{"id":2175023,"date":"2026-10-01T10:53:50","date_gmt":"2026-10-01T07:53:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2175023"},"modified":"2026-10-01T10:53:50","modified_gmt":"2026-10-01T07:53:50","slug":"some-big-absentees-but-plenty-of-quality-and-a-favourite-with-a-question-mark-analysing-the-european-championships-mens-road-race-contenders","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2175023","title":{"rendered":"Some big absentees, but plenty of quality and a favourite with a question mark \u2013 Analysing the European Championships men&#8217;s road race contenders"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/piYtsbdPxR7vxYSZu4ryK8-2560-80.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\/tZQ2h9dWLApwaQMde3mYsN-160-80.jpg.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tZQ2h9dWLApwaQMde3mYsN-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: American wins men road title after stunning 32km solo ride at Road World Championships\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\/PtrS9sDwrYbpdJhR8HeZyL-160-80.jpg.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PtrS9sDwrYbpdJhR8HeZyL-80-80.jpg.webp 80w\" sizes=\"80px\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex items-center justify-center absolute w-[18px] h-6 left-0 top-0 bg-white\/90 flex-none z-[1]\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"font-normal text-base leading-[17px] tracking-[1.3px] uppercase text-black flex-none\">2<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex flex-col items-center justify-center gap-1.5 w-[173px] h-20 flex-none\">\n<p class=\"font-article-heading font-medium text-base leading-[21px] text-gray-800 w-[173px] line-clamp-3 group-hover:underline\">\n                                    UCI Road World Championships: Brandon McNulty shocks the favourites to win solo and claim first elite men&#8217;s road race world title for USA since 1993 in all-time epic edition\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\/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\">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                                    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=\"page-content-onecol flex-1\nnews-article article\n\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"widget-area-group widget-area-group-2col flex flex-wrap box-border\">\n<div id=\"widgetArea16\" class=\"widget-area basis-full md:basis-2\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-2-3 page-widget-area-16\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"hero\" id=\"hero\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-hero widget-hero widget-hero-hero widget-hero widget-hero-fter-news\">\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRacing\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRoad\n<\/li>\n<li>\nUEC Road European Championships\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>Some big absentees, but plenty of quality and a favourite with a question mark \u2013 Analysing the European Championships men&#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 \/>\nPatrick Fletcher <\/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=\"2026-10-01T10:53:50Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n1 October 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">From Remco Evenepoel&#8217;s individual quality to the potential collective might of Italy \u2013 here are the riders who are set to light up the race on Sunday<\/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\/piYtsbdPxR7vxYSZu4ryK8-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/piYtsbdPxR7vxYSZu4ryK8-1600-80.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/piYtsbdPxR7vxYSZu4ryK8-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/piYtsbdPxR7vxYSZu4ryK8-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/piYtsbdPxR7vxYSZu4ryK8-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/piYtsbdPxR7vxYSZu4ryK8-750-80.jpg.webp 750w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/piYtsbdPxR7vxYSZu4ryK8-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/piYtsbdPxR7vxYSZu4ryK8-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/piYtsbdPxR7vxYSZu4ryK8-320-80.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\">Primo\u017e Rogli\u010d, Remco Evenepoel, and Mads Pedersen are among the top contenders at the 2026 UEC Road European Championships<\/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>Remco Evenepoel<\/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>Primo\u017e Rogli\u010d<\/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>Ciccone and the Italians<\/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>Juan Ayuso<\/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>Romain Gr\u00e9goire<\/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>Mads Pedersen<\/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-a42a99e4-bd7a-11f1-ae0f-9786afcb658d\">After the drama of the World Championships last weekend, there&#8217;s more major national-team title-fight racing coming up with the European Championships, and we&#8217;re taking a closer look at the potential winners of the elite men&#8217;s road race on Sunday.<\/p>\n<p>The European Championships road race occupies an awkward slot on the calendar, coming one week after Worlds, one week ahead of Il Lombardia, and in the middle of a number of other one-day races in Italy. That, along with a reticence from some trade teams to release key riders for two big events in national colours, has left the start list slightly diluted.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-a42a99e4-bd7a-11f1-ae0f-9786afcb658d-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">There are also some nations, including Great Britain (who would have had a big contender in Tom Pidcock), who aren&#8217;t fielding squads at all due to limited resources. Paul Seixas, Mathieu van der Poel, and Wout van Aert are all skipping the race, and when you factor in that the big pre-race favourite and home star for these Slovenian Euros, Tadej Poga\u010dar, is out injured, then the gloss has been slightly scrubbed off the event.<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-6 w-full overflow-hidden rounded-[10px] lg:my-8\" data-component-name=\"JwPlayer:Carousel\" data-jwp-carousel data-jwp-carousel-payload=\"{&quot;ids&quot;:{&quot;playerID&quot;:&quot;jYDCcabO&quot;,&quot;searchPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;gwjdoYHD&quot;,&quot;divID&quot;:&quot;botr_gwjdoYHD_jYDCcabO_div&quot;,&quot;fallbackPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;gwjdoYHD&quot;,&quot;fallbackDivID&quot;:&quot;botr_gwjdoYHD_jYDCcabO_div&quot;,&quot;key&quot;:&quot;X9\/mXVGac0NphghLH9hZaqWA5d3dhAM\/Ih07grnEyMLjuO2E&quot;,&quot;tintLogo&quot;:true,&quot;useSearchPlaylist&quot;:false,&quot;enabled&quot;:true},&quot;signPostingEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;signPostingLinkEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;waitForAdLoad&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnDesktop&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnMobile&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnTablet&quot;:false}\">\n<div class=\"flex flex-nowrap items-center justify-between gap-3 bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-header>\n<div class=\"flex min-w-0 shrink items-center\"><span class=\"inline-flex items-center gap-1.5 text-sm font-article-heading capitalize leading-5 text-white whitespace-nowrap\"><span class=\"jwp-carousel-title-desktop\">Latest Videos From<\/span><span class=\"jwp-carousel-brand\">Cyclingnews<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"min-h-[44px] bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting><a class=\"invisible block truncate text-sm font-bold leading-5 text-white underline decoration-solid underline-offset-2\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting-link href target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span data-jwp-carousel-signposting-title>Watch full video here: <\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">And yet, we do still have a strong list of big names, including Remco Evenepoel, and as we saw at Worlds, Poga\u010dar&#8217;s absence is perhaps a blessing in disguise in terms of the entertainment factor of the racing itself.<\/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-a42a9b38-bd7a-11f1-98af-190c4ef7ef6e\" 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\/SezeYx6veWNox6hsaeZ2XJ-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SezeYx6veWNox6hsaeZ2XJ-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SezeYx6veWNox6hsaeZ2XJ-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SezeYx6veWNox6hsaeZ2XJ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SezeYx6veWNox6hsaeZ2XJ-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SezeYx6veWNox6hsaeZ2XJ-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\/8a9qEHZcMFGgxshaRcAesC-701-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8a9qEHZcMFGgxshaRcAesC-701-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8a9qEHZcMFGgxshaRcAesC-701-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8a9qEHZcMFGgxshaRcAesC-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8a9qEHZcMFGgxshaRcAesC-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8a9qEHZcMFGgxshaRcAesC-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\/SezeYx6veWNox6hsaeZ2XJ-1286-80.jpg.webp 2560w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SezeYx6veWNox6hsaeZ2XJ-1286-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SezeYx6veWNox6hsaeZ2XJ-1286-80.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SezeYx6veWNox6hsaeZ2XJ-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SezeYx6veWNox6hsaeZ2XJ-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SezeYx6veWNox6hsaeZ2XJ-768-80.jpg.webp 768w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SezeYx6veWNox6hsaeZ2XJ-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\/8a9qEHZcMFGgxshaRcAesC-701-80.jpg.webp 2560w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8a9qEHZcMFGgxshaRcAesC-701-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8a9qEHZcMFGgxshaRcAesC-701-80.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8a9qEHZcMFGgxshaRcAesC-701-80.jpg.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8a9qEHZcMFGgxshaRcAesC-701-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8a9qEHZcMFGgxshaRcAesC-701-80.jpg.webp 768w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8a9qEHZcMFGgxshaRcAesC-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-a42a9bc4-bd7a-11f1-aecf-693a511a53ee\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">After the dramatic World Championships road race, making predictions about the European Championships course seems risky business. This is less hilly overall, with 2,500 metres of elevation gain compared to the 3,800m on the Worlds course. However, the climbing is more condensed, with a total distance of 196km, and that\u2019s before you remember that all the climbing comes in the second half.<\/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\/8PkTJPKGrgqMM2cQxQMqxX-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8PkTJPKGrgqMM2cQxQMqxX-150-80.png.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">A wide open face-off between Evenepoel, Del Toro, Seixas, Van der Poel and more for the rainbow jersey \u2013 Analysing the World Championships elite men&#8217;s road race contenders<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aVDAw6hqD6AUQktJ4aFN4Q-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aVDAw6hqD6AUQktJ4aFN4Q-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\">Will Vollering continue the Dutch domination or can someone exact Worlds revenge? \u2013 European Championships women&#8217;s road race contenders<\/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\/ytKMCAWdoeKoxdomn4dR7V-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ytKMCAWdoeKoxdomn4dR7V-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\">Tadej Poga\u010dar&#8217;s absence changes everything \u2013 How will World Championships strategies and tactics be rewritten in Montreal?<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The first half of the route heading out from Ljubljana is flat, and then the riders will take on five laps of the finishing circuit around \u0160en\u010dur, which includes the critical climb of Mo\u017ejanca, which boasts an average gradient of over 10% but which is more than a mere punch, dragging on for just over 2km.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Especially with fresher legs deep into the race, it should be selective, but then again there are over 12km from the top of the climb to the finish, including a rolling plateau, then a descent, and a final flat 5km.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-Msd888YBd4v9SprAehXzDX\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-Msd888YBd4v9SprAehXzDX slice-container-newsletterForm\">\n<div data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"newsletter-form__wrapper newsletter-form__wrapper--inbodyContent\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__container\">\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__top-bar\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__header\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__main-section\">\n<p class=\"newsletter-form__strapline\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<footer class=\"newsletter-form__footer \">By submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.<\/footer>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">It will come down to the way it is raced on the day, and without further ado, here are the riders we expect to be the chief protagonists.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-remco-evenepoel-belgium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Remco Evenepoel (Belgium)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-a42a9d2c-bd7a-11f1-a065-dfec583218f9\" 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\/srQDwTCBZXoGf5UrmnUsKg-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/srQDwTCBZXoGf5UrmnUsKg-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/srQDwTCBZXoGf5UrmnUsKg-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/srQDwTCBZXoGf5UrmnUsKg-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/srQDwTCBZXoGf5UrmnUsKg-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/srQDwTCBZXoGf5UrmnUsKg-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Remco Evenepoel was off-colour at Worlds &#8211; can he bounce back? <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-a42a9dea-bd7a-11f1-b8ab-77cf8dc2437e\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">In the absence of Tadej Poga\u010dar, the status of out-and-out favourite ought to fall to Remco Evenepoel. And yet it\u2019s not quite so simple as that. The Belgian fell horribly flat last Sunday at a World Championships that, with no Poga\u010dar, should have been at his mercy.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Evenepoel did not hide that he knew he was on a bad day, but we still don\u2019t know much more than that \u2013 whether it was a simple blip or something like an illness that could well have a knock-on effect for this coming Sunday.<\/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\/zLLbbZMNGwFReCwkUyTZrD-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zLLbbZMNGwFReCwkUyTZrD-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">A big World Championships warm-up where Poga\u010dar&#8217;s absence opens the field significantly \u2013 Riders to watch at the Grands Prix de Qu\u00e9bec and Montr\u00e9al<\/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\/zjHmUwnskFuJeTYbEF8aYC-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zjHmUwnskFuJeTYbEF8aYC-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">La Vuelta, Canada, or elsewhere \u2013 Where are the men&#8217;s stars riding in preparation for the Road World Championships?<\/span><\/li>\n<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\/biHbJgWBRRbThEUHoApnRT-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/biHbJgWBRRbThEUHoApnRT-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\">Remco Evenepoel, Filippo Ganna, and the rest \u2013 Analysing the contenders for the elite men&#8217;s time trial at the World Championships<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">What\u2019s clear, though, is that if he\u2019s anywhere near top form again \u2013 and the way he blitzed the Worlds time trial, his overarching shape cannot be questioned \u2013 this is Evenepoel\u2019s race to lose. After all, this was the rider who was clearly the best-of-the-rest behind Poga\u010dar at Europeans, Worlds, and Il Lombardia last autumn. Plus, many key European threats from last weekend aren\u2019t racing this time, including Paul Seixas, Tom Pidcock, Mathieu van der Poel and Wout van Aert.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The climb here looks perfect for Evenepoel to attack on, and we know that once he gets a gap, he\u2019s incredibly hard to bring back. He also has a decent sprint, as he showed in winning the GP de Qu\u00e9bec recently.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">What\u2019s more, Evenepoel has no fewer than seven strong Belgians by his side, and they are sure to take control of the race and tee him up when he decides it&#8217;s best. Evenepoel is the top favourite by some distance, but still a question mark.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-primoz-roglic-slovenia\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Primo\u017e Rogli\u010d (Slovenia)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-a42a9f02-bd7a-11f1-a6db-6be6ecb5b312\" 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\/mv2YqxeBViWxbgznv5NPUE-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mv2YqxeBViWxbgznv5NPUE-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mv2YqxeBViWxbgznv5NPUE-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mv2YqxeBViWxbgznv5NPUE-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mv2YqxeBViWxbgznv5NPUE-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mv2YqxeBViWxbgznv5NPUE-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Rogli\u010d&#8217;s spirited Worlds ride suggested he&#8217;s enjoying his racing again <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-a42a9f70-bd7a-11f1-a0e3-5f41ed8f00f3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">No Poga\u010dar, no problem? Slovenia have suffered a huge blow for their home European Championships, with the defending champion and the world\u2019s top rider Tadej Poga\u010dar ruled out through injury. Poga\u010dar was incredibly eager to race on home soil, so much so that he reportedly called up his surgeon to see if he might be able to make an early comeback. It wasn\u2019t to be, and the race is left without the rider who was overwhelmingly likely to win it.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">And yet, there\u2019s no despair for the home nation, who have a number of credible options. First and foremost is Primo\u017e Rogli\u010d, who has hit a purple patch of form amid question marks over the future of his career. The 36-year-old finished runner-up at the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a and played an active role at the World Championships in the early move led by Mathieu van der Poel.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Rogli\u010d faded towards the end of Worlds, but the Europeans is a good 75km shorter, so that should be less of an issue. And on paper, the course suits him well, the climb being steep but also sustained. What\u2019s more, Rogli\u010d seems to have found a new lease of life, a laboured out-of-contract figure making way for a more laid-back and carefree presence since his unexpectedly good Vuelta.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-giulio-ciccone-and-the-italians\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Giulio Ciccone and the Italians<\/span><\/h2>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-a42aa0ba-bd7a-11f1-80e2-993e6d090371\" 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\/St9Kmv3BcZQWhAZMyGzSvK-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/St9Kmv3BcZQWhAZMyGzSvK-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/St9Kmv3BcZQWhAZMyGzSvK-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/St9Kmv3BcZQWhAZMyGzSvK-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/St9Kmv3BcZQWhAZMyGzSvK-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/St9Kmv3BcZQWhAZMyGzSvK-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Giulio Ciccone put in an eye-catching top-10 at Worlds <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-a42aa16e-bd7a-11f1-a81f-f37db016d5f6\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">While Belgium are set up exclusively behind Remco Evenepoel, the strongest block of the European Championships is arguably Italy, who could look to play the numbers game against the one big favourite.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">They nearly did it at the World Championships, and a similar trio of protagonists is back again this time around: Giulio Ciccone, Giulio Pellizzari, and Christian Scaroni.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Ciccone was Italy\u2019s top finisher at Worlds, placing ninth after going clear with Tom Pidcock on the final climb of C\u00f4te Camillien-Houde \u2013 a move that looked like it would bring the gold medal back into play until the group expanded and stalled. Pellizzari and Scaroni had looked to get into the earlier moves, and it will have been frustrating that Scaroni was in the initial key early break before Wout van Aert split it down.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">In the end, the USA combined legs with flawless team tactics and spirit to pull off an unlikely Worlds victory, but it will have inspired several other teams to race in that manner. And in that respect Italy look the best placed to try something similar on Sunday.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Ciccone is the biggest name and the likeliest winner, as a seasoned hilly Classics contender, but the 22-year-old Pellizzari also has abundant quality plus a win at the recent Giro della Toscana, while Scaroni has been placing high at the hilly one-dayers all year.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-juan-ayuso-spain\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Juan Ayuso (Spain)<\/span><\/h2>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-a42aa4a2-bd7a-11f1-a550-e5a31397bd78\" 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\/ja8qoFQs5qeDEtbQ8g7dNk-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ja8qoFQs5qeDEtbQ8g7dNk-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ja8qoFQs5qeDEtbQ8g7dNk-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ja8qoFQs5qeDEtbQ8g7dNk-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ja8qoFQs5qeDEtbQ8g7dNk-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ja8qoFQs5qeDEtbQ8g7dNk-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Juan Ayuso will hope for a better outing than his ride at the World Championships <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-a42aa506-bd7a-11f1-99b6-530d6db54158\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Juan Ayuso heads up Spain&#8217;s squad in Slovenia. The 24-year-old ran out of legs in the end at Worlds but still placed a respectable 13th and should have higher hopes on a shorter course at the Europeans.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Ayuso has had a rollercoaster debut season at Lidl-Trek, but there have been regular reminders of his world-class ability, and he\u2019s aiming for a late-season peak after the slightly disappointing seventh place he secured at the Tour de France.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">His best results have come in stage races, but he has also won a number of mid-level one-day events, and was a top-10 finisher at both the World and European Championships last year. He hasn&#8217;t quite grasped the superstar status he seemed destined for, but he&#8217;s not one to underestimate.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-romain-gregoire-france\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Romain Gr\u00e9goire (France)<\/span><\/h2>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-a42aa24a-bd7a-11f1-b24c-2320ecf045b5\" 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\/WUsKsRAXSJCjEhVADeFP5T-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WUsKsRAXSJCjEhVADeFP5T-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WUsKsRAXSJCjEhVADeFP5T-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WUsKsRAXSJCjEhVADeFP5T-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WUsKsRAXSJCjEhVADeFP5T-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WUsKsRAXSJCjEhVADeFP5T-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Romain Gr\u00e9goire hasn&#8217;t shone in the national champion&#8217;s jersey \u2013 not yet at least <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-a42aa2ae-bd7a-11f1-91ba-8f53b5b58a83\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">There\u2019s no Paul Seixas for France \u2013 he\u2019s focusing on his Il Lombardia build-up \u2013 so we\u2019re without last year\u2019s third-place finisher and a rider who, even at 20 years old, would have been a top favourite.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Seixas cramped up in the finale of Worlds, but this European Championship will be nearly two hours shorter, and given the way he beat Remco Evenepoel at Li\u00e8ge-Bastogne-Li\u00e8ge earlier this summer, this seems to be a big opportunity he\u2019s passing up in Poga\u010dar\u2019s absence.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The French will have a more open strategy with a squad that includes K\u00e9vin Vauquelin, Mathys Rondel, and Pavel Sivakov, but their best bet is surely their national champion Romain Gr\u00e9goire. Not selected for Worlds, he leads the line here and possesses the characteristics for the circuit\u2019s key climb. He\u2019s much more of a puncheur than a climber, but if the race isn\u2019t too attritional, then he can certainly be a factor.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Gregoire hasn\u2019t set the world alight since taking the tricolour jersey, but he was great in the spring, winning the Drome Classic before placing fourth at Strade Bianche, Brabantse Pijl, and Amstel Gold Race, as well as collecting top-10s at La Fl\u00e8che Wallonne and Li\u00e8ge-Bastogne-Li\u00e8ge.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-mads-pedersen-denmark\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Mads Pedersen (Denmark)<\/span><\/h2>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-a42aa376-bd7a-11f1-963e-2390e544bbbc\" 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\/hxuq2enUBcYdKXScvUpuVX-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hxuq2enUBcYdKXScvUpuVX-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hxuq2enUBcYdKXScvUpuVX-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hxuq2enUBcYdKXScvUpuVX-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hxuq2enUBcYdKXScvUpuVX-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hxuq2enUBcYdKXScvUpuVX-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Mads Pedersen came from nowhere to fight for the medals on a &#8216;climber&#8217;s course&#8217; at Worlds <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-a42aa3da-bd7a-11f1-92d5-cdaa9aa4f899\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">After what happened last Sunday, there is simply no ruling out Mads Pedersen. Towards the end of a mind-boggling World Championships, Pedersen \u2013 barely seen all day \u2013 suddenly appeared in the group fighting for the medals. It was a reminder of Pedersen\u2019s class, and of the way you shouldn\u2019t rule anything out in a Championship race.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Everyone thought the Worlds circuit in Montreal was one for the climbers, but Pedersen, who won the green jersey of this year\u2019s Tour de France, was there at the end with Mathieu van der Poel and Michael Matthews.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Can the same happen again here? It\u2019s hard to say. The climb (2.1km at 10%) seems too steep and long for Pedersen to cling on when the attacks fly. And yet, there are more than 12km between the top of the final climb and the finish line, with a couple of kilometres of rolling roads followed by a descent and a flat run-in.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">In other words, if the situation becomes tactical, there is enough time for things to come back together on the final lap and allow someone like Pedersen back into the frame.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">There is another complicating factor, in that Pedersen is racing the M\u00fcnsterland Giro the day before, which is hardly ideal preparation, but he\u2019s a rider you can\u2019t dismiss.<\/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-a42aa6fa-bd7a-11f1-b6c7-5deb0efd479f\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">\n<li>Even without Poga\u010dar, Slovenia have a strong team, which includes former Milan-San Remo winner Matej Mohori\u010d, but more excitingly, <strong>Jakob Omrzel<\/strong>, the 20-year-old who broke out with a stage win at the Vuelta. He skipped Worlds as he recovered from the Vuelta, but if he can shake off that fatigue while hanging onto some of that form gained by the end of his first three-week race, he could very much be a dark horse.<\/li>\n<li>We&#8217;ve picked out Gregoire as the leader for <strong>France<\/strong>, but they have a fair few riders who could make an impact, even in the absence of Paul Seixas, Beno\u00eet Cosnefroy, and Lenny Martinez. <strong>Kevin Vauquelin<\/strong> hasn&#8217;t had the best of seasons but suits the profile for a course like this, while 23-year-old climber <strong>Mathys Rondel<\/strong> is having a great season. They also have the classy Pavel Sivakov, the rising star L\u00e9o Bisiaux, and yet another potential animator in <strong>Alex Baudin<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li>Pedersen is the star name for Denmark, but <strong>Anton Charmig <\/strong>is in the form of his life \u2013 he was on the podium at GP de Qu\u00e9bec and was in the thick of it at Worlds. <strong>Mikkel Honor\u00e9<\/strong> has also made a strong comeback from a long lay-off and made the top 20 at Worlds.<\/li>\n<li>Swiss champion <strong>Jan Christen <\/strong>could potentially be in the mix if he can rediscover his form from earlier in the season.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Toms Skujin\u0161<\/strong> hasn&#8217;t been producing his remarkable Classics form of the past few years, but the Latvian isn&#8217;t a million miles away.<\/li>\n<li>Germany have the in-form Vuelta stage winner <strong>Marco Brenner <\/strong>and the experienced <strong>Max Schachmann<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Mathias Vacek<\/strong> isn&#8217;t the most sprightly climber, but the Czech rider could still play a role if the race is open.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p id=\"elk-a42aa79a-bd7a-11f1-9724-9d17e4f2587b\" 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-Msd888YBd4v9SprAehXzDX\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-Msd888YBd4v9SprAehXzDX slice-container-authorBio\">\n<div class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio slice-container-authorBio\" id=\"slice-container-authorBio\" data-component-name=\"Slice:AuthorBio\">\n<div class=\"author author__default-layout author--separator author--collapsible\" data-author-bio-max-height=\"250\" data-author-bio-read-more=\"Read more\" data-author-bio-read-less=\"Read less\">\n<div class=\"author__header\">\n<div class=\"author__avatar-block\">\n<figure class=\"image-wrapped__wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__widthsetter\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__aspect-padding\">\n<div>\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2QoJgeVtEMbCKNujw2pLoH-140-80.jpg.webp 140w\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__heading\">\n<div class=\"author__name\">\n<p>Patrick Fletcher<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__role\">Deputy Editor<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>Patrick is an NCTJ-accredited journalist with a bachelor\u2019s degree in modern languages (French and Spanish) and a decade\u2019s experience in digital sports media, largely within the world of cycling. He re-joined Cyclingnews as Deputy Editor in February 2026, having previously spent eight years on staff between 2015 and 2023. In between, he was Deputy Editor at GCN and spent 18 months working across the sports portfolio at Future before returning to the cycling press pack. Patrick works across Cyclingnews\u2019 wide-ranging output, assisting the Editor in global content strategy, with a particular focus on shaping CN&#8217;s news operation.<\/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\/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\/aVDAw6hqD6AUQktJ4aFN4Q-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aVDAw6hqD6AUQktJ4aFN4Q-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aVDAw6hqD6AUQktJ4aFN4Q-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aVDAw6hqD6AUQktJ4aFN4Q-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aVDAw6hqD6AUQktJ4aFN4Q-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Will Vollering continue the Dutch domination or can someone exact Worlds revenge? \u2013 European Championships women&#8217;s road race contenders<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ytKMCAWdoeKoxdomn4dR7V-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ytKMCAWdoeKoxdomn4dR7V-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ytKMCAWdoeKoxdomn4dR7V-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ytKMCAWdoeKoxdomn4dR7V-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ytKMCAWdoeKoxdomn4dR7V-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\">Tadej Poga\u010dar&#8217;s absence changes everything \u2013 How will World Championships strategies and tactics be rewritten in Montreal?<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zLLbbZMNGwFReCwkUyTZrD-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zLLbbZMNGwFReCwkUyTZrD-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zLLbbZMNGwFReCwkUyTZrD-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zLLbbZMNGwFReCwkUyTZrD-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zLLbbZMNGwFReCwkUyTZrD-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">A big World Championships warm-up where Poga\u010dar&#8217;s absence opens the field significantly \u2013 Riders to watch at the Grands Prix de Qu\u00e9bec and Montr\u00e9al<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zjHmUwnskFuJeTYbEF8aYC-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zjHmUwnskFuJeTYbEF8aYC-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zjHmUwnskFuJeTYbEF8aYC-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zjHmUwnskFuJeTYbEF8aYC-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zjHmUwnskFuJeTYbEF8aYC-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">La Vuelta, Canada, or elsewhere \u2013 Where are the men&#8217;s stars riding in preparation for the Road World Championships?<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/biHbJgWBRRbThEUHoApnRT-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/biHbJgWBRRbThEUHoApnRT-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/biHbJgWBRRbThEUHoApnRT-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/biHbJgWBRRbThEUHoApnRT-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/biHbJgWBRRbThEUHoApnRT-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\">Remco Evenepoel, Filippo Ganna, and the rest \u2013 Analysing the contenders for the elite men&#8217;s time trial at the World Championships<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-category\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Racing<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Z6yUqffZKjfiau26D9saeJ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Z6yUqffZKjfiau26D9saeJ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Z6yUqffZKjfiau26D9saeJ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Z6yUqffZKjfiau26D9saeJ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Z6yUqffZKjfiau26D9saeJ-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\">Taylor Phinney takes big step in comeback as he makes USA Cycling squad for UCI Track World Championships<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/P3AkphMbybaiEokxqUXFjY-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/P3AkphMbybaiEokxqUXFjY-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/P3AkphMbybaiEokxqUXFjY-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/P3AkphMbybaiEokxqUXFjY-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/P3AkphMbybaiEokxqUXFjY-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\">Nairo Quintana to call time on racing career at Giro dell&#8217;Emilia, 14 years after winning Italian Classic<\/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\/PEA5wWwrBoVG9bXmgAAedN-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PEA5wWwrBoVG9bXmgAAedN-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PEA5wWwrBoVG9bXmgAAedN-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PEA5wWwrBoVG9bXmgAAedN-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PEA5wWwrBoVG9bXmgAAedN-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Tadej Poga\u010dar and Ur\u0161ka \u017digart arrive home in Slovenia ahead of European Championships, despite injuries ruling them out of the racing<\/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\/QDPtvDd4xZjg4ZYMEThPp8-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QDPtvDd4xZjg4ZYMEThPp8-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QDPtvDd4xZjg4ZYMEThPp8-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QDPtvDd4xZjg4ZYMEThPp8-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QDPtvDd4xZjg4ZYMEThPp8-320-80.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\">Nicolas Breuillard wins stage 5 of Le Tour de Langkawi as Lennart Jasch keeps firm grip on overall lead in Genting Highlands queen stage<\/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\/aEggLG5chm2Y2cRJngUcyD-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aEggLG5chm2Y2cRJngUcyD-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aEggLG5chm2Y2cRJngUcyD-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aEggLG5chm2Y2cRJngUcyD-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aEggLG5chm2Y2cRJngUcyD-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;We&#8217;ll show people we can train in short sleeves all year round&#8217; \u2013 Why the first-ever Vuelta a las Islas Canarias stage race is finally happening next January<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/veQBJ9LshPTtADSaxT7WmB-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/veQBJ9LshPTtADSaxT7WmB-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/veQBJ9LshPTtADSaxT7WmB-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/veQBJ9LshPTtADSaxT7WmB-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/veQBJ9LshPTtADSaxT7WmB-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\">Cycling has the fans, it just needs to monetise them \u2013 Can a new style of events and engagement help to solve cycling&#8217;s funding problem?<\/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\/aVDAw6hqD6AUQktJ4aFN4Q-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aVDAw6hqD6AUQktJ4aFN4Q-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aVDAw6hqD6AUQktJ4aFN4Q-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aVDAw6hqD6AUQktJ4aFN4Q-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aVDAw6hqD6AUQktJ4aFN4Q-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Will Vollering continue the Dutch domination or can someone exact Worlds revenge? \u2013 European Championships women&#8217;s road race contenders<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/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>\n<\/aside>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"widgetArea17\" class=\"widget-area md:basis-1\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-1-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-1-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-1-3 page-widget-area-17\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"dynamic\" id=\"popular-data\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-dynamic widget-popular-data widget-dynamic-popular-data widget-dynamic-fter-popular-box\">\n<div class=\"wdn-fte-pb pos-relative space-t20\n\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"slice-container popular-box-slice\">\n<section class=\"popular-box\" data-component-name=\"Slice:PopularBox\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label__tab popular-box__label__tab--active\" role=\"heading\">\nLATEST ARTICLES\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<ol class=\"popular-box__articles-list popular-box__articles-list--active\">\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__image-wrapper\">\n<div>\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Z6yUqffZKjfiau26D9saeJ-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Z6yUqffZKjfiau26D9saeJ-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Z6yUqffZKjfiau26D9saeJ-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Z6yUqffZKjfiau26D9saeJ-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>Taylor Phinney takes big step in comeback as he makes USA Cycling squad for UCI Track World Championships<\/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>Enve officially releases Tadej Poga\u010dar&#8217;s monument-winning wheelset<\/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>Swiss climber Steffi H\u00e4berlin switches SD Worx for Canyon-SRAM with &#8216;more to unlock&#8217; \u2013 Analysis<\/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>Ion Izagirre&#8217;s dream farewell in Il Lombardia wrecked by broken wrist in training accident<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">5<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>&#8216;I survived all of this&#8217; \u2013 Challengers fight back on queen stage of Tour de Langkawi but Lennart Jasch proves his GC fortitude<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"page-content-onecol flex-1\nnews-article article\n\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"widget-area-group widget-area-group-2col flex flex-wrap box-border\">\n<div id=\"widgetArea16\" class=\"widget-area basis-full md:basis-2\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-2-3 page-widget-area-16\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"hero\" id=\"hero\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-hero widget-hero widget-hero-hero widget-hero widget-hero-fter-news\">\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRacing\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRoad\n<\/li>\n<li>\nUEC Road European Championships\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>Some big absentees, but plenty of quality and a favourite with a question mark \u2013 Analysing the European Championships men&#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 \/>\nPatrick Fletcher <\/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=\"2026-10-01T10:53:50Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n1 October 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">From Remco Evenepoel&#8217;s individual quality to the potential collective might of Italy \u2013 here are the riders who are set to light up the race on Sunday<\/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\/piYtsbdPxR7vxYSZu4ryK8-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/piYtsbdPxR7vxYSZu4ryK8-1600-80.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/piYtsbdPxR7vxYSZu4ryK8-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/piYtsbdPxR7vxYSZu4ryK8-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/piYtsbdPxR7vxYSZu4ryK8-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/piYtsbdPxR7vxYSZu4ryK8-750-80.jpg.webp 750w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/piYtsbdPxR7vxYSZu4ryK8-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/piYtsbdPxR7vxYSZu4ryK8-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/piYtsbdPxR7vxYSZu4ryK8-320-80.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\">Primo\u017e Rogli\u010d, Remco Evenepoel, and Mads Pedersen are among the top contenders at the 2026 UEC Road European Championships<\/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>Remco Evenepoel<\/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>Primo\u017e Rogli\u010d<\/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>Ciccone and the Italians<\/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>Juan Ayuso<\/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>Romain Gr\u00e9goire<\/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>Mads Pedersen<\/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-a42a99e4-bd7a-11f1-ae0f-9786afcb658d\">After the drama of the World Championships last weekend, there&#8217;s more major national-team title-fight racing coming up with the European Championships, and we&#8217;re taking a closer look at the potential winners of the elite men&#8217;s road race on Sunday.<\/p>\n<p>The European Championships road race occupies an awkward slot on the calendar, coming one week after Worlds, one week ahead of Il Lombardia, and in the middle of a number of other one-day races in Italy. That, along with a reticence from some trade teams to release key riders for two big events in national colours, has left the start list slightly diluted.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-a42a99e4-bd7a-11f1-ae0f-9786afcb658d-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">There are also some nations, including Great Britain (who would have had a big contender in Tom Pidcock), who aren&#8217;t fielding squads at all due to limited resources. Paul Seixas, Mathieu van der Poel, and Wout van Aert are all skipping the race, and when you factor in that the big pre-race favourite and home star for these Slovenian Euros, Tadej Poga\u010dar, is out injured, then the gloss has been slightly scrubbed off the event.<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-6 w-full overflow-hidden rounded-[10px] lg:my-8\" data-component-name=\"JwPlayer:Carousel\" data-jwp-carousel data-jwp-carousel-payload=\"{&quot;ids&quot;:{&quot;playerID&quot;:&quot;jYDCcabO&quot;,&quot;searchPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;gwjdoYHD&quot;,&quot;divID&quot;:&quot;botr_gwjdoYHD_jYDCcabO_div&quot;,&quot;fallbackPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;gwjdoYHD&quot;,&quot;fallbackDivID&quot;:&quot;botr_gwjdoYHD_jYDCcabO_div&quot;,&quot;key&quot;:&quot;X9\/mXVGac0NphghLH9hZaqWA5d3dhAM\/Ih07grnEyMLjuO2E&quot;,&quot;tintLogo&quot;:true,&quot;useSearchPlaylist&quot;:false,&quot;enabled&quot;:true},&quot;signPostingEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;signPostingLinkEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;waitForAdLoad&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnDesktop&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnMobile&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnTablet&quot;:false}\">\n<div class=\"flex flex-nowrap items-center justify-between gap-3 bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-header>\n<div class=\"flex min-w-0 shrink items-center\"><span class=\"inline-flex items-center gap-1.5 text-sm font-article-heading capitalize leading-5 text-white whitespace-nowrap\"><span class=\"jwp-carousel-title-desktop\">Latest Videos From<\/span><span class=\"jwp-carousel-brand\">Cyclingnews<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"min-h-[44px] bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting><a class=\"invisible block truncate text-sm font-bold leading-5 text-white underline decoration-solid underline-offset-2\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting-link href target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span data-jwp-carousel-signposting-title>Watch full video here: <\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">And yet, we do still have a strong list of big names, including Remco Evenepoel, and as we saw at Worlds, Poga\u010dar&#8217;s absence is perhaps a blessing in disguise in terms of the entertainment factor of the racing itself.<\/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-a42a9b38-bd7a-11f1-98af-190c4ef7ef6e\" 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\/SezeYx6veWNox6hsaeZ2XJ-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SezeYx6veWNox6hsaeZ2XJ-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SezeYx6veWNox6hsaeZ2XJ-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SezeYx6veWNox6hsaeZ2XJ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SezeYx6veWNox6hsaeZ2XJ-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SezeYx6veWNox6hsaeZ2XJ-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\/8a9qEHZcMFGgxshaRcAesC-701-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8a9qEHZcMFGgxshaRcAesC-701-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8a9qEHZcMFGgxshaRcAesC-701-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8a9qEHZcMFGgxshaRcAesC-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8a9qEHZcMFGgxshaRcAesC-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8a9qEHZcMFGgxshaRcAesC-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\/SezeYx6veWNox6hsaeZ2XJ-1286-80.jpg.webp 2560w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SezeYx6veWNox6hsaeZ2XJ-1286-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SezeYx6veWNox6hsaeZ2XJ-1286-80.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SezeYx6veWNox6hsaeZ2XJ-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SezeYx6veWNox6hsaeZ2XJ-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SezeYx6veWNox6hsaeZ2XJ-768-80.jpg.webp 768w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SezeYx6veWNox6hsaeZ2XJ-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\/8a9qEHZcMFGgxshaRcAesC-701-80.jpg.webp 2560w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8a9qEHZcMFGgxshaRcAesC-701-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8a9qEHZcMFGgxshaRcAesC-701-80.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8a9qEHZcMFGgxshaRcAesC-701-80.jpg.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8a9qEHZcMFGgxshaRcAesC-701-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8a9qEHZcMFGgxshaRcAesC-701-80.jpg.webp 768w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8a9qEHZcMFGgxshaRcAesC-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-a42a9bc4-bd7a-11f1-aecf-693a511a53ee\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">After the dramatic World Championships road race, making predictions about the European Championships course seems risky business. This is less hilly overall, with 2,500 metres of elevation gain compared to the 3,800m on the Worlds course. However, the climbing is more condensed, with a total distance of 196km, and that\u2019s before you remember that all the climbing comes in the second half.<\/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\/8PkTJPKGrgqMM2cQxQMqxX-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8PkTJPKGrgqMM2cQxQMqxX-150-80.png.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">A wide open face-off between Evenepoel, Del Toro, Seixas, Van der Poel and more for the rainbow jersey \u2013 Analysing the World Championships elite men&#8217;s road race contenders<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aVDAw6hqD6AUQktJ4aFN4Q-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aVDAw6hqD6AUQktJ4aFN4Q-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\">Will Vollering continue the Dutch domination or can someone exact Worlds revenge? \u2013 European Championships women&#8217;s road race contenders<\/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\/ytKMCAWdoeKoxdomn4dR7V-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ytKMCAWdoeKoxdomn4dR7V-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\">Tadej Poga\u010dar&#8217;s absence changes everything \u2013 How will World Championships strategies and tactics be rewritten in Montreal?<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The first half of the route heading out from Ljubljana is flat, and then the riders will take on five laps of the finishing circuit around \u0160en\u010dur, which includes the critical climb of Mo\u017ejanca, which boasts an average gradient of over 10% but which is more than a mere punch, dragging on for just over 2km.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Especially with fresher legs deep into the race, it should be selective, but then again there are over 12km from the top of the climb to the finish, including a rolling plateau, then a descent, and a final flat 5km.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-Msd888YBd4v9SprAehXzDX\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-Msd888YBd4v9SprAehXzDX slice-container-newsletterForm\">\n<div data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"newsletter-form__wrapper newsletter-form__wrapper--inbodyContent\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__container\">\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__top-bar\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__header\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__main-section\">\n<p class=\"newsletter-form__strapline\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<footer class=\"newsletter-form__footer \">By submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.<\/footer>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">It will come down to the way it is raced on the day, and without further ado, here are the riders we expect to be the chief protagonists.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-remco-evenepoel-belgium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Remco Evenepoel (Belgium)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-a42a9d2c-bd7a-11f1-a065-dfec583218f9\" 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\/srQDwTCBZXoGf5UrmnUsKg-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/srQDwTCBZXoGf5UrmnUsKg-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/srQDwTCBZXoGf5UrmnUsKg-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/srQDwTCBZXoGf5UrmnUsKg-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/srQDwTCBZXoGf5UrmnUsKg-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/srQDwTCBZXoGf5UrmnUsKg-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Remco Evenepoel was off-colour at Worlds &#8211; can he bounce back? <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-a42a9dea-bd7a-11f1-b8ab-77cf8dc2437e\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">In the absence of Tadej Poga\u010dar, the status of out-and-out favourite ought to fall to Remco Evenepoel. And yet it\u2019s not quite so simple as that. The Belgian fell horribly flat last Sunday at a World Championships that, with no Poga\u010dar, should have been at his mercy.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Evenepoel did not hide that he knew he was on a bad day, but we still don\u2019t know much more than that \u2013 whether it was a simple blip or something like an illness that could well have a knock-on effect for this coming Sunday.<\/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\/zLLbbZMNGwFReCwkUyTZrD-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zLLbbZMNGwFReCwkUyTZrD-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">A big World Championships warm-up where Poga\u010dar&#8217;s absence opens the field significantly \u2013 Riders to watch at the Grands Prix de Qu\u00e9bec and Montr\u00e9al<\/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\/zjHmUwnskFuJeTYbEF8aYC-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zjHmUwnskFuJeTYbEF8aYC-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">La Vuelta, Canada, or elsewhere \u2013 Where are the men&#8217;s stars riding in preparation for the Road World Championships?<\/span><\/li>\n<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\/biHbJgWBRRbThEUHoApnRT-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/biHbJgWBRRbThEUHoApnRT-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\">Remco Evenepoel, Filippo Ganna, and the rest \u2013 Analysing the contenders for the elite men&#8217;s time trial at the World Championships<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">What\u2019s clear, though, is that if he\u2019s anywhere near top form again \u2013 and the way he blitzed the Worlds time trial, his overarching shape cannot be questioned \u2013 this is Evenepoel\u2019s race to lose. After all, this was the rider who was clearly the best-of-the-rest behind Poga\u010dar at Europeans, Worlds, and Il Lombardia last autumn. Plus, many key European threats from last weekend aren\u2019t racing this time, including Paul Seixas, Tom Pidcock, Mathieu van der Poel and Wout van Aert.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The climb here looks perfect for Evenepoel to attack on, and we know that once he gets a gap, he\u2019s incredibly hard to bring back. He also has a decent sprint, as he showed in winning the GP de Qu\u00e9bec recently.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">What\u2019s more, Evenepoel has no fewer than seven strong Belgians by his side, and they are sure to take control of the race and tee him up when he decides it&#8217;s best. Evenepoel is the top favourite by some distance, but still a question mark.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-primoz-roglic-slovenia\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Primo\u017e Rogli\u010d (Slovenia)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-a42a9f02-bd7a-11f1-a6db-6be6ecb5b312\" 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\/mv2YqxeBViWxbgznv5NPUE-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mv2YqxeBViWxbgznv5NPUE-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mv2YqxeBViWxbgznv5NPUE-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mv2YqxeBViWxbgznv5NPUE-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mv2YqxeBViWxbgznv5NPUE-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mv2YqxeBViWxbgznv5NPUE-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Rogli\u010d&#8217;s spirited Worlds ride suggested he&#8217;s enjoying his racing again <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-a42a9f70-bd7a-11f1-a0e3-5f41ed8f00f3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">No Poga\u010dar, no problem? Slovenia have suffered a huge blow for their home European Championships, with the defending champion and the world\u2019s top rider Tadej Poga\u010dar ruled out through injury. Poga\u010dar was incredibly eager to race on home soil, so much so that he reportedly called up his surgeon to see if he might be able to make an early comeback. It wasn\u2019t to be, and the race is left without the rider who was overwhelmingly likely to win it.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">And yet, there\u2019s no despair for the home nation, who have a number of credible options. First and foremost is Primo\u017e Rogli\u010d, who has hit a purple patch of form amid question marks over the future of his career. The 36-year-old finished runner-up at the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a and played an active role at the World Championships in the early move led by Mathieu van der Poel.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Rogli\u010d faded towards the end of Worlds, but the Europeans is a good 75km shorter, so that should be less of an issue. And on paper, the course suits him well, the climb being steep but also sustained. What\u2019s more, Rogli\u010d seems to have found a new lease of life, a laboured out-of-contract figure making way for a more laid-back and carefree presence since his unexpectedly good Vuelta.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-giulio-ciccone-and-the-italians\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Giulio Ciccone and the Italians<\/span><\/h2>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-a42aa0ba-bd7a-11f1-80e2-993e6d090371\" 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\/St9Kmv3BcZQWhAZMyGzSvK-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/St9Kmv3BcZQWhAZMyGzSvK-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/St9Kmv3BcZQWhAZMyGzSvK-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/St9Kmv3BcZQWhAZMyGzSvK-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/St9Kmv3BcZQWhAZMyGzSvK-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/St9Kmv3BcZQWhAZMyGzSvK-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Giulio Ciccone put in an eye-catching top-10 at Worlds <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-a42aa16e-bd7a-11f1-a81f-f37db016d5f6\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">While Belgium are set up exclusively behind Remco Evenepoel, the strongest block of the European Championships is arguably Italy, who could look to play the numbers game against the one big favourite.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">They nearly did it at the World Championships, and a similar trio of protagonists is back again this time around: Giulio Ciccone, Giulio Pellizzari, and Christian Scaroni.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Ciccone was Italy\u2019s top finisher at Worlds, placing ninth after going clear with Tom Pidcock on the final climb of C\u00f4te Camillien-Houde \u2013 a move that looked like it would bring the gold medal back into play until the group expanded and stalled. Pellizzari and Scaroni had looked to get into the earlier moves, and it will have been frustrating that Scaroni was in the initial key early break before Wout van Aert split it down.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">In the end, the USA combined legs with flawless team tactics and spirit to pull off an unlikely Worlds victory, but it will have inspired several other teams to race in that manner. And in that respect Italy look the best placed to try something similar on Sunday.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Ciccone is the biggest name and the likeliest winner, as a seasoned hilly Classics contender, but the 22-year-old Pellizzari also has abundant quality plus a win at the recent Giro della Toscana, while Scaroni has been placing high at the hilly one-dayers all year.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-juan-ayuso-spain\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Juan Ayuso (Spain)<\/span><\/h2>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-a42aa4a2-bd7a-11f1-a550-e5a31397bd78\" 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\/ja8qoFQs5qeDEtbQ8g7dNk-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ja8qoFQs5qeDEtbQ8g7dNk-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ja8qoFQs5qeDEtbQ8g7dNk-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ja8qoFQs5qeDEtbQ8g7dNk-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ja8qoFQs5qeDEtbQ8g7dNk-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ja8qoFQs5qeDEtbQ8g7dNk-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Juan Ayuso will hope for a better outing than his ride at the World Championships <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-a42aa506-bd7a-11f1-99b6-530d6db54158\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Juan Ayuso heads up Spain&#8217;s squad in Slovenia. The 24-year-old ran out of legs in the end at Worlds but still placed a respectable 13th and should have higher hopes on a shorter course at the Europeans.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Ayuso has had a rollercoaster debut season at Lidl-Trek, but there have been regular reminders of his world-class ability, and he\u2019s aiming for a late-season peak after the slightly disappointing seventh place he secured at the Tour de France.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">His best results have come in stage races, but he has also won a number of mid-level one-day events, and was a top-10 finisher at both the World and European Championships last year. He hasn&#8217;t quite grasped the superstar status he seemed destined for, but he&#8217;s not one to underestimate.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-romain-gregoire-france\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Romain Gr\u00e9goire (France)<\/span><\/h2>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-a42aa24a-bd7a-11f1-b24c-2320ecf045b5\" 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\/WUsKsRAXSJCjEhVADeFP5T-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WUsKsRAXSJCjEhVADeFP5T-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WUsKsRAXSJCjEhVADeFP5T-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WUsKsRAXSJCjEhVADeFP5T-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WUsKsRAXSJCjEhVADeFP5T-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WUsKsRAXSJCjEhVADeFP5T-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Romain Gr\u00e9goire hasn&#8217;t shone in the national champion&#8217;s jersey \u2013 not yet at least <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-a42aa2ae-bd7a-11f1-91ba-8f53b5b58a83\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">There\u2019s no Paul Seixas for France \u2013 he\u2019s focusing on his Il Lombardia build-up \u2013 so we\u2019re without last year\u2019s third-place finisher and a rider who, even at 20 years old, would have been a top favourite.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Seixas cramped up in the finale of Worlds, but this European Championship will be nearly two hours shorter, and given the way he beat Remco Evenepoel at Li\u00e8ge-Bastogne-Li\u00e8ge earlier this summer, this seems to be a big opportunity he\u2019s passing up in Poga\u010dar\u2019s absence.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The French will have a more open strategy with a squad that includes K\u00e9vin Vauquelin, Mathys Rondel, and Pavel Sivakov, but their best bet is surely their national champion Romain Gr\u00e9goire. Not selected for Worlds, he leads the line here and possesses the characteristics for the circuit\u2019s key climb. He\u2019s much more of a puncheur than a climber, but if the race isn\u2019t too attritional, then he can certainly be a factor.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Gregoire hasn\u2019t set the world alight since taking the tricolour jersey, but he was great in the spring, winning the Drome Classic before placing fourth at Strade Bianche, Brabantse Pijl, and Amstel Gold Race, as well as collecting top-10s at La Fl\u00e8che Wallonne and Li\u00e8ge-Bastogne-Li\u00e8ge.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-mads-pedersen-denmark\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Mads Pedersen (Denmark)<\/span><\/h2>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-a42aa376-bd7a-11f1-963e-2390e544bbbc\" 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\/hxuq2enUBcYdKXScvUpuVX-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hxuq2enUBcYdKXScvUpuVX-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hxuq2enUBcYdKXScvUpuVX-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hxuq2enUBcYdKXScvUpuVX-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hxuq2enUBcYdKXScvUpuVX-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hxuq2enUBcYdKXScvUpuVX-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Mads Pedersen came from nowhere to fight for the medals on a &#8216;climber&#8217;s course&#8217; at Worlds <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-a42aa3da-bd7a-11f1-92d5-cdaa9aa4f899\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">After what happened last Sunday, there is simply no ruling out Mads Pedersen. Towards the end of a mind-boggling World Championships, Pedersen \u2013 barely seen all day \u2013 suddenly appeared in the group fighting for the medals. It was a reminder of Pedersen\u2019s class, and of the way you shouldn\u2019t rule anything out in a Championship race.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Everyone thought the Worlds circuit in Montreal was one for the climbers, but Pedersen, who won the green jersey of this year\u2019s Tour de France, was there at the end with Mathieu van der Poel and Michael Matthews.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Can the same happen again here? It\u2019s hard to say. The climb (2.1km at 10%) seems too steep and long for Pedersen to cling on when the attacks fly. And yet, there are more than 12km between the top of the final climb and the finish line, with a couple of kilometres of rolling roads followed by a descent and a flat run-in.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">In other words, if the situation becomes tactical, there is enough time for things to come back together on the final lap and allow someone like Pedersen back into the frame.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">There is another complicating factor, in that Pedersen is racing the M\u00fcnsterland Giro the day before, which is hardly ideal preparation, but he\u2019s a rider you can\u2019t dismiss.<\/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-a42aa6fa-bd7a-11f1-b6c7-5deb0efd479f\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">\n<li>Even without Poga\u010dar, Slovenia have a strong team, which includes former Milan-San Remo winner Matej Mohori\u010d, but more excitingly, <strong>Jakob Omrzel<\/strong>, the 20-year-old who broke out with a stage win at the Vuelta. He skipped Worlds as he recovered from the Vuelta, but if he can shake off that fatigue while hanging onto some of that form gained by the end of his first three-week race, he could very much be a dark horse.<\/li>\n<li>We&#8217;ve picked out Gregoire as the leader for <strong>France<\/strong>, but they have a fair few riders who could make an impact, even in the absence of Paul Seixas, Beno\u00eet Cosnefroy, and Lenny Martinez. <strong>Kevin Vauquelin<\/strong> hasn&#8217;t had the best of seasons but suits the profile for a course like this, while 23-year-old climber <strong>Mathys Rondel<\/strong> is having a great season. They also have the classy Pavel Sivakov, the rising star L\u00e9o Bisiaux, and yet another potential animator in <strong>Alex Baudin<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li>Pedersen is the star name for Denmark, but <strong>Anton Charmig <\/strong>is in the form of his life \u2013 he was on the podium at GP de Qu\u00e9bec and was in the thick of it at Worlds. <strong>Mikkel Honor\u00e9<\/strong> has also made a strong comeback from a long lay-off and made the top 20 at Worlds.<\/li>\n<li>Swiss champion <strong>Jan Christen <\/strong>could potentially be in the mix if he can rediscover his form from earlier in the season.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Toms Skujin\u0161<\/strong> hasn&#8217;t been producing his remarkable Classics form of the past few years, but the Latvian isn&#8217;t a million miles away.<\/li>\n<li>Germany have the in-form Vuelta stage winner <strong>Marco Brenner <\/strong>and the experienced <strong>Max Schachmann<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Mathias Vacek<\/strong> isn&#8217;t the most sprightly climber, but the Czech rider could still play a role if the race is open.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p id=\"elk-a42aa79a-bd7a-11f1-9724-9d17e4f2587b\" 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-Msd888YBd4v9SprAehXzDX\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-Msd888YBd4v9SprAehXzDX slice-container-authorBio\">\n<div class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio slice-container-authorBio\" id=\"slice-container-authorBio\" data-component-name=\"Slice:AuthorBio\">\n<div class=\"author author__default-layout author--separator author--collapsible\" data-author-bio-max-height=\"250\" data-author-bio-read-more=\"Read more\" data-author-bio-read-less=\"Read less\">\n<div class=\"author__header\">\n<div class=\"author__avatar-block\">\n<figure class=\"image-wrapped__wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__widthsetter\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__aspect-padding\">\n<div>\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2QoJgeVtEMbCKNujw2pLoH-140-80.jpg.webp 140w\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__heading\">\n<div class=\"author__name\">\n<p>Patrick Fletcher<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__role\">Deputy Editor<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>Patrick is an NCTJ-accredited journalist with a bachelor\u2019s degree in modern languages (French and Spanish) and a decade\u2019s experience in digital sports media, largely within the world of cycling. He re-joined Cyclingnews as Deputy Editor in February 2026, having previously spent eight years on staff between 2015 and 2023. In between, he was Deputy Editor at GCN and spent 18 months working across the sports portfolio at Future before returning to the cycling press pack. Patrick works across Cyclingnews\u2019 wide-ranging output, assisting the Editor in global content strategy, with a particular focus on shaping CN&#8217;s news operation.<\/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\/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\/aVDAw6hqD6AUQktJ4aFN4Q-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aVDAw6hqD6AUQktJ4aFN4Q-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aVDAw6hqD6AUQktJ4aFN4Q-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aVDAw6hqD6AUQktJ4aFN4Q-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aVDAw6hqD6AUQktJ4aFN4Q-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Will Vollering continue the Dutch domination or can someone exact Worlds revenge? \u2013 European Championships women&#8217;s road race contenders<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ytKMCAWdoeKoxdomn4dR7V-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ytKMCAWdoeKoxdomn4dR7V-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ytKMCAWdoeKoxdomn4dR7V-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ytKMCAWdoeKoxdomn4dR7V-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ytKMCAWdoeKoxdomn4dR7V-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\">Tadej Poga\u010dar&#8217;s absence changes everything \u2013 How will World Championships strategies and tactics be rewritten in Montreal?<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zLLbbZMNGwFReCwkUyTZrD-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zLLbbZMNGwFReCwkUyTZrD-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zLLbbZMNGwFReCwkUyTZrD-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zLLbbZMNGwFReCwkUyTZrD-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zLLbbZMNGwFReCwkUyTZrD-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">A big World Championships warm-up where Poga\u010dar&#8217;s absence opens the field significantly \u2013 Riders to watch at the Grands Prix de Qu\u00e9bec and Montr\u00e9al<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zjHmUwnskFuJeTYbEF8aYC-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zjHmUwnskFuJeTYbEF8aYC-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zjHmUwnskFuJeTYbEF8aYC-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zjHmUwnskFuJeTYbEF8aYC-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zjHmUwnskFuJeTYbEF8aYC-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">La Vuelta, Canada, or elsewhere \u2013 Where are the men&#8217;s stars riding in preparation for the Road World Championships?<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/biHbJgWBRRbThEUHoApnRT-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/biHbJgWBRRbThEUHoApnRT-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/biHbJgWBRRbThEUHoApnRT-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/biHbJgWBRRbThEUHoApnRT-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/biHbJgWBRRbThEUHoApnRT-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\">Remco Evenepoel, Filippo Ganna, and the rest \u2013 Analysing the contenders for the elite men&#8217;s time trial at the World Championships<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-category\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Racing<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Z6yUqffZKjfiau26D9saeJ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Z6yUqffZKjfiau26D9saeJ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Z6yUqffZKjfiau26D9saeJ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Z6yUqffZKjfiau26D9saeJ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Z6yUqffZKjfiau26D9saeJ-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\">Taylor Phinney takes big step in comeback as he makes USA Cycling squad for UCI Track World Championships<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/P3AkphMbybaiEokxqUXFjY-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/P3AkphMbybaiEokxqUXFjY-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/P3AkphMbybaiEokxqUXFjY-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/P3AkphMbybaiEokxqUXFjY-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/P3AkphMbybaiEokxqUXFjY-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\">Nairo Quintana to call time on racing career at Giro dell&#8217;Emilia, 14 years after winning Italian Classic<\/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\/PEA5wWwrBoVG9bXmgAAedN-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PEA5wWwrBoVG9bXmgAAedN-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PEA5wWwrBoVG9bXmgAAedN-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PEA5wWwrBoVG9bXmgAAedN-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PEA5wWwrBoVG9bXmgAAedN-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Tadej Poga\u010dar and Ur\u0161ka \u017digart arrive home in Slovenia ahead of European Championships, despite injuries ruling them out of the racing<\/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\/QDPtvDd4xZjg4ZYMEThPp8-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QDPtvDd4xZjg4ZYMEThPp8-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QDPtvDd4xZjg4ZYMEThPp8-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QDPtvDd4xZjg4ZYMEThPp8-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QDPtvDd4xZjg4ZYMEThPp8-320-80.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\">Nicolas Breuillard wins stage 5 of Le Tour de Langkawi as Lennart Jasch keeps firm grip on overall lead in Genting Highlands queen stage<\/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\/aEggLG5chm2Y2cRJngUcyD-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aEggLG5chm2Y2cRJngUcyD-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aEggLG5chm2Y2cRJngUcyD-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aEggLG5chm2Y2cRJngUcyD-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aEggLG5chm2Y2cRJngUcyD-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;We&#8217;ll show people we can train in short sleeves all year round&#8217; \u2013 Why the first-ever Vuelta a las Islas Canarias stage race is finally happening next January<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/veQBJ9LshPTtADSaxT7WmB-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/veQBJ9LshPTtADSaxT7WmB-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/veQBJ9LshPTtADSaxT7WmB-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/veQBJ9LshPTtADSaxT7WmB-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/veQBJ9LshPTtADSaxT7WmB-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\">Cycling has the fans, it just needs to monetise them \u2013 Can a new style of events and engagement help to solve cycling&#8217;s funding problem?<\/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\/aVDAw6hqD6AUQktJ4aFN4Q-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aVDAw6hqD6AUQktJ4aFN4Q-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aVDAw6hqD6AUQktJ4aFN4Q-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aVDAw6hqD6AUQktJ4aFN4Q-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aVDAw6hqD6AUQktJ4aFN4Q-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Will Vollering continue the Dutch domination or can someone exact Worlds revenge? \u2013 European Championships women&#8217;s road race contenders<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/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>\n<\/aside>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"widgetArea17\" class=\"widget-area md:basis-1\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-1-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-1-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-1-3 page-widget-area-17\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"dynamic\" id=\"popular-data\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-dynamic widget-popular-data widget-dynamic-popular-data widget-dynamic-fter-popular-box\">\n<div class=\"wdn-fte-pb pos-relative space-t20\n\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"slice-container popular-box-slice\">\n<section class=\"popular-box\" data-component-name=\"Slice:PopularBox\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label__tab popular-box__label__tab--active\" role=\"heading\">\nLATEST ARTICLES\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<ol class=\"popular-box__articles-list popular-box__articles-list--active\">\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__image-wrapper\">\n<div>\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Z6yUqffZKjfiau26D9saeJ-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Z6yUqffZKjfiau26D9saeJ-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Z6yUqffZKjfiau26D9saeJ-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Z6yUqffZKjfiau26D9saeJ-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>Taylor Phinney takes big step in comeback as he makes USA Cycling squad for UCI Track World Championships<\/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>Enve officially releases Tadej Poga\u010dar&#8217;s monument-winning wheelset<\/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 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proves his GC fortitude<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRacing\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRoad\n<\/li>\n<li>\nUEC Road European Championships\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>Some big absentees, but plenty of quality and a favourite with a question mark \u2013 Analysing the European Championships men&#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 \/>\nPatrick Fletcher <\/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=\"2026-10-01T10:53:50Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n1 October 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">From Remco Evenepoel&#8217;s individual quality to the potential collective might of Italy \u2013 here are the riders who are set to light up the race on Sunday<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"text-gray-700 flex items-center mx-0 my-5 p-0 justify-start text-left\" id=\"affiliate-disclaimer\" data-component-name=\"AffiliateDisclaimer\" data-hawk-message=\"Affiliate disclaimer removed because hawk deemed there are no affiliate links on this page\">\n<p class=\"text-[color:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--text-color,inherit)] mb-2 text-[length:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--font-size,0.75rem)] leading-[18px] md:text-[13px] [&amp;&gt;a]:text-inherit [&amp;&gt;a]:underline\">\nWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here\u2019s how it works.\n<\/p>\n<\/aside>\n<\/header>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\"text-copy bodyCopy auto paywall-locker\">\n<div data-analytics-id=\"utility-bar\" id=\"utility-bar\" class=\"font-ui-heading flex justify-between items-center py-2 border-t border-b border-gray-300 border-solid mb-5 mx-auto\" data-component-name=\"UtilityBar\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"utility-bar\">\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div data-component-name=\"Social:Dropdown\" role=\"menu\" id=\"utilitybar__dropdown--share\" aria-labelledby=\"utilitybar__button--share\" class=\"absolute left-0 top-full w-44 bg-white rounded-md shadow-md border border-neutral-200 z-[9996] list-none m-0 py-2 px-3 border-solid\">\n<ul class=\"m-0!\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Facebook<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>X<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Pinterest<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Email<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-share-this-article\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nShare this article\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\"><span class=\"ml-1 inline-flex h-5 px-2 shrink-0 items-center justify-center self-center overflow-hidden whitespace-nowrap rounded-[10px] bg-primary-500 text-[11px] leading-none font-ui-heading font-semibold text-white\">0<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-join-the-conversation\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nJoin the conversation\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<p>Follow us<\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-add-us-as-a-preferred-source-on-google\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nAdd us as a preferred source on Google\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-subscribe-to-our-newsletter\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nSubscribe to our newsletter\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-a42a99e4-bd7a-11f1-ae0f-9786afcb658d\">After the drama of the World Championships last weekend, there&#8217;s more major national-team title-fight racing coming up with the European Championships, and we&#8217;re taking a closer look at the potential winners of the elite men&#8217;s road race on Sunday.<\/p>\n<p>The European Championships road race occupies an awkward slot on the calendar, coming one week after Worlds, one week ahead of Il Lombardia, and in the middle of a number of other one-day races in Italy. That, along with a reticence from some trade teams to release key riders for two big events in national colours, has left the start list slightly diluted.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-a42a99e4-bd7a-11f1-ae0f-9786afcb658d-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">There are also some nations, including Great Britain (who would have had a big contender in Tom Pidcock), who aren&#8217;t fielding squads at all due to limited resources. Paul Seixas, Mathieu van der Poel, and Wout van Aert are all skipping the race, and when you factor in that the big pre-race favourite and home star for these Slovenian Euros, Tadej Poga\u010dar, is out injured, then the gloss has been slightly scrubbed off the event.<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-6 w-full overflow-hidden rounded-[10px] lg:my-8\" data-component-name=\"JwPlayer:Carousel\" data-jwp-carousel data-jwp-carousel-payload=\"{&quot;ids&quot;:{&quot;playerID&quot;:&quot;jYDCcabO&quot;,&quot;searchPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;gwjdoYHD&quot;,&quot;divID&quot;:&quot;botr_gwjdoYHD_jYDCcabO_div&quot;,&quot;fallbackPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;gwjdoYHD&quot;,&quot;fallbackDivID&quot;:&quot;botr_gwjdoYHD_jYDCcabO_div&quot;,&quot;key&quot;:&quot;X9\/mXVGac0NphghLH9hZaqWA5d3dhAM\/Ih07grnEyMLjuO2E&quot;,&quot;tintLogo&quot;:true,&quot;useSearchPlaylist&quot;:false,&quot;enabled&quot;:true},&quot;signPostingEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;signPostingLinkEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;waitForAdLoad&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnDesktop&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnMobile&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnTablet&quot;:false}\">\n<div class=\"flex flex-nowrap items-center justify-between gap-3 bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-header>\n<div class=\"flex min-w-0 shrink items-center\"><span class=\"inline-flex items-center gap-1.5 text-sm font-article-heading capitalize leading-5 text-white whitespace-nowrap\"><span class=\"jwp-carousel-title-desktop\">Latest Videos From<\/span><span class=\"jwp-carousel-brand\">Cyclingnews<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"min-h-[44px] bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting><a class=\"invisible block truncate text-sm font-bold leading-5 text-white underline decoration-solid underline-offset-2\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting-link href target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span data-jwp-carousel-signposting-title>Watch full video here: <\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">And yet, we do still have a strong list of big names, including Remco Evenepoel, and as we saw at Worlds, Poga\u010dar&#8217;s absence is perhaps a blessing in disguise in terms of the entertainment factor of the racing itself.<\/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-a42a9b38-bd7a-11f1-98af-190c4ef7ef6e\" 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\/SezeYx6veWNox6hsaeZ2XJ-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SezeYx6veWNox6hsaeZ2XJ-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SezeYx6veWNox6hsaeZ2XJ-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SezeYx6veWNox6hsaeZ2XJ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SezeYx6veWNox6hsaeZ2XJ-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SezeYx6veWNox6hsaeZ2XJ-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\/8a9qEHZcMFGgxshaRcAesC-701-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8a9qEHZcMFGgxshaRcAesC-701-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8a9qEHZcMFGgxshaRcAesC-701-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8a9qEHZcMFGgxshaRcAesC-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8a9qEHZcMFGgxshaRcAesC-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8a9qEHZcMFGgxshaRcAesC-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\/SezeYx6veWNox6hsaeZ2XJ-1286-80.jpg.webp 2560w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SezeYx6veWNox6hsaeZ2XJ-1286-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SezeYx6veWNox6hsaeZ2XJ-1286-80.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SezeYx6veWNox6hsaeZ2XJ-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SezeYx6veWNox6hsaeZ2XJ-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SezeYx6veWNox6hsaeZ2XJ-768-80.jpg.webp 768w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SezeYx6veWNox6hsaeZ2XJ-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\/8a9qEHZcMFGgxshaRcAesC-701-80.jpg.webp 2560w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8a9qEHZcMFGgxshaRcAesC-701-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8a9qEHZcMFGgxshaRcAesC-701-80.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8a9qEHZcMFGgxshaRcAesC-701-80.jpg.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8a9qEHZcMFGgxshaRcAesC-701-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8a9qEHZcMFGgxshaRcAesC-701-80.jpg.webp 768w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8a9qEHZcMFGgxshaRcAesC-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-a42a9bc4-bd7a-11f1-aecf-693a511a53ee\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">After the dramatic World Championships road race, making predictions about the European Championships course seems risky business. This is less hilly overall, with 2,500 metres of elevation gain compared to the 3,800m on the Worlds course. However, the climbing is more condensed, with a total distance of 196km, and that\u2019s before you remember that all the climbing comes in the second half.<\/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\/8PkTJPKGrgqMM2cQxQMqxX-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8PkTJPKGrgqMM2cQxQMqxX-150-80.png.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">A wide open face-off between Evenepoel, Del Toro, Seixas, Van der Poel and more for the rainbow jersey \u2013 Analysing the World Championships elite men&#8217;s road race contenders<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aVDAw6hqD6AUQktJ4aFN4Q-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aVDAw6hqD6AUQktJ4aFN4Q-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\">Will Vollering continue the Dutch domination or can someone exact Worlds revenge? \u2013 European Championships women&#8217;s road race contenders<\/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\/ytKMCAWdoeKoxdomn4dR7V-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ytKMCAWdoeKoxdomn4dR7V-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\">Tadej Poga\u010dar&#8217;s absence changes everything \u2013 How will World Championships strategies and tactics be rewritten in Montreal?<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The first half of the route heading out from Ljubljana is flat, and then the riders will take on five laps of the finishing circuit around \u0160en\u010dur, which includes the critical climb of Mo\u017ejanca, which boasts an average gradient of over 10% but which is more than a mere punch, dragging on for just over 2km.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Especially with fresher legs deep into the race, it should be selective, but then again there are over 12km from the top of the climb to the finish, including a rolling plateau, then a descent, and a final flat 5km.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-Msd888YBd4v9SprAehXzDX\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-Msd888YBd4v9SprAehXzDX slice-container-newsletterForm\">\n<div data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"newsletter-form__wrapper newsletter-form__wrapper--inbodyContent\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__container\">\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__top-bar\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__header\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__main-section\">\n<p class=\"newsletter-form__strapline\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<footer class=\"newsletter-form__footer \">By submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.<\/footer>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">It will come down to the way it is raced on the day, and without further ado, here are the riders we expect to be the chief protagonists.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-remco-evenepoel-belgium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Remco Evenepoel (Belgium)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-a42a9d2c-bd7a-11f1-a065-dfec583218f9\" 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\/srQDwTCBZXoGf5UrmnUsKg-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/srQDwTCBZXoGf5UrmnUsKg-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/srQDwTCBZXoGf5UrmnUsKg-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/srQDwTCBZXoGf5UrmnUsKg-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/srQDwTCBZXoGf5UrmnUsKg-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/srQDwTCBZXoGf5UrmnUsKg-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Remco Evenepoel was off-colour at Worlds &#8211; can he bounce back? <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-a42a9dea-bd7a-11f1-b8ab-77cf8dc2437e\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">In the absence of Tadej Poga\u010dar, the status of out-and-out favourite ought to fall to Remco Evenepoel. And yet it\u2019s not quite so simple as that. The Belgian fell horribly flat last Sunday at a World Championships that, with no Poga\u010dar, should have been at his mercy.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Evenepoel did not hide that he knew he was on a bad day, but we still don\u2019t know much more than that \u2013 whether it was a simple blip or something like an illness that could well have a knock-on effect for this coming Sunday.<\/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\/zLLbbZMNGwFReCwkUyTZrD-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zLLbbZMNGwFReCwkUyTZrD-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">A big World Championships warm-up where Poga\u010dar&#8217;s absence opens the field significantly \u2013 Riders to watch at the Grands Prix de Qu\u00e9bec and Montr\u00e9al<\/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\/zjHmUwnskFuJeTYbEF8aYC-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zjHmUwnskFuJeTYbEF8aYC-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">La Vuelta, Canada, or elsewhere \u2013 Where are the men&#8217;s stars riding in preparation for the Road World Championships?<\/span><\/li>\n<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\/biHbJgWBRRbThEUHoApnRT-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/biHbJgWBRRbThEUHoApnRT-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\">Remco Evenepoel, Filippo Ganna, and the rest \u2013 Analysing the contenders for the elite men&#8217;s time trial at the World Championships<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">What\u2019s clear, though, is that if he\u2019s anywhere near top form again \u2013 and the way he blitzed the Worlds time trial, his overarching shape cannot be questioned \u2013 this is Evenepoel\u2019s race to lose. After all, this was the rider who was clearly the best-of-the-rest behind Poga\u010dar at Europeans, Worlds, and Il Lombardia last autumn. Plus, many key European threats from last weekend aren\u2019t racing this time, including Paul Seixas, Tom Pidcock, Mathieu van der Poel and Wout van Aert.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The climb here looks perfect for Evenepoel to attack on, and we know that once he gets a gap, he\u2019s incredibly hard to bring back. He also has a decent sprint, as he showed in winning the GP de Qu\u00e9bec recently.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">What\u2019s more, Evenepoel has no fewer than seven strong Belgians by his side, and they are sure to take control of the race and tee him up when he decides it&#8217;s best. Evenepoel is the top favourite by some distance, but still a question mark.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-primoz-roglic-slovenia\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Primo\u017e Rogli\u010d (Slovenia)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-a42a9f02-bd7a-11f1-a6db-6be6ecb5b312\" 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\/mv2YqxeBViWxbgznv5NPUE-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mv2YqxeBViWxbgznv5NPUE-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mv2YqxeBViWxbgznv5NPUE-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mv2YqxeBViWxbgznv5NPUE-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mv2YqxeBViWxbgznv5NPUE-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mv2YqxeBViWxbgznv5NPUE-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Rogli\u010d&#8217;s spirited Worlds ride suggested he&#8217;s enjoying his racing again <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-a42a9f70-bd7a-11f1-a0e3-5f41ed8f00f3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">No Poga\u010dar, no problem? Slovenia have suffered a huge blow for their home European Championships, with the defending champion and the world\u2019s top rider Tadej Poga\u010dar ruled out through injury. Poga\u010dar was incredibly eager to race on home soil, so much so that he reportedly called up his surgeon to see if he might be able to make an early comeback. It wasn\u2019t to be, and the race is left without the rider who was overwhelmingly likely to win it.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">And yet, there\u2019s no despair for the home nation, who have a number of credible options. First and foremost is Primo\u017e Rogli\u010d, who has hit a purple patch of form amid question marks over the future of his career. The 36-year-old finished runner-up at the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a and played an active role at the World Championships in the early move led by Mathieu van der Poel.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Rogli\u010d faded towards the end of Worlds, but the Europeans is a good 75km shorter, so that should be less of an issue. And on paper, the course suits him well, the climb being steep but also sustained. What\u2019s more, Rogli\u010d seems to have found a new lease of life, a laboured out-of-contract figure making way for a more laid-back and carefree presence since his unexpectedly good Vuelta.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-giulio-ciccone-and-the-italians\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Giulio Ciccone and the Italians<\/span><\/h2>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-a42aa0ba-bd7a-11f1-80e2-993e6d090371\" 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\/St9Kmv3BcZQWhAZMyGzSvK-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/St9Kmv3BcZQWhAZMyGzSvK-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/St9Kmv3BcZQWhAZMyGzSvK-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/St9Kmv3BcZQWhAZMyGzSvK-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/St9Kmv3BcZQWhAZMyGzSvK-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/St9Kmv3BcZQWhAZMyGzSvK-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Giulio Ciccone put in an eye-catching top-10 at Worlds <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-a42aa16e-bd7a-11f1-a81f-f37db016d5f6\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">While Belgium are set up exclusively behind Remco Evenepoel, the strongest block of the European Championships is arguably Italy, who could look to play the numbers game against the one big favourite.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">They nearly did it at the World Championships, and a similar trio of protagonists is back again this time around: Giulio Ciccone, Giulio Pellizzari, and Christian Scaroni.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Ciccone was Italy\u2019s top finisher at Worlds, placing ninth after going clear with Tom Pidcock on the final climb of C\u00f4te Camillien-Houde \u2013 a move that looked like it would bring the gold medal back into play until the group expanded and stalled. Pellizzari and Scaroni had looked to get into the earlier moves, and it will have been frustrating that Scaroni was in the initial key early break before Wout van Aert split it down.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">In the end, the USA combined legs with flawless team tactics and spirit to pull off an unlikely Worlds victory, but it will have inspired several other teams to race in that manner. And in that respect Italy look the best placed to try something similar on Sunday.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Ciccone is the biggest name and the likeliest winner, as a seasoned hilly Classics contender, but the 22-year-old Pellizzari also has abundant quality plus a win at the recent Giro della Toscana, while Scaroni has been placing high at the hilly one-dayers all year.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-juan-ayuso-spain\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Juan Ayuso (Spain)<\/span><\/h2>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-a42aa4a2-bd7a-11f1-a550-e5a31397bd78\" 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\/ja8qoFQs5qeDEtbQ8g7dNk-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ja8qoFQs5qeDEtbQ8g7dNk-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ja8qoFQs5qeDEtbQ8g7dNk-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ja8qoFQs5qeDEtbQ8g7dNk-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ja8qoFQs5qeDEtbQ8g7dNk-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ja8qoFQs5qeDEtbQ8g7dNk-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Juan Ayuso will hope for a better outing than his ride at the World Championships <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-a42aa506-bd7a-11f1-99b6-530d6db54158\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Juan Ayuso heads up Spain&#8217;s squad in Slovenia. The 24-year-old ran out of legs in the end at Worlds but still placed a respectable 13th and should have higher hopes on a shorter course at the Europeans.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Ayuso has had a rollercoaster debut season at Lidl-Trek, but there have been regular reminders of his world-class ability, and he\u2019s aiming for a late-season peak after the slightly disappointing seventh place he secured at the Tour de France.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">His best results have come in stage races, but he has also won a number of mid-level one-day events, and was a top-10 finisher at both the World and European Championships last year. He hasn&#8217;t quite grasped the superstar status he seemed destined for, but he&#8217;s not one to underestimate.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-romain-gregoire-france\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Romain Gr\u00e9goire (France)<\/span><\/h2>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-a42aa24a-bd7a-11f1-b24c-2320ecf045b5\" 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\/WUsKsRAXSJCjEhVADeFP5T-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WUsKsRAXSJCjEhVADeFP5T-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WUsKsRAXSJCjEhVADeFP5T-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WUsKsRAXSJCjEhVADeFP5T-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WUsKsRAXSJCjEhVADeFP5T-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WUsKsRAXSJCjEhVADeFP5T-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Romain Gr\u00e9goire hasn&#8217;t shone in the national champion&#8217;s jersey \u2013 not yet at least <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-a42aa2ae-bd7a-11f1-91ba-8f53b5b58a83\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">There\u2019s no Paul Seixas for France \u2013 he\u2019s focusing on his Il Lombardia build-up \u2013 so we\u2019re without last year\u2019s third-place finisher and a rider who, even at 20 years old, would have been a top favourite.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Seixas cramped up in the finale of Worlds, but this European Championship will be nearly two hours shorter, and given the way he beat Remco Evenepoel at Li\u00e8ge-Bastogne-Li\u00e8ge earlier this summer, this seems to be a big opportunity he\u2019s passing up in Poga\u010dar\u2019s absence.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The French will have a more open strategy with a squad that includes K\u00e9vin Vauquelin, Mathys Rondel, and Pavel Sivakov, but their best bet is surely their national champion Romain Gr\u00e9goire. Not selected for Worlds, he leads the line here and possesses the characteristics for the circuit\u2019s key climb. He\u2019s much more of a puncheur than a climber, but if the race isn\u2019t too attritional, then he can certainly be a factor.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Gregoire hasn\u2019t set the world alight since taking the tricolour jersey, but he was great in the spring, winning the Drome Classic before placing fourth at Strade Bianche, Brabantse Pijl, and Amstel Gold Race, as well as collecting top-10s at La Fl\u00e8che Wallonne and Li\u00e8ge-Bastogne-Li\u00e8ge.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-mads-pedersen-denmark\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Mads Pedersen (Denmark)<\/span><\/h2>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-a42aa376-bd7a-11f1-963e-2390e544bbbc\" 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\/hxuq2enUBcYdKXScvUpuVX-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hxuq2enUBcYdKXScvUpuVX-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hxuq2enUBcYdKXScvUpuVX-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hxuq2enUBcYdKXScvUpuVX-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hxuq2enUBcYdKXScvUpuVX-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hxuq2enUBcYdKXScvUpuVX-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Mads Pedersen came from nowhere to fight for the medals on a &#8216;climber&#8217;s course&#8217; at Worlds <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-a42aa3da-bd7a-11f1-92d5-cdaa9aa4f899\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">After what happened last Sunday, there is simply no ruling out Mads Pedersen. Towards the end of a mind-boggling World Championships, Pedersen \u2013 barely seen all day \u2013 suddenly appeared in the group fighting for the medals. It was a reminder of Pedersen\u2019s class, and of the way you shouldn\u2019t rule anything out in a Championship race.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Everyone thought the Worlds circuit in Montreal was one for the climbers, but Pedersen, who won the green jersey of this year\u2019s Tour de France, was there at the end with Mathieu van der Poel and Michael Matthews.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Can the same happen again here? It\u2019s hard to say. The climb (2.1km at 10%) seems too steep and long for Pedersen to cling on when the attacks fly. And yet, there are more than 12km between the top of the final climb and the finish line, with a couple of kilometres of rolling roads followed by a descent and a flat run-in.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">In other words, if the situation becomes tactical, there is enough time for things to come back together on the final lap and allow someone like Pedersen back into the frame.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">There is another complicating factor, in that Pedersen is racing the M\u00fcnsterland Giro the day before, which is hardly ideal preparation, but he\u2019s a rider you can\u2019t dismiss.<\/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-a42aa6fa-bd7a-11f1-b6c7-5deb0efd479f\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">\n<li>Even without Poga\u010dar, Slovenia have a strong team, which includes former Milan-San Remo winner Matej Mohori\u010d, but more excitingly, <strong>Jakob Omrzel<\/strong>, the 20-year-old who broke out with a stage win at the Vuelta. He skipped Worlds as he recovered from the Vuelta, but if he can shake off that fatigue while hanging onto some of that form gained by the end of his first three-week race, he could very much be a dark horse.<\/li>\n<li>We&#8217;ve picked out Gregoire as the leader for <strong>France<\/strong>, but they have a fair few riders who could make an impact, even in the absence of Paul Seixas, Beno\u00eet Cosnefroy, and Lenny Martinez. <strong>Kevin Vauquelin<\/strong> hasn&#8217;t had the best of seasons but suits the profile for a course like this, while 23-year-old climber <strong>Mathys Rondel<\/strong> is having a great season. They also have the classy Pavel Sivakov, the rising star L\u00e9o Bisiaux, and yet another potential animator in <strong>Alex Baudin<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li>Pedersen is the star name for Denmark, but <strong>Anton Charmig <\/strong>is in the form of his life \u2013 he was on the podium at GP de Qu\u00e9bec and was in the thick of it at Worlds. <strong>Mikkel Honor\u00e9<\/strong> has also made a strong comeback from a long lay-off and made the top 20 at Worlds.<\/li>\n<li>Swiss champion <strong>Jan Christen <\/strong>could potentially be in the mix if he can rediscover his form from earlier in the season.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Toms Skujin\u0161<\/strong> hasn&#8217;t been producing his remarkable Classics form of the past few years, but the Latvian isn&#8217;t a million miles away.<\/li>\n<li>Germany have the in-form Vuelta stage winner <strong>Marco Brenner <\/strong>and the experienced <strong>Max Schachmann<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Mathias Vacek<\/strong> isn&#8217;t the most sprightly climber, but the Czech rider could still play a role if the race is open.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p id=\"elk-a42aa79a-bd7a-11f1-9724-9d17e4f2587b\" 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\/racing\/some-big-absentees-but-plenty-of-quality-and-a-favourite-with-a-question-mark-analysing-the-european-championships-mens-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\/piYtsbdPxR7vxYSZu4ryK8-2560-80.jpg&#8221;] 1 As it happened: American wins men road title after stunning 32km solo ride at Road World Championships 2 UCI Road World Championships: Brandon McNulty shocks the favourites to win solo and claim first elite men&#8217;s road race world title for USA since 1993 in all-time epic edition 3 A wide open [&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-2175023","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\/2175023","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=2175023"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2175023\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2175023"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=2175023"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=2175023"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}