{"id":2172588,"date":"2026-09-30T09:32:58","date_gmt":"2026-09-30T06:32:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2172588"},"modified":"2026-09-30T09:32:58","modified_gmt":"2026-09-30T06:32:58","slug":"will-vollering-continue-the-dutch-domination-or-can-someone-exact-worlds-revenge-european-championships-womens-road-race-contenders","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2172588","title":{"rendered":"Will Vollering continue the Dutch domination or can someone exact Worlds revenge? \u2013 European Championships women&#8217;s road race contenders"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aVDAw6hqD6AUQktJ4aFN4Q-2560-80.jpg&#8221;]<\/p>\n<article class=\"m-0 box-border flex flex-row items-center pr-2.5 gap-[15px] w-[278px] h-20 flex-none upnext-article-divider\" role=\"listitem\" aria-label=\"Recommended article 1 of 3\">\n<div class=\"relative flex-none w-20 h-20\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KqCmLDk7N52XeJa83N8ADa-160-80.jpg.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KqCmLDk7N52XeJa83N8ADa-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                                    As it happened: Dutch star secures first road title in illustrious career at World Road Championships women&#8217;s road race 2026\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\/8PkTJPKGrgqMM2cQxQMqxX-160-80.png.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8PkTJPKGrgqMM2cQxQMqxX-80-80.png.webp 80w\" sizes=\"80px\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex items-center justify-center absolute w-[18px] h-6 left-0 top-0 bg-white\/90 flex-none z-[1]\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"font-normal text-base leading-[17px] tracking-[1.3px] uppercase text-black flex-none\">2<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex flex-col items-center justify-center gap-1.5 w-[173px] h-20 flex-none\">\n<p class=\"font-article-heading font-medium text-base leading-[21px] text-gray-800 w-[173px] line-clamp-3 group-hover:underline\">\n                                    A wide open face-off between Evenepoel, Del Toro, Seixas, Van der Poel and more for the rainbow jersey \u2013 Analysing the World Championships elite men&#8217;s road race contenders\n                                <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"m-0 box-border flex flex-row items-center pr-2.5 gap-[15px] w-[278px] h-20 flex-none\" 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\/MAM5hc3AzpqiBh7faUKxVh-160-80.jpg.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MAM5hc3AzpqiBh7faUKxVh-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                                    UCI Road World Championships: Demi Vollering outsprints Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney to first world title in women&#8217;s elite road race after gripping final lap duel\n                                <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"page-content-onecol flex-1\nnews-article article\n\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"widget-area-group widget-area-group-2col flex flex-wrap box-border\">\n<div id=\"widgetArea16\" class=\"widget-area basis-full md:basis-2\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-2-3 page-widget-area-16\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"hero\" id=\"hero\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-hero widget-hero widget-hero-hero widget-hero widget-hero-fter-news\">\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRacing\n<\/li>\n<li>\nWomen&#8217;s Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRoad\n<\/li>\n<li>\nUEC Road European Championships\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>Will Vollering continue the Dutch domination or can someone exact Worlds revenge? \u2013 European Championships women&#8217;s road race contenders<\/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<div class=\"my-auto vds-simple-byline\"><span class=\"inline-block vds-author\"><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nMatilda Price <\/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=\"2026-09-30T09:32:58Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n30 September 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Vollering, Longo Borghini, Reusser and more will all battle for the European bands on a punchy course in Slovenia<\/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\/aVDAw6hqD6AUQktJ4aFN4Q-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aVDAw6hqD6AUQktJ4aFN4Q-1600-80.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aVDAw6hqD6AUQktJ4aFN4Q-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aVDAw6hqD6AUQktJ4aFN4Q-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aVDAw6hqD6AUQktJ4aFN4Q-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aVDAw6hqD6AUQktJ4aFN4Q-750-80.jpg.webp 750w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aVDAw6hqD6AUQktJ4aFN4Q-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aVDAw6hqD6AUQktJ4aFN4Q-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aVDAw6hqD6AUQktJ4aFN4Q-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\">Vollering is the defending European champion, as well as the new world champion<\/span><span class=\"credit font-article-copy\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo\" class=\"contents\" data-only-inline=\"0\">\n<div class=\"visible flex flex-row flex-nowrap sticky max-lg:-ml-5 top-[var(--site-header-height,60px)] sm:top-0 z-[9994] w-screen lg:w-full h-[50px] bg-white p-0 mb-5 border-neutral-200 border border-solid xl:hidden\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Variants:Inline\" data-analytics-id=\"sticky-nav\" id=\"sticky-nav--inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"sticky-nav\">\n<div class=\"flex flex-row w-full h-full overflow-x-scroll overflow-y-hidden tracking-normal overscroll-x-contain\" id=\"sticky-nav__scroll-container\"><span class=\"pl-4 my-auto text-base font-semibold font-article-heading lg:pl-3 lg:text-sm whitespace-nowrap uppercase\">Jump To:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-row w-auto border-y-0\">\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\nborder-b-[3px] border-b-(--jumpto-underline-color) border-solid font-semibold \" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>Demi Vollering<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>Elisa Longo Borghini<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>Marlen Reusser<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>Juliette Berthet<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>Paula Blasi<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>Liane Lippert<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>Other riders to watch<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\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-74acae8c-bc17-11f1-a6bf-b5042a028777\">The World Championships have only just finished over in Montreal, but attention is already turning towards the next big event, with the European Championships taking place in Ljubljana, Slovenia, starting this Friday.<\/p>\n<p>The Europeans swap round the schedule used at the Worlds, meaning the racing kicks off with the road races this weekend, before the time trials next week, with the elite women&#8217;s road race taking place this Saturday, October 3.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-74acae8c-bc17-11f1-a6bf-b5042a028777-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The women will take on a 130km course from Ljubljana to \u0160en\u010dur, which is flat for the first 80km but then the two finishing circuits will see the peloton take on the Mo\u017ejanca climb twice in the final 50km. The climb is only 2.1km in length, but it has a punishing 10.4% average gradient, and it doesn&#8217;t actually stop at the top, with a couple more kickers still to come once the official climb is over.<\/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\">From the top of the second ascent, the riders will descend down and then it&#8217;s a flat final 5km into the finish line in Sencur.<\/p>\n<div class=\"inline-gallery inlinegallery inline-layout extended-layout full-width-layout first-slide-only kiosq-b\" data-component-name=\"Elk:Gallery:ImageGallery\" data-inline-gallery data-inline-gallery-progress-template=\"Image {currentSlide} of {totalSlides}\" data-inline-gallery-total-slides=\"2\" id=\"elk-86e50c96-bc19-11f1-b793-af582a6eb913\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"inline-gallery__count counts\"><span class=\"slidecount current\" data-inline-gallery-count><br \/>\nImage 1 of 2<br \/>\n<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"inline-gallery__items inlinegallery-wrap\">\n<div class=\"react-swipeable-view-container\" data-inline-gallery-track>\n<div aria-hidden=\"false\" data-swipeable=\"true\" data-inline-gallery-slide-frame data-index=\"0\">\n<div class=\"items__item inlinegallery-item\" data-inline-gallery-slide data-index=\"0\">\n<div class=\"item__image-cont\">\n<div class=\"image-cont__image\">\n<figure class=\"image-wrapped__wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__widthsetter\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__aspect-padding inlinegallery-item\" data-index=\"0\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Qih5vFH58bABEb2KqHhotM-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Qih5vFH58bABEb2KqHhotM-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Qih5vFH58bABEb2KqHhotM-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Qih5vFH58bABEb2KqHhotM-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Qih5vFH58bABEb2KqHhotM-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Qih5vFH58bABEb2KqHhotM-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"caption-credit__figcaption\"><span class=\"caption-credit__credit credit\"><br \/>\n(Image credit: UEC)<br \/>\n<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div aria-hidden=\"true\" data-swipeable=\"true\" data-inline-gallery-slide-frame data-index=\"1\">\n<div class=\"items__item inlinegallery-item\" data-inline-gallery-slide data-index=\"1\">\n<div class=\"item__image-cont\">\n<div class=\"image-cont__image\">\n<figure class=\"image-wrapped__wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__widthsetter\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__aspect-padding inlinegallery-item\" data-index=\"1\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tMwu3AYrqubjzfHq8hPVHL-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tMwu3AYrqubjzfHq8hPVHL-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tMwu3AYrqubjzfHq8hPVHL-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tMwu3AYrqubjzfHq8hPVHL-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tMwu3AYrqubjzfHq8hPVHL-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tMwu3AYrqubjzfHq8hPVHL-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"caption-credit__figcaption\"><span class=\"caption-credit__credit credit\"><br \/>\n(Image credit: UEC)<br \/>\n<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"expanded-images\" data-inline-gallery-expanded hidden>\n<div class=\"expanded-images__items\">\n<div class=\"react-swipeable-view-container\" data-inline-gallery-expanded-track>\n<div class=\"expanded-slide__item\" data-inline-gallery-expanded-frame data-index=\"0\">\n<div class=\"expanded-slide__wrap\">\n<div class=\"expanded-slide__inner-wrap\">\n<div class=\"expanded-slide__surroundings show\">\n<div class=\"surroundings__expanded-count\">\nImage 1 of 2\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"view-original__text\">View Original<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"expanded-slide__image-wrap\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Qih5vFH58bABEb2KqHhotM-1946-80.jpg.webp 2560w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Qih5vFH58bABEb2KqHhotM-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Qih5vFH58bABEb2KqHhotM-1600-80.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Qih5vFH58bABEb2KqHhotM-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Qih5vFH58bABEb2KqHhotM-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Qih5vFH58bABEb2KqHhotM-768-80.jpg.webp 768w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Qih5vFH58bABEb2KqHhotM-415-80.jpg.webp 415w\" sizes=\"99vw\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"expanded-slide__item\" data-inline-gallery-expanded-frame data-index=\"1\">\n<div class=\"expanded-slide__wrap\">\n<div class=\"expanded-slide__inner-wrap\">\n<div class=\"expanded-slide__surroundings show\">\n<div class=\"surroundings__expanded-count\">\nImage 2 of 2\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"view-original__text\">View Original<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"expanded-slide__image-wrap\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tMwu3AYrqubjzfHq8hPVHL-2008-80.jpg.webp 2560w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tMwu3AYrqubjzfHq8hPVHL-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tMwu3AYrqubjzfHq8hPVHL-1600-80.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tMwu3AYrqubjzfHq8hPVHL-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tMwu3AYrqubjzfHq8hPVHL-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tMwu3AYrqubjzfHq8hPVHL-768-80.jpg.webp 768w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tMwu3AYrqubjzfHq8hPVHL-415-80.jpg.webp 415w\" sizes=\"99vw\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-86e50d22-bc19-11f1-9afd-63fdf8fb7ed8\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The course design looks set to produce a really open race, with chances for either the climbers to make it hard and selective, or for punchier riders to hold on and contest a faster group finish. At only 130km \u2013 compared to the Worlds&#8217; 180km \u2013 the race will be a lot less attritional than we saw over the weekend, too, so expect a lot more riders to be in contention for the win, rather than a super selective race by nature. If teams and riders want to whittle the group down, they&#8217;ll have to really work for it.<\/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\/ucnW4C33CudyUarHcb5GJ-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ucnW4C33CudyUarHcb5GJ-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\">Vallieres Mill&#8217;s title defence, Kopecky&#8217;s comeback and is Demi Vollering actually unstoppable? &#8211; Analysing the World Championships elite women&#8217;s road race contenders<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EiwFQdPrTt9yPqqhnYs8M-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EiwFQdPrTt9yPqqhnYs8M-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\">Marlen Reusser or Demi Vollering? Can anyone challenge the two favourites in the World Championships elite women&#8217;s time trial?<\/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\/gSC9dCAkKbvyhen4EC8H3L-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gSC9dCAkKbvyhen4EC8H3L-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\">Home favourite Bella Holmgren, Bunel leads French defence, Australia&#8217;s stacked squad \u2013 World Championships women&#8217;s under-23 road race contenders<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">With a European champion&#8217;s jersey up for grabs, and a lot of riders who left Canada in form but empty-handed, we&#8217;re expecting a really big battle for the women&#8217;s road race, so here are our pics for some of the top contenders.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><em>At the time of writing, the final start list for the women&#8217;s road race is not confirmed. We will make updates and adjustments to this article as needed.<\/em><\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-NisFzSvUoepp5pFDkZGNmN\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-NisFzSvUoepp5pFDkZGNmN 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<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-demi-vollering-netherlands\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Demi Vollering (Netherlands)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-db4b7922-bcab-11f1-bb7d-c15223898e93\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5kfLV2id64MNQnrKfGGaff-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5kfLV2id64MNQnrKfGGaff-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5kfLV2id64MNQnrKfGGaff-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5kfLV2id64MNQnrKfGGaff-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5kfLV2id64MNQnrKfGGaff-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5kfLV2id64MNQnrKfGGaff-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-79d1af34-bc21-11f1-bba4-2b567ce2fc00\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Newly-crowned world champion Demi Vollering has the chance to do a big double and claim her second jersey in a week in Slovenia, and defend her title won here last year. At the time of writing, the Netherlands haven&#8217;t officially confirmed their squad for the Euros, but it would seem surprising for Vollering to sit this one out as world and defending European champion and she&#8217;ll obviously be selected if she wants to go.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Given the excellent form she is on, a course that suits her strengths \u2013 if it&#8217;s raced hard, which it surely will be \u2013 and the motivation of becoming the first woman to defend a European road race title, Vollering is likely the out-and-out favourite for Saturday&#8217;s race, currently standing head and shoulders above the rest. We don&#8217;t yet know who will be joining her in the Dutch line-up in Ljubljana, but as still one of the strongest nations in the women&#8217;s peloton \u2013 and winners of the European jersey nine out of 10 times \u2013 Vollering will surely count on plenty of valuable support.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-kasia-niewiadoma-phinney-poland\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney (Poland)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-e7af5dbc-bcad-11f1-af1e-8fd278e77108\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SnrroKV8MAu8qKnduRM94K-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SnrroKV8MAu8qKnduRM94K-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SnrroKV8MAu8qKnduRM94K-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SnrroKV8MAu8qKnduRM94K-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SnrroKV8MAu8qKnduRM94K-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SnrroKV8MAu8qKnduRM94K-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Vaughn Ridley\/SWpix.com)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-e7af5e34-bcad-11f1-9d88-4bc62acadaa3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Second last year and second at the World Championships over the weekend, Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney is always trying to better that result that seems to follow her around her career, and the Euros course offers a really good opportunity for her.<\/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\/4w3qLesyYvCrGoyJcKfVvi-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4w3qLesyYvCrGoyJcKfVvi-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">The best riders who have never won at the Road World Championships \u2013 and who could change that in 2026<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#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\/KqCmLDk7N52XeJa83N8ADa-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KqCmLDk7N52XeJa83N8ADa-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\">As it happened: Dutch star secures first road title in illustrious career at World Road Championships women&#8217;s road race 2026<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6jDGsfsB9yt2gJadTf8auJ-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6jDGsfsB9yt2gJadTf8auJ-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\">Can anyone kick the Europeans off the top spot? \u2013 World Championships junior women\u2019s road race contenders<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">A proven Ardennes specialist, the steep pitches of the Mo\u017ejanca climb could offer her the perfect launchpad to do what she needs to do to win: get away solo. Frustratingly for Niewiadoma-Phinney, she and everyone else know that her sprint is a big weakness, and most of the top riders would beat her in the dash to the line, so getting away on her own or with weaker riders is really her only chance. But this has been the best season of the Polish rider&#8217;s career, and she is always there when it counts, so all she needs is a few things to go right, and a jersey could be hers.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-elisa-longo-borghini-italy\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Elisa Longo Borghini (Italy)<\/span><\/h2>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-eb5f3f66-bc19-11f1-831b-e53391e6dd47\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uud8oCSchJ3sMNWbqmvk3i-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uud8oCSchJ3sMNWbqmvk3i-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uud8oCSchJ3sMNWbqmvk3i-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uud8oCSchJ3sMNWbqmvk3i-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uud8oCSchJ3sMNWbqmvk3i-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uud8oCSchJ3sMNWbqmvk3i-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Alex Whitehead\/SWpix.com)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-74acb026-bc17-11f1-8e6a-955efe89df2d\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Elisa Longo Borghini claimed her first rainbow jersey of any kind in the Worlds mixed relay TTT last week, and then came incredibly close to another with a spirited ride in the women&#8217;s road race in Montreal. She ultimately came away with bronze, but her clearly excellent form certainly doesn&#8217;t need to go to waste, as there is another jersey up for grabs this weekend and she&#8217;ll be a top favourite to take the win in Slovenia.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The two ascents of the Mo\u017ejanca climb suit Longo Borghini&#8217;s abilities really well, hard enough for her to launch an attack, especially on the steeper slopes, but not so hard or long that it will favour the purer climbers. We know very well that once she gets away, Longo Borghini is hard to catch, so if she can execute a late move, it&#8217;s unlikely the peloton will see her again.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Plus, she has a stacked Italian squad around her \u2013 they&#8217;re taking no fewer than eight riders \u2013 and whilst the <em>Azzurri<\/em> are known for their team strength in big championships, they&#8217;ve only broken the Dutch stronghold on this jersey once before, so they&#8217;ll be motivated to take the stripes back this time.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-marlen-reusser-switzerland\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Marlen Reusser (Switzerland)<\/span><\/h2>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-79d1afd4-bc21-11f1-ac53-a721eccde6d5\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vgfSf2RcEkXpRrkgCoLLf-1200-80.png.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vgfSf2RcEkXpRrkgCoLLf-1024-80.png.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vgfSf2RcEkXpRrkgCoLLf-970-80.png.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vgfSf2RcEkXpRrkgCoLLf-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vgfSf2RcEkXpRrkgCoLLf-480-80.png.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vgfSf2RcEkXpRrkgCoLLf-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-74acb102-bc17-11f1-a052-e382f80737be\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">A week after claiming her second time trial world title, Marlen Reusser was one of the most disappointed riders at the end of the road race on Sunday. She missed the crucial move when Vollering, Longo Borghini and Niewiadoma-Phinney got away, and then found herself in a group that wasn&#8217;t really chasing, and despite working hard on her own, she missed out on a medal in fourth. So she will be carrying some extra motivation to Slovenia.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Reusser is a great climber, obviously a fantastic time trialist and a successful Classics rider, but the challenge for her here will be the punch and acceleration on the steepest sections of Mo\u017ejanca, as this is where her rivals will try to make things hardest for her. But Reusser is never one to shy away from taking the race on, and she&#8217;s certainly not afraid of any of her rivals, so if she can time it right and \u2013 ideally \u2013 get away solo, she could well be on her way to a European road race title, before aiming at the TT a few days later.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-juliette-berthet-france\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Juliette Berthet (France)<\/span><\/h2>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-79d1b056-bc21-11f1-8a4d-a3c768ad74c9\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DpWhWgAUuQu4LBhXrFVhPA-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DpWhWgAUuQu4LBhXrFVhPA-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DpWhWgAUuQu4LBhXrFVhPA-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DpWhWgAUuQu4LBhXrFVhPA-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DpWhWgAUuQu4LBhXrFVhPA-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DpWhWgAUuQu4LBhXrFVhPA-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Chris Auld\/SWpix.com)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-74acb1de-bc17-11f1-9b17-358bce44c76a\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Pretty much any of France&#8217;s riders could contend for the podium in Slovenia, but they&#8217;ll likely look to Juliette Berthet as their leader, with C\u00e9drine Kerbaol and Maeva Squiban two very in-form lieutenants. Berthet finished fifth at the World Championships over the weekend, and whilst she&#8217;s not often given leadership opportunities at the FDJ United-Suez trade team, she always proves that when given the chance, she can deliver. She&#8217;ll be one of the strongest pure climbers in the race, so if things get really selective over the double Mo\u017ejanca ascents, you can count on her to be there.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Squiban will also surely be on the offensive, as she often is, and Kerbaol is probably already eyeing up the descent and flat run to the line, as that kind of finale really suits her, and she&#8217;s very dangerous when descents and downhills come into play.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-paula-blasi-spain\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Paula Blasi (Spain)<\/span><\/h2>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-e7af5ef2-bcad-11f1-a80c-2df4adf1cc88\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YHGkcLwrAzPfCtn2FQChT-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YHGkcLwrAzPfCtn2FQChT-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YHGkcLwrAzPfCtn2FQChT-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YHGkcLwrAzPfCtn2FQChT-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YHGkcLwrAzPfCtn2FQChT-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YHGkcLwrAzPfCtn2FQChT-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-74acb2ba-bc17-11f1-9061-f9f93f6c10e6\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Paula Blasi is another rider who came away from Worlds more than a little disappointed, because a crash took her out and meant she couldn&#8217;t even try to contest the finale, DNFing instead. After a fantastic summer, the Vuelta Femenina winner has been shaping the end of her season around these races, and a jersey to end her brilliant year \u2013 and take to her new team \u2013 would be a fantastic way to cap off 2026.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Blasi will be excited about the climbs and will likely try to hit them as hard as possible, but she&#8217;s also got a really strong team around her who can contribute to that goal and whittle things down into the finale, with Mavi Garc\u00eda and Usoa Ostolaza particularly valuable tools for the Spain team, and potential winners themselves. Like Italy, Spain are a team that often come together really well for these races, so an inaugural European title is definitely within their ambitions.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-liane-lippert-germany\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Liane Lippert (Germany)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-e7af5f6a-bcad-11f1-8ec9-afe0ca63e198\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DHMSGHXm4KjDXMKkkbqdX-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DHMSGHXm4KjDXMKkkbqdX-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DHMSGHXm4KjDXMKkkbqdX-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DHMSGHXm4KjDXMKkkbqdX-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DHMSGHXm4KjDXMKkkbqdX-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DHMSGHXm4KjDXMKkkbqdX-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-d94f408e-bc21-11f1-b719-33d8da6b1ae2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Germany come to the Euros with a gluttony of options, with the super in-form Franziska Koch a big contender and Antonia Niedermaier a good choice for a harder, more selective race. But the rider who sits in between their two strengths is Liane Lippert. Germany will probably let leadership play out on the day, but the course suits the punchy Lippert really well, and she&#8217;s likely able to be in the selection however the race pans out \u2013 whether that&#8217;s a bigger group or a more selective battle. It&#8217;s not been her best year, but she often finds some form at this time of year and going into the Italian Classics, so keep an eye on Lippert and her German teammates.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-other-riders-to-watch\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Other riders to watch<\/span><\/h3>\n<ul id=\"elk-d94f41b0-bc21-11f1-b5fd-5b1500ecc2ec\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">\n<li>For<strong> Blanka Vas <\/strong>(Hungary) this will probably be one last road hit-out before she turns her attention to cyclo-cross, and she could be a dark horse for a result. We don&#8217;t often see her given leadership chances for her trade team but when she gets an opportunity, she usually delivers.<\/li>\n<li>Belgium aren&#8217;t bringing any big leaders, but keep an eye on<strong> Sandrine Tas,<\/strong> the former speedskater who has really impressed on the road this year.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Cecilie Uttrup Ludwig <\/strong>(Denmark)was a DNF in Montreal but will be eyeing the shorter, punchier climbs of the Euros.<\/li>\n<li>Slovenia are missing their top rider Ur\u0161ka \u017digart for their home Euros, but keep an eye on <strong>\u0160pela Kern <\/strong>for perhaps a breakaway or a sneak top result \u2013 the three Slovenian starters will want to leave a mark on the race.<\/li>\n<li>And I&#8217;ll leave you on a question: is there a world in which <strong>Lorena Wiebes <\/strong>(Netherlands) survives the climbs? If the climbers don&#8217;t make it as hard as possible, the relatively short uphill isn&#8217;t beyond her capabilities, and we all know what will happen if Wiebes is in the group that goes to the line.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p id=\"elk-74acb328-bc17-11f1-9496-69b434bf04d1\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><em><strong>Subscribe to Cyclingnews for comprehensive race coverage of both the UCI Road and Gravel World Championships, alongside the final monument of the season, Il Lombardia. Subscribers get unlimited access to exclusive analysis from our expert columnists, in-depth features and industry-leading tech insight. Plus, the Cyclingnews app lets you follow the action wherever you go! <\/strong><\/em><u><em><strong>Join today.<\/strong><\/em><\/u><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-NisFzSvUoepp5pFDkZGNmN\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-NisFzSvUoepp5pFDkZGNmN slice-container-authorBio\">\n<div class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio slice-container-authorBio\" id=\"slice-container-authorBio\" data-component-name=\"Slice:AuthorBio\">\n<div class=\"author author__default-layout author--separator author--collapsible\" data-author-bio-max-height=\"250\" data-author-bio-read-more=\"Read more\" data-author-bio-read-less=\"Read less\">\n<div class=\"author__header\">\n<div class=\"author__heading\">\n<div class=\"author__name\">\n<p>Matilda Price<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__role\">Assistant Features Editor<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>Matilda is an NCTJ-qualified journalist based in the UK who joined <em>Cyclingnews <\/em>in March 2025. Prior to that, she worked as the Racing News Editor at <em>GCN<\/em>, and extensively as a freelancer contributing to <em>Cyclingnews, Cycling Weekly, Velo, Rouleur, Escape Collective, Red Bull <\/em>and more. She has reported on the ground at all of the biggest events on the calendar, including the men&#8217;s and women&#8217;s Tours de France, the Giro d&#8217;Italia, the Vuelta a Espana, the Spring Classics and the World Championships. She has particular experience and expertise in women&#8217;s cycling, and women&#8217;s sport in general. She is a graduate of modern languages and sports journalism.<\/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\/ucnW4C33CudyUarHcb5GJ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ucnW4C33CudyUarHcb5GJ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ucnW4C33CudyUarHcb5GJ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ucnW4C33CudyUarHcb5GJ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ucnW4C33CudyUarHcb5GJ-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Vallieres Mill&#8217;s title defence, Kopecky&#8217;s comeback and is Demi Vollering actually unstoppable? &#8211; Analysing the World Championships elite women&#8217;s road race contenders<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EiwFQdPrTt9yPqqhnYs8M-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EiwFQdPrTt9yPqqhnYs8M-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EiwFQdPrTt9yPqqhnYs8M-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EiwFQdPrTt9yPqqhnYs8M-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EiwFQdPrTt9yPqqhnYs8M-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Marlen Reusser or Demi Vollering? Can anyone challenge the two favourites in the World Championships elite women&#8217;s time trial?<\/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\/gSC9dCAkKbvyhen4EC8H3L-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gSC9dCAkKbvyhen4EC8H3L-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gSC9dCAkKbvyhen4EC8H3L-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gSC9dCAkKbvyhen4EC8H3L-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gSC9dCAkKbvyhen4EC8H3L-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Home favourite Bella Holmgren, Bunel leads French defence, Australia&#8217;s stacked squad \u2013 World Championships women&#8217;s under-23 road race contenders<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4w3qLesyYvCrGoyJcKfVvi-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4w3qLesyYvCrGoyJcKfVvi-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4w3qLesyYvCrGoyJcKfVvi-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4w3qLesyYvCrGoyJcKfVvi-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4w3qLesyYvCrGoyJcKfVvi-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">The best riders who have never won at the Road World Championships \u2013 and who could change that in 2026<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KqCmLDk7N52XeJa83N8ADa-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KqCmLDk7N52XeJa83N8ADa-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KqCmLDk7N52XeJa83N8ADa-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KqCmLDk7N52XeJa83N8ADa-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KqCmLDk7N52XeJa83N8ADa-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">As it happened: Dutch star secures first road title in illustrious career at World Road Championships women&#8217;s road race 2026<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6jDGsfsB9yt2gJadTf8auJ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6jDGsfsB9yt2gJadTf8auJ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6jDGsfsB9yt2gJadTf8auJ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6jDGsfsB9yt2gJadTf8auJ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6jDGsfsB9yt2gJadTf8auJ-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Can anyone kick the Europeans off the top spot? \u2013 World Championships junior women\u2019s road race contenders<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\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 Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/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\/SnrroKV8MAu8qKnduRM94K-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SnrroKV8MAu8qKnduRM94K-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SnrroKV8MAu8qKnduRM94K-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SnrroKV8MAu8qKnduRM94K-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SnrroKV8MAu8qKnduRM94K-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney swaps Canyon-SRAM for Lidl-Trek after nine years in major women&#8217;s peloton transfer<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/y6Syu4Sri2XkuAs6GEa6Rm-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/y6Syu4Sri2XkuAs6GEa6Rm-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/y6Syu4Sri2XkuAs6GEa6Rm-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/y6Syu4Sri2XkuAs6GEa6Rm-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/y6Syu4Sri2XkuAs6GEa6Rm-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I just don\u2019t want to make those choices anymore&#8217; \u2013 Olympic champion track sprinter Katy Marchant retires<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rVTgt6Kxb4eBDp2KqmFrhY-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rVTgt6Kxb4eBDp2KqmFrhY-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rVTgt6Kxb4eBDp2KqmFrhY-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rVTgt6Kxb4eBDp2KqmFrhY-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rVTgt6Kxb4eBDp2KqmFrhY-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Emma Langley and Matt Wilson win inaugural Pulaski MTN-X Gravel Bike Race in Virginia<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div 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\/ti563qyv5YgrogBmZe3cnE-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ti563qyv5YgrogBmZe3cnE-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ti563qyv5YgrogBmZe3cnE-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ti563qyv5YgrogBmZe3cnE-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ti563qyv5YgrogBmZe3cnE-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\">Virginia&#8217;s Blue Ridge GO Cross: Sidney McGill ends Manon Bakker\u2019s USCX win streak as Tofik Beshir takes back-to-back victories on day 2 in Roanoke<\/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\/JQxDTX3Tn2awqXyRcqXphD-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JQxDTX3Tn2awqXyRcqXphD-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JQxDTX3Tn2awqXyRcqXphD-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JQxDTX3Tn2awqXyRcqXphD-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JQxDTX3Tn2awqXyRcqXphD-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">North American crowds deliver, the juniors deserve better, and the Dutch get it so right \u2013\u00a0Our key takeaways from the Road World Championships 2026<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zR6AkyrkYq99PEAYY7tYHT-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zR6AkyrkYq99PEAYY7tYHT-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zR6AkyrkYq99PEAYY7tYHT-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zR6AkyrkYq99PEAYY7tYHT-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zR6AkyrkYq99PEAYY7tYHT-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\">UCI Gravel World Series: Rosa Kl\u00f6ser and Hugo Drechou victorious on &#8216;one of the most technical UCI gravel courses you can find&#8217; at Pyr\u00e9n\u00e9es Catalanes Gravel Tour<\/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 Previews<\/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\/8PkTJPKGrgqMM2cQxQMqxX-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8PkTJPKGrgqMM2cQxQMqxX-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8PkTJPKGrgqMM2cQxQMqxX-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8PkTJPKGrgqMM2cQxQMqxX-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8PkTJPKGrgqMM2cQxQMqxX-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">A wide open face-off between Evenepoel, Del Toro, Seixas, Van der Poel and more for the rainbow jersey \u2013 Analysing the World Championships elite men&#8217;s road race contenders<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6jDGsfsB9yt2gJadTf8auJ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6jDGsfsB9yt2gJadTf8auJ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6jDGsfsB9yt2gJadTf8auJ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6jDGsfsB9yt2gJadTf8auJ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6jDGsfsB9yt2gJadTf8auJ-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Can anyone kick the Europeans off the top spot? \u2013 World Championships junior women\u2019s road race contenders<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ucnW4C33CudyUarHcb5GJ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ucnW4C33CudyUarHcb5GJ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ucnW4C33CudyUarHcb5GJ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ucnW4C33CudyUarHcb5GJ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ucnW4C33CudyUarHcb5GJ-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Vallieres Mill&#8217;s title defence, Kopecky&#8217;s comeback and is Demi Vollering actually unstoppable? &#8211; Analysing the World Championships elite women&#8217;s road race contenders<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tjxzf8EsCzYu2pgXrkBTKX-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tjxzf8EsCzYu2pgXrkBTKX-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tjxzf8EsCzYu2pgXrkBTKX-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tjxzf8EsCzYu2pgXrkBTKX-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tjxzf8EsCzYu2pgXrkBTKX-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\">France&#8217;s next prodigy and Brazil&#8217;s best chance at a rainbow jersey \u2013 World Championships under-23 men&#8217;s road race contenders<\/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\/gSC9dCAkKbvyhen4EC8H3L-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gSC9dCAkKbvyhen4EC8H3L-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gSC9dCAkKbvyhen4EC8H3L-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gSC9dCAkKbvyhen4EC8H3L-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gSC9dCAkKbvyhen4EC8H3L-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Home favourite Bella Holmgren, Bunel leads French defence, Australia&#8217;s stacked squad \u2013 World Championships women&#8217;s under-23 road race contenders<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sGfkV84vASJ3ab4GAUbz9a-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sGfkV84vASJ3ab4GAUbz9a-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sGfkV84vASJ3ab4GAUbz9a-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sGfkV84vASJ3ab4GAUbz9a-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sGfkV84vASJ3ab4GAUbz9a-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\">A wide open field of young stars going for glory \u2013 World Championships junior men&#8217;s road race contenders<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\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 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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>\nRacing\n<\/li>\n<li>\nWomen&#8217;s Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRoad\n<\/li>\n<li>\nUEC Road European Championships\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>Will Vollering continue the Dutch domination or can someone exact Worlds revenge? \u2013 European Championships women&#8217;s road race contenders<\/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<div class=\"my-auto vds-simple-byline\"><span class=\"inline-block vds-author\"><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nMatilda Price <\/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=\"2026-09-30T09:32:58Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n30 September 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Vollering, Longo Borghini, Reusser and more will all battle for the European bands on a punchy course in Slovenia<\/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\/aVDAw6hqD6AUQktJ4aFN4Q-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aVDAw6hqD6AUQktJ4aFN4Q-1600-80.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aVDAw6hqD6AUQktJ4aFN4Q-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aVDAw6hqD6AUQktJ4aFN4Q-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aVDAw6hqD6AUQktJ4aFN4Q-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aVDAw6hqD6AUQktJ4aFN4Q-750-80.jpg.webp 750w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aVDAw6hqD6AUQktJ4aFN4Q-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aVDAw6hqD6AUQktJ4aFN4Q-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aVDAw6hqD6AUQktJ4aFN4Q-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\">Vollering is the defending European champion, as well as the new world champion<\/span><span class=\"credit font-article-copy\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo\" class=\"contents\" data-only-inline=\"0\">\n<div class=\"visible flex flex-row flex-nowrap sticky max-lg:-ml-5 top-[var(--site-header-height,60px)] sm:top-0 z-[9994] w-screen lg:w-full h-[50px] bg-white p-0 mb-5 border-neutral-200 border border-solid xl:hidden\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Variants:Inline\" data-analytics-id=\"sticky-nav\" id=\"sticky-nav--inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"sticky-nav\">\n<div class=\"flex flex-row w-full h-full overflow-x-scroll overflow-y-hidden tracking-normal overscroll-x-contain\" id=\"sticky-nav__scroll-container\"><span class=\"pl-4 my-auto text-base font-semibold font-article-heading lg:pl-3 lg:text-sm whitespace-nowrap uppercase\">Jump To:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-row w-auto border-y-0\">\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\nborder-b-[3px] border-b-(--jumpto-underline-color) border-solid font-semibold \" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>Demi Vollering<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>Elisa Longo Borghini<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>Marlen Reusser<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>Juliette Berthet<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>Paula Blasi<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>Liane Lippert<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>Other riders to watch<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\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-74acae8c-bc17-11f1-a6bf-b5042a028777\">The World Championships have only just finished over in Montreal, but attention is already turning towards the next big event, with the European Championships taking place in Ljubljana, Slovenia, starting this Friday.<\/p>\n<p>The Europeans swap round the schedule used at the Worlds, meaning the racing kicks off with the road races this weekend, before the time trials next week, with the elite women&#8217;s road race taking place this Saturday, October 3.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-74acae8c-bc17-11f1-a6bf-b5042a028777-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The women will take on a 130km course from Ljubljana to \u0160en\u010dur, which is flat for the first 80km but then the two finishing circuits will see the peloton take on the Mo\u017ejanca climb twice in the final 50km. The climb is only 2.1km in length, but it has a punishing 10.4% average gradient, and it doesn&#8217;t actually stop at the top, with a couple more kickers still to come once the official climb is over.<\/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\">From the top of the second ascent, the riders will descend down and then it&#8217;s a flat final 5km into the finish line in Sencur.<\/p>\n<div class=\"inline-gallery inlinegallery inline-layout extended-layout full-width-layout first-slide-only kiosq-b\" data-component-name=\"Elk:Gallery:ImageGallery\" data-inline-gallery data-inline-gallery-progress-template=\"Image {currentSlide} of {totalSlides}\" data-inline-gallery-total-slides=\"2\" id=\"elk-86e50c96-bc19-11f1-b793-af582a6eb913\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"inline-gallery__count counts\"><span class=\"slidecount current\" data-inline-gallery-count><br \/>\nImage 1 of 2<br \/>\n<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"inline-gallery__items inlinegallery-wrap\">\n<div class=\"react-swipeable-view-container\" data-inline-gallery-track>\n<div aria-hidden=\"false\" data-swipeable=\"true\" data-inline-gallery-slide-frame data-index=\"0\">\n<div class=\"items__item inlinegallery-item\" data-inline-gallery-slide data-index=\"0\">\n<div class=\"item__image-cont\">\n<div class=\"image-cont__image\">\n<figure class=\"image-wrapped__wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__widthsetter\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__aspect-padding inlinegallery-item\" data-index=\"0\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Qih5vFH58bABEb2KqHhotM-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Qih5vFH58bABEb2KqHhotM-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Qih5vFH58bABEb2KqHhotM-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Qih5vFH58bABEb2KqHhotM-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Qih5vFH58bABEb2KqHhotM-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Qih5vFH58bABEb2KqHhotM-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"caption-credit__figcaption\"><span class=\"caption-credit__credit credit\"><br \/>\n(Image credit: UEC)<br \/>\n<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div aria-hidden=\"true\" data-swipeable=\"true\" data-inline-gallery-slide-frame data-index=\"1\">\n<div class=\"items__item inlinegallery-item\" data-inline-gallery-slide data-index=\"1\">\n<div class=\"item__image-cont\">\n<div class=\"image-cont__image\">\n<figure class=\"image-wrapped__wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__widthsetter\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__aspect-padding inlinegallery-item\" data-index=\"1\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tMwu3AYrqubjzfHq8hPVHL-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tMwu3AYrqubjzfHq8hPVHL-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tMwu3AYrqubjzfHq8hPVHL-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tMwu3AYrqubjzfHq8hPVHL-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tMwu3AYrqubjzfHq8hPVHL-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tMwu3AYrqubjzfHq8hPVHL-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"caption-credit__figcaption\"><span class=\"caption-credit__credit credit\"><br \/>\n(Image credit: UEC)<br \/>\n<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"expanded-images\" data-inline-gallery-expanded hidden>\n<div class=\"expanded-images__items\">\n<div class=\"react-swipeable-view-container\" data-inline-gallery-expanded-track>\n<div class=\"expanded-slide__item\" data-inline-gallery-expanded-frame data-index=\"0\">\n<div class=\"expanded-slide__wrap\">\n<div class=\"expanded-slide__inner-wrap\">\n<div class=\"expanded-slide__surroundings show\">\n<div class=\"surroundings__expanded-count\">\nImage 1 of 2\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"view-original__text\">View Original<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"expanded-slide__image-wrap\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Qih5vFH58bABEb2KqHhotM-1946-80.jpg.webp 2560w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Qih5vFH58bABEb2KqHhotM-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Qih5vFH58bABEb2KqHhotM-1600-80.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Qih5vFH58bABEb2KqHhotM-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Qih5vFH58bABEb2KqHhotM-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Qih5vFH58bABEb2KqHhotM-768-80.jpg.webp 768w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Qih5vFH58bABEb2KqHhotM-415-80.jpg.webp 415w\" sizes=\"99vw\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"expanded-slide__item\" data-inline-gallery-expanded-frame data-index=\"1\">\n<div class=\"expanded-slide__wrap\">\n<div class=\"expanded-slide__inner-wrap\">\n<div class=\"expanded-slide__surroundings show\">\n<div class=\"surroundings__expanded-count\">\nImage 2 of 2\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"view-original__text\">View Original<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"expanded-slide__image-wrap\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tMwu3AYrqubjzfHq8hPVHL-2008-80.jpg.webp 2560w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tMwu3AYrqubjzfHq8hPVHL-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tMwu3AYrqubjzfHq8hPVHL-1600-80.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tMwu3AYrqubjzfHq8hPVHL-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tMwu3AYrqubjzfHq8hPVHL-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tMwu3AYrqubjzfHq8hPVHL-768-80.jpg.webp 768w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tMwu3AYrqubjzfHq8hPVHL-415-80.jpg.webp 415w\" sizes=\"99vw\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-86e50d22-bc19-11f1-9afd-63fdf8fb7ed8\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The course design looks set to produce a really open race, with chances for either the climbers to make it hard and selective, or for punchier riders to hold on and contest a faster group finish. At only 130km \u2013 compared to the Worlds&#8217; 180km \u2013 the race will be a lot less attritional than we saw over the weekend, too, so expect a lot more riders to be in contention for the win, rather than a super selective race by nature. If teams and riders want to whittle the group down, they&#8217;ll have to really work for it.<\/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\/ucnW4C33CudyUarHcb5GJ-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ucnW4C33CudyUarHcb5GJ-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\">Vallieres Mill&#8217;s title defence, Kopecky&#8217;s comeback and is Demi Vollering actually unstoppable? &#8211; Analysing the World Championships elite women&#8217;s road race contenders<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EiwFQdPrTt9yPqqhnYs8M-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EiwFQdPrTt9yPqqhnYs8M-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\">Marlen Reusser or Demi Vollering? Can anyone challenge the two favourites in the World Championships elite women&#8217;s time trial?<\/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\/gSC9dCAkKbvyhen4EC8H3L-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gSC9dCAkKbvyhen4EC8H3L-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\">Home favourite Bella Holmgren, Bunel leads French defence, Australia&#8217;s stacked squad \u2013 World Championships women&#8217;s under-23 road race contenders<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">With a European champion&#8217;s jersey up for grabs, and a lot of riders who left Canada in form but empty-handed, we&#8217;re expecting a really big battle for the women&#8217;s road race, so here are our pics for some of the top contenders.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><em>At the time of writing, the final start list for the women&#8217;s road race is not confirmed. We will make updates and adjustments to this article as needed.<\/em><\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-NisFzSvUoepp5pFDkZGNmN\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-NisFzSvUoepp5pFDkZGNmN 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<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-demi-vollering-netherlands\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Demi Vollering (Netherlands)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-db4b7922-bcab-11f1-bb7d-c15223898e93\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5kfLV2id64MNQnrKfGGaff-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5kfLV2id64MNQnrKfGGaff-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5kfLV2id64MNQnrKfGGaff-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5kfLV2id64MNQnrKfGGaff-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5kfLV2id64MNQnrKfGGaff-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5kfLV2id64MNQnrKfGGaff-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-79d1af34-bc21-11f1-bba4-2b567ce2fc00\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Newly-crowned world champion Demi Vollering has the chance to do a big double and claim her second jersey in a week in Slovenia, and defend her title won here last year. At the time of writing, the Netherlands haven&#8217;t officially confirmed their squad for the Euros, but it would seem surprising for Vollering to sit this one out as world and defending European champion and she&#8217;ll obviously be selected if she wants to go.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Given the excellent form she is on, a course that suits her strengths \u2013 if it&#8217;s raced hard, which it surely will be \u2013 and the motivation of becoming the first woman to defend a European road race title, Vollering is likely the out-and-out favourite for Saturday&#8217;s race, currently standing head and shoulders above the rest. We don&#8217;t yet know who will be joining her in the Dutch line-up in Ljubljana, but as still one of the strongest nations in the women&#8217;s peloton \u2013 and winners of the European jersey nine out of 10 times \u2013 Vollering will surely count on plenty of valuable support.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-kasia-niewiadoma-phinney-poland\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney (Poland)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-e7af5dbc-bcad-11f1-af1e-8fd278e77108\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SnrroKV8MAu8qKnduRM94K-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SnrroKV8MAu8qKnduRM94K-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SnrroKV8MAu8qKnduRM94K-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SnrroKV8MAu8qKnduRM94K-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SnrroKV8MAu8qKnduRM94K-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SnrroKV8MAu8qKnduRM94K-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Vaughn Ridley\/SWpix.com)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-e7af5e34-bcad-11f1-9d88-4bc62acadaa3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Second last year and second at the World Championships over the weekend, Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney is always trying to better that result that seems to follow her around her career, and the Euros course offers a really good opportunity for her.<\/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\/4w3qLesyYvCrGoyJcKfVvi-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4w3qLesyYvCrGoyJcKfVvi-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">The best riders who have never won at the Road World Championships \u2013 and who could change that in 2026<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#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\/KqCmLDk7N52XeJa83N8ADa-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KqCmLDk7N52XeJa83N8ADa-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\">As it happened: Dutch star secures first road title in illustrious career at World Road Championships women&#8217;s road race 2026<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6jDGsfsB9yt2gJadTf8auJ-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6jDGsfsB9yt2gJadTf8auJ-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\">Can anyone kick the Europeans off the top spot? \u2013 World Championships junior women\u2019s road race contenders<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">A proven Ardennes specialist, the steep pitches of the Mo\u017ejanca climb could offer her the perfect launchpad to do what she needs to do to win: get away solo. Frustratingly for Niewiadoma-Phinney, she and everyone else know that her sprint is a big weakness, and most of the top riders would beat her in the dash to the line, so getting away on her own or with weaker riders is really her only chance. But this has been the best season of the Polish rider&#8217;s career, and she is always there when it counts, so all she needs is a few things to go right, and a jersey could be hers.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-elisa-longo-borghini-italy\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Elisa Longo Borghini (Italy)<\/span><\/h2>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-eb5f3f66-bc19-11f1-831b-e53391e6dd47\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uud8oCSchJ3sMNWbqmvk3i-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uud8oCSchJ3sMNWbqmvk3i-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uud8oCSchJ3sMNWbqmvk3i-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uud8oCSchJ3sMNWbqmvk3i-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uud8oCSchJ3sMNWbqmvk3i-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uud8oCSchJ3sMNWbqmvk3i-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Alex Whitehead\/SWpix.com)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-74acb026-bc17-11f1-8e6a-955efe89df2d\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Elisa Longo Borghini claimed her first rainbow jersey of any kind in the Worlds mixed relay TTT last week, and then came incredibly close to another with a spirited ride in the women&#8217;s road race in Montreal. She ultimately came away with bronze, but her clearly excellent form certainly doesn&#8217;t need to go to waste, as there is another jersey up for grabs this weekend and she&#8217;ll be a top favourite to take the win in Slovenia.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The two ascents of the Mo\u017ejanca climb suit Longo Borghini&#8217;s abilities really well, hard enough for her to launch an attack, especially on the steeper slopes, but not so hard or long that it will favour the purer climbers. We know very well that once she gets away, Longo Borghini is hard to catch, so if she can execute a late move, it&#8217;s unlikely the peloton will see her again.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Plus, she has a stacked Italian squad around her \u2013 they&#8217;re taking no fewer than eight riders \u2013 and whilst the <em>Azzurri<\/em> are known for their team strength in big championships, they&#8217;ve only broken the Dutch stronghold on this jersey once before, so they&#8217;ll be motivated to take the stripes back this time.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-marlen-reusser-switzerland\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Marlen Reusser (Switzerland)<\/span><\/h2>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-79d1afd4-bc21-11f1-ac53-a721eccde6d5\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vgfSf2RcEkXpRrkgCoLLf-1200-80.png.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vgfSf2RcEkXpRrkgCoLLf-1024-80.png.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vgfSf2RcEkXpRrkgCoLLf-970-80.png.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vgfSf2RcEkXpRrkgCoLLf-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vgfSf2RcEkXpRrkgCoLLf-480-80.png.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vgfSf2RcEkXpRrkgCoLLf-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-74acb102-bc17-11f1-a052-e382f80737be\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">A week after claiming her second time trial world title, Marlen Reusser was one of the most disappointed riders at the end of the road race on Sunday. She missed the crucial move when Vollering, Longo Borghini and Niewiadoma-Phinney got away, and then found herself in a group that wasn&#8217;t really chasing, and despite working hard on her own, she missed out on a medal in fourth. So she will be carrying some extra motivation to Slovenia.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Reusser is a great climber, obviously a fantastic time trialist and a successful Classics rider, but the challenge for her here will be the punch and acceleration on the steepest sections of Mo\u017ejanca, as this is where her rivals will try to make things hardest for her. But Reusser is never one to shy away from taking the race on, and she&#8217;s certainly not afraid of any of her rivals, so if she can time it right and \u2013 ideally \u2013 get away solo, she could well be on her way to a European road race title, before aiming at the TT a few days later.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-juliette-berthet-france\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Juliette Berthet (France)<\/span><\/h2>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-79d1b056-bc21-11f1-8a4d-a3c768ad74c9\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DpWhWgAUuQu4LBhXrFVhPA-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DpWhWgAUuQu4LBhXrFVhPA-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DpWhWgAUuQu4LBhXrFVhPA-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DpWhWgAUuQu4LBhXrFVhPA-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DpWhWgAUuQu4LBhXrFVhPA-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DpWhWgAUuQu4LBhXrFVhPA-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Chris Auld\/SWpix.com)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-74acb1de-bc17-11f1-9b17-358bce44c76a\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Pretty much any of France&#8217;s riders could contend for the podium in Slovenia, but they&#8217;ll likely look to Juliette Berthet as their leader, with C\u00e9drine Kerbaol and Maeva Squiban two very in-form lieutenants. Berthet finished fifth at the World Championships over the weekend, and whilst she&#8217;s not often given leadership opportunities at the FDJ United-Suez trade team, she always proves that when given the chance, she can deliver. She&#8217;ll be one of the strongest pure climbers in the race, so if things get really selective over the double Mo\u017ejanca ascents, you can count on her to be there.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Squiban will also surely be on the offensive, as she often is, and Kerbaol is probably already eyeing up the descent and flat run to the line, as that kind of finale really suits her, and she&#8217;s very dangerous when descents and downhills come into play.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-paula-blasi-spain\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Paula Blasi (Spain)<\/span><\/h2>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-e7af5ef2-bcad-11f1-a80c-2df4adf1cc88\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YHGkcLwrAzPfCtn2FQChT-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YHGkcLwrAzPfCtn2FQChT-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YHGkcLwrAzPfCtn2FQChT-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YHGkcLwrAzPfCtn2FQChT-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YHGkcLwrAzPfCtn2FQChT-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YHGkcLwrAzPfCtn2FQChT-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-74acb2ba-bc17-11f1-9061-f9f93f6c10e6\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Paula Blasi is another rider who came away from Worlds more than a little disappointed, because a crash took her out and meant she couldn&#8217;t even try to contest the finale, DNFing instead. After a fantastic summer, the Vuelta Femenina winner has been shaping the end of her season around these races, and a jersey to end her brilliant year \u2013 and take to her new team \u2013 would be a fantastic way to cap off 2026.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Blasi will be excited about the climbs and will likely try to hit them as hard as possible, but she&#8217;s also got a really strong team around her who can contribute to that goal and whittle things down into the finale, with Mavi Garc\u00eda and Usoa Ostolaza particularly valuable tools for the Spain team, and potential winners themselves. Like Italy, Spain are a team that often come together really well for these races, so an inaugural European title is definitely within their ambitions.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-liane-lippert-germany\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Liane Lippert (Germany)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-e7af5f6a-bcad-11f1-8ec9-afe0ca63e198\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DHMSGHXm4KjDXMKkkbqdX-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DHMSGHXm4KjDXMKkkbqdX-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DHMSGHXm4KjDXMKkkbqdX-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DHMSGHXm4KjDXMKkkbqdX-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DHMSGHXm4KjDXMKkkbqdX-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DHMSGHXm4KjDXMKkkbqdX-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-d94f408e-bc21-11f1-b719-33d8da6b1ae2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Germany come to the Euros with a gluttony of options, with the super in-form Franziska Koch a big contender and Antonia Niedermaier a good choice for a harder, more selective race. But the rider who sits in between their two strengths is Liane Lippert. Germany will probably let leadership play out on the day, but the course suits the punchy Lippert really well, and she&#8217;s likely able to be in the selection however the race pans out \u2013 whether that&#8217;s a bigger group or a more selective battle. It&#8217;s not been her best year, but she often finds some form at this time of year and going into the Italian Classics, so keep an eye on Lippert and her German teammates.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-other-riders-to-watch\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Other riders to watch<\/span><\/h3>\n<ul id=\"elk-d94f41b0-bc21-11f1-b5fd-5b1500ecc2ec\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">\n<li>For<strong> Blanka Vas <\/strong>(Hungary) this will probably be one last road hit-out before she turns her attention to cyclo-cross, and she could be a dark horse for a result. We don&#8217;t often see her given leadership chances for her trade team but when she gets an opportunity, she usually delivers.<\/li>\n<li>Belgium aren&#8217;t bringing any big leaders, but keep an eye on<strong> Sandrine Tas,<\/strong> the former speedskater who has really impressed on the road this year.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Cecilie Uttrup Ludwig <\/strong>(Denmark)was a DNF in Montreal but will be eyeing the shorter, punchier climbs of the Euros.<\/li>\n<li>Slovenia are missing their top rider Ur\u0161ka \u017digart for their home Euros, but keep an eye on <strong>\u0160pela Kern <\/strong>for perhaps a breakaway or a sneak top result \u2013 the three Slovenian starters will want to leave a mark on the race.<\/li>\n<li>And I&#8217;ll leave you on a question: is there a world in which <strong>Lorena Wiebes <\/strong>(Netherlands) survives the climbs? If the climbers don&#8217;t make it as hard as possible, the relatively short uphill isn&#8217;t beyond her capabilities, and we all know what will happen if Wiebes is in the group that goes to the line.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p id=\"elk-74acb328-bc17-11f1-9496-69b434bf04d1\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><em><strong>Subscribe to Cyclingnews for comprehensive race coverage of both the UCI Road and Gravel World Championships, alongside the final monument of the season, Il Lombardia. Subscribers get unlimited access to exclusive analysis from our expert columnists, in-depth features and industry-leading tech insight. Plus, the Cyclingnews app lets you follow the action wherever you go! <\/strong><\/em><u><em><strong>Join today.<\/strong><\/em><\/u><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-NisFzSvUoepp5pFDkZGNmN\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-NisFzSvUoepp5pFDkZGNmN slice-container-authorBio\">\n<div class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio slice-container-authorBio\" id=\"slice-container-authorBio\" data-component-name=\"Slice:AuthorBio\">\n<div class=\"author author__default-layout author--separator author--collapsible\" data-author-bio-max-height=\"250\" data-author-bio-read-more=\"Read more\" data-author-bio-read-less=\"Read less\">\n<div class=\"author__header\">\n<div class=\"author__heading\">\n<div class=\"author__name\">\n<p>Matilda Price<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__role\">Assistant Features Editor<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>Matilda is an NCTJ-qualified journalist based in the UK who joined <em>Cyclingnews <\/em>in March 2025. Prior to that, she worked as the Racing News Editor at <em>GCN<\/em>, and extensively as a freelancer contributing to <em>Cyclingnews, Cycling Weekly, Velo, Rouleur, Escape Collective, Red Bull <\/em>and more. She has reported on the ground at all of the biggest events on the calendar, including the men&#8217;s and women&#8217;s Tours de France, the Giro d&#8217;Italia, the Vuelta a Espana, the Spring Classics and the World Championships. She has particular experience and expertise in women&#8217;s cycling, and women&#8217;s sport in general. She is a graduate of modern languages and sports journalism.<\/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\/ucnW4C33CudyUarHcb5GJ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ucnW4C33CudyUarHcb5GJ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ucnW4C33CudyUarHcb5GJ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ucnW4C33CudyUarHcb5GJ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ucnW4C33CudyUarHcb5GJ-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Vallieres Mill&#8217;s title defence, Kopecky&#8217;s comeback and is Demi Vollering actually unstoppable? &#8211; Analysing the World Championships elite women&#8217;s road race contenders<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EiwFQdPrTt9yPqqhnYs8M-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EiwFQdPrTt9yPqqhnYs8M-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EiwFQdPrTt9yPqqhnYs8M-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EiwFQdPrTt9yPqqhnYs8M-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EiwFQdPrTt9yPqqhnYs8M-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Marlen Reusser or Demi Vollering? Can anyone challenge the two favourites in the World Championships elite women&#8217;s time trial?<\/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\/gSC9dCAkKbvyhen4EC8H3L-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gSC9dCAkKbvyhen4EC8H3L-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gSC9dCAkKbvyhen4EC8H3L-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gSC9dCAkKbvyhen4EC8H3L-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gSC9dCAkKbvyhen4EC8H3L-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Home favourite Bella Holmgren, Bunel leads French defence, Australia&#8217;s stacked squad \u2013 World Championships women&#8217;s under-23 road race contenders<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4w3qLesyYvCrGoyJcKfVvi-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4w3qLesyYvCrGoyJcKfVvi-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4w3qLesyYvCrGoyJcKfVvi-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4w3qLesyYvCrGoyJcKfVvi-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4w3qLesyYvCrGoyJcKfVvi-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">The best riders who have never won at the Road World Championships \u2013 and who could change that in 2026<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KqCmLDk7N52XeJa83N8ADa-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KqCmLDk7N52XeJa83N8ADa-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KqCmLDk7N52XeJa83N8ADa-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KqCmLDk7N52XeJa83N8ADa-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KqCmLDk7N52XeJa83N8ADa-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">As it happened: Dutch star secures first road title in illustrious career at World Road Championships women&#8217;s road race 2026<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6jDGsfsB9yt2gJadTf8auJ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6jDGsfsB9yt2gJadTf8auJ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6jDGsfsB9yt2gJadTf8auJ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6jDGsfsB9yt2gJadTf8auJ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6jDGsfsB9yt2gJadTf8auJ-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Can anyone kick the Europeans off the top spot? \u2013 World Championships junior women\u2019s road race contenders<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\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 Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/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\/SnrroKV8MAu8qKnduRM94K-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SnrroKV8MAu8qKnduRM94K-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SnrroKV8MAu8qKnduRM94K-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SnrroKV8MAu8qKnduRM94K-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SnrroKV8MAu8qKnduRM94K-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney swaps Canyon-SRAM for Lidl-Trek after nine years in major women&#8217;s peloton transfer<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/y6Syu4Sri2XkuAs6GEa6Rm-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/y6Syu4Sri2XkuAs6GEa6Rm-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/y6Syu4Sri2XkuAs6GEa6Rm-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/y6Syu4Sri2XkuAs6GEa6Rm-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/y6Syu4Sri2XkuAs6GEa6Rm-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I just don\u2019t want to make those choices anymore&#8217; \u2013 Olympic champion track sprinter Katy Marchant retires<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rVTgt6Kxb4eBDp2KqmFrhY-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rVTgt6Kxb4eBDp2KqmFrhY-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rVTgt6Kxb4eBDp2KqmFrhY-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rVTgt6Kxb4eBDp2KqmFrhY-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rVTgt6Kxb4eBDp2KqmFrhY-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Emma Langley and Matt Wilson win inaugural Pulaski MTN-X Gravel Bike Race in Virginia<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div 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\/ti563qyv5YgrogBmZe3cnE-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ti563qyv5YgrogBmZe3cnE-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ti563qyv5YgrogBmZe3cnE-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ti563qyv5YgrogBmZe3cnE-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ti563qyv5YgrogBmZe3cnE-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\">Virginia&#8217;s Blue Ridge GO Cross: Sidney McGill ends Manon Bakker\u2019s USCX win streak as Tofik Beshir takes back-to-back victories on day 2 in Roanoke<\/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\/JQxDTX3Tn2awqXyRcqXphD-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JQxDTX3Tn2awqXyRcqXphD-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JQxDTX3Tn2awqXyRcqXphD-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JQxDTX3Tn2awqXyRcqXphD-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JQxDTX3Tn2awqXyRcqXphD-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">North American crowds deliver, the juniors deserve better, and the Dutch get it so right \u2013\u00a0Our key takeaways from the Road World Championships 2026<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zR6AkyrkYq99PEAYY7tYHT-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zR6AkyrkYq99PEAYY7tYHT-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zR6AkyrkYq99PEAYY7tYHT-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zR6AkyrkYq99PEAYY7tYHT-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zR6AkyrkYq99PEAYY7tYHT-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\">UCI Gravel World Series: Rosa Kl\u00f6ser and Hugo Drechou victorious on &#8216;one of the most technical UCI gravel courses you can find&#8217; at Pyr\u00e9n\u00e9es Catalanes Gravel Tour<\/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 Previews<\/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\/8PkTJPKGrgqMM2cQxQMqxX-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8PkTJPKGrgqMM2cQxQMqxX-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8PkTJPKGrgqMM2cQxQMqxX-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8PkTJPKGrgqMM2cQxQMqxX-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8PkTJPKGrgqMM2cQxQMqxX-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">A wide open face-off between Evenepoel, Del Toro, Seixas, Van der Poel and more for the rainbow jersey \u2013 Analysing the World Championships elite men&#8217;s road race contenders<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6jDGsfsB9yt2gJadTf8auJ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6jDGsfsB9yt2gJadTf8auJ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6jDGsfsB9yt2gJadTf8auJ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6jDGsfsB9yt2gJadTf8auJ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6jDGsfsB9yt2gJadTf8auJ-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Can anyone kick the Europeans off the top spot? \u2013 World Championships junior women\u2019s road race contenders<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ucnW4C33CudyUarHcb5GJ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ucnW4C33CudyUarHcb5GJ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ucnW4C33CudyUarHcb5GJ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ucnW4C33CudyUarHcb5GJ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ucnW4C33CudyUarHcb5GJ-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Vallieres Mill&#8217;s title defence, Kopecky&#8217;s comeback and is Demi Vollering actually unstoppable? &#8211; Analysing the World Championships elite women&#8217;s road race contenders<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tjxzf8EsCzYu2pgXrkBTKX-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tjxzf8EsCzYu2pgXrkBTKX-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tjxzf8EsCzYu2pgXrkBTKX-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tjxzf8EsCzYu2pgXrkBTKX-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tjxzf8EsCzYu2pgXrkBTKX-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\">France&#8217;s next prodigy and Brazil&#8217;s best chance at a rainbow jersey \u2013 World Championships under-23 men&#8217;s road race contenders<\/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\/gSC9dCAkKbvyhen4EC8H3L-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gSC9dCAkKbvyhen4EC8H3L-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gSC9dCAkKbvyhen4EC8H3L-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gSC9dCAkKbvyhen4EC8H3L-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gSC9dCAkKbvyhen4EC8H3L-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Home favourite Bella Holmgren, Bunel leads French defence, Australia&#8217;s stacked squad \u2013 World Championships women&#8217;s under-23 road race contenders<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sGfkV84vASJ3ab4GAUbz9a-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sGfkV84vASJ3ab4GAUbz9a-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sGfkV84vASJ3ab4GAUbz9a-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sGfkV84vASJ3ab4GAUbz9a-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sGfkV84vASJ3ab4GAUbz9a-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\">A wide open field of young stars going for glory \u2013 World Championships junior men&#8217;s road race contenders<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\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 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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>\nRacing\n<\/li>\n<li>\nWomen&#8217;s Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRoad\n<\/li>\n<li>\nUEC Road European Championships\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>Will Vollering continue the Dutch domination or can someone exact Worlds revenge? \u2013 European Championships women&#8217;s road race contenders<\/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<div class=\"my-auto vds-simple-byline\"><span class=\"inline-block vds-author\"><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nMatilda Price <\/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=\"2026-09-30T09:32:58Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n30 September 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Vollering, Longo Borghini, Reusser and more will all battle for the European bands on a punchy course in Slovenia<\/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 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Here\u2019s how it works.\n<\/p>\n<\/aside>\n<\/header>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\"text-copy bodyCopy auto paywall-locker\">\n<div data-analytics-id=\"utility-bar\" id=\"utility-bar\" class=\"font-ui-heading flex justify-between items-center py-2 border-t border-b border-gray-300 border-solid mb-5 mx-auto\" data-component-name=\"UtilityBar\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"utility-bar\">\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div data-component-name=\"Social:Dropdown\" role=\"menu\" id=\"utilitybar__dropdown--share\" aria-labelledby=\"utilitybar__button--share\" class=\"absolute left-0 top-full w-44 bg-white rounded-md shadow-md border border-neutral-200 z-[9996] list-none m-0 py-2 px-3 border-solid\">\n<ul class=\"m-0!\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Facebook<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>X<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Pinterest<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Email<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-share-this-article\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nShare this article\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\"><span class=\"ml-1 inline-flex h-5 px-2 shrink-0 items-center justify-center self-center overflow-hidden whitespace-nowrap rounded-[10px] bg-primary-500 text-[11px] leading-none font-ui-heading font-semibold text-white\">0<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-join-the-conversation\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nJoin the conversation\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<p>Follow us<\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-add-us-as-a-preferred-source-on-google\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nAdd us as a preferred source on Google\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-subscribe-to-our-newsletter\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nSubscribe to our newsletter\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-74acae8c-bc17-11f1-a6bf-b5042a028777\">The World Championships have only just finished over in Montreal, but attention is already turning towards the next big event, with the European Championships taking place in Ljubljana, Slovenia, starting this Friday.<\/p>\n<p>The Europeans swap round the schedule used at the Worlds, meaning the racing kicks off with the road races this weekend, before the time trials next week, with the elite women&#8217;s road race taking place this Saturday, October 3.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-74acae8c-bc17-11f1-a6bf-b5042a028777-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The women will take on a 130km course from Ljubljana to \u0160en\u010dur, which is flat for the first 80km but then the two finishing circuits will see the peloton take on the Mo\u017ejanca climb twice in the final 50km. The climb is only 2.1km in length, but it has a punishing 10.4% average gradient, and it doesn&#8217;t actually stop at the top, with a couple more kickers still to come once the official climb is over.<\/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\">From the top of the second ascent, the riders will descend down and then it&#8217;s a flat final 5km into the finish line in Sencur.<\/p>\n<div class=\"inline-gallery inlinegallery inline-layout extended-layout full-width-layout first-slide-only kiosq-b\" data-component-name=\"Elk:Gallery:ImageGallery\" data-inline-gallery data-inline-gallery-progress-template=\"Image {currentSlide} of {totalSlides}\" data-inline-gallery-total-slides=\"2\" id=\"elk-86e50c96-bc19-11f1-b793-af582a6eb913\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"inline-gallery__count counts\"><span class=\"slidecount current\" data-inline-gallery-count><br \/>\nImage 1 of 2<br \/>\n<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"inline-gallery__items inlinegallery-wrap\">\n<div class=\"react-swipeable-view-container\" data-inline-gallery-track>\n<div aria-hidden=\"false\" data-swipeable=\"true\" data-inline-gallery-slide-frame data-index=\"0\">\n<div class=\"items__item inlinegallery-item\" data-inline-gallery-slide data-index=\"0\">\n<div class=\"item__image-cont\">\n<div class=\"image-cont__image\">\n<figure class=\"image-wrapped__wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__widthsetter\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__aspect-padding inlinegallery-item\" data-index=\"0\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Qih5vFH58bABEb2KqHhotM-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Qih5vFH58bABEb2KqHhotM-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Qih5vFH58bABEb2KqHhotM-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Qih5vFH58bABEb2KqHhotM-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Qih5vFH58bABEb2KqHhotM-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Qih5vFH58bABEb2KqHhotM-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"caption-credit__figcaption\"><span class=\"caption-credit__credit credit\"><br \/>\n(Image credit: UEC)<br \/>\n<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div aria-hidden=\"true\" data-swipeable=\"true\" data-inline-gallery-slide-frame data-index=\"1\">\n<div class=\"items__item inlinegallery-item\" data-inline-gallery-slide data-index=\"1\">\n<div class=\"item__image-cont\">\n<div class=\"image-cont__image\">\n<figure class=\"image-wrapped__wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__widthsetter\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__aspect-padding inlinegallery-item\" data-index=\"1\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tMwu3AYrqubjzfHq8hPVHL-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tMwu3AYrqubjzfHq8hPVHL-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tMwu3AYrqubjzfHq8hPVHL-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tMwu3AYrqubjzfHq8hPVHL-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tMwu3AYrqubjzfHq8hPVHL-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tMwu3AYrqubjzfHq8hPVHL-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"caption-credit__figcaption\"><span class=\"caption-credit__credit credit\"><br \/>\n(Image credit: UEC)<br \/>\n<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"expanded-images\" data-inline-gallery-expanded hidden>\n<div class=\"expanded-images__items\">\n<div class=\"react-swipeable-view-container\" data-inline-gallery-expanded-track>\n<div class=\"expanded-slide__item\" data-inline-gallery-expanded-frame data-index=\"0\">\n<div class=\"expanded-slide__wrap\">\n<div class=\"expanded-slide__inner-wrap\">\n<div class=\"expanded-slide__surroundings show\">\n<div class=\"surroundings__expanded-count\">\nImage 1 of 2\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"view-original__text\">View Original<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"expanded-slide__image-wrap\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Qih5vFH58bABEb2KqHhotM-1946-80.jpg.webp 2560w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Qih5vFH58bABEb2KqHhotM-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Qih5vFH58bABEb2KqHhotM-1600-80.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Qih5vFH58bABEb2KqHhotM-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Qih5vFH58bABEb2KqHhotM-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Qih5vFH58bABEb2KqHhotM-768-80.jpg.webp 768w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Qih5vFH58bABEb2KqHhotM-415-80.jpg.webp 415w\" sizes=\"99vw\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"expanded-slide__item\" data-inline-gallery-expanded-frame data-index=\"1\">\n<div class=\"expanded-slide__wrap\">\n<div class=\"expanded-slide__inner-wrap\">\n<div class=\"expanded-slide__surroundings show\">\n<div class=\"surroundings__expanded-count\">\nImage 2 of 2\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"view-original__text\">View Original<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"expanded-slide__image-wrap\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tMwu3AYrqubjzfHq8hPVHL-2008-80.jpg.webp 2560w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tMwu3AYrqubjzfHq8hPVHL-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tMwu3AYrqubjzfHq8hPVHL-1600-80.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tMwu3AYrqubjzfHq8hPVHL-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tMwu3AYrqubjzfHq8hPVHL-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tMwu3AYrqubjzfHq8hPVHL-768-80.jpg.webp 768w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tMwu3AYrqubjzfHq8hPVHL-415-80.jpg.webp 415w\" sizes=\"99vw\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-86e50d22-bc19-11f1-9afd-63fdf8fb7ed8\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The course design looks set to produce a really open race, with chances for either the climbers to make it hard and selective, or for punchier riders to hold on and contest a faster group finish. At only 130km \u2013 compared to the Worlds&#8217; 180km \u2013 the race will be a lot less attritional than we saw over the weekend, too, so expect a lot more riders to be in contention for the win, rather than a super selective race by nature. If teams and riders want to whittle the group down, they&#8217;ll have to really work for it.<\/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\/ucnW4C33CudyUarHcb5GJ-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ucnW4C33CudyUarHcb5GJ-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\">Vallieres Mill&#8217;s title defence, Kopecky&#8217;s comeback and is Demi Vollering actually unstoppable? &#8211; Analysing the World Championships elite women&#8217;s road race contenders<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EiwFQdPrTt9yPqqhnYs8M-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EiwFQdPrTt9yPqqhnYs8M-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\">Marlen Reusser or Demi Vollering? Can anyone challenge the two favourites in the World Championships elite women&#8217;s time trial?<\/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\/gSC9dCAkKbvyhen4EC8H3L-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gSC9dCAkKbvyhen4EC8H3L-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\">Home favourite Bella Holmgren, Bunel leads French defence, Australia&#8217;s stacked squad \u2013 World Championships women&#8217;s under-23 road race contenders<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">With a European champion&#8217;s jersey up for grabs, and a lot of riders who left Canada in form but empty-handed, we&#8217;re expecting a really big battle for the women&#8217;s road race, so here are our pics for some of the top contenders.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><em>At the time of writing, the final start list for the women&#8217;s road race is not confirmed. We will make updates and adjustments to this article as needed.<\/em><\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-NisFzSvUoepp5pFDkZGNmN\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-NisFzSvUoepp5pFDkZGNmN 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<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-demi-vollering-netherlands\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Demi Vollering (Netherlands)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-db4b7922-bcab-11f1-bb7d-c15223898e93\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5kfLV2id64MNQnrKfGGaff-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5kfLV2id64MNQnrKfGGaff-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5kfLV2id64MNQnrKfGGaff-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5kfLV2id64MNQnrKfGGaff-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5kfLV2id64MNQnrKfGGaff-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5kfLV2id64MNQnrKfGGaff-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-79d1af34-bc21-11f1-bba4-2b567ce2fc00\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Newly-crowned world champion Demi Vollering has the chance to do a big double and claim her second jersey in a week in Slovenia, and defend her title won here last year. At the time of writing, the Netherlands haven&#8217;t officially confirmed their squad for the Euros, but it would seem surprising for Vollering to sit this one out as world and defending European champion and she&#8217;ll obviously be selected if she wants to go.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Given the excellent form she is on, a course that suits her strengths \u2013 if it&#8217;s raced hard, which it surely will be \u2013 and the motivation of becoming the first woman to defend a European road race title, Vollering is likely the out-and-out favourite for Saturday&#8217;s race, currently standing head and shoulders above the rest. We don&#8217;t yet know who will be joining her in the Dutch line-up in Ljubljana, but as still one of the strongest nations in the women&#8217;s peloton \u2013 and winners of the European jersey nine out of 10 times \u2013 Vollering will surely count on plenty of valuable support.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-kasia-niewiadoma-phinney-poland\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney (Poland)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-e7af5dbc-bcad-11f1-af1e-8fd278e77108\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SnrroKV8MAu8qKnduRM94K-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SnrroKV8MAu8qKnduRM94K-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SnrroKV8MAu8qKnduRM94K-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SnrroKV8MAu8qKnduRM94K-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SnrroKV8MAu8qKnduRM94K-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SnrroKV8MAu8qKnduRM94K-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Vaughn Ridley\/SWpix.com)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-e7af5e34-bcad-11f1-9d88-4bc62acadaa3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Second last year and second at the World Championships over the weekend, Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney is always trying to better that result that seems to follow her around her career, and the Euros course offers a really good opportunity for her.<\/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\/4w3qLesyYvCrGoyJcKfVvi-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4w3qLesyYvCrGoyJcKfVvi-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">The best riders who have never won at the Road World Championships \u2013 and who could change that in 2026<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#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\/KqCmLDk7N52XeJa83N8ADa-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KqCmLDk7N52XeJa83N8ADa-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\">As it happened: Dutch star secures first road title in illustrious career at World Road Championships women&#8217;s road race 2026<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6jDGsfsB9yt2gJadTf8auJ-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6jDGsfsB9yt2gJadTf8auJ-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\">Can anyone kick the Europeans off the top spot? \u2013 World Championships junior women\u2019s road race contenders<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">A proven Ardennes specialist, the steep pitches of the Mo\u017ejanca climb could offer her the perfect launchpad to do what she needs to do to win: get away solo. Frustratingly for Niewiadoma-Phinney, she and everyone else know that her sprint is a big weakness, and most of the top riders would beat her in the dash to the line, so getting away on her own or with weaker riders is really her only chance. But this has been the best season of the Polish rider&#8217;s career, and she is always there when it counts, so all she needs is a few things to go right, and a jersey could be hers.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-elisa-longo-borghini-italy\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Elisa Longo Borghini (Italy)<\/span><\/h2>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-eb5f3f66-bc19-11f1-831b-e53391e6dd47\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uud8oCSchJ3sMNWbqmvk3i-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uud8oCSchJ3sMNWbqmvk3i-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uud8oCSchJ3sMNWbqmvk3i-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uud8oCSchJ3sMNWbqmvk3i-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uud8oCSchJ3sMNWbqmvk3i-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uud8oCSchJ3sMNWbqmvk3i-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Alex Whitehead\/SWpix.com)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-74acb026-bc17-11f1-8e6a-955efe89df2d\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Elisa Longo Borghini claimed her first rainbow jersey of any kind in the Worlds mixed relay TTT last week, and then came incredibly close to another with a spirited ride in the women&#8217;s road race in Montreal. She ultimately came away with bronze, but her clearly excellent form certainly doesn&#8217;t need to go to waste, as there is another jersey up for grabs this weekend and she&#8217;ll be a top favourite to take the win in Slovenia.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The two ascents of the Mo\u017ejanca climb suit Longo Borghini&#8217;s abilities really well, hard enough for her to launch an attack, especially on the steeper slopes, but not so hard or long that it will favour the purer climbers. We know very well that once she gets away, Longo Borghini is hard to catch, so if she can execute a late move, it&#8217;s unlikely the peloton will see her again.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Plus, she has a stacked Italian squad around her \u2013 they&#8217;re taking no fewer than eight riders \u2013 and whilst the <em>Azzurri<\/em> are known for their team strength in big championships, they&#8217;ve only broken the Dutch stronghold on this jersey once before, so they&#8217;ll be motivated to take the stripes back this time.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-marlen-reusser-switzerland\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Marlen Reusser (Switzerland)<\/span><\/h2>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-79d1afd4-bc21-11f1-ac53-a721eccde6d5\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vgfSf2RcEkXpRrkgCoLLf-1200-80.png.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vgfSf2RcEkXpRrkgCoLLf-1024-80.png.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vgfSf2RcEkXpRrkgCoLLf-970-80.png.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vgfSf2RcEkXpRrkgCoLLf-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vgfSf2RcEkXpRrkgCoLLf-480-80.png.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vgfSf2RcEkXpRrkgCoLLf-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-74acb102-bc17-11f1-a052-e382f80737be\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">A week after claiming her second time trial world title, Marlen Reusser was one of the most disappointed riders at the end of the road race on Sunday. She missed the crucial move when Vollering, Longo Borghini and Niewiadoma-Phinney got away, and then found herself in a group that wasn&#8217;t really chasing, and despite working hard on her own, she missed out on a medal in fourth. So she will be carrying some extra motivation to Slovenia.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Reusser is a great climber, obviously a fantastic time trialist and a successful Classics rider, but the challenge for her here will be the punch and acceleration on the steepest sections of Mo\u017ejanca, as this is where her rivals will try to make things hardest for her. But Reusser is never one to shy away from taking the race on, and she&#8217;s certainly not afraid of any of her rivals, so if she can time it right and \u2013 ideally \u2013 get away solo, she could well be on her way to a European road race title, before aiming at the TT a few days later.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-juliette-berthet-france\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Juliette Berthet (France)<\/span><\/h2>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-79d1b056-bc21-11f1-8a4d-a3c768ad74c9\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DpWhWgAUuQu4LBhXrFVhPA-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DpWhWgAUuQu4LBhXrFVhPA-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DpWhWgAUuQu4LBhXrFVhPA-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DpWhWgAUuQu4LBhXrFVhPA-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DpWhWgAUuQu4LBhXrFVhPA-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DpWhWgAUuQu4LBhXrFVhPA-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Chris Auld\/SWpix.com)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-74acb1de-bc17-11f1-9b17-358bce44c76a\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Pretty much any of France&#8217;s riders could contend for the podium in Slovenia, but they&#8217;ll likely look to Juliette Berthet as their leader, with C\u00e9drine Kerbaol and Maeva Squiban two very in-form lieutenants. Berthet finished fifth at the World Championships over the weekend, and whilst she&#8217;s not often given leadership opportunities at the FDJ United-Suez trade team, she always proves that when given the chance, she can deliver. She&#8217;ll be one of the strongest pure climbers in the race, so if things get really selective over the double Mo\u017ejanca ascents, you can count on her to be there.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Squiban will also surely be on the offensive, as she often is, and Kerbaol is probably already eyeing up the descent and flat run to the line, as that kind of finale really suits her, and she&#8217;s very dangerous when descents and downhills come into play.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-paula-blasi-spain\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Paula Blasi (Spain)<\/span><\/h2>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-e7af5ef2-bcad-11f1-a80c-2df4adf1cc88\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YHGkcLwrAzPfCtn2FQChT-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YHGkcLwrAzPfCtn2FQChT-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YHGkcLwrAzPfCtn2FQChT-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YHGkcLwrAzPfCtn2FQChT-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YHGkcLwrAzPfCtn2FQChT-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YHGkcLwrAzPfCtn2FQChT-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-74acb2ba-bc17-11f1-9061-f9f93f6c10e6\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Paula Blasi is another rider who came away from Worlds more than a little disappointed, because a crash took her out and meant she couldn&#8217;t even try to contest the finale, DNFing instead. After a fantastic summer, the Vuelta Femenina winner has been shaping the end of her season around these races, and a jersey to end her brilliant year \u2013 and take to her new team \u2013 would be a fantastic way to cap off 2026.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Blasi will be excited about the climbs and will likely try to hit them as hard as possible, but she&#8217;s also got a really strong team around her who can contribute to that goal and whittle things down into the finale, with Mavi Garc\u00eda and Usoa Ostolaza particularly valuable tools for the Spain team, and potential winners themselves. Like Italy, Spain are a team that often come together really well for these races, so an inaugural European title is definitely within their ambitions.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-liane-lippert-germany\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Liane Lippert (Germany)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-e7af5f6a-bcad-11f1-8ec9-afe0ca63e198\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DHMSGHXm4KjDXMKkkbqdX-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DHMSGHXm4KjDXMKkkbqdX-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DHMSGHXm4KjDXMKkkbqdX-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DHMSGHXm4KjDXMKkkbqdX-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DHMSGHXm4KjDXMKkkbqdX-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DHMSGHXm4KjDXMKkkbqdX-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-d94f408e-bc21-11f1-b719-33d8da6b1ae2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Germany come to the Euros with a gluttony of options, with the super in-form Franziska Koch a big contender and Antonia Niedermaier a good choice for a harder, more selective race. But the rider who sits in between their two strengths is Liane Lippert. Germany will probably let leadership play out on the day, but the course suits the punchy Lippert really well, and she&#8217;s likely able to be in the selection however the race pans out \u2013 whether that&#8217;s a bigger group or a more selective battle. It&#8217;s not been her best year, but she often finds some form at this time of year and going into the Italian Classics, so keep an eye on Lippert and her German teammates.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-other-riders-to-watch\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Other riders to watch<\/span><\/h3>\n<ul id=\"elk-d94f41b0-bc21-11f1-b5fd-5b1500ecc2ec\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">\n<li>For<strong> Blanka Vas <\/strong>(Hungary) this will probably be one last road hit-out before she turns her attention to cyclo-cross, and she could be a dark horse for a result. We don&#8217;t often see her given leadership chances for her trade team but when she gets an opportunity, she usually delivers.<\/li>\n<li>Belgium aren&#8217;t bringing any big leaders, but keep an eye on<strong> Sandrine Tas,<\/strong> the former speedskater who has really impressed on the road this year.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Cecilie Uttrup Ludwig <\/strong>(Denmark)was a DNF in Montreal but will be eyeing the shorter, punchier climbs of the Euros.<\/li>\n<li>Slovenia are missing their top rider Ur\u0161ka \u017digart for their home Euros, but keep an eye on <strong>\u0160pela Kern <\/strong>for perhaps a breakaway or a sneak top result \u2013 the three Slovenian starters will want to leave a mark on the race.<\/li>\n<li>And I&#8217;ll leave you on a question: is there a world in which <strong>Lorena Wiebes <\/strong>(Netherlands) survives the climbs? If the climbers don&#8217;t make it as hard as possible, the relatively short uphill isn&#8217;t beyond her capabilities, and we all know what will happen if Wiebes is in the group that goes to the line.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p id=\"elk-74acb328-bc17-11f1-9496-69b434bf04d1\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><em><strong>Subscribe to Cyclingnews for comprehensive race coverage of both the UCI Road and Gravel World Championships, alongside the final monument of the season, Il Lombardia. Subscribers get unlimited access to exclusive analysis from our expert columnists, in-depth features and industry-leading tech insight. Plus, the Cyclingnews app lets you follow the action wherever you go! <\/strong><\/em><u><em><strong>Join today.<\/strong><\/em><\/u><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/womens-cycling\/will-vollering-continue-the-dutch-domination-or-can-someone-exact-worlds-revenge-european-championships-womens-road-race-contenders\/&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aVDAw6hqD6AUQktJ4aFN4Q-2560-80.jpg&#8221;] 1 As it happened: Dutch star secures first road title in illustrious career at World Road Championships women&#8217;s road race 2026 2 A wide open face-off between Evenepoel, Del Toro, Seixas, Van der Poel and more for the rainbow jersey \u2013 Analysing the World Championships elite men&#8217;s road race contenders 3 UCI [&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-2172588","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\/2172588","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=2172588"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2172588\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2172588"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=2172588"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=2172588"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}