tour de France and also &#8220;preparing really well&#8221; through August and September.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">What&#8217;s more, this was just the first volley in the ongoing match, with the finish at the top of the category one climb on Monday soon to be followed by the HC summit finishes at the Cameron and Genting Highlands on stage 4 and 5.<\/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\/j6Y2gjVCHWSan7nktJGaML-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/j6Y2gjVCHWSan7nktJGaML-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">A Tour de Langkawi that has the potential to provide the first answers on Lennart Jasch&#8217;s development into a GC threat<\/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\/jRFoBaVYmfkfFkPh9gyGcX-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jRFoBaVYmfkfFkPh9gyGcX-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;Crazy good&#8217; &#8211; UAE Team Emirates-XRG&#8217;s perfect mountain strategy puts Tadej Poga\u010dar within reach of fifth Tour de France title<\/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\/u9UuYeqv9RGqM23uTbJXx9-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/u9UuYeqv9RGqM23uTbJXx9-150-80.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;A good day to try something&#8217; &#8211; Felix Gall upbeat after aggressive final ascent at Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I think we have a big opportunity in the two climbing stages with Jan or with me and we have to try it, and try to win a stage and win the GC,&#8221; Balderstone told <em>Cyclingnews<\/em>, adding that the longer climbs should suit both of them better.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">After that, regardless of the outcome, there is another big prize ahead for Balderstone as after his final races with Caja Rural-Seguros RGA, the team where he started his career, he will be preparing to pull on a new kit, the one that belongs to the world&#8217;s number one team and the squad of Tadej Poga\u010dar, UAE Team Emirates-XRG.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It&#8217;s a dream for me going to this big team,&#8221; said Balderstone. &#8220;I&#8217;m happy and anxious to go there and start the year with them.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">*<em>Cyclingnews attended Le Tour de Langkawi on an invitation\/media package from the race that included travel and accommodation. In line with our editorial standards, our coverage is independent and was not subject to review, approval or influence by the organiser or any sponsor; no favourable coverage was promised or given in return.<\/em><\/p>\n<p 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-SoFC79Honi4gghgzeckn9n\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-SoFC79Honi4gghgzeckn9n 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\/RUKCQmBBgAFRGkijgpLyah-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>Simone Giuliani<\/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\">Australia Editor<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>Simone is a degree-qualified journalist that has accumulated decades of wide-ranging experience while working across a variety of leading media organisations. She joined <em>Cyclingnews<\/em> as a Production Editor at the start of the 2021 season and has now moved into the role of Australia Editor. Previously she worked as a freelance writer, Australian Editor at <em>Ella CyclingTips<\/em> and as a correspondent for <em>Reuters<\/em> and <em>Bloomberg<\/em>. Cycling was initially purely a leisure pursuit for Simone, who started out as a business journalist, but in 2015 her career focus also shifted to the sport.<\/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\/L7jVF4Xg8bmwqFk9LoQQWc-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/L7jVF4Xg8bmwqFk9LoQQWc-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/L7jVF4Xg8bmwqFk9LoQQWc-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/L7jVF4Xg8bmwqFk9LoQQWc-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/L7jVF4Xg8bmwqFk9LoQQWc-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\">Transfers<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Abel Balderstone breaks contract to join UAE Team Emirates-XRG<\/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\/6MgRn3Ss4PBZAPDcaJ9mSj-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6MgRn3Ss4PBZAPDcaJ9mSj-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6MgRn3Ss4PBZAPDcaJ9mSj-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6MgRn3Ss4PBZAPDcaJ9mSj-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6MgRn3Ss4PBZAPDcaJ9mSj-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\">Lennart Jasch charges to top of Gunung Jerai to claim stage 2 of Le Tour de Langkawi and leap into the overall lead<\/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\/bQgUx2k93XB6Qim9qrgBeG-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bQgUx2k93XB6Qim9qrgBeG-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bQgUx2k93XB6Qim9qrgBeG-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bQgUx2k93XB6Qim9qrgBeG-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bQgUx2k93XB6Qim9qrgBeG-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\">\u2018Everyone wants to be in UAE Team Emirates-XRG, you can decide how the race happens\u2019 \u2013 Tables turn at Tour de France as Wellens and McNulty become breakaway riders<\/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\/jRFoBaVYmfkfFkPh9gyGcX-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jRFoBaVYmfkfFkPh9gyGcX-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jRFoBaVYmfkfFkPh9gyGcX-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jRFoBaVYmfkfFkPh9gyGcX-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jRFoBaVYmfkfFkPh9gyGcX-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;Crazy good&#8217; &#8211; UAE Team Emirates-XRG&#8217;s perfect mountain strategy puts Tadej Poga\u010dar within reach of fifth Tour de France title<\/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\/u9UuYeqv9RGqM23uTbJXx9-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/u9UuYeqv9RGqM23uTbJXx9-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/u9UuYeqv9RGqM23uTbJXx9-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/u9UuYeqv9RGqM23uTbJXx9-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/u9UuYeqv9RGqM23uTbJXx9-320-80.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;A good day to try something&#8217; &#8211; Felix Gall upbeat after aggressive final ascent at Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\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\/DNRAeegTiQBca9T3wSS4zj-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DNRAeegTiQBca9T3wSS4zj-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DNRAeegTiQBca9T3wSS4zj-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DNRAeegTiQBca9T3wSS4zj-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DNRAeegTiQBca9T3wSS4zj-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\">To start or not to start &#8211; or never even possible?  Uncertainty reigns over Tadej Poga\u010dar&#8217;s rumoured last-minute comeback at home European 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\/wUt7X7JMWyigpYd3yVt8No-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wUt7X7JMWyigpYd3yVt8No-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wUt7X7JMWyigpYd3yVt8No-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wUt7X7JMWyigpYd3yVt8No-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wUt7X7JMWyigpYd3yVt8No-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\">Geoffrey Bouchard&#8217;s rewrite of professional cycling farewell goes off script as he leaves Le Tour de Langkawi with broken collarbone<\/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\/b8Tmn9faHXdujjbLsDDgVF-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/b8Tmn9faHXdujjbLsDDgVF-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/b8Tmn9faHXdujjbLsDDgVF-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/b8Tmn9faHXdujjbLsDDgVF-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/b8Tmn9faHXdujjbLsDDgVF-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\">\u2018I\u2019ve lived everything I was meant to experience\u2019 &#8211; Guillaume Boivin announces his retirement after spending day in break at UCI 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\/Hrt9xbjxre7hpYJGoxA36U-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Hrt9xbjxre7hpYJGoxA36U-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Hrt9xbjxre7hpYJGoxA36U-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Hrt9xbjxre7hpYJGoxA36U-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Hrt9xbjxre7hpYJGoxA36U-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\">Transfers<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Jordi Meeus to leave Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe for a &#8216;different role&#8217; at Lidl-Trek<\/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\/Y4r8QZjV3ixBXKgKNTv7sd-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Y4r8QZjV3ixBXKgKNTv7sd-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Y4r8QZjV3ixBXKgKNTv7sd-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Y4r8QZjV3ixBXKgKNTv7sd-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Y4r8QZjV3ixBXKgKNTv7sd-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;It&#8217;s been really fun to see him get his legs back under him&#8217; &#8211; Leo Hayter&#8217;s one year at Modern Adventure could find him return for 2027<\/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\/5cdcS8fVk3NFwUe4PLXEmN-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5cdcS8fVk3NFwUe4PLXEmN-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5cdcS8fVk3NFwUe4PLXEmN-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5cdcS8fVk3NFwUe4PLXEmN-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5cdcS8fVk3NFwUe4PLXEmN-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I&#8217;m satisfied with my effort, but I&#8217;m not happy at all&#8217; &#8211; Isaac del Toro does not hide disappointment at missing out on gold at World Championships<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-articletype\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in News<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DNRAeegTiQBca9T3wSS4zj-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DNRAeegTiQBca9T3wSS4zj-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DNRAeegTiQBca9T3wSS4zj-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DNRAeegTiQBca9T3wSS4zj-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DNRAeegTiQBca9T3wSS4zj-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\">To start or not to start &#8211; or never even possible?  Uncertainty reigns over Tadej Poga\u010dar&#8217;s rumoured last-minute comeback at home European 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\/y6Syu4Sri2XkuAs6GEa6Rm-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/y6Syu4Sri2XkuAs6GEa6Rm-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/y6Syu4Sri2XkuAs6GEa6Rm-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/y6Syu4Sri2XkuAs6GEa6Rm-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/y6Syu4Sri2XkuAs6GEa6Rm-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;I just don\u2019t want to make those choices anymore&#8217; \u2013 Olympic champion track sprinter Katy Marchant retires<\/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\/wUt7X7JMWyigpYd3yVt8No-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wUt7X7JMWyigpYd3yVt8No-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wUt7X7JMWyigpYd3yVt8No-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wUt7X7JMWyigpYd3yVt8No-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wUt7X7JMWyigpYd3yVt8No-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\">Geoffrey Bouchard&#8217;s rewrite of professional cycling farewell goes off script as he leaves Le Tour de Langkawi with broken collarbone<\/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\/xVuJHJvbQMcRCmFtQv8BHP-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xVuJHJvbQMcRCmFtQv8BHP-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xVuJHJvbQMcRCmFtQv8BHP-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xVuJHJvbQMcRCmFtQv8BHP-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xVuJHJvbQMcRCmFtQv8BHP-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;And you didn&#8217;t see me!&#8217; &#8211; Under-the-radar Mads Pedersen almost nets a medal with World Championships &#8216;gamble&#8217;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CkkEKX6eXZDaqGpyDYmLxe-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CkkEKX6eXZDaqGpyDYmLxe-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CkkEKX6eXZDaqGpyDYmLxe-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CkkEKX6eXZDaqGpyDYmLxe-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CkkEKX6eXZDaqGpyDYmLxe-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\">New World Champion Brandon McNulty to debut rainbow jersey at Giro dell&#8217;Emilia<\/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\/rVTgt6Kxb4eBDp2KqmFrhY-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rVTgt6Kxb4eBDp2KqmFrhY-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rVTgt6Kxb4eBDp2KqmFrhY-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rVTgt6Kxb4eBDp2KqmFrhY-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rVTgt6Kxb4eBDp2KqmFrhY-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\">Emma Langley and Matt Wilson win inaugural Pulaski MTN-X Gravel Bike Race in Virginia<\/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\/GDzNnnhzKhoM5Tnjtc4LNQ-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GDzNnnhzKhoM5Tnjtc4LNQ-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GDzNnnhzKhoM5Tnjtc4LNQ-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GDzNnnhzKhoM5Tnjtc4LNQ-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"99vw\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">1<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>&#8216;We put our egos aside\u2019 \u2013 How the USA harnessed selfless teamwork to deliver Brandon McNulty to World Championships gold<\/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;And you didn&#8217;t see me!&#8217; &#8211; Under-the-radar Mads Pedersen almost nets a medal with World Championships &#8216;gamble&#8217;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">3<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>New World Champion Brandon McNulty to debut rainbow jersey at Giro dell&#8217;Emilia<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">4<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>Jordi Meeus to leave Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe for a &#8216;different role&#8217; at Lidl-Trek<\/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>Emma Langley and Matt Wilson win inaugural Pulaski MTN-X Gravel Bike Race in Virginia<\/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>&#8216;Big opportunity&#8217; \u2013 Abel Balderstone sets the scene to make a mark at Le Tour de Langkawi ahead of transfer to UAE Team Emirates-XRG<\/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 \/>\nSimone Giuliani <\/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=\"2026-09-28T14:37:15Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n28 September 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Spanish rider finishes second after launching early on brutal ascent of Gunung Jerai, with teammate Jan Castellon third<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"text-gray-700 flex items-center mx-0 my-5 p-0 justify-start text-left\" id=\"affiliate-disclaimer\" data-component-name=\"AffiliateDisclaimer\" data-hawk-message=\"Affiliate disclaimer removed because hawk deemed there are no affiliate links on this page\">\n<p class=\"text-[color:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--text-color,inherit)] mb-2 text-[length:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--font-size,0.75rem)] leading-[18px] md:text-[13px] [&amp;&gt;a]:text-inherit [&amp;&gt;a]:underline\">\nWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here\u2019s how it works.\n<\/p>\n<\/aside>\n<\/header>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-widget-type=\"contentparsed\" id=\"content\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-contentparsed widget-content widget-contentparsed-content widget-content-parsed widget-content-parsed-content_document \">\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<section class=\"content-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"box less-space hero-image-wrapper\">\n<figure class=\"mb-0\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qKgzRhFsdhVD5nNTnywrkG-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qKgzRhFsdhVD5nNTnywrkG-1600-80.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qKgzRhFsdhVD5nNTnywrkG-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qKgzRhFsdhVD5nNTnywrkG-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qKgzRhFsdhVD5nNTnywrkG-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qKgzRhFsdhVD5nNTnywrkG-750-80.jpg.webp 750w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qKgzRhFsdhVD5nNTnywrkG-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qKgzRhFsdhVD5nNTnywrkG-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qKgzRhFsdhVD5nNTnywrkG-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\">Abel Balderstone (Caja Rural-Serguros RGA) grits his teeth and pushes through to the finish line on Gunung Jerai to take second place<\/span><span class=\"credit font-article-copy\">(Image credit: Le Tour de Langkawi)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\"text-copy bodyCopy auto paywall-locker\">\n<div data-analytics-id=\"utility-bar\" id=\"utility-bar\" class=\"font-ui-heading flex justify-between items-center py-2 border-t border-b border-gray-300 border-solid mb-5 mx-auto\" data-component-name=\"UtilityBar\" 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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-f80eece6-bb44-11f1-bfca-b3ec4bfb5793\">There are big things ahead for Abel Balderstone, with the Spanish Caja Rural-Seguros RGA rider having signed a contract with UAE Team Emirates-XRG for the next three seasons, but that doesn&#8217;t mean he is resting on his laurels in the meantime.<\/p>\n<p>On Monday&#8217;s stage 2 at Le Tour de Langkawi the 26-year-old laid down a task to his rivals on the lower slopes of Gunung Jerai, going early on the 10.6km climb with an average gradient approaching ten percent but with steep ramps to deliver an extra punch.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-f80eece6-bb44-11f1-bfca-b3ec4bfb5793-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Balderstone and his teammate Jan Castellon, who will be racing for Pinarello Q36.5 from next season, were both part of the leading group that took off on the climb which meant they made a decision.<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-6 w-full overflow-hidden rounded-[10px] lg:my-8\" data-component-name=\"JwPlayer:Carousel\" data-jwp-carousel data-jwp-carousel-payload=\"{&quot;ids&quot;:{&quot;playerID&quot;:&quot;jYDCcabO&quot;,&quot;searchPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;gwjdoYHD&quot;,&quot;divID&quot;:&quot;botr_gwjdoYHD_jYDCcabO_div&quot;,&quot;fallbackPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;gwjdoYHD&quot;,&quot;fallbackDivID&quot;:&quot;botr_gwjdoYHD_jYDCcabO_div&quot;,&quot;key&quot;:&quot;X9\/mXVGac0NphghLH9hZaqWA5d3dhAM\/Ih07grnEyMLjuO2E&quot;,&quot;tintLogo&quot;:true,&quot;useSearchPlaylist&quot;:false,&quot;enabled&quot;:true},&quot;signPostingEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;signPostingLinkEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;waitForAdLoad&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnDesktop&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnMobile&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnTablet&quot;:false}\">\n<div class=\"flex flex-nowrap items-center justify-between gap-3 bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-header>\n<div class=\"flex min-w-0 shrink items-center\"><span class=\"inline-flex items-center gap-1.5 text-sm font-article-heading capitalize leading-5 text-white whitespace-nowrap\"><span class=\"jwp-carousel-title-desktop\">Latest Videos From<\/span><span class=\"jwp-carousel-brand\">Cyclingnews<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"min-h-[44px] bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting><a class=\"invisible block truncate text-sm font-bold leading-5 text-white underline decoration-solid underline-offset-2\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting-link href target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span data-jwp-carousel-signposting-title>Watch full video here: <\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;We were two, and we decided that one would attack and another stay behind,&#8221; Balderstone told <em>Cyclingnews<\/em> at the top of the climb.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">It looked for quite some time like that may have been the winning plan, with Balderstone appearing unflappable as rode on alone toward the top. But then Lennart Jasch (Tudor Pro Cycling) leapt out of the group and made the junction before pushing on alone with a powerful turn of pace.<\/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\/L7jVF4Xg8bmwqFk9LoQQWc-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/L7jVF4Xg8bmwqFk9LoQQWc-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\">Abel Balderstone breaks contract to join UAE Team Emirates-XRG<\/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\/6MgRn3Ss4PBZAPDcaJ9mSj-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6MgRn3Ss4PBZAPDcaJ9mSj-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\">Lennart Jasch charges to top of Gunung Jerai to claim stage 2 of Le Tour de Langkawi and leap into the overall lead<\/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\/bQgUx2k93XB6Qim9qrgBeG-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bQgUx2k93XB6Qim9qrgBeG-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\">\u2018Everyone wants to be in UAE Team Emirates-XRG, you can decide how the race happens\u2019 \u2013 Tables turn at Tour de France as Wellens and McNulty become breakaway riders<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;The last one kilometer, I was very dead, and I did the most I can,&#8221; said Balderstone<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The Spanish rider added in a media statement from the Caja Rural-Seguros RGA team that he was ; &#8220;A little disappointed to finish second after leading for much of the climb, but I have to admit the Tudor rider was stronger.&#8221;<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-SoFC79Honi4gghgzeckn9n\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-SoFC79Honi4gghgzeckn9n 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\">Still Balderstone held firm in second, crossing the line just 16 seconds back from Jasch, while teammate Castellon crossed the line 32 seconds back from the winning time, and also with a 32 second advantage to the fourth-placed Jos\u00e9 Manuel Diaz (Burgos Burpellet BH). With time bonuses factored in Balderstone is now 20 seconds back from Jasch on the general classification and Castellon 38 seconds in arrears, and there are no other rivals within a minute.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">On top of that the rider is content with his form, having raced Vuelta a Burgos since the Tour de France and also &#8220;preparing really well&#8221; through August and September.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">What&#8217;s more, this was just the first volley in the ongoing match, with the finish at the top of the category one climb on Monday soon to be followed by the HC summit finishes at the Cameron and Genting Highlands on stage 4 and 5.<\/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\/j6Y2gjVCHWSan7nktJGaML-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/j6Y2gjVCHWSan7nktJGaML-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">A Tour de Langkawi that has the potential to provide the first answers on Lennart Jasch&#8217;s development into a GC threat<\/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\/jRFoBaVYmfkfFkPh9gyGcX-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jRFoBaVYmfkfFkPh9gyGcX-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;Crazy good&#8217; &#8211; UAE Team Emirates-XRG&#8217;s perfect mountain strategy puts Tadej Poga\u010dar within reach of fifth Tour de France title<\/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\/u9UuYeqv9RGqM23uTbJXx9-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/u9UuYeqv9RGqM23uTbJXx9-150-80.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;A good day to try something&#8217; &#8211; Felix Gall upbeat after aggressive final ascent at Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I think we have a big opportunity in the two climbing stages with Jan or with me and we have to try it, and try to win a stage and win the GC,&#8221; Balderstone told <em>Cyclingnews<\/em>, adding that the longer climbs should suit both of them better.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">After that, regardless of the outcome, there is another big prize ahead for Balderstone as after his final races with Caja Rural-Seguros RGA, the team where he started his career, he will be preparing to pull on a new kit, the one that belongs to the world&#8217;s number one team and the squad of Tadej Poga\u010dar, UAE Team Emirates-XRG.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It&#8217;s a dream for me going to this big team,&#8221; said Balderstone. &#8220;I&#8217;m happy and anxious to go there and start the year with them.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">*<em>Cyclingnews attended Le Tour de Langkawi on an invitation\/media package from the race that included travel and accommodation. In line with our editorial standards, our coverage is independent and was not subject to review, approval or influence by the organiser or any sponsor; no favourable coverage was promised or given in return.<\/em><\/p>\n<p 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-SoFC79Honi4gghgzeckn9n\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-SoFC79Honi4gghgzeckn9n 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\/RUKCQmBBgAFRGkijgpLyah-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>Simone Giuliani<\/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\">Australia Editor<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>Simone is a degree-qualified journalist that has accumulated decades of wide-ranging experience while working across a variety of leading media organisations. She joined <em>Cyclingnews<\/em> as a Production Editor at the start of the 2021 season and has now moved into the role of Australia Editor. Previously she worked as a freelance writer, Australian Editor at <em>Ella CyclingTips<\/em> and as a correspondent for <em>Reuters<\/em> and <em>Bloomberg<\/em>. Cycling was initially purely a leisure pursuit for Simone, who started out as a business journalist, but in 2015 her career focus also shifted to the sport.<\/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\/L7jVF4Xg8bmwqFk9LoQQWc-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/L7jVF4Xg8bmwqFk9LoQQWc-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/L7jVF4Xg8bmwqFk9LoQQWc-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/L7jVF4Xg8bmwqFk9LoQQWc-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/L7jVF4Xg8bmwqFk9LoQQWc-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\">Transfers<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Abel Balderstone breaks contract to join UAE Team Emirates-XRG<\/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\/6MgRn3Ss4PBZAPDcaJ9mSj-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6MgRn3Ss4PBZAPDcaJ9mSj-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6MgRn3Ss4PBZAPDcaJ9mSj-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6MgRn3Ss4PBZAPDcaJ9mSj-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6MgRn3Ss4PBZAPDcaJ9mSj-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\">Lennart Jasch charges to top of Gunung Jerai to claim stage 2 of Le Tour de Langkawi and leap into the overall lead<\/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\/bQgUx2k93XB6Qim9qrgBeG-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bQgUx2k93XB6Qim9qrgBeG-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bQgUx2k93XB6Qim9qrgBeG-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bQgUx2k93XB6Qim9qrgBeG-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bQgUx2k93XB6Qim9qrgBeG-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\">\u2018Everyone wants to be in UAE Team Emirates-XRG, you can decide how the race happens\u2019 \u2013 Tables turn at Tour de France as Wellens and McNulty become breakaway riders<\/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\/jRFoBaVYmfkfFkPh9gyGcX-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jRFoBaVYmfkfFkPh9gyGcX-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jRFoBaVYmfkfFkPh9gyGcX-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jRFoBaVYmfkfFkPh9gyGcX-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jRFoBaVYmfkfFkPh9gyGcX-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;Crazy good&#8217; &#8211; UAE Team Emirates-XRG&#8217;s perfect mountain strategy puts Tadej Poga\u010dar within reach of fifth Tour de France title<\/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\/u9UuYeqv9RGqM23uTbJXx9-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/u9UuYeqv9RGqM23uTbJXx9-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/u9UuYeqv9RGqM23uTbJXx9-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/u9UuYeqv9RGqM23uTbJXx9-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/u9UuYeqv9RGqM23uTbJXx9-320-80.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;A good day to try something&#8217; &#8211; Felix Gall upbeat after aggressive final ascent at Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\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\/DNRAeegTiQBca9T3wSS4zj-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DNRAeegTiQBca9T3wSS4zj-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DNRAeegTiQBca9T3wSS4zj-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DNRAeegTiQBca9T3wSS4zj-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DNRAeegTiQBca9T3wSS4zj-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\">To start or not to start &#8211; or never even possible?  Uncertainty reigns over Tadej Poga\u010dar&#8217;s rumoured last-minute comeback at home European 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\/wUt7X7JMWyigpYd3yVt8No-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wUt7X7JMWyigpYd3yVt8No-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wUt7X7JMWyigpYd3yVt8No-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wUt7X7JMWyigpYd3yVt8No-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wUt7X7JMWyigpYd3yVt8No-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\">Geoffrey Bouchard&#8217;s rewrite of professional cycling farewell goes off script as he leaves Le Tour de Langkawi with broken collarbone<\/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\/b8Tmn9faHXdujjbLsDDgVF-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/b8Tmn9faHXdujjbLsDDgVF-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/b8Tmn9faHXdujjbLsDDgVF-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/b8Tmn9faHXdujjbLsDDgVF-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/b8Tmn9faHXdujjbLsDDgVF-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\">\u2018I\u2019ve lived everything I was meant to experience\u2019 &#8211; Guillaume Boivin announces his retirement after spending day in break at UCI 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\/Hrt9xbjxre7hpYJGoxA36U-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Hrt9xbjxre7hpYJGoxA36U-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Hrt9xbjxre7hpYJGoxA36U-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Hrt9xbjxre7hpYJGoxA36U-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Hrt9xbjxre7hpYJGoxA36U-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\">Transfers<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Jordi Meeus to leave Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe for a &#8216;different role&#8217; at Lidl-Trek<\/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\/Y4r8QZjV3ixBXKgKNTv7sd-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Y4r8QZjV3ixBXKgKNTv7sd-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Y4r8QZjV3ixBXKgKNTv7sd-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Y4r8QZjV3ixBXKgKNTv7sd-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Y4r8QZjV3ixBXKgKNTv7sd-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;It&#8217;s been really fun to see him get his legs back under him&#8217; &#8211; Leo Hayter&#8217;s one year at Modern Adventure could find him return for 2027<\/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\/5cdcS8fVk3NFwUe4PLXEmN-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5cdcS8fVk3NFwUe4PLXEmN-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5cdcS8fVk3NFwUe4PLXEmN-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5cdcS8fVk3NFwUe4PLXEmN-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5cdcS8fVk3NFwUe4PLXEmN-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I&#8217;m satisfied with my effort, but I&#8217;m not happy at all&#8217; &#8211; Isaac del Toro does not hide disappointment at missing out on gold at World Championships<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-articletype\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in News<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DNRAeegTiQBca9T3wSS4zj-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DNRAeegTiQBca9T3wSS4zj-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DNRAeegTiQBca9T3wSS4zj-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DNRAeegTiQBca9T3wSS4zj-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DNRAeegTiQBca9T3wSS4zj-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\">To start or not to start &#8211; or never even possible?  Uncertainty reigns over Tadej Poga\u010dar&#8217;s rumoured last-minute comeback at home European 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\/y6Syu4Sri2XkuAs6GEa6Rm-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/y6Syu4Sri2XkuAs6GEa6Rm-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/y6Syu4Sri2XkuAs6GEa6Rm-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/y6Syu4Sri2XkuAs6GEa6Rm-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/y6Syu4Sri2XkuAs6GEa6Rm-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;I just don\u2019t want to make those choices anymore&#8217; \u2013 Olympic champion track sprinter Katy Marchant retires<\/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\/wUt7X7JMWyigpYd3yVt8No-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wUt7X7JMWyigpYd3yVt8No-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wUt7X7JMWyigpYd3yVt8No-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wUt7X7JMWyigpYd3yVt8No-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wUt7X7JMWyigpYd3yVt8No-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\">Geoffrey Bouchard&#8217;s rewrite of professional cycling farewell goes off script as he leaves Le Tour de Langkawi with broken collarbone<\/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\/xVuJHJvbQMcRCmFtQv8BHP-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xVuJHJvbQMcRCmFtQv8BHP-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xVuJHJvbQMcRCmFtQv8BHP-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xVuJHJvbQMcRCmFtQv8BHP-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xVuJHJvbQMcRCmFtQv8BHP-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;And you didn&#8217;t see me!&#8217; &#8211; Under-the-radar Mads Pedersen almost nets a medal with World Championships &#8216;gamble&#8217;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CkkEKX6eXZDaqGpyDYmLxe-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CkkEKX6eXZDaqGpyDYmLxe-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CkkEKX6eXZDaqGpyDYmLxe-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CkkEKX6eXZDaqGpyDYmLxe-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CkkEKX6eXZDaqGpyDYmLxe-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\">New World Champion Brandon McNulty to debut rainbow jersey at Giro dell&#8217;Emilia<\/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\/rVTgt6Kxb4eBDp2KqmFrhY-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rVTgt6Kxb4eBDp2KqmFrhY-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rVTgt6Kxb4eBDp2KqmFrhY-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rVTgt6Kxb4eBDp2KqmFrhY-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rVTgt6Kxb4eBDp2KqmFrhY-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\">Emma Langley and Matt Wilson win inaugural Pulaski MTN-X Gravel Bike Race in Virginia<\/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\/GDzNnnhzKhoM5Tnjtc4LNQ-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GDzNnnhzKhoM5Tnjtc4LNQ-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GDzNnnhzKhoM5Tnjtc4LNQ-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GDzNnnhzKhoM5Tnjtc4LNQ-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"99vw\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">1<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>&#8216;We put our egos aside\u2019 \u2013 How the USA harnessed selfless teamwork to deliver Brandon McNulty to World Championships gold<\/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;And you didn&#8217;t see me!&#8217; &#8211; Under-the-radar Mads Pedersen almost nets a medal with World Championships &#8216;gamble&#8217;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">3<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>New World Champion Brandon McNulty to debut rainbow jersey at Giro dell&#8217;Emilia<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">4<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>Jordi Meeus to leave Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe for a &#8216;different role&#8217; at Lidl-Trek<\/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>Emma Langley and Matt Wilson win inaugural Pulaski MTN-X Gravel Bike Race in Virginia<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nTeams &amp; Riders\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>&#8216;Big opportunity&#8217; \u2013 Abel Balderstone sets the scene to make a mark at Le Tour de Langkawi ahead of transfer to UAE Team Emirates-XRG<\/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 \/>\nSimone Giuliani <\/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=\"2026-09-28T14:37:15Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n28 September 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Spanish rider finishes second after launching early on brutal ascent of Gunung Jerai, with teammate Jan Castellon third<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"text-gray-700 flex items-center mx-0 my-5 p-0 justify-start text-left\" id=\"affiliate-disclaimer\" data-component-name=\"AffiliateDisclaimer\" data-hawk-message=\"Affiliate disclaimer removed because hawk deemed there are no affiliate links on this page\">\n<p class=\"text-[color:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--text-color,inherit)] mb-2 text-[length:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--font-size,0.75rem)] 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newsletter\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-f80eece6-bb44-11f1-bfca-b3ec4bfb5793\">There are big things ahead for Abel Balderstone, with the Spanish Caja Rural-Seguros RGA rider having signed a contract with UAE Team Emirates-XRG for the next three seasons, but that doesn&#8217;t mean he is resting on his laurels in the meantime.<\/p>\n<p>On Monday&#8217;s stage 2 at Le Tour de Langkawi the 26-year-old laid down a task to his rivals on the lower slopes of Gunung Jerai, going early on the 10.6km climb with an average gradient approaching ten percent but with steep ramps to deliver an extra punch.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-f80eece6-bb44-11f1-bfca-b3ec4bfb5793-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Balderstone and his teammate Jan Castellon, who will be racing for Pinarello Q36.5 from next season, were both part of the leading group that took off on the climb which meant they made a decision.<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-6 w-full overflow-hidden rounded-[10px] lg:my-8\" data-component-name=\"JwPlayer:Carousel\" data-jwp-carousel data-jwp-carousel-payload=\"{&quot;ids&quot;:{&quot;playerID&quot;:&quot;jYDCcabO&quot;,&quot;searchPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;gwjdoYHD&quot;,&quot;divID&quot;:&quot;botr_gwjdoYHD_jYDCcabO_div&quot;,&quot;fallbackPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;gwjdoYHD&quot;,&quot;fallbackDivID&quot;:&quot;botr_gwjdoYHD_jYDCcabO_div&quot;,&quot;key&quot;:&quot;X9\/mXVGac0NphghLH9hZaqWA5d3dhAM\/Ih07grnEyMLjuO2E&quot;,&quot;tintLogo&quot;:true,&quot;useSearchPlaylist&quot;:false,&quot;enabled&quot;:true},&quot;signPostingEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;signPostingLinkEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;waitForAdLoad&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnDesktop&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnMobile&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnTablet&quot;:false}\">\n<div class=\"flex flex-nowrap items-center justify-between gap-3 bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-header>\n<div class=\"flex min-w-0 shrink items-center\"><span class=\"inline-flex items-center gap-1.5 text-sm font-article-heading capitalize leading-5 text-white whitespace-nowrap\"><span class=\"jwp-carousel-title-desktop\">Latest Videos From<\/span><span class=\"jwp-carousel-brand\">Cyclingnews<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"min-h-[44px] bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting><a class=\"invisible block truncate text-sm font-bold leading-5 text-white underline decoration-solid underline-offset-2\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting-link href target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span data-jwp-carousel-signposting-title>Watch full video here: <\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;We were two, and we decided that one would attack and another stay behind,&#8221; Balderstone told <em>Cyclingnews<\/em> at the top of the climb.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">It looked for quite some time like that may have been the winning plan, with Balderstone appearing unflappable as rode on alone toward the top. But then Lennart Jasch (Tudor Pro Cycling) leapt out of the group and made the junction before pushing on alone with a powerful turn of pace.<\/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\/L7jVF4Xg8bmwqFk9LoQQWc-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/L7jVF4Xg8bmwqFk9LoQQWc-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\">Abel Balderstone breaks contract to join UAE Team Emirates-XRG<\/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\/6MgRn3Ss4PBZAPDcaJ9mSj-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6MgRn3Ss4PBZAPDcaJ9mSj-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\">Lennart Jasch charges to top of Gunung Jerai to claim stage 2 of Le Tour de Langkawi and leap into the overall lead<\/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\/bQgUx2k93XB6Qim9qrgBeG-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bQgUx2k93XB6Qim9qrgBeG-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\">\u2018Everyone wants to be in UAE Team Emirates-XRG, you can decide how the race happens\u2019 \u2013 Tables turn at Tour de France as Wellens and McNulty become breakaway riders<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;The last one kilometer, I was very dead, and I did the most I can,&#8221; said Balderstone<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The Spanish rider added in a media statement from the Caja Rural-Seguros RGA team that he was ; &#8220;A little disappointed to finish second after leading for much of the climb, but I have to admit the Tudor rider was stronger.&#8221;<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-SoFC79Honi4gghgzeckn9n\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-SoFC79Honi4gghgzeckn9n 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\">Still Balderstone held firm in second, crossing the line just 16 seconds back from Jasch, while teammate Castellon crossed the line 32 seconds back from the winning time, and also with a 32 second advantage to the fourth-placed Jos\u00e9 Manuel Diaz (Burgos Burpellet BH). With time bonuses factored in Balderstone is now 20 seconds back from Jasch on the general classification and Castellon 38 seconds in arrears, and there are no other rivals within a minute.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">On top of that the rider is content with his form, having raced Vuelta a Burgos since the Tour de France and also &#8220;preparing really well&#8221; through August and September.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">What&#8217;s more, this was just the first volley in the ongoing match, with the finish at the top of the category one climb on Monday soon to be followed by the HC summit finishes at the Cameron and Genting Highlands on stage 4 and 5.<\/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\/j6Y2gjVCHWSan7nktJGaML-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/j6Y2gjVCHWSan7nktJGaML-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">A Tour de Langkawi that has the potential to provide the first answers on Lennart Jasch&#8217;s development into a GC threat<\/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\/jRFoBaVYmfkfFkPh9gyGcX-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jRFoBaVYmfkfFkPh9gyGcX-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;Crazy good&#8217; &#8211; UAE Team Emirates-XRG&#8217;s perfect mountain strategy puts Tadej Poga\u010dar within reach of fifth Tour de France title<\/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\/u9UuYeqv9RGqM23uTbJXx9-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/u9UuYeqv9RGqM23uTbJXx9-150-80.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;A good day to try something&#8217; &#8211; Felix Gall upbeat after aggressive final ascent at Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I think we have a big opportunity in the two climbing stages with Jan or with me and we have to try it, and try to win a stage and win the GC,&#8221; Balderstone told <em>Cyclingnews<\/em>, adding that the longer climbs should suit both of them better.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">After that, regardless of the outcome, there is another big prize ahead for Balderstone as after his final races with Caja Rural-Seguros RGA, the team where he started his career, he will be preparing to pull on a new kit, the one that belongs to the world&#8217;s number one team and the squad of Tadej Poga\u010dar, UAE Team Emirates-XRG.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It&#8217;s a dream for me going to this big team,&#8221; said Balderstone. &#8220;I&#8217;m happy and anxious to go there and start the year with them.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">*<em>Cyclingnews attended Le Tour de Langkawi on an invitation\/media package from the race that included travel and accommodation. In line with our editorial standards, our coverage is independent and was not subject to review, approval or influence by the organiser or any sponsor; no favourable coverage was promised or given in return.<\/em><\/p>\n<p 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\/big-opportunity-abel-balderstone-sets-the-scene-to-make-a-mark-at-le-tour-de-langkawi-ahead-of-transfer-to-uae-team-emirates-xrg\/&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qKgzRhFsdhVD5nNTnywrkG-2081-80.jpg&#8221;] 1 A Tour de Langkawi that has the potential to provide the first answers on Lennart Jasch&#8217;s development into a GC threat 2 &#8216;I thought I had it&#8217; \u2013 Riley Pickrell just short of Le Tour de Langkawi opening stage win as he closes out year with Modern Adventure where &#8216;what they [&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-2170054","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\/2170054","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=2170054"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2170054\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2170054"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=2170054"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=2170054"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}