{"id":2172271,"date":"2026-09-30T15:25:39","date_gmt":"2026-09-30T12:25:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2172271"},"modified":"2026-09-30T15:25:39","modified_gmt":"2026-09-30T12:25:39","slug":"i-was-just-unlucky-as-hell-still-no-answers-as-joao-almeida-hopes-to-turn-around-terrible-season","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2172271","title":{"rendered":"&#8216;I was just unlucky as hell&#8217; &#8211; Still no answers as Jo\u00e3o Almeida hopes to turn around terrible season"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8di2FDaST8QmAVSL64uFaS-2400-80.jpg&#8221;]<\/p>\n<article class=\"m-0 box-border flex flex-row items-center pr-2.5 gap-[15px] w-[278px] h-20 flex-none upnext-article-divider\" role=\"listitem\" aria-label=\"Recommended article 1 of 3\">\n<div class=\"relative flex-none w-20 h-20\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8AYbFZn6KArXLFKCnU5cfR-160-80.jpg.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8AYbFZn6KArXLFKCnU5cfR-80-80.jpg.webp 80w\" sizes=\"80px\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex items-center justify-center absolute w-4 h-6 left-0 top-0 bg-white\/90 flex-none z-[1]\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"font-normal text-base leading-[17px] tracking-[1.3px] uppercase text-black flex-none\">1<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex flex-col items-center justify-center gap-1.5 w-[173px] h-20 flex-none\">\n<p class=\"font-article-heading font-medium text-base leading-[21px] text-gray-800 w-[173px] line-clamp-3 group-hover:underline\">\n                                    &#8216;It was a childish mistake&#8217; &#8211; Paul Seixas waylaid by cramps in brutal World Championships road race\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\/FcQHZ3o5kiSQwp7zAn8fAD-160-80.jpg.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FcQHZ3o5kiSQwp7zAn8fAD-80-80.jpg.webp 80w\" sizes=\"80px\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex items-center justify-center absolute w-[18px] h-6 left-0 top-0 bg-white\/90 flex-none z-[1]\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"font-normal text-base leading-[17px] tracking-[1.3px] uppercase text-black flex-none\">2<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex flex-col items-center justify-center gap-1.5 w-[173px] h-20 flex-none\">\n<p class=\"font-article-heading font-medium text-base leading-[21px] text-gray-800 w-[173px] line-clamp-3 group-hover:underline\">\n                                    &#8216;We will just lick our wounds and come back for more&#8217; &#8211; Kate Courtney&#8217;s debut at Road World Championships ends early after crash on fastest part of course\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\/sxjZyPzXUPWQCXYsdn2MYa-160-80.jpg.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sxjZyPzXUPWQCXYsdn2MYa-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&#8217;ve got to make it count&#8217; \u2013 Toms Skuji\u0146\u0161 is a rider for the big occasions, and he&#8217;s ready aim high again at the World Championships\n                                <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"page-content-onecol flex-1\nnews-article article\n\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"widget-area-group widget-area-group-2col flex flex-wrap box-border\">\n<div id=\"widgetArea16\" class=\"widget-area basis-full md:basis-2\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-2-3 page-widget-area-16\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"hero\" id=\"hero\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-hero widget-hero widget-hero-hero widget-hero widget-hero-fter-news\">\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nTeams &amp; Riders\n<\/li>\n<li>\nUAE Team Emirates-XRG\n<\/li>\n<li>\nJo\u00e3o Almeida\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>&#8216;I was just unlucky as hell&#8217; &#8211; Still no answers as Jo\u00e3o Almeida hopes to turn around terrible season<\/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 \/>\nLaura Weislo <\/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=\"2026-09-30T15:25:39Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n30 September 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Portuguese rider keeps soldiering on after Worlds DNF<\/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\/8di2FDaST8QmAVSL64uFaS-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8di2FDaST8QmAVSL64uFaS-1600-80.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8di2FDaST8QmAVSL64uFaS-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8di2FDaST8QmAVSL64uFaS-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8di2FDaST8QmAVSL64uFaS-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8di2FDaST8QmAVSL64uFaS-750-80.jpg.webp 750w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8di2FDaST8QmAVSL64uFaS-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8di2FDaST8QmAVSL64uFaS-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8di2FDaST8QmAVSL64uFaS-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\">Jo\u00e3o Almeida rides past fans with a Portuguese flag during Worlds<\/span><span class=\"credit font-article-copy\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\"text-copy bodyCopy auto paywall-locker\">\n<div data-analytics-id=\"utility-bar\" id=\"utility-bar\" class=\"font-ui-heading flex justify-between items-center py-2 border-t border-b border-gray-300 border-solid mb-5 mx-auto\" 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-4386d60a-bce1-11f1-99c8-93c0f4175643\">If there ever was a rider who needed a little good luck, it&#8217;s Jo\u00e3o Almeida (UAE Team Emirates-XRG). The 28-year-old&#8217;s 2026 season has been one misfortune after another.<\/p>\n<p>But after coming to a stop in the mixed zone after dropping out of the World Championships road race in Montreal, Almeida had a small red and black polka dot passenger on his left shoulder &#8211; a ladybug (or ladybird) &#8211; often considered a sign of good luck. Perhaps it means his fortunes will make a turn for the better.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-4386d60a-bce1-11f1-99c8-93c0f4175643-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I hope you stay here with me,&#8221; Almeida said to the little beetle after <em>Cyclingnews<\/em> pointed it out.<\/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\">The elite men&#8217;s road race in Montreal had brought no signs that the Portuguese rider was on the mend. He was dropped on lap 7 of 12 of the hilly 13.3km circuit which normally would be his favoured terrain.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I felt really bad, actually, since the start,&#8221; Almeida said. &#8220;I just didn&#8217;t feel good at all today.&#8221;<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            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\/KQYMSwVgFkA6vWdyDBvdS6-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KQYMSwVgFkA6vWdyDBvdS6-150-80.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\">Jo\u00e3o Almeida pulls out of Tour de Pologne after bad crash on stage 4 as season of setbacks continues<\/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\/g6oaKpJ9SgaBBXppTdgvDG-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/g6oaKpJ9SgaBBXppTdgvDG-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;We are reaching the limits of the human body&#8217; &#8211; Jo\u00e3o Almeida warns of dangers of racing in Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a heat<\/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\/m3Jt9LNmhTEMRgsrgWE9vG-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/m3Jt9LNmhTEMRgsrgWE9vG-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;It only depends on my legs&#8217; \u2013 Jo\u00e3o Almeida eyes possible &#8216;Plan B&#8217; GC bid alongside teammate Tadej Poga\u010dar at Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">It has been a familiar refrain. In March, Jo\u00e3o Almeida was already searching for answers for why he felt so bad during the Volta a Catalunya. He&#8217;d started his season well, with podiums in the Volta Comunitat Valenciana and Volta ao Algarve, but ever since he had to cancel his participation in Paris-Nice due to flu-like symptoms, the whole season has been a struggle.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">He had to remove the Giro d&#8217;Italia from his calendar in April. Then, even before his lacklustre performance in the Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes, he&#8217;d already abandoned his plans to race the Tour de France in support of Tadej Poga\u010dar. Instead, he took two months away from competition only to crash on his comeback at the Tour de Pologne.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-r5859FzTxer44yNQeMX33E\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-r5859FzTxer44yNQeMX33E 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\">For a rider who has two Grand Tour podiums and has been as high as fourth overall in the Tour de France, the lack of results is baffling.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I was just unlucky as hell, to be honest. I crashed in Poland, then I got sick just before Vuelta [a Espa\u00f1a]. So yeah, my consistency this year in terms of training was basically zero,&#8221; Almeida said.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I&#8217;m always having setbacks, so it&#8217;s hard to gain some shape like this.&#8221;<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            What to read next<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7GX9TbQYKCVDGZqXjQroS7-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7GX9TbQYKCVDGZqXjQroS7-150-80.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;Radically different scenario&#8217; &#8211; With four riders at finish, UAE Team Emirates-XRG battle through tough Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a without Tadej Poga\u010dar<\/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\/tHn8trN6dMv53qtc8uBmEj-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tHn8trN6dMv53qtc8uBmEj-150-80.png.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Poga\u010dar&#8217;s crash doesn&#8217;t just put his Worlds defence in doubt, it complicates next season&#8217;s plans \u2013 Sean Kelly&#8217;s Vuelta column<\/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\/zGRdVnLx7ooGPFdUiyCyaS-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zGRdVnLx7ooGPFdUiyCyaS-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\">More bad luck for Juan Ayuso with crash in finale of Grand Prix de Qu\u00e9bec, but no penalties handed out<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">His team seemed to catch a little bit of Almeida&#8217;s curse, with Poga\u010dar crashing out while leading the Vuelta on stage 8, and the team losing three others along the way.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">There was one glimmer of hope, however. Almeida was third-fastest in the stage 18 individual time trial in the Vuelta, which gives him some belief he will overcome his problems.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;The team supported me a lot, so I&#8217;m looking forward to give back some of their efforts and their trust,&#8221; Almeida said. &#8220;It&#8217;s been tough, but I&#8217;ll make it.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I will do everything I can, like always. I will work hard to be back to normal and hopefully win some races.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Almeida is due to represent Portugal at this weekend&#8217;s European Championships, and maybe he will show that the little spotted passenger has brought him some better fortunes.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><strong>Subscribe to Cyclingnews for comprehensive race coverage of both the UCI Road and Gravel World Championships, alongside the final monument of the season, Il Lombardia. Subscribers get unlimited access to exclusive analysis from our expert columnists, in-depth features and industry-leading tech insight. Plus, the Cyclingnews app lets you follow the action wherever you go! <\/strong><u><strong>Join today.<\/strong><\/u><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"block mb-5\" id=\"articleTag\" data-component-name=\"PostArticleLinks\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"post-article-links\">\n<div class=\"border-b border-b-black border-solid py-2.5 text-black font-bold uppercase\">TOPICS<\/div>\n<nav class=\"py-2.5 flex gap-2.5 flex-wrap\" data-analytics-id=\"article-tag\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-tag\">\n<p>Road<\/p>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-r5859FzTxer44yNQeMX33E\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-r5859FzTxer44yNQeMX33E 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\/rbx5aMuCYhP4dUt7us9LAi-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>Laura Weislo<\/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\">Managing Editor<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>Laura Weislo is a <em>Cyclingnews<\/em> veteran of 20 years. Having joined in 2006, Laura extensively covered the Operacion Puerto doping scandal, the years-long conflict between the UCI and the Tour de France organisers ASO over the creation of the WorldTour, and the downfall of Lance Armstrong and his lifetime ban for doping. As Managing Editor, Laura coordinates coverage for North American events and global news.<\/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\/KQYMSwVgFkA6vWdyDBvdS6-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KQYMSwVgFkA6vWdyDBvdS6-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KQYMSwVgFkA6vWdyDBvdS6-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KQYMSwVgFkA6vWdyDBvdS6-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KQYMSwVgFkA6vWdyDBvdS6-320-80.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\">Jo\u00e3o Almeida pulls out of Tour de Pologne after bad crash on stage 4 as season of setbacks continues<\/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\/g6oaKpJ9SgaBBXppTdgvDG-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/g6oaKpJ9SgaBBXppTdgvDG-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/g6oaKpJ9SgaBBXppTdgvDG-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/g6oaKpJ9SgaBBXppTdgvDG-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/g6oaKpJ9SgaBBXppTdgvDG-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;We are reaching the limits of the human body&#8217; &#8211; Jo\u00e3o Almeida warns of dangers of racing in Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a heat<\/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\/m3Jt9LNmhTEMRgsrgWE9vG-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/m3Jt9LNmhTEMRgsrgWE9vG-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/m3Jt9LNmhTEMRgsrgWE9vG-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/m3Jt9LNmhTEMRgsrgWE9vG-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/m3Jt9LNmhTEMRgsrgWE9vG-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;It only depends on my legs&#8217; \u2013 Jo\u00e3o Almeida eyes possible &#8216;Plan B&#8217; GC bid alongside teammate Tadej Poga\u010dar at Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div 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\/7GX9TbQYKCVDGZqXjQroS7-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7GX9TbQYKCVDGZqXjQroS7-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7GX9TbQYKCVDGZqXjQroS7-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7GX9TbQYKCVDGZqXjQroS7-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7GX9TbQYKCVDGZqXjQroS7-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Radically different scenario&#8217; &#8211; With four riders at finish, UAE Team Emirates-XRG battle through tough Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a without Tadej Poga\u010dar<\/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\/tHn8trN6dMv53qtc8uBmEj-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tHn8trN6dMv53qtc8uBmEj-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tHn8trN6dMv53qtc8uBmEj-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tHn8trN6dMv53qtc8uBmEj-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tHn8trN6dMv53qtc8uBmEj-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Pro Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Poga\u010dar&#8217;s crash doesn&#8217;t just put his Worlds defence in doubt, it complicates next season&#8217;s plans \u2013 Sean Kelly&#8217;s Vuelta column<\/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\/zGRdVnLx7ooGPFdUiyCyaS-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zGRdVnLx7ooGPFdUiyCyaS-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zGRdVnLx7ooGPFdUiyCyaS-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zGRdVnLx7ooGPFdUiyCyaS-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zGRdVnLx7ooGPFdUiyCyaS-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\">More bad luck for Juan Ayuso with crash in finale of Grand Prix de Qu\u00e9bec, but no penalties handed out<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-category\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Teams &amp; Riders<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SJurxsWAuX3LHNr8ZPYhve-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SJurxsWAuX3LHNr8ZPYhve-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SJurxsWAuX3LHNr8ZPYhve-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SJurxsWAuX3LHNr8ZPYhve-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SJurxsWAuX3LHNr8ZPYhve-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\">Kim Le Court-Pienaar ends season after World Championships crash<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/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 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\/fpgE3wX3NuSf2WSi9Htz4A-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fpgE3wX3NuSf2WSi9Htz4A-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fpgE3wX3NuSf2WSi9Htz4A-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fpgE3wX3NuSf2WSi9Htz4A-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fpgE3wX3NuSf2WSi9Htz4A-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;It won&#8217;t happen&#8217; &#8211;  UAE Team Emirates-XRG management insist that Tadej Poga\u010dar is not racing the European Championships this autumn<\/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\/SJurxsWAuX3LHNr8ZPYhve-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SJurxsWAuX3LHNr8ZPYhve-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SJurxsWAuX3LHNr8ZPYhve-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SJurxsWAuX3LHNr8ZPYhve-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SJurxsWAuX3LHNr8ZPYhve-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\">Kim Le Court-Pienaar ends season after World Championships crash<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ymaLQiGGu3KuCz3cFVpXQY-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ymaLQiGGu3KuCz3cFVpXQY-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ymaLQiGGu3KuCz3cFVpXQY-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ymaLQiGGu3KuCz3cFVpXQY-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ymaLQiGGu3KuCz3cFVpXQY-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 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<\/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\/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>\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\/ymaLQiGGu3KuCz3cFVpXQY-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ymaLQiGGu3KuCz3cFVpXQY-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ymaLQiGGu3KuCz3cFVpXQY-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ymaLQiGGu3KuCz3cFVpXQY-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"99vw\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">1<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>&#8216;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<\/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>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\">3<\/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\">4<\/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\">5<\/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<\/ol>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"page-content-onecol flex-1\nnews-article article\n\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"widget-area-group widget-area-group-2col flex flex-wrap box-border\">\n<div id=\"widgetArea16\" class=\"widget-area basis-full md:basis-2\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-2-3 page-widget-area-16\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"hero\" id=\"hero\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-hero widget-hero widget-hero-hero widget-hero widget-hero-fter-news\">\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nTeams &amp; Riders\n<\/li>\n<li>\nUAE Team Emirates-XRG\n<\/li>\n<li>\nJo\u00e3o Almeida\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>&#8216;I was just unlucky as hell&#8217; &#8211; Still no answers as Jo\u00e3o Almeida hopes to turn around terrible season<\/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 \/>\nLaura Weislo <\/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=\"2026-09-30T15:25:39Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n30 September 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Portuguese rider keeps soldiering on after Worlds DNF<\/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\/8di2FDaST8QmAVSL64uFaS-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8di2FDaST8QmAVSL64uFaS-1600-80.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8di2FDaST8QmAVSL64uFaS-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8di2FDaST8QmAVSL64uFaS-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8di2FDaST8QmAVSL64uFaS-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8di2FDaST8QmAVSL64uFaS-750-80.jpg.webp 750w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8di2FDaST8QmAVSL64uFaS-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8di2FDaST8QmAVSL64uFaS-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8di2FDaST8QmAVSL64uFaS-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\">Jo\u00e3o Almeida rides past fans with a Portuguese flag during Worlds<\/span><span class=\"credit font-article-copy\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\"text-copy bodyCopy auto paywall-locker\">\n<div data-analytics-id=\"utility-bar\" id=\"utility-bar\" class=\"font-ui-heading flex justify-between items-center py-2 border-t border-b border-gray-300 border-solid mb-5 mx-auto\" 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-4386d60a-bce1-11f1-99c8-93c0f4175643\">If there ever was a rider who needed a little good luck, it&#8217;s Jo\u00e3o Almeida (UAE Team Emirates-XRG). The 28-year-old&#8217;s 2026 season has been one misfortune after another.<\/p>\n<p>But after coming to a stop in the mixed zone after dropping out of the World Championships road race in Montreal, Almeida had a small red and black polka dot passenger on his left shoulder &#8211; a ladybug (or ladybird) &#8211; often considered a sign of good luck. Perhaps it means his fortunes will make a turn for the better.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-4386d60a-bce1-11f1-99c8-93c0f4175643-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I hope you stay here with me,&#8221; Almeida said to the little beetle after <em>Cyclingnews<\/em> pointed it out.<\/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\">The elite men&#8217;s road race in Montreal had brought no signs that the Portuguese rider was on the mend. He was dropped on lap 7 of 12 of the hilly 13.3km circuit which normally would be his favoured terrain.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I felt really bad, actually, since the start,&#8221; Almeida said. &#8220;I just didn&#8217;t feel good at all today.&#8221;<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            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\/KQYMSwVgFkA6vWdyDBvdS6-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KQYMSwVgFkA6vWdyDBvdS6-150-80.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\">Jo\u00e3o Almeida pulls out of Tour de Pologne after bad crash on stage 4 as season of setbacks continues<\/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\/g6oaKpJ9SgaBBXppTdgvDG-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/g6oaKpJ9SgaBBXppTdgvDG-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;We are reaching the limits of the human body&#8217; &#8211; Jo\u00e3o Almeida warns of dangers of racing in Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a heat<\/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\/m3Jt9LNmhTEMRgsrgWE9vG-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/m3Jt9LNmhTEMRgsrgWE9vG-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;It only depends on my legs&#8217; \u2013 Jo\u00e3o Almeida eyes possible &#8216;Plan B&#8217; GC bid alongside teammate Tadej Poga\u010dar at Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">It has been a familiar refrain. In March, Jo\u00e3o Almeida was already searching for answers for why he felt so bad during the Volta a Catalunya. He&#8217;d started his season well, with podiums in the Volta Comunitat Valenciana and Volta ao Algarve, but ever since he had to cancel his participation in Paris-Nice due to flu-like symptoms, the whole season has been a struggle.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">He had to remove the Giro d&#8217;Italia from his calendar in April. Then, even before his lacklustre performance in the Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes, he&#8217;d already abandoned his plans to race the Tour de France in support of Tadej Poga\u010dar. Instead, he took two months away from competition only to crash on his comeback at the Tour de Pologne.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-r5859FzTxer44yNQeMX33E\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-r5859FzTxer44yNQeMX33E 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\">For a rider who has two Grand Tour podiums and has been as high as fourth overall in the Tour de France, the lack of results is baffling.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I was just unlucky as hell, to be honest. I crashed in Poland, then I got sick just before Vuelta [a Espa\u00f1a]. So yeah, my consistency this year in terms of training was basically zero,&#8221; Almeida said.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I&#8217;m always having setbacks, so it&#8217;s hard to gain some shape like this.&#8221;<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            What to read next<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7GX9TbQYKCVDGZqXjQroS7-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7GX9TbQYKCVDGZqXjQroS7-150-80.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;Radically different scenario&#8217; &#8211; With four riders at finish, UAE Team Emirates-XRG battle through tough Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a without Tadej Poga\u010dar<\/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\/tHn8trN6dMv53qtc8uBmEj-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tHn8trN6dMv53qtc8uBmEj-150-80.png.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Poga\u010dar&#8217;s crash doesn&#8217;t just put his Worlds defence in doubt, it complicates next season&#8217;s plans \u2013 Sean Kelly&#8217;s Vuelta column<\/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\/zGRdVnLx7ooGPFdUiyCyaS-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zGRdVnLx7ooGPFdUiyCyaS-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\">More bad luck for Juan Ayuso with crash in finale of Grand Prix de Qu\u00e9bec, but no penalties handed out<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">His team seemed to catch a little bit of Almeida&#8217;s curse, with Poga\u010dar crashing out while leading the Vuelta on stage 8, and the team losing three others along the way.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">There was one glimmer of hope, however. Almeida was third-fastest in the stage 18 individual time trial in the Vuelta, which gives him some belief he will overcome his problems.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;The team supported me a lot, so I&#8217;m looking forward to give back some of their efforts and their trust,&#8221; Almeida said. &#8220;It&#8217;s been tough, but I&#8217;ll make it.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I will do everything I can, like always. I will work hard to be back to normal and hopefully win some races.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Almeida is due to represent Portugal at this weekend&#8217;s European Championships, and maybe he will show that the little spotted passenger has brought him some better fortunes.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><strong>Subscribe to Cyclingnews for comprehensive race coverage of both the UCI Road and Gravel World Championships, alongside the final monument of the season, Il Lombardia. Subscribers get unlimited access to exclusive analysis from our expert columnists, in-depth features and industry-leading tech insight. Plus, the Cyclingnews app lets you follow the action wherever you go! <\/strong><u><strong>Join today.<\/strong><\/u><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"block mb-5\" id=\"articleTag\" data-component-name=\"PostArticleLinks\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"post-article-links\">\n<div class=\"border-b border-b-black border-solid py-2.5 text-black font-bold uppercase\">TOPICS<\/div>\n<nav class=\"py-2.5 flex gap-2.5 flex-wrap\" data-analytics-id=\"article-tag\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-tag\">\n<p>Road<\/p>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-r5859FzTxer44yNQeMX33E\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-r5859FzTxer44yNQeMX33E 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\/rbx5aMuCYhP4dUt7us9LAi-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>Laura Weislo<\/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\">Managing Editor<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>Laura Weislo is a <em>Cyclingnews<\/em> veteran of 20 years. Having joined in 2006, Laura extensively covered the Operacion Puerto doping scandal, the years-long conflict between the UCI and the Tour de France organisers ASO over the creation of the WorldTour, and the downfall of Lance Armstrong and his lifetime ban for doping. As Managing Editor, Laura coordinates coverage for North American events and global news.<\/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\/KQYMSwVgFkA6vWdyDBvdS6-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KQYMSwVgFkA6vWdyDBvdS6-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KQYMSwVgFkA6vWdyDBvdS6-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KQYMSwVgFkA6vWdyDBvdS6-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KQYMSwVgFkA6vWdyDBvdS6-320-80.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\">Jo\u00e3o Almeida pulls out of Tour de Pologne after bad crash on stage 4 as season of setbacks continues<\/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\/g6oaKpJ9SgaBBXppTdgvDG-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/g6oaKpJ9SgaBBXppTdgvDG-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/g6oaKpJ9SgaBBXppTdgvDG-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/g6oaKpJ9SgaBBXppTdgvDG-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/g6oaKpJ9SgaBBXppTdgvDG-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;We are reaching the limits of the human body&#8217; &#8211; Jo\u00e3o Almeida warns of dangers of racing in Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a heat<\/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\/m3Jt9LNmhTEMRgsrgWE9vG-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/m3Jt9LNmhTEMRgsrgWE9vG-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/m3Jt9LNmhTEMRgsrgWE9vG-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/m3Jt9LNmhTEMRgsrgWE9vG-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/m3Jt9LNmhTEMRgsrgWE9vG-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;It only depends on my legs&#8217; \u2013 Jo\u00e3o Almeida eyes possible &#8216;Plan B&#8217; GC bid alongside teammate Tadej Poga\u010dar at Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div 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\/7GX9TbQYKCVDGZqXjQroS7-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7GX9TbQYKCVDGZqXjQroS7-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7GX9TbQYKCVDGZqXjQroS7-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7GX9TbQYKCVDGZqXjQroS7-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7GX9TbQYKCVDGZqXjQroS7-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Radically different scenario&#8217; &#8211; With four riders at finish, UAE Team Emirates-XRG battle through tough Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a without Tadej Poga\u010dar<\/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\/tHn8trN6dMv53qtc8uBmEj-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tHn8trN6dMv53qtc8uBmEj-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tHn8trN6dMv53qtc8uBmEj-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tHn8trN6dMv53qtc8uBmEj-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tHn8trN6dMv53qtc8uBmEj-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Pro Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Poga\u010dar&#8217;s crash doesn&#8217;t just put his Worlds defence in doubt, it complicates next season&#8217;s plans \u2013 Sean Kelly&#8217;s Vuelta column<\/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\/zGRdVnLx7ooGPFdUiyCyaS-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zGRdVnLx7ooGPFdUiyCyaS-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zGRdVnLx7ooGPFdUiyCyaS-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zGRdVnLx7ooGPFdUiyCyaS-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zGRdVnLx7ooGPFdUiyCyaS-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\">More bad luck for Juan Ayuso with crash in finale of Grand Prix de Qu\u00e9bec, but no penalties handed out<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-category\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Teams &amp; Riders<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SJurxsWAuX3LHNr8ZPYhve-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SJurxsWAuX3LHNr8ZPYhve-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SJurxsWAuX3LHNr8ZPYhve-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SJurxsWAuX3LHNr8ZPYhve-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SJurxsWAuX3LHNr8ZPYhve-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\">Kim Le Court-Pienaar ends season after World Championships crash<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/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 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\/fpgE3wX3NuSf2WSi9Htz4A-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fpgE3wX3NuSf2WSi9Htz4A-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fpgE3wX3NuSf2WSi9Htz4A-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fpgE3wX3NuSf2WSi9Htz4A-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fpgE3wX3NuSf2WSi9Htz4A-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;It won&#8217;t happen&#8217; &#8211;  UAE Team Emirates-XRG management insist that Tadej Poga\u010dar is not racing the European Championships this autumn<\/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\/SJurxsWAuX3LHNr8ZPYhve-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SJurxsWAuX3LHNr8ZPYhve-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SJurxsWAuX3LHNr8ZPYhve-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SJurxsWAuX3LHNr8ZPYhve-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SJurxsWAuX3LHNr8ZPYhve-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\">Kim Le Court-Pienaar ends season after World Championships crash<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ymaLQiGGu3KuCz3cFVpXQY-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ymaLQiGGu3KuCz3cFVpXQY-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ymaLQiGGu3KuCz3cFVpXQY-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ymaLQiGGu3KuCz3cFVpXQY-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ymaLQiGGu3KuCz3cFVpXQY-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 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<\/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\/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>\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\/ymaLQiGGu3KuCz3cFVpXQY-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ymaLQiGGu3KuCz3cFVpXQY-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ymaLQiGGu3KuCz3cFVpXQY-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ymaLQiGGu3KuCz3cFVpXQY-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"99vw\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">1<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>&#8216;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<\/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>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\">3<\/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\">4<\/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\">5<\/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<\/ol>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nTeams &amp; Riders\n<\/li>\n<li>\nUAE Team Emirates-XRG\n<\/li>\n<li>\nJo\u00e3o Almeida\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>&#8216;I was just unlucky as hell&#8217; &#8211; Still no answers as Jo\u00e3o Almeida hopes to turn around terrible season<\/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 \/>\nLaura Weislo <\/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=\"2026-09-30T15:25:39Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n30 September 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Portuguese rider keeps soldiering on after Worlds DNF<\/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-4386d60a-bce1-11f1-99c8-93c0f4175643\">If there ever was a rider who needed a little good luck, it&#8217;s Jo\u00e3o Almeida (UAE Team Emirates-XRG). The 28-year-old&#8217;s 2026 season has been one misfortune after another.<\/p>\n<p>But after coming to a stop in the mixed zone after dropping out of the World Championships road race in Montreal, Almeida had a small red and black polka dot passenger on his left shoulder &#8211; a ladybug (or ladybird) &#8211; often considered a sign of good luck. Perhaps it means his fortunes will make a turn for the better.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-4386d60a-bce1-11f1-99c8-93c0f4175643-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I hope you stay here with me,&#8221; Almeida said to the little beetle after <em>Cyclingnews<\/em> pointed it out.<\/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\">The elite men&#8217;s road race in Montreal had brought no signs that the Portuguese rider was on the mend. He was dropped on lap 7 of 12 of the hilly 13.3km circuit which normally would be his favoured terrain.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I felt really bad, actually, since the start,&#8221; Almeida said. &#8220;I just didn&#8217;t feel good at all today.&#8221;<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            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\/KQYMSwVgFkA6vWdyDBvdS6-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KQYMSwVgFkA6vWdyDBvdS6-150-80.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\">Jo\u00e3o Almeida pulls out of Tour de Pologne after bad crash on stage 4 as season of setbacks continues<\/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\/g6oaKpJ9SgaBBXppTdgvDG-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/g6oaKpJ9SgaBBXppTdgvDG-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;We are reaching the limits of the human body&#8217; &#8211; Jo\u00e3o Almeida warns of dangers of racing in Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a heat<\/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\/m3Jt9LNmhTEMRgsrgWE9vG-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/m3Jt9LNmhTEMRgsrgWE9vG-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;It only depends on my legs&#8217; \u2013 Jo\u00e3o Almeida eyes possible &#8216;Plan B&#8217; GC bid alongside teammate Tadej Poga\u010dar at Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">It has been a familiar refrain. In March, Jo\u00e3o Almeida was already searching for answers for why he felt so bad during the Volta a Catalunya. He&#8217;d started his season well, with podiums in the Volta Comunitat Valenciana and Volta ao Algarve, but ever since he had to cancel his participation in Paris-Nice due to flu-like symptoms, the whole season has been a struggle.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">He had to remove the Giro d&#8217;Italia from his calendar in April. Then, even before his lacklustre performance in the Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes, he&#8217;d already abandoned his plans to race the Tour de France in support of Tadej Poga\u010dar. Instead, he took two months away from competition only to crash on his comeback at the Tour de Pologne.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-r5859FzTxer44yNQeMX33E\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-r5859FzTxer44yNQeMX33E 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\">For a rider who has two Grand Tour podiums and has been as high as fourth overall in the Tour de France, the lack of results is baffling.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I was just unlucky as hell, to be honest. I crashed in Poland, then I got sick just before Vuelta [a Espa\u00f1a]. So yeah, my consistency this year in terms of training was basically zero,&#8221; Almeida said.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I&#8217;m always having setbacks, so it&#8217;s hard to gain some shape like this.&#8221;<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            What to read next<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7GX9TbQYKCVDGZqXjQroS7-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7GX9TbQYKCVDGZqXjQroS7-150-80.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;Radically different scenario&#8217; &#8211; With four riders at finish, UAE Team Emirates-XRG battle through tough Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a without Tadej Poga\u010dar<\/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\/tHn8trN6dMv53qtc8uBmEj-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tHn8trN6dMv53qtc8uBmEj-150-80.png.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Poga\u010dar&#8217;s crash doesn&#8217;t just put his Worlds defence in doubt, it complicates next season&#8217;s plans \u2013 Sean Kelly&#8217;s Vuelta column<\/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\/zGRdVnLx7ooGPFdUiyCyaS-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zGRdVnLx7ooGPFdUiyCyaS-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\">More bad luck for Juan Ayuso with crash in finale of Grand Prix de Qu\u00e9bec, but no penalties handed out<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">His team seemed to catch a little bit of Almeida&#8217;s curse, with Poga\u010dar crashing out while leading the Vuelta on stage 8, and the team losing three others along the way.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">There was one glimmer of hope, however. Almeida was third-fastest in the stage 18 individual time trial in the Vuelta, which gives him some belief he will overcome his problems.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;The team supported me a lot, so I&#8217;m looking forward to give back some of their efforts and their trust,&#8221; Almeida said. &#8220;It&#8217;s been tough, but I&#8217;ll make it.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I will do everything I can, like always. I will work hard to be back to normal and hopefully win some races.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Almeida is due to represent Portugal at this weekend&#8217;s European Championships, and maybe he will show that the little spotted passenger has brought him some better fortunes.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><strong>Subscribe to Cyclingnews for comprehensive race coverage of both the UCI Road and Gravel World Championships, alongside the final monument of the season, Il Lombardia. Subscribers get unlimited access to exclusive analysis from our expert columnists, in-depth features and industry-leading tech insight. Plus, the Cyclingnews app lets you follow the action wherever you go! <\/strong><u><strong>Join today.<\/strong><\/u><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/teams-riders\/i-was-just-unlucky-as-hell-still-no-answers-as-joao-almeida-hopes-to-turn-around-terrible-season\/&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8di2FDaST8QmAVSL64uFaS-2400-80.jpg&#8221;] 1 &#8216;It was a childish mistake&#8217; &#8211; Paul Seixas waylaid by cramps in brutal World Championships road race 2 &#8216;We will just lick our wounds and come back for more&#8217; &#8211; Kate Courtney&#8217;s debut at Road World Championships ends early after crash on fastest part of course 3 &#8216;I&#8217;ve got to make [&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-2172271","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\/2172271","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=2172271"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2172271\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2172271"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=2172271"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=2172271"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}