{"id":2172270,"date":"2026-09-30T14:42:28","date_gmt":"2026-09-30T11:42:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2172270"},"modified":"2026-09-30T14:42:28","modified_gmt":"2026-09-30T11:42:28","slug":"i-do-not-believe-the-first-is-in-a-mountain-stage-rare-breakaway-win-for-petr-rikunov-in-tour-de-langkawi-and-an-impossible-return-to-the-kom-jersey","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2172270","title":{"rendered":"&#8216;I do not believe the first is in a mountain stage&#8217; \u2013 Rare breakaway win for Petr Rikunov in Tour de Langkawi and an &#8216;impossible&#8217; return to the KOM jersey"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ymaLQiGGu3KuCz3cFVpXQY-2500-80.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\/wUt7X7JMWyigpYd3yVt8No-160-80.jpg.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wUt7X7JMWyigpYd3yVt8No-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                                    Geoffrey Bouchard&#8217;s rewrite of professional cycling farewell goes off script as he leaves Le Tour de Langkawi with broken collarbone\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\/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-[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                                    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\" 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\/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\">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                                    &#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=\"page-content-onecol flex-1\nnews-article article\n\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"widget-area-group widget-area-group-2col flex flex-wrap box-border\">\n<div id=\"widgetArea16\" class=\"widget-area basis-full md:basis-2\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-2-3 page-widget-area-16\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"hero\" id=\"hero\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-hero widget-hero widget-hero-hero widget-hero widget-hero-fter-news\">\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRacing\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRoad\n<\/li>\n<li>\nLe Tour de Langkawi\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>&#8216;I do not believe the first is in a mountain stage&#8217; \u2013 Rare breakaway win for Petr Rikunov in Tour de Langkawi and an &#8216;impossible&#8217; return to the KOM jersey<\/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=\"2026-09-30T14:42:28Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n30 September 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Big win for Continental rider<\/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\/ymaLQiGGu3KuCz3cFVpXQY-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ymaLQiGGu3KuCz3cFVpXQY-1600-80.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ymaLQiGGu3KuCz3cFVpXQY-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ymaLQiGGu3KuCz3cFVpXQY-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ymaLQiGGu3KuCz3cFVpXQY-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ymaLQiGGu3KuCz3cFVpXQY-750-80.jpg.webp 750w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ymaLQiGGu3KuCz3cFVpXQY-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ymaLQiGGu3KuCz3cFVpXQY-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ymaLQiGGu3KuCz3cFVpXQY-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\">Petr Rikunov (Wheeltop Rotor Chengdu)<\/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\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"utility-bar\">\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div data-component-name=\"Social:Dropdown\" role=\"menu\" id=\"utilitybar__dropdown--share\" aria-labelledby=\"utilitybar__button--share\" class=\"absolute left-0 top-full w-44 bg-white rounded-md shadow-md border border-neutral-200 z-[9996] list-none m-0 py-2 px-3 border-solid\">\n<ul class=\"m-0!\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Facebook<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>X<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Pinterest<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Email<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-share-this-article\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nShare this article\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\"><span class=\"ml-1 inline-flex h-5 px-2 shrink-0 items-center justify-center self-center overflow-hidden whitespace-nowrap rounded-[10px] bg-primary-500 text-[11px] leading-none font-ui-heading font-semibold text-white\">0<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-join-the-conversation\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nJoin the conversation\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<p>Follow us<\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-add-us-as-a-preferred-source-on-google\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nAdd us as a preferred source on Google\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-subscribe-to-our-newsletter\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nSubscribe to our newsletter\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-a6f9017a-bcd4-11f1-acb7-0dba108482a5\">All Petr Rikunov (Wheeltop Rotor Chengdu) had to do was stay out front for the first 9km of the 2026 Tour de Langkawi to sweep up the first and only climbing points available that day and don the Bubbles King of the Mountain jersey on stage 1.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;It was my easiest job, maybe of all my career,&#8221; joked Rikunov at the post-stage media conference that day.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-a6f9017a-bcd4-11f1-acb7-0dba108482a5-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">What he didn&#8217;t expect to be easy, however, was wearing it again, explaining that with the long finishing climbs starting on the very next stage, &#8220;to keep the jersey I think is impossible&#8221;.<\/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\">And yes, he did lose it on stage 2, but it came right back to him on Wednesday. What&#8217;s more, to get it back, he took an even bigger prize, the victory on stage 4.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It&#8217;s my first time here, and before it happened my personal goal is to win a stage here, but I do not believe the first is in a mountain stage,&#8221; said Rikunov, who is not a rider you would categorise as a climber but more a breakaway rider or sprinter.<\/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\/UJSd4zbfKxtxCqRKGRjRyN-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UJSd4zbfKxtxCqRKGRjRyN-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\">Break prevails as Petr Rikunov wins stage 4 of Le Tour de Langkawi in the Cameron Highlands, Lennart Jasch maintains overall lead<\/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\/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-[#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\/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<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">In fact, if Rikunov had more of a reputation on the climbs or had been too close to the top riders on the first climbing stage to Gunung Jerai \u2013 rather than 28th and more than five minutes back from the winner \u2013 he probably would never have had the opportunity to claim the victory.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The team of race leader Lennart Jasch, Tudor Pro Cycling, was only content to give the break such a solid advantage because they weren&#8217;t an overall threat.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-UTUykRUt6yohj738mhnQiX\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-UTUykRUt6yohj738mhnQiX slice-container-newsletterForm\">\n<div data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"newsletter-form__wrapper newsletter-form__wrapper--inbodyContent\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__container\">\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__top-bar\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__header\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__main-section\">\n<p class=\"newsletter-form__strapline\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<footer class=\"newsletter-form__footer \">By submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.<\/footer>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Before the last climb, when I saw the gap was two minutes and 30 seconds, for me it was a surprise because the peloton style was just easy and we had a chance for the win in the breakaway,&#8221; said Rikunov. &#8220;The last 5km, I believed it was for the win today.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">As the three out front \u2013 Rikunov, Javier Ibanez (Caja Rural-Seguros RGA) and Alan Jousseaume (TotalEnergies) \u2013 were about a kilometre from the line, the Wheeltop Rotor Chengdu rider sensed that there was an earlier opportunity than he&#8217;d first anticipated.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I wanted to sprint with guys, but in the last kilometres I see the guys&#8217; limit, and I think I see a good chance for an attack,&#8221; said Rikunov.<\/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\/SKPDErtoWWzouBCfdQZKzT-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SKPDErtoWWzouBCfdQZKzT-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;I 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;<\/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\/3afHyqKL2hUjshCqKq8BoW-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3afHyqKL2hUjshCqKq8BoW-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;We&#8217;ve been waiting for this&#8217; &#8211; Jayco-AlUla celebrate major collective effort at Tour de France to propel Mauro Schmid to breakaway stage victory<\/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\/z6FUt3GrfJUesd5wEFqWML-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/z6FUt3GrfJUesd5wEFqWML-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\">Tour of Slovakia: Breakaway stuns peloton as Erik Fetter wins in high-drama finale<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">And he certainly made the most of it, surging toward the line and never for a second looking like there was a chance he would be caught. He even had time to sit up and celebrate before Ibanez crossed the line three seconds back and Jousseaume was nine seconds in arrears.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">It was the first UCI victory for the season for Rikunov, the first time the breakaway prevailed at the race and the first victory for one of the race&#8217;s Continental squads.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">That win, and the shift back into the KOM jersey, has left Rikunov with a renewed perspective. While he may not have initially believed there was any chance of taking maximum points for the jersey on the climb, Wednesday proved him wrong.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Today again I was in this jersey, and I think it&#8217;s possible the next day to continue fighting for this jersey, [to] keep it,&#8221; said Rikunov.<\/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 id=\"slice-container-authorBio-UTUykRUt6yohj738mhnQiX\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-UTUykRUt6yohj738mhnQiX 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\/UJSd4zbfKxtxCqRKGRjRyN-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UJSd4zbfKxtxCqRKGRjRyN-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UJSd4zbfKxtxCqRKGRjRyN-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UJSd4zbfKxtxCqRKGRjRyN-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UJSd4zbfKxtxCqRKGRjRyN-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\">Break prevails as Petr Rikunov wins stage 4 of Le Tour de Langkawi in the Cameron Highlands, Lennart Jasch maintains 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\/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\/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\/SKPDErtoWWzouBCfdQZKzT-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SKPDErtoWWzouBCfdQZKzT-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SKPDErtoWWzouBCfdQZKzT-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SKPDErtoWWzouBCfdQZKzT-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SKPDErtoWWzouBCfdQZKzT-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I 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;<\/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\/3afHyqKL2hUjshCqKq8BoW-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3afHyqKL2hUjshCqKq8BoW-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3afHyqKL2hUjshCqKq8BoW-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3afHyqKL2hUjshCqKq8BoW-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3afHyqKL2hUjshCqKq8BoW-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;We&#8217;ve been waiting for this&#8217; &#8211; Jayco-AlUla celebrate major collective effort at Tour de France to propel Mauro Schmid to breakaway stage victory<\/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\/z6FUt3GrfJUesd5wEFqWML-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/z6FUt3GrfJUesd5wEFqWML-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/z6FUt3GrfJUesd5wEFqWML-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/z6FUt3GrfJUesd5wEFqWML-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/z6FUt3GrfJUesd5wEFqWML-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\">Tour of Slovakia: Breakaway stuns peloton as Erik Fetter wins in high-drama finale<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-category\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Racing<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gPiwxkZhFYMUFVZo3Z4tGP-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gPiwxkZhFYMUFVZo3Z4tGP-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gPiwxkZhFYMUFVZo3Z4tGP-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gPiwxkZhFYMUFVZo3Z4tGP-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gPiwxkZhFYMUFVZo3Z4tGP-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\">Racing will start even earlier in 2027 \u2013 New 2.1 event in Canary Islands to kick off pro road calendar in January<\/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\/UJSd4zbfKxtxCqRKGRjRyN-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UJSd4zbfKxtxCqRKGRjRyN-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UJSd4zbfKxtxCqRKGRjRyN-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UJSd4zbfKxtxCqRKGRjRyN-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UJSd4zbfKxtxCqRKGRjRyN-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\">Break prevails as Petr Rikunov wins stage 4 of Le Tour de Langkawi in the Cameron Highlands, Lennart Jasch maintains 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\/aVDAw6hqD6AUQktJ4aFN4Q-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aVDAw6hqD6AUQktJ4aFN4Q-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aVDAw6hqD6AUQktJ4aFN4Q-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aVDAw6hqD6AUQktJ4aFN4Q-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aVDAw6hqD6AUQktJ4aFN4Q-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\">Will Vollering continue the Dutch domination or can someone exact Worlds revenge? \u2013 European Championships women&#8217;s road race contenders<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SnrroKV8MAu8qKnduRM94K-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SnrroKV8MAu8qKnduRM94K-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SnrroKV8MAu8qKnduRM94K-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SnrroKV8MAu8qKnduRM94K-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SnrroKV8MAu8qKnduRM94K-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\">Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney swaps Canyon-SRAM for Lidl-Trek after nine years in major women&#8217;s peloton transfer<\/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>\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\/n6Yvxerr9jVCsZ8roa3tob-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/n6Yvxerr9jVCsZ8roa3tob-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/n6Yvxerr9jVCsZ8roa3tob-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/n6Yvxerr9jVCsZ8roa3tob-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/n6Yvxerr9jVCsZ8roa3tob-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\">Cycling Kit &amp; Accessories<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">The PAS Normal Mechanism Shell Jacket is the &#8216;new sheriff in waterproof cycling jackets&#8217; \u2013 It&#8217;s never discounted, so this 15% off reduction is worth grabbing fast<\/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\/gPiwxkZhFYMUFVZo3Z4tGP-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gPiwxkZhFYMUFVZo3Z4tGP-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gPiwxkZhFYMUFVZo3Z4tGP-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gPiwxkZhFYMUFVZo3Z4tGP-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gPiwxkZhFYMUFVZo3Z4tGP-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\">Racing will start even earlier in 2027 \u2013 New 2.1 event in Canary Islands to kick off pro road calendar in January<\/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\/QkkYFfWRRNGpDe4KvqfM8H-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QkkYFfWRRNGpDe4KvqfM8H-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QkkYFfWRRNGpDe4KvqfM8H-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QkkYFfWRRNGpDe4KvqfM8H-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QkkYFfWRRNGpDe4KvqfM8H-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\">On his 50th birthday, Oscar Sevilla signs up for another year as a pro cyclist<\/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\/BzLge4PwzqmJzRKVmMB4KM-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BzLge4PwzqmJzRKVmMB4KM-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BzLge4PwzqmJzRKVmMB4KM-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BzLge4PwzqmJzRKVmMB4KM-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BzLge4PwzqmJzRKVmMB4KM-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\">Great Britain skip European Championships road races, only fielding riders for time trials<\/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\/ZUr3MzTc72GCAmG6TtE2qY-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZUr3MzTc72GCAmG6TtE2qY-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZUr3MzTc72GCAmG6TtE2qY-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZUr3MzTc72GCAmG6TtE2qY-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZUr3MzTc72GCAmG6TtE2qY-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\">Now it&#8217;s official \u2013 no Tadej Poga\u010dar at 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\/UiMEk6rLumkoVyyQ4WmmTU-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UiMEk6rLumkoVyyQ4WmmTU-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UiMEk6rLumkoVyyQ4WmmTU-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UiMEk6rLumkoVyyQ4WmmTU-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UiMEk6rLumkoVyyQ4WmmTU-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\">Mismatched kit and visa issues lead to heavy fines and depleted line-ups for Eritrea 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<\/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\/n6Yvxerr9jVCsZ8roa3tob-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/n6Yvxerr9jVCsZ8roa3tob-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/n6Yvxerr9jVCsZ8roa3tob-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/n6Yvxerr9jVCsZ8roa3tob-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>The PAS Normal Mechanism Shell Jacket is the &#8216;new sheriff in waterproof cycling jackets&#8217; \u2013 It&#8217;s never discounted, so this 15% off reduction is worth grabbing fast<\/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>Racing will start even earlier in 2027 \u2013 New 2.1 event in Canary Islands to kick off pro road calendar in January<\/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>Great Britain skip European Championships road races, only fielding riders for time trials<\/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>On his 50th birthday, Oscar Sevilla signs up for another year as a pro cyclist<\/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>Break prevails as Petr Rikunov wins stage 4 of Le Tour de Langkawi in the Cameron Highlands, Lennart Jasch maintains overall lead<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"page-content-onecol flex-1\nnews-article article\n\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"widget-area-group widget-area-group-2col flex flex-wrap box-border\">\n<div id=\"widgetArea16\" class=\"widget-area basis-full md:basis-2\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-2-3 page-widget-area-16\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"hero\" id=\"hero\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-hero widget-hero widget-hero-hero widget-hero widget-hero-fter-news\">\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRacing\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRoad\n<\/li>\n<li>\nLe Tour de Langkawi\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>&#8216;I do not believe the first is in a mountain stage&#8217; \u2013 Rare breakaway win for Petr Rikunov in Tour de Langkawi and an &#8216;impossible&#8217; return to the KOM jersey<\/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=\"2026-09-30T14:42:28Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n30 September 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Big win for Continental rider<\/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] 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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\/ymaLQiGGu3KuCz3cFVpXQY-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ymaLQiGGu3KuCz3cFVpXQY-1600-80.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ymaLQiGGu3KuCz3cFVpXQY-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ymaLQiGGu3KuCz3cFVpXQY-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ymaLQiGGu3KuCz3cFVpXQY-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ymaLQiGGu3KuCz3cFVpXQY-750-80.jpg.webp 750w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ymaLQiGGu3KuCz3cFVpXQY-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ymaLQiGGu3KuCz3cFVpXQY-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ymaLQiGGu3KuCz3cFVpXQY-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\">Petr Rikunov (Wheeltop Rotor Chengdu)<\/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\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"utility-bar\">\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div data-component-name=\"Social:Dropdown\" role=\"menu\" id=\"utilitybar__dropdown--share\" aria-labelledby=\"utilitybar__button--share\" class=\"absolute left-0 top-full w-44 bg-white rounded-md shadow-md border border-neutral-200 z-[9996] list-none m-0 py-2 px-3 border-solid\">\n<ul class=\"m-0!\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Facebook<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>X<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Pinterest<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Email<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-share-this-article\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nShare this article\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\"><span class=\"ml-1 inline-flex h-5 px-2 shrink-0 items-center justify-center self-center overflow-hidden whitespace-nowrap rounded-[10px] bg-primary-500 text-[11px] leading-none font-ui-heading font-semibold text-white\">0<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-join-the-conversation\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nJoin the conversation\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<p>Follow us<\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-add-us-as-a-preferred-source-on-google\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nAdd us as a preferred source on Google\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-subscribe-to-our-newsletter\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nSubscribe to our newsletter\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-a6f9017a-bcd4-11f1-acb7-0dba108482a5\">All Petr Rikunov (Wheeltop Rotor Chengdu) had to do was stay out front for the first 9km of the 2026 Tour de Langkawi to sweep up the first and only climbing points available that day and don the Bubbles King of the Mountain jersey on stage 1.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;It was my easiest job, maybe of all my career,&#8221; joked Rikunov at the post-stage media conference that day.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-a6f9017a-bcd4-11f1-acb7-0dba108482a5-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">What he didn&#8217;t expect to be easy, however, was wearing it again, explaining that with the long finishing climbs starting on the very next stage, &#8220;to keep the jersey I think is impossible&#8221;.<\/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\">And yes, he did lose it on stage 2, but it came right back to him on Wednesday. What&#8217;s more, to get it back, he took an even bigger prize, the victory on stage 4.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It&#8217;s my first time here, and before it happened my personal goal is to win a stage here, but I do not believe the first is in a mountain stage,&#8221; said Rikunov, who is not a rider you would categorise as a climber but more a breakaway rider or sprinter.<\/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\/UJSd4zbfKxtxCqRKGRjRyN-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UJSd4zbfKxtxCqRKGRjRyN-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\">Break prevails as Petr Rikunov wins stage 4 of Le Tour de Langkawi in the Cameron Highlands, Lennart Jasch maintains overall lead<\/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\/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-[#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\/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<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">In fact, if Rikunov had more of a reputation on the climbs or had been too close to the top riders on the first climbing stage to Gunung Jerai \u2013 rather than 28th and more than five minutes back from the winner \u2013 he probably would never have had the opportunity to claim the victory.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The team of race leader Lennart Jasch, Tudor Pro Cycling, was only content to give the break such a solid advantage because they weren&#8217;t an overall threat.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-UTUykRUt6yohj738mhnQiX\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-UTUykRUt6yohj738mhnQiX slice-container-newsletterForm\">\n<div data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"newsletter-form__wrapper newsletter-form__wrapper--inbodyContent\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__container\">\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__top-bar\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__header\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__main-section\">\n<p class=\"newsletter-form__strapline\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<footer class=\"newsletter-form__footer \">By submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.<\/footer>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Before the last climb, when I saw the gap was two minutes and 30 seconds, for me it was a surprise because the peloton style was just easy and we had a chance for the win in the breakaway,&#8221; said Rikunov. &#8220;The last 5km, I believed it was for the win today.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">As the three out front \u2013 Rikunov, Javier Ibanez (Caja Rural-Seguros RGA) and Alan Jousseaume (TotalEnergies) \u2013 were about a kilometre from the line, the Wheeltop Rotor Chengdu rider sensed that there was an earlier opportunity than he&#8217;d first anticipated.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I wanted to sprint with guys, but in the last kilometres I see the guys&#8217; limit, and I think I see a good chance for an attack,&#8221; said Rikunov.<\/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\/SKPDErtoWWzouBCfdQZKzT-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SKPDErtoWWzouBCfdQZKzT-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;I 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;<\/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\/3afHyqKL2hUjshCqKq8BoW-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3afHyqKL2hUjshCqKq8BoW-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;We&#8217;ve been waiting for this&#8217; &#8211; Jayco-AlUla celebrate major collective effort at Tour de France to propel Mauro Schmid to breakaway stage victory<\/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\/z6FUt3GrfJUesd5wEFqWML-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/z6FUt3GrfJUesd5wEFqWML-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\">Tour of Slovakia: Breakaway stuns peloton as Erik Fetter wins in high-drama finale<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">And he certainly made the most of it, surging toward the line and never for a second looking like there was a chance he would be caught. He even had time to sit up and celebrate before Ibanez crossed the line three seconds back and Jousseaume was nine seconds in arrears.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">It was the first UCI victory for the season for Rikunov, the first time the breakaway prevailed at the race and the first victory for one of the race&#8217;s Continental squads.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">That win, and the shift back into the KOM jersey, has left Rikunov with a renewed perspective. While he may not have initially believed there was any chance of taking maximum points for the jersey on the climb, Wednesday proved him wrong.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Today again I was in this jersey, and I think it&#8217;s possible the next day to continue fighting for this jersey, [to] keep it,&#8221; said Rikunov.<\/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 id=\"slice-container-authorBio-UTUykRUt6yohj738mhnQiX\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-UTUykRUt6yohj738mhnQiX 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\/UJSd4zbfKxtxCqRKGRjRyN-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UJSd4zbfKxtxCqRKGRjRyN-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UJSd4zbfKxtxCqRKGRjRyN-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UJSd4zbfKxtxCqRKGRjRyN-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UJSd4zbfKxtxCqRKGRjRyN-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\">Break prevails as Petr Rikunov wins stage 4 of Le Tour de Langkawi in the Cameron Highlands, Lennart Jasch maintains 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\/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\/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\/SKPDErtoWWzouBCfdQZKzT-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SKPDErtoWWzouBCfdQZKzT-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SKPDErtoWWzouBCfdQZKzT-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SKPDErtoWWzouBCfdQZKzT-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SKPDErtoWWzouBCfdQZKzT-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I 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;<\/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\/3afHyqKL2hUjshCqKq8BoW-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3afHyqKL2hUjshCqKq8BoW-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3afHyqKL2hUjshCqKq8BoW-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3afHyqKL2hUjshCqKq8BoW-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3afHyqKL2hUjshCqKq8BoW-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;We&#8217;ve been waiting for this&#8217; &#8211; Jayco-AlUla celebrate major collective effort at Tour de France to propel Mauro Schmid to breakaway stage victory<\/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\/z6FUt3GrfJUesd5wEFqWML-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/z6FUt3GrfJUesd5wEFqWML-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/z6FUt3GrfJUesd5wEFqWML-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/z6FUt3GrfJUesd5wEFqWML-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/z6FUt3GrfJUesd5wEFqWML-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\">Tour of Slovakia: Breakaway stuns peloton as Erik Fetter wins in high-drama finale<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-category\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Racing<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gPiwxkZhFYMUFVZo3Z4tGP-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gPiwxkZhFYMUFVZo3Z4tGP-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gPiwxkZhFYMUFVZo3Z4tGP-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gPiwxkZhFYMUFVZo3Z4tGP-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gPiwxkZhFYMUFVZo3Z4tGP-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\">Racing will start even earlier in 2027 \u2013 New 2.1 event in Canary Islands to kick off pro road calendar in January<\/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\/UJSd4zbfKxtxCqRKGRjRyN-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UJSd4zbfKxtxCqRKGRjRyN-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UJSd4zbfKxtxCqRKGRjRyN-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UJSd4zbfKxtxCqRKGRjRyN-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UJSd4zbfKxtxCqRKGRjRyN-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\">Break prevails as Petr Rikunov wins stage 4 of Le Tour de Langkawi in the Cameron Highlands, Lennart Jasch maintains 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\/aVDAw6hqD6AUQktJ4aFN4Q-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aVDAw6hqD6AUQktJ4aFN4Q-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aVDAw6hqD6AUQktJ4aFN4Q-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aVDAw6hqD6AUQktJ4aFN4Q-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aVDAw6hqD6AUQktJ4aFN4Q-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\">Will Vollering continue the Dutch domination or can someone exact Worlds revenge? \u2013 European Championships women&#8217;s road race contenders<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SnrroKV8MAu8qKnduRM94K-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SnrroKV8MAu8qKnduRM94K-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SnrroKV8MAu8qKnduRM94K-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SnrroKV8MAu8qKnduRM94K-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SnrroKV8MAu8qKnduRM94K-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\">Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney swaps Canyon-SRAM for Lidl-Trek after nine years in major women&#8217;s peloton transfer<\/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>\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\/n6Yvxerr9jVCsZ8roa3tob-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/n6Yvxerr9jVCsZ8roa3tob-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/n6Yvxerr9jVCsZ8roa3tob-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/n6Yvxerr9jVCsZ8roa3tob-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/n6Yvxerr9jVCsZ8roa3tob-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\">Cycling Kit &amp; Accessories<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">The PAS Normal Mechanism Shell Jacket is the &#8216;new sheriff in waterproof cycling jackets&#8217; \u2013 It&#8217;s never discounted, so this 15% off reduction is worth grabbing fast<\/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\/gPiwxkZhFYMUFVZo3Z4tGP-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gPiwxkZhFYMUFVZo3Z4tGP-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gPiwxkZhFYMUFVZo3Z4tGP-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gPiwxkZhFYMUFVZo3Z4tGP-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gPiwxkZhFYMUFVZo3Z4tGP-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\">Racing will start even earlier in 2027 \u2013 New 2.1 event in Canary Islands to kick off pro road calendar in January<\/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\/QkkYFfWRRNGpDe4KvqfM8H-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QkkYFfWRRNGpDe4KvqfM8H-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QkkYFfWRRNGpDe4KvqfM8H-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QkkYFfWRRNGpDe4KvqfM8H-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QkkYFfWRRNGpDe4KvqfM8H-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\">On his 50th birthday, Oscar Sevilla signs up for another year as a pro cyclist<\/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\/BzLge4PwzqmJzRKVmMB4KM-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BzLge4PwzqmJzRKVmMB4KM-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BzLge4PwzqmJzRKVmMB4KM-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BzLge4PwzqmJzRKVmMB4KM-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BzLge4PwzqmJzRKVmMB4KM-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\">Great Britain skip European Championships road races, only fielding riders for time trials<\/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\/ZUr3MzTc72GCAmG6TtE2qY-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZUr3MzTc72GCAmG6TtE2qY-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZUr3MzTc72GCAmG6TtE2qY-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZUr3MzTc72GCAmG6TtE2qY-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZUr3MzTc72GCAmG6TtE2qY-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\">Now it&#8217;s official \u2013 no Tadej Poga\u010dar at 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\/UiMEk6rLumkoVyyQ4WmmTU-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UiMEk6rLumkoVyyQ4WmmTU-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UiMEk6rLumkoVyyQ4WmmTU-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UiMEk6rLumkoVyyQ4WmmTU-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UiMEk6rLumkoVyyQ4WmmTU-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\">Mismatched kit and visa issues lead to heavy fines and depleted line-ups for Eritrea 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<\/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\/n6Yvxerr9jVCsZ8roa3tob-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/n6Yvxerr9jVCsZ8roa3tob-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/n6Yvxerr9jVCsZ8roa3tob-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/n6Yvxerr9jVCsZ8roa3tob-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>The PAS Normal Mechanism Shell Jacket is the &#8216;new sheriff in waterproof cycling jackets&#8217; \u2013 It&#8217;s never discounted, so this 15% off reduction is worth grabbing fast<\/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>Racing will start even earlier in 2027 \u2013 New 2.1 event in Canary Islands to kick off pro road calendar in January<\/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>Great Britain skip European Championships road races, only fielding riders for time trials<\/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>On his 50th birthday, Oscar Sevilla signs up for another year as a pro cyclist<\/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>Break prevails as Petr Rikunov wins stage 4 of Le Tour de Langkawi in the Cameron Highlands, Lennart Jasch maintains overall lead<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRacing\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRoad\n<\/li>\n<li>\nLe Tour de Langkawi\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>&#8216;I do not believe the first is in a mountain stage&#8217; \u2013 Rare breakaway win for Petr Rikunov in Tour de Langkawi and an &#8216;impossible&#8217; return to the KOM jersey<\/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=\"2026-09-30T14:42:28Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n30 September 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Big win for Continental rider<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"text-gray-700 flex items-center mx-0 my-5 p-0 justify-start text-left\" id=\"affiliate-disclaimer\" data-component-name=\"AffiliateDisclaimer\" data-hawk-message=\"Affiliate disclaimer removed because hawk deemed there are no affiliate links on this page\">\n<p class=\"text-[color:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--text-color,inherit)] mb-2 text-[length:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--font-size,0.75rem)] leading-[18px] md:text-[13px] [&amp;&gt;a]:text-inherit [&amp;&gt;a]:underline\">\nWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here\u2019s how it works.\n<\/p>\n<\/aside>\n<\/header>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\"text-copy bodyCopy auto paywall-locker\">\n<div data-analytics-id=\"utility-bar\" id=\"utility-bar\" class=\"font-ui-heading flex justify-between items-center py-2 border-t border-b border-gray-300 border-solid mb-5 mx-auto\" data-component-name=\"UtilityBar\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"utility-bar\">\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div data-component-name=\"Social:Dropdown\" role=\"menu\" id=\"utilitybar__dropdown--share\" aria-labelledby=\"utilitybar__button--share\" class=\"absolute left-0 top-full w-44 bg-white rounded-md shadow-md border border-neutral-200 z-[9996] list-none m-0 py-2 px-3 border-solid\">\n<ul class=\"m-0!\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Facebook<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>X<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Pinterest<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Email<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-share-this-article\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nShare this article\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\"><span class=\"ml-1 inline-flex h-5 px-2 shrink-0 items-center justify-center self-center overflow-hidden whitespace-nowrap rounded-[10px] bg-primary-500 text-[11px] leading-none font-ui-heading font-semibold text-white\">0<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-join-the-conversation\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nJoin the conversation\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<p>Follow us<\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-add-us-as-a-preferred-source-on-google\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nAdd us as a preferred source on Google\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-subscribe-to-our-newsletter\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nSubscribe to our newsletter\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-a6f9017a-bcd4-11f1-acb7-0dba108482a5\">All Petr Rikunov (Wheeltop Rotor Chengdu) had to do was stay out front for the first 9km of the 2026 Tour de Langkawi to sweep up the first and only climbing points available that day and don the Bubbles King of the Mountain jersey on stage 1.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;It was my easiest job, maybe of all my career,&#8221; joked Rikunov at the post-stage media conference that day.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-a6f9017a-bcd4-11f1-acb7-0dba108482a5-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">What he didn&#8217;t expect to be easy, however, was wearing it again, explaining that with the long finishing climbs starting on the very next stage, &#8220;to keep the jersey I think is impossible&#8221;.<\/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\">And yes, he did lose it on stage 2, but it came right back to him on Wednesday. What&#8217;s more, to get it back, he took an even bigger prize, the victory on stage 4.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It&#8217;s my first time here, and before it happened my personal goal is to win a stage here, but I do not believe the first is in a mountain stage,&#8221; said Rikunov, who is not a rider you would categorise as a climber but more a breakaway rider or sprinter.<\/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\/UJSd4zbfKxtxCqRKGRjRyN-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UJSd4zbfKxtxCqRKGRjRyN-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\">Break prevails as Petr Rikunov wins stage 4 of Le Tour de Langkawi in the Cameron Highlands, Lennart Jasch maintains overall lead<\/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\/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-[#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\/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<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">In fact, if Rikunov had more of a reputation on the climbs or had been too close to the top riders on the first climbing stage to Gunung Jerai \u2013 rather than 28th and more than five minutes back from the winner \u2013 he probably would never have had the opportunity to claim the victory.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The team of race leader Lennart Jasch, Tudor Pro Cycling, was only content to give the break such a solid advantage because they weren&#8217;t an overall threat.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-UTUykRUt6yohj738mhnQiX\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-UTUykRUt6yohj738mhnQiX slice-container-newsletterForm\">\n<div data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"newsletter-form__wrapper newsletter-form__wrapper--inbodyContent\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__container\">\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__top-bar\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__header\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__main-section\">\n<p class=\"newsletter-form__strapline\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<footer class=\"newsletter-form__footer \">By submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.<\/footer>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Before the last climb, when I saw the gap was two minutes and 30 seconds, for me it was a surprise because the peloton style was just easy and we had a chance for the win in the breakaway,&#8221; said Rikunov. &#8220;The last 5km, I believed it was for the win today.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">As the three out front \u2013 Rikunov, Javier Ibanez (Caja Rural-Seguros RGA) and Alan Jousseaume (TotalEnergies) \u2013 were about a kilometre from the line, the Wheeltop Rotor Chengdu rider sensed that there was an earlier opportunity than he&#8217;d first anticipated.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I wanted to sprint with guys, but in the last kilometres I see the guys&#8217; limit, and I think I see a good chance for an attack,&#8221; said Rikunov.<\/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\/SKPDErtoWWzouBCfdQZKzT-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SKPDErtoWWzouBCfdQZKzT-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;I 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;<\/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\/3afHyqKL2hUjshCqKq8BoW-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3afHyqKL2hUjshCqKq8BoW-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;We&#8217;ve been waiting for this&#8217; &#8211; Jayco-AlUla celebrate major collective effort at Tour de France to propel Mauro Schmid to breakaway stage victory<\/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\/z6FUt3GrfJUesd5wEFqWML-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/z6FUt3GrfJUesd5wEFqWML-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\">Tour of Slovakia: Breakaway stuns peloton as Erik Fetter wins in high-drama finale<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">And he certainly made the most of it, surging toward the line and never for a second looking like there was a chance he would be caught. He even had time to sit up and celebrate before Ibanez crossed the line three seconds back and Jousseaume was nine seconds in arrears.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">It was the first UCI victory for the season for Rikunov, the first time the breakaway prevailed at the race and the first victory for one of the race&#8217;s Continental squads.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">That win, and the shift back into the KOM jersey, has left Rikunov with a renewed perspective. While he may not have initially believed there was any chance of taking maximum points for the jersey on the climb, Wednesday proved him wrong.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Today again I was in this jersey, and I think it&#8217;s possible the next day to continue fighting for this jersey, [to] keep it,&#8221; said Rikunov.<\/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\/racing\/i-do-not-believe-the-first-is-in-a-mountain-stage-rare-breakaway-win-for-petr-rikunov-in-tour-de-langkawi-and-an-impossible-return-to-the-kom-jersey\/&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ymaLQiGGu3KuCz3cFVpXQY-2500-80.jpg&#8221;] 1 Geoffrey Bouchard&#8217;s rewrite of professional cycling farewell goes off script as he leaves Le Tour de Langkawi with broken collarbone 2 A Tour de Langkawi that has the potential to provide the first answers on Lennart Jasch&#8217;s development into a GC threat 3 &#8216;I thought I had it&#8217; \u2013 Riley Pickrell [&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-2172270","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\/2172270","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=2172270"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2172270\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2172270"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=2172270"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=2172270"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}