{"id":2178071,"date":"2026-10-03T08:23:55","date_gmt":"2026-10-03T05:23:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2178071"},"modified":"2026-10-03T08:23:55","modified_gmt":"2026-10-03T05:23:55","slug":"the-world-caves-in-on-you-ion-izagirre-reflects-on-broken-wrist-injury-that-wrecked-end-of-17-year-career","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2178071","title":{"rendered":"&#8216;The world caves in on you&#8217; &#8211; Ion Izagirre reflects on broken wrist injury that wrecked end of 17-year career"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pB6zENmahitW9nEBThkRdK-1024-80.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\/efvC3RGXEF5rCQAYedrpaG-160-80.jpg.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/efvC3RGXEF5rCQAYedrpaG-80-80.jpg.webp 80w\" sizes=\"80px\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex items-center justify-center absolute w-4 h-6 left-0 top-0 bg-white\/90 flex-none z-[1]\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"font-normal text-base leading-[17px] tracking-[1.3px] uppercase text-black flex-none\">1<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex flex-col items-center justify-center gap-1.5 w-[173px] h-20 flex-none\">\n<p class=\"font-article-heading font-medium text-base leading-[21px] text-gray-800 w-[173px] line-clamp-3 group-hover:underline\">\n                                    &#8216;First day back, last day with rainbow&#8217; \u2013 Tadej Poga\u010dar shows off scar from collarbone surgery as he returns to riding outdoors for the first time since season-ending crash\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\/dreVmXvfTeMWx2XTtpWqE3-160-80.jpg.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dreVmXvfTeMWx2XTtpWqE3-80-80.jpg.webp 80w\" sizes=\"80px\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex items-center justify-center absolute w-[18px] h-6 left-0 top-0 bg-white\/90 flex-none z-[1]\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"font-normal text-base leading-[17px] tracking-[1.3px] uppercase text-black flex-none\">2<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex flex-col items-center justify-center gap-1.5 w-[173px] h-20 flex-none\">\n<p class=\"font-article-heading font-medium text-base leading-[21px] text-gray-800 w-[173px] line-clamp-3 group-hover:underline\">\n                                    &#8216;I would be probably just cracking a top 20&#8217; \u2013 Chris Froome talks Tadej Poga\u010dar, the state of modern cycling, and his years in the wilderness post-injury\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\/8AYbFZn6KArXLFKCnU5cfR-160-80.jpg.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8AYbFZn6KArXLFKCnU5cfR-80-80.jpg.webp 80w\" sizes=\"80px\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex items-center justify-center absolute w-[18px] h-6 left-0 top-0 bg-white\/90 flex-none z-[1]\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"font-normal text-base leading-[17px] tracking-[1.3px] uppercase text-black flex-none\">3<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex flex-col items-center justify-center gap-1.5 w-[173px] h-20 flex-none\">\n<p class=\"font-article-heading font-medium text-base leading-[21px] text-gray-800 w-[173px] line-clamp-3 group-hover:underline\">\n                                    &#8216;It was a childish mistake&#8217; &#8211; Paul Seixas waylaid by cramps in brutal World Championships road race\n                                <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"page-content-onecol flex-1\nnews-article article\n\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"widget-area-group widget-area-group-2col flex flex-wrap box-border\">\n<div id=\"widgetArea16\" class=\"widget-area basis-full md:basis-2\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-2-3 page-widget-area-16\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"hero\" id=\"hero\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-hero widget-hero widget-hero-hero widget-hero widget-hero-fter-news\">\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nTeams &amp; Riders\n<\/li>\n<li>\nCofidis\n<\/li>\n<li>\nIon Izagirre Insausti\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>&#8216;The world caves in on you&#8217; &#8211; Ion Izagirre reflects on broken wrist injury that wrecked end of 17-year career<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"vds-byline-block flex flex-row flex-nowrap my-1.5 gap-2 text-left items-start justify-start\" data-component-name=\"Article:BylineBlock\">\n<p>Features<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-auto vds-simple-byline\"><span class=\"inline-block vds-author\"><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nAlasdair Fotheringham <\/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=\"2026-10-03T08:23:55Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n3 October 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Basque star unable to complete final few races after training accident this week<\/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\/pB6zENmahitW9nEBThkRdK-1024-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pB6zENmahitW9nEBThkRdK-1024-80.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pB6zENmahitW9nEBThkRdK-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pB6zENmahitW9nEBThkRdK-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pB6zENmahitW9nEBThkRdK-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pB6zENmahitW9nEBThkRdK-750-80.jpg.webp 750w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pB6zENmahitW9nEBThkRdK-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pB6zENmahitW9nEBThkRdK-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pB6zENmahitW9nEBThkRdK-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=\"credit font-article-copy\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\"text-copy bodyCopy auto paywall-locker\">\n<div data-analytics-id=\"utility-bar\" id=\"utility-bar\" class=\"font-ui-heading flex justify-between items-center py-2 border-t border-b border-gray-300 border-solid mb-5 mx-auto\" data-component-name=\"UtilityBar\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"utility-bar\">\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div data-component-name=\"Social:Dropdown\" role=\"menu\" id=\"utilitybar__dropdown--share\" aria-labelledby=\"utilitybar__button--share\" class=\"absolute left-0 top-full w-44 bg-white rounded-md shadow-md border border-neutral-200 z-[9996] list-none m-0 py-2 px-3 border-solid\">\n<ul class=\"m-0!\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Facebook<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>X<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Pinterest<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Email<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-share-this-article\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nShare this article\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\"><span class=\"ml-1 inline-flex h-5 px-2 shrink-0 items-center justify-center self-center overflow-hidden whitespace-nowrap rounded-[10px] bg-primary-500 text-[11px] leading-none font-ui-heading font-semibold text-white\">0<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-join-the-conversation\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nJoin the conversation\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<p>Follow us<\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-add-us-as-a-preferred-source-on-google\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nAdd us as a preferred source on Google\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-subscribe-to-our-newsletter\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nSubscribe to our newsletter\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-7741e8b8-be58-11f1-8295-8d0a8a374e5e\">&#8220;I&#8217;m a little bit in mourning right now,&#8221; is how Ion Izagirre describes his current situation, as he contemplates a much more abrupt, painful and downright unlucky end to his 17-year career than any pro would wish for.<\/p>\n<p>In any other circumstances for the 37-year-old Basque racer, an accident and injuries suffered on Wednesday when out training would have been a major setback to his plans, but by no means impossible to overcome. But this time round, the broken left wrist that Izagirre ended up with after falling during training has much more serious long-term consequences.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-7741e8b8-be58-11f1-8295-8d0a8a374e5e-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">In a flash, and barely ten days before Il Lombardia, his plans for a dream farewell to his days as a roadracer at the last Monument of 2026 have all gone up in smoke. That he was in excellent condition &#8211; witness his victory at the Memorial Pantani a month back &#8211; only makes it all a tougher pill to swallow. But it&#8217;s the completely wrong-footed ending to his career that is what is perhaps hardest to handle of all.<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-6 w-full overflow-hidden rounded-[10px] lg:my-8\" data-component-name=\"JwPlayer:Carousel\" data-jwp-carousel data-jwp-carousel-payload=\"{&quot;ids&quot;:{&quot;playerID&quot;:&quot;jYDCcabO&quot;,&quot;searchPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;gwjdoYHD&quot;,&quot;divID&quot;:&quot;botr_gwjdoYHD_jYDCcabO_div&quot;,&quot;fallbackPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;gwjdoYHD&quot;,&quot;fallbackDivID&quot;:&quot;botr_gwjdoYHD_jYDCcabO_div&quot;,&quot;key&quot;:&quot;X9\/mXVGac0NphghLH9hZaqWA5d3dhAM\/Ih07grnEyMLjuO2E&quot;,&quot;tintLogo&quot;:true,&quot;useSearchPlaylist&quot;:false,&quot;enabled&quot;:true},&quot;signPostingEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;signPostingLinkEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;waitForAdLoad&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnDesktop&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnMobile&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnTablet&quot;:false}\">\n<div class=\"flex flex-nowrap items-center justify-between gap-3 bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-header>\n<div class=\"flex min-w-0 shrink items-center\"><span class=\"inline-flex items-center gap-1.5 text-sm font-article-heading capitalize leading-5 text-white whitespace-nowrap\"><span class=\"jwp-carousel-title-desktop\">Latest Videos From<\/span><span class=\"jwp-carousel-brand\">Cyclingnews<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"min-h-[44px] bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting><a class=\"invisible block truncate text-sm font-bold leading-5 text-white underline decoration-solid underline-offset-2\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting-link href target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span data-jwp-carousel-signposting-title>Watch full video here: <\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I was out training, doing one of my last rides for the last races of the year,&#8221; the Cofidis pro told<em> Cyclingnews<\/em>, &#8220;and on a downhill that was a bit wet, my back wheel went from underneath me.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I was trying to stop myself from going down as I fell and that&#8217;s when I broke my wrist. It doesn&#8217;t hurt, and I had a splint put on it at the hospital. But that was that.&#8221;<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            You may like<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uRd5Tanu5brongoNX5SeD4-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uRd5Tanu5brongoNX5SeD4-150-80.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\">Ion Izagirre&#8217;s dream farewell in Il Lombardia wrecked by broken wrist in training accident<\/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\/FybojdVd79PonXnxEokDBP-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FybojdVd79PonXnxEokDBP-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;There&#8217;s no time for nostalgia&#8217;  &#8211; Increasingly fraught fight for last-chance breaks in Tour de France keep 2026 retiree Ion Izagirre focused on race<\/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\/wUt7X7JMWyigpYd3yVt8No-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wUt7X7JMWyigpYd3yVt8No-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\">Geoffrey Bouchard&#8217;s rewrite of professional cycling farewell goes off script as he leaves Le Tour de Langkawi with broken collarbone<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The injury made it out of the question that he could start the three Italian races he had left on his program as a pro, Coppa Agostini on October 4, Tre Valli Varesine (October 6) and Il Lombardia (October 11) &#8211; where he has two top ten places in his career, including a fourth in 2024. As ends of careers go, so close to the finish line, you&#8217;d need a heart of stone not to feel that this was a truly harsh twist of fate.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">What made it worse, the Cofidis racer told <em>Cyclingnews,<\/em> was that he was in great condition &#8220;and hoping to do something good to round it all off with a good taste, at least give it 100% and finish my career, too, riding a bike, not like this.&#8221;<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-yW3uNkDaCo9UCreXp5bYEP\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-yW3uNkDaCo9UCreXp5bYEP slice-container-newsletterForm\">\n<div data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"newsletter-form__wrapper newsletter-form__wrapper--inbodyContent\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__container\">\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__top-bar\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__header\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__main-section\">\n<p class=\"newsletter-form__strapline\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<footer class=\"newsletter-form__footer \">By submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.<\/footer>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;But that&#8217;s how it plays out sometimes. You never want it, never expect it, but sometimes that&#8217;s just what happens.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Il Lombardia clearly is a Classic that suits him, too and after the big boost to his motivation he&#8217;d had from winning the Memorial, he was raring to get back into racing one last time.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;The Italian races I&#8217;d done before, I was going well, but I wasn&#8217;t at the level I wanted, maybe because of the heat or whatever. I couldn&#8217;t show what I&#8217;d got,&#8221; he said.<\/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\/3iZJDSFZU9XdXY5PfvQduh-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3iZJDSFZU9XdXY5PfvQduh-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;Heartbroken&#8217; Chad Haga says his career is over after a heavy crash in training<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tHn8trN6dMv53qtc8uBmEj-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tHn8trN6dMv53qtc8uBmEj-150-80.png.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Poga\u010dar&#8217;s crash doesn&#8217;t just put his Worlds defence in doubt, it complicates next season&#8217;s plans \u2013 Sean Kelly&#8217;s Vuelta column<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PqHdCxLqcsCG3j55wRKHd8-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PqHdCxLqcsCG3j55wRKHd8-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;It&#8217;s a sad way to end it&#8217; &#8211; exit of Tadej Poga\u010dar sparks wave of sympathy and regret in the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a peloton<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;But then the weather changed; it turned rainier and cooler, and my body really responded, and in Pantani I was always up there, getting in the moves and so on.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Then in the last moment, when four of us went ahead, I could play it out well in the sprint. So by then I knew I was on a roll, and it made me feel confident for what was to come.&#8221;<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-de0c31f0-be5a-11f1-8511-114b902e282c\" 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\/NTawbYoTmKYKuT4UjAnp8G-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NTawbYoTmKYKuT4UjAnp8G-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NTawbYoTmKYKuT4UjAnp8G-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NTawbYoTmKYKuT4UjAnp8G-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NTawbYoTmKYKuT4UjAnp8G-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NTawbYoTmKYKuT4UjAnp8G-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2 id=\"a-turn-for-the-worse-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">A turn for the worse<\/h2>\n<p id=\"elk-de0c32c2-be5a-11f1-bb72-71212ede3890\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">That could hardly have changed more dramatically after his accident on Wednesday, out training alone and building his form one last time. His morale now, he agrees, is that of feeling <em>jodido &#8211; <\/em>screwed.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Yes, above all yesterday when it all happened. I dunno, I just couldn&#8217;t believe it. When I couldn&#8217;t hold the handlebar with my left hand, I realised it was <em>Adios <\/em>to my season and my career. The world caves in on you.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I didn&#8217;t want to finish my career with a plaster on my wrist. I wanted to finish it enjoying my racing in the Italian races. But it&#8217;s not going to happen that time.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">His only way of trying to fight back against the misery is, as he says, that he&#8217;s received lots of messages of support and sympathy, also reminding him that he&#8217;s had an exceptionally good last season and to try and focus on that.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">They&#8217;re not wrong, either. Apart from Pantani, Izagirre had both been consistent and taken another top-level one-day race, the GP Miguel Indurain, along with a fourth place overall in the Itzulia Basque Country, a seventh in Fl\u00e8che Wallonne and a sixth in Eschborn-Frankfurt this season. He also raced the Tour de France &#8211; a race where he&#8217;s twice been a stage winner &#8211; taking part in breakaways up until the last day in the Alps.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;But maybe it&#8217;s a bit too soon to try and feel upbeat,&#8221; Izagirre said, &#8220;instead right now you could say I&#8217;m in mourning. It&#8217;s just a feeling of being hurt and demotivated, disappointed with what happened.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Maybe further down the line, looking at things more objectively, I&#8217;ll value this last season, what I&#8217;ve done in it, a lot more.&#8221;<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"what-now-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">What now?<\/h2>\n<p id=\"elk-de0c3380-be5a-11f1-a253-e3acee19fab5\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">If road racing is now out of the question &#8211; and with it the celebrations and farewell dinner he and the team had planned after Lombardia &#8211; he hasn&#8217;t totally lost hope of perhaps ending the very last chapter of his career as he wanted. That will be a cyclo-cross event held each year on October 25 in his home town of Ormaiztegi in the Basque Country. &#8220;There are still 25 days and let&#8217;s hope that&#8217;s possible that I recover in time,&#8221; he said, &#8220;maybe that way I&#8217;d finish it all off at home.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I&#8217;ve been able to race it in the last few years, which is something that wasn&#8217;t possible before then because the teams were more worried about the risks of crashes and injuries and so on.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;But when I&#8217;ve been able to do it, I&#8217;ve done it, and this year even more so, as it&#8217;s my last chance. Let&#8217;s see if I&#8217;ll be able to do it again, for one last time.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">After that, what is out of the question, he said, is turning to an alternative career in gravel or cyclo-cross in the future. His only &#8216;career plan&#8217; right now is to be with his family and then, he reckons, other ideas will come up. But in terms of racing, as he said, &#8220;When I hang up my wheels, that&#8217;s me done for good. I&#8217;ll go on riding a bike out of pure pleasure, and as a fan of the sport.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Cycling has given me a lot, and I think it&#8217;ll help me clear my head if I need it in the future, too, by simply riding the bike. But without any need of being out there doing series, training hard and so on. Just choosing the day and the place and the time and the people I want to be with. It&#8217;ll be another world.&#8221;<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-de0c33e4-be5a-11f1-a3db-fdcb6a9f759d\" 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\/us7qF5TnSRjeitJbyWpQYh-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/us7qF5TnSRjeitJbyWpQYh-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/us7qF5TnSRjeitJbyWpQYh-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/us7qF5TnSRjeitJbyWpQYh-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/us7qF5TnSRjeitJbyWpQYh-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/us7qF5TnSRjeitJbyWpQYh-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\">2012 Giro d&#8217;Italia stage 16: Ion Izagirre celebrates first major win of his career <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-dffac078-be58-11f1-8bc8-29ef7205d5c0\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><strong>Subscribe to Cyclingnews for comprehensive race coverage of both the UCI Road and Gravel World Championships, alongside the final monument of the season, Il Lombardia. Subscribers get unlimited access to exclusive analysis from our expert columnists, in-depth features and industry-leading tech insight. Plus, the Cyclingnews app lets you follow the action wherever you go! <\/strong><u><strong>Join today.<\/strong><\/u><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"block mb-5\" id=\"articleTag\" data-component-name=\"PostArticleLinks\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"post-article-links\">\n<div class=\"border-b border-b-black border-solid py-2.5 text-black font-bold uppercase\">TOPICS<\/div>\n<nav class=\"py-2.5 flex gap-2.5 flex-wrap\" data-analytics-id=\"article-tag\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-tag\">\n<p>Road<\/p>\n<p>Cyclocross<\/p>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-yW3uNkDaCo9UCreXp5bYEP\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-yW3uNkDaCo9UCreXp5bYEP 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\/5QLhaPay9asJvmaNsCjFVZ-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>Alasdair Fotheringham<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__social\">\n<nav class=\"button-social-group author__social-buttons\" aria-labelledby=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">\n<div id=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">\nSocial Links Navigation\n<\/div>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>Alasdair Fotheringham has been reporting on cycling since 1991. He has covered every Tour de France since 1992 bar one, as well as numerous other bike races of all shapes and sizes, ranging from the Olympic Games in 2008 to the now sadly defunct Subida a Urkiola hill climb in Spain. As well as working for <em>Cyclingnews<\/em>, he has also written for <em>The Independent<\/em>,\u00a0 <em>The Guardian<\/em>,\u00a0 <em>ProCycling<\/em>, <em>The Express<\/em> and <em>Reuters<\/em>.<\/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\/uRd5Tanu5brongoNX5SeD4-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uRd5Tanu5brongoNX5SeD4-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uRd5Tanu5brongoNX5SeD4-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uRd5Tanu5brongoNX5SeD4-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uRd5Tanu5brongoNX5SeD4-320-80.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\">Ion Izagirre&#8217;s dream farewell in Il Lombardia wrecked by broken wrist in training accident<\/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\/FybojdVd79PonXnxEokDBP-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FybojdVd79PonXnxEokDBP-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FybojdVd79PonXnxEokDBP-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FybojdVd79PonXnxEokDBP-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FybojdVd79PonXnxEokDBP-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;There&#8217;s no time for nostalgia&#8217;  &#8211; Increasingly fraught fight for last-chance breaks in Tour de France keep 2026 retiree Ion Izagirre focused on race<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wUt7X7JMWyigpYd3yVt8No-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wUt7X7JMWyigpYd3yVt8No-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wUt7X7JMWyigpYd3yVt8No-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wUt7X7JMWyigpYd3yVt8No-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wUt7X7JMWyigpYd3yVt8No-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Geoffrey Bouchard&#8217;s rewrite of professional cycling farewell goes off script as he leaves Le Tour de Langkawi with broken collarbone<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3iZJDSFZU9XdXY5PfvQduh-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3iZJDSFZU9XdXY5PfvQduh-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3iZJDSFZU9XdXY5PfvQduh-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3iZJDSFZU9XdXY5PfvQduh-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3iZJDSFZU9XdXY5PfvQduh-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Heartbroken&#8217; Chad Haga says his career is over after a heavy crash in training<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tHn8trN6dMv53qtc8uBmEj-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tHn8trN6dMv53qtc8uBmEj-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tHn8trN6dMv53qtc8uBmEj-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tHn8trN6dMv53qtc8uBmEj-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tHn8trN6dMv53qtc8uBmEj-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Pro Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Poga\u010dar&#8217;s crash doesn&#8217;t just put his Worlds defence in doubt, it complicates next season&#8217;s plans \u2013 Sean Kelly&#8217;s Vuelta column<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PqHdCxLqcsCG3j55wRKHd8-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PqHdCxLqcsCG3j55wRKHd8-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PqHdCxLqcsCG3j55wRKHd8-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PqHdCxLqcsCG3j55wRKHd8-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PqHdCxLqcsCG3j55wRKHd8-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;It&#8217;s a sad way to end it&#8217; &#8211; exit of Tadej Poga\u010dar sparks wave of sympathy and regret in the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a peloton<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-category\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Teams &amp; Riders<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iCmue4fAKiGQCcQ6qgvhmK-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iCmue4fAKiGQCcQ6qgvhmK-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iCmue4fAKiGQCcQ6qgvhmK-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iCmue4fAKiGQCcQ6qgvhmK-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iCmue4fAKiGQCcQ6qgvhmK-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\">Lachlan Morton set to leave EF Education-EasyPost<\/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\/9fzcrARcoekQdu5KYxJuV6-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9fzcrARcoekQdu5KYxJuV6-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9fzcrARcoekQdu5KYxJuV6-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9fzcrARcoekQdu5KYxJuV6-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9fzcrARcoekQdu5KYxJuV6-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Transfers<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">UAE Team Emirates-XRG bolster Classics squad with young Frenchman from Decathlon CMA CGM<\/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\/EtbMB5jaf5MHzqkcbpaHPW-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EtbMB5jaf5MHzqkcbpaHPW-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EtbMB5jaf5MHzqkcbpaHPW-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EtbMB5jaf5MHzqkcbpaHPW-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EtbMB5jaf5MHzqkcbpaHPW-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\">Belgian racers avoided World Championships disaster in run-in at US border, Alec Segaert reveals<\/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\/7aGnmEPpe7zMXvzfBM8BdX-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7aGnmEPpe7zMXvzfBM8BdX-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7aGnmEPpe7zMXvzfBM8BdX-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7aGnmEPpe7zMXvzfBM8BdX-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7aGnmEPpe7zMXvzfBM8BdX-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\">Transfers<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Visma-Lease a Bike look to realise &#8216;untapped potential&#8217; of British rider Mark Donovan as first new signing for 2027<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JgunE23CEoUkKKphnmXEfE-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JgunE23CEoUkKKphnmXEfE-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JgunE23CEoUkKKphnmXEfE-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JgunE23CEoUkKKphnmXEfE-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JgunE23CEoUkKKphnmXEfE-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Transfers<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Luka Mezgec announces new role as sports director at top WorldTour team following imminent retirement after European Championships<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ko3ErXkPMfF4oHGgLCTsBf-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ko3ErXkPMfF4oHGgLCTsBf-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ko3ErXkPMfF4oHGgLCTsBf-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ko3ErXkPMfF4oHGgLCTsBf-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ko3ErXkPMfF4oHGgLCTsBf-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\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I&#8217;m getting better each day after the crash&#8217; \u2013 Tadej Poga\u010dar provides injury update at 2031 World Championships presentation<\/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 Features<\/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\/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 class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JQxDTX3Tn2awqXyRcqXphD-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JQxDTX3Tn2awqXyRcqXphD-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JQxDTX3Tn2awqXyRcqXphD-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JQxDTX3Tn2awqXyRcqXphD-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JQxDTX3Tn2awqXyRcqXphD-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">North American crowds deliver, the juniors deserve better, and the Dutch get it so right \u2013\u00a0Our key takeaways from the Road World Championships 2026<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GDzNnnhzKhoM5Tnjtc4LNQ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GDzNnnhzKhoM5Tnjtc4LNQ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GDzNnnhzKhoM5Tnjtc4LNQ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GDzNnnhzKhoM5Tnjtc4LNQ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GDzNnnhzKhoM5Tnjtc4LNQ-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 put our egos aside\u2019 \u2013 How the USA harnessed selfless teamwork to deliver Brandon McNulty to World Championships gold<\/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\/hBKXkBsi7rwycedA57aLmS-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hBKXkBsi7rwycedA57aLmS-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hBKXkBsi7rwycedA57aLmS-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hBKXkBsi7rwycedA57aLmS-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hBKXkBsi7rwycedA57aLmS-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\">Yes, the favourite won, but the Women&#8217;s World Championships road race was a thriller where everyone was racing for the win<\/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\/c34s4THws7pNeEW8zQrnMQ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/c34s4THws7pNeEW8zQrnMQ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/c34s4THws7pNeEW8zQrnMQ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/c34s4THws7pNeEW8zQrnMQ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/c34s4THws7pNeEW8zQrnMQ-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\">Bikes<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Early access: Watch our video review of the Factor Elara before it goes live on YouTube<\/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\/dreVmXvfTeMWx2XTtpWqE3-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dreVmXvfTeMWx2XTtpWqE3-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dreVmXvfTeMWx2XTtpWqE3-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dreVmXvfTeMWx2XTtpWqE3-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dreVmXvfTeMWx2XTtpWqE3-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I would be probably just cracking a top 20&#8217; \u2013 Chris Froome talks Tadej Poga\u010dar, the state of modern cycling, and his years in the wilderness post-injury<\/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 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widget-hero-fter-news\">\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nTeams &amp; Riders\n<\/li>\n<li>\nCofidis\n<\/li>\n<li>\nIon Izagirre Insausti\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>&#8216;The world caves in on you&#8217; &#8211; Ion Izagirre reflects on broken wrist injury that wrecked end of 17-year career<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"vds-byline-block flex flex-row flex-nowrap my-1.5 gap-2 text-left items-start justify-start\" data-component-name=\"Article:BylineBlock\">\n<p>Features<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-auto vds-simple-byline\"><span class=\"inline-block vds-author\"><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nAlasdair Fotheringham <\/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=\"2026-10-03T08:23:55Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n3 October 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Basque star unable to complete final few races after training accident this week<\/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\/pB6zENmahitW9nEBThkRdK-1024-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pB6zENmahitW9nEBThkRdK-1024-80.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pB6zENmahitW9nEBThkRdK-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pB6zENmahitW9nEBThkRdK-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pB6zENmahitW9nEBThkRdK-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pB6zENmahitW9nEBThkRdK-750-80.jpg.webp 750w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pB6zENmahitW9nEBThkRdK-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pB6zENmahitW9nEBThkRdK-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pB6zENmahitW9nEBThkRdK-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=\"credit font-article-copy\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\"text-copy bodyCopy auto paywall-locker\">\n<div data-analytics-id=\"utility-bar\" id=\"utility-bar\" class=\"font-ui-heading flex justify-between items-center py-2 border-t border-b border-gray-300 border-solid mb-5 mx-auto\" data-component-name=\"UtilityBar\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"utility-bar\">\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div data-component-name=\"Social:Dropdown\" role=\"menu\" id=\"utilitybar__dropdown--share\" aria-labelledby=\"utilitybar__button--share\" class=\"absolute left-0 top-full w-44 bg-white rounded-md shadow-md border border-neutral-200 z-[9996] list-none m-0 py-2 px-3 border-solid\">\n<ul class=\"m-0!\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Facebook<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>X<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Pinterest<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Email<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-share-this-article\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nShare this article\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\"><span class=\"ml-1 inline-flex h-5 px-2 shrink-0 items-center justify-center self-center overflow-hidden whitespace-nowrap rounded-[10px] bg-primary-500 text-[11px] leading-none font-ui-heading font-semibold text-white\">0<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-join-the-conversation\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nJoin the conversation\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<p>Follow us<\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-add-us-as-a-preferred-source-on-google\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nAdd us as a preferred source on Google\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-subscribe-to-our-newsletter\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nSubscribe to our newsletter\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-7741e8b8-be58-11f1-8295-8d0a8a374e5e\">&#8220;I&#8217;m a little bit in mourning right now,&#8221; is how Ion Izagirre describes his current situation, as he contemplates a much more abrupt, painful and downright unlucky end to his 17-year career than any pro would wish for.<\/p>\n<p>In any other circumstances for the 37-year-old Basque racer, an accident and injuries suffered on Wednesday when out training would have been a major setback to his plans, but by no means impossible to overcome. But this time round, the broken left wrist that Izagirre ended up with after falling during training has much more serious long-term consequences.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-7741e8b8-be58-11f1-8295-8d0a8a374e5e-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">In a flash, and barely ten days before Il Lombardia, his plans for a dream farewell to his days as a roadracer at the last Monument of 2026 have all gone up in smoke. That he was in excellent condition &#8211; witness his victory at the Memorial Pantani a month back &#8211; only makes it all a tougher pill to swallow. But it&#8217;s the completely wrong-footed ending to his career that is what is perhaps hardest to handle of all.<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-6 w-full overflow-hidden rounded-[10px] lg:my-8\" data-component-name=\"JwPlayer:Carousel\" data-jwp-carousel data-jwp-carousel-payload=\"{&quot;ids&quot;:{&quot;playerID&quot;:&quot;jYDCcabO&quot;,&quot;searchPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;gwjdoYHD&quot;,&quot;divID&quot;:&quot;botr_gwjdoYHD_jYDCcabO_div&quot;,&quot;fallbackPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;gwjdoYHD&quot;,&quot;fallbackDivID&quot;:&quot;botr_gwjdoYHD_jYDCcabO_div&quot;,&quot;key&quot;:&quot;X9\/mXVGac0NphghLH9hZaqWA5d3dhAM\/Ih07grnEyMLjuO2E&quot;,&quot;tintLogo&quot;:true,&quot;useSearchPlaylist&quot;:false,&quot;enabled&quot;:true},&quot;signPostingEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;signPostingLinkEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;waitForAdLoad&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnDesktop&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnMobile&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnTablet&quot;:false}\">\n<div class=\"flex flex-nowrap items-center justify-between gap-3 bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-header>\n<div class=\"flex min-w-0 shrink items-center\"><span class=\"inline-flex items-center gap-1.5 text-sm font-article-heading capitalize leading-5 text-white whitespace-nowrap\"><span class=\"jwp-carousel-title-desktop\">Latest Videos From<\/span><span class=\"jwp-carousel-brand\">Cyclingnews<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"min-h-[44px] bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting><a class=\"invisible block truncate text-sm font-bold leading-5 text-white underline decoration-solid underline-offset-2\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting-link href target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span data-jwp-carousel-signposting-title>Watch full video here: <\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I was out training, doing one of my last rides for the last races of the year,&#8221; the Cofidis pro told<em> Cyclingnews<\/em>, &#8220;and on a downhill that was a bit wet, my back wheel went from underneath me.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I was trying to stop myself from going down as I fell and that&#8217;s when I broke my wrist. It doesn&#8217;t hurt, and I had a splint put on it at the hospital. But that was that.&#8221;<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            You may like<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uRd5Tanu5brongoNX5SeD4-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uRd5Tanu5brongoNX5SeD4-150-80.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\">Ion Izagirre&#8217;s dream farewell in Il Lombardia wrecked by broken wrist in training accident<\/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\/FybojdVd79PonXnxEokDBP-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FybojdVd79PonXnxEokDBP-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;There&#8217;s no time for nostalgia&#8217;  &#8211; Increasingly fraught fight for last-chance breaks in Tour de France keep 2026 retiree Ion Izagirre focused on race<\/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\/wUt7X7JMWyigpYd3yVt8No-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wUt7X7JMWyigpYd3yVt8No-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\">Geoffrey Bouchard&#8217;s rewrite of professional cycling farewell goes off script as he leaves Le Tour de Langkawi with broken collarbone<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The injury made it out of the question that he could start the three Italian races he had left on his program as a pro, Coppa Agostini on October 4, Tre Valli Varesine (October 6) and Il Lombardia (October 11) &#8211; where he has two top ten places in his career, including a fourth in 2024. As ends of careers go, so close to the finish line, you&#8217;d need a heart of stone not to feel that this was a truly harsh twist of fate.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">What made it worse, the Cofidis racer told <em>Cyclingnews,<\/em> was that he was in great condition &#8220;and hoping to do something good to round it all off with a good taste, at least give it 100% and finish my career, too, riding a bike, not like this.&#8221;<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-yW3uNkDaCo9UCreXp5bYEP\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-yW3uNkDaCo9UCreXp5bYEP slice-container-newsletterForm\">\n<div data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"newsletter-form__wrapper newsletter-form__wrapper--inbodyContent\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__container\">\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__top-bar\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__header\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__main-section\">\n<p class=\"newsletter-form__strapline\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<footer class=\"newsletter-form__footer \">By submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.<\/footer>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;But that&#8217;s how it plays out sometimes. You never want it, never expect it, but sometimes that&#8217;s just what happens.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Il Lombardia clearly is a Classic that suits him, too and after the big boost to his motivation he&#8217;d had from winning the Memorial, he was raring to get back into racing one last time.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;The Italian races I&#8217;d done before, I was going well, but I wasn&#8217;t at the level I wanted, maybe because of the heat or whatever. I couldn&#8217;t show what I&#8217;d got,&#8221; he said.<\/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\/3iZJDSFZU9XdXY5PfvQduh-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3iZJDSFZU9XdXY5PfvQduh-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;Heartbroken&#8217; Chad Haga says his career is over after a heavy crash in training<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tHn8trN6dMv53qtc8uBmEj-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tHn8trN6dMv53qtc8uBmEj-150-80.png.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Poga\u010dar&#8217;s crash doesn&#8217;t just put his Worlds defence in doubt, it complicates next season&#8217;s plans \u2013 Sean Kelly&#8217;s Vuelta column<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PqHdCxLqcsCG3j55wRKHd8-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PqHdCxLqcsCG3j55wRKHd8-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;It&#8217;s a sad way to end it&#8217; &#8211; exit of Tadej Poga\u010dar sparks wave of sympathy and regret in the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a peloton<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;But then the weather changed; it turned rainier and cooler, and my body really responded, and in Pantani I was always up there, getting in the moves and so on.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Then in the last moment, when four of us went ahead, I could play it out well in the sprint. So by then I knew I was on a roll, and it made me feel confident for what was to come.&#8221;<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-de0c31f0-be5a-11f1-8511-114b902e282c\" 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\/NTawbYoTmKYKuT4UjAnp8G-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NTawbYoTmKYKuT4UjAnp8G-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NTawbYoTmKYKuT4UjAnp8G-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NTawbYoTmKYKuT4UjAnp8G-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NTawbYoTmKYKuT4UjAnp8G-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NTawbYoTmKYKuT4UjAnp8G-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2 id=\"a-turn-for-the-worse-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">A turn for the worse<\/h2>\n<p id=\"elk-de0c32c2-be5a-11f1-bb72-71212ede3890\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">That could hardly have changed more dramatically after his accident on Wednesday, out training alone and building his form one last time. His morale now, he agrees, is that of feeling <em>jodido &#8211; <\/em>screwed.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Yes, above all yesterday when it all happened. I dunno, I just couldn&#8217;t believe it. When I couldn&#8217;t hold the handlebar with my left hand, I realised it was <em>Adios <\/em>to my season and my career. The world caves in on you.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I didn&#8217;t want to finish my career with a plaster on my wrist. I wanted to finish it enjoying my racing in the Italian races. But it&#8217;s not going to happen that time.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">His only way of trying to fight back against the misery is, as he says, that he&#8217;s received lots of messages of support and sympathy, also reminding him that he&#8217;s had an exceptionally good last season and to try and focus on that.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">They&#8217;re not wrong, either. Apart from Pantani, Izagirre had both been consistent and taken another top-level one-day race, the GP Miguel Indurain, along with a fourth place overall in the Itzulia Basque Country, a seventh in Fl\u00e8che Wallonne and a sixth in Eschborn-Frankfurt this season. He also raced the Tour de France &#8211; a race where he&#8217;s twice been a stage winner &#8211; taking part in breakaways up until the last day in the Alps.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;But maybe it&#8217;s a bit too soon to try and feel upbeat,&#8221; Izagirre said, &#8220;instead right now you could say I&#8217;m in mourning. It&#8217;s just a feeling of being hurt and demotivated, disappointed with what happened.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Maybe further down the line, looking at things more objectively, I&#8217;ll value this last season, what I&#8217;ve done in it, a lot more.&#8221;<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"what-now-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">What now?<\/h2>\n<p id=\"elk-de0c3380-be5a-11f1-a253-e3acee19fab5\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">If road racing is now out of the question &#8211; and with it the celebrations and farewell dinner he and the team had planned after Lombardia &#8211; he hasn&#8217;t totally lost hope of perhaps ending the very last chapter of his career as he wanted. That will be a cyclo-cross event held each year on October 25 in his home town of Ormaiztegi in the Basque Country. &#8220;There are still 25 days and let&#8217;s hope that&#8217;s possible that I recover in time,&#8221; he said, &#8220;maybe that way I&#8217;d finish it all off at home.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I&#8217;ve been able to race it in the last few years, which is something that wasn&#8217;t possible before then because the teams were more worried about the risks of crashes and injuries and so on.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;But when I&#8217;ve been able to do it, I&#8217;ve done it, and this year even more so, as it&#8217;s my last chance. Let&#8217;s see if I&#8217;ll be able to do it again, for one last time.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">After that, what is out of the question, he said, is turning to an alternative career in gravel or cyclo-cross in the future. His only &#8216;career plan&#8217; right now is to be with his family and then, he reckons, other ideas will come up. But in terms of racing, as he said, &#8220;When I hang up my wheels, that&#8217;s me done for good. I&#8217;ll go on riding a bike out of pure pleasure, and as a fan of the sport.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Cycling has given me a lot, and I think it&#8217;ll help me clear my head if I need it in the future, too, by simply riding the bike. But without any need of being out there doing series, training hard and so on. Just choosing the day and the place and the time and the people I want to be with. It&#8217;ll be another world.&#8221;<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-de0c33e4-be5a-11f1-a3db-fdcb6a9f759d\" 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\/us7qF5TnSRjeitJbyWpQYh-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/us7qF5TnSRjeitJbyWpQYh-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/us7qF5TnSRjeitJbyWpQYh-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/us7qF5TnSRjeitJbyWpQYh-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/us7qF5TnSRjeitJbyWpQYh-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/us7qF5TnSRjeitJbyWpQYh-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\">2012 Giro d&#8217;Italia stage 16: Ion Izagirre celebrates first major win of his career <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-dffac078-be58-11f1-8bc8-29ef7205d5c0\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><strong>Subscribe to Cyclingnews for comprehensive race coverage of both the UCI Road and Gravel World Championships, alongside the final monument of the season, Il Lombardia. Subscribers get unlimited access to exclusive analysis from our expert columnists, in-depth features and industry-leading tech insight. Plus, the Cyclingnews app lets you follow the action wherever you go! <\/strong><u><strong>Join today.<\/strong><\/u><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"block mb-5\" id=\"articleTag\" data-component-name=\"PostArticleLinks\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"post-article-links\">\n<div class=\"border-b border-b-black border-solid py-2.5 text-black font-bold uppercase\">TOPICS<\/div>\n<nav class=\"py-2.5 flex gap-2.5 flex-wrap\" data-analytics-id=\"article-tag\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-tag\">\n<p>Road<\/p>\n<p>Cyclocross<\/p>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-yW3uNkDaCo9UCreXp5bYEP\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-yW3uNkDaCo9UCreXp5bYEP 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\/5QLhaPay9asJvmaNsCjFVZ-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>Alasdair Fotheringham<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__social\">\n<nav class=\"button-social-group author__social-buttons\" aria-labelledby=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">\n<div id=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">\nSocial Links Navigation\n<\/div>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>Alasdair Fotheringham has been reporting on cycling since 1991. He has covered every Tour de France since 1992 bar one, as well as numerous other bike races of all shapes and sizes, ranging from the Olympic Games in 2008 to the now sadly defunct Subida a Urkiola hill climb in Spain. As well as working for <em>Cyclingnews<\/em>, he has also written for <em>The Independent<\/em>,\u00a0 <em>The Guardian<\/em>,\u00a0 <em>ProCycling<\/em>, <em>The Express<\/em> and <em>Reuters<\/em>.<\/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\/uRd5Tanu5brongoNX5SeD4-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uRd5Tanu5brongoNX5SeD4-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uRd5Tanu5brongoNX5SeD4-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uRd5Tanu5brongoNX5SeD4-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uRd5Tanu5brongoNX5SeD4-320-80.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\">Ion Izagirre&#8217;s dream farewell in Il Lombardia wrecked by broken wrist in training accident<\/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\/FybojdVd79PonXnxEokDBP-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FybojdVd79PonXnxEokDBP-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FybojdVd79PonXnxEokDBP-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FybojdVd79PonXnxEokDBP-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FybojdVd79PonXnxEokDBP-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;There&#8217;s no time for nostalgia&#8217;  &#8211; Increasingly fraught fight for last-chance breaks in Tour de France keep 2026 retiree Ion Izagirre focused on race<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wUt7X7JMWyigpYd3yVt8No-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wUt7X7JMWyigpYd3yVt8No-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wUt7X7JMWyigpYd3yVt8No-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wUt7X7JMWyigpYd3yVt8No-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wUt7X7JMWyigpYd3yVt8No-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Geoffrey Bouchard&#8217;s rewrite of professional cycling farewell goes off script as he leaves Le Tour de Langkawi with broken collarbone<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3iZJDSFZU9XdXY5PfvQduh-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3iZJDSFZU9XdXY5PfvQduh-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3iZJDSFZU9XdXY5PfvQduh-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3iZJDSFZU9XdXY5PfvQduh-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3iZJDSFZU9XdXY5PfvQduh-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Heartbroken&#8217; Chad Haga says his career is over after a heavy crash in training<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tHn8trN6dMv53qtc8uBmEj-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tHn8trN6dMv53qtc8uBmEj-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tHn8trN6dMv53qtc8uBmEj-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tHn8trN6dMv53qtc8uBmEj-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tHn8trN6dMv53qtc8uBmEj-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Pro Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Poga\u010dar&#8217;s crash doesn&#8217;t just put his Worlds defence in doubt, it complicates next season&#8217;s plans \u2013 Sean Kelly&#8217;s Vuelta column<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PqHdCxLqcsCG3j55wRKHd8-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PqHdCxLqcsCG3j55wRKHd8-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PqHdCxLqcsCG3j55wRKHd8-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PqHdCxLqcsCG3j55wRKHd8-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PqHdCxLqcsCG3j55wRKHd8-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;It&#8217;s a sad way to end it&#8217; &#8211; exit of Tadej Poga\u010dar sparks wave of sympathy and regret in the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a peloton<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-category\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Teams &amp; Riders<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iCmue4fAKiGQCcQ6qgvhmK-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iCmue4fAKiGQCcQ6qgvhmK-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iCmue4fAKiGQCcQ6qgvhmK-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iCmue4fAKiGQCcQ6qgvhmK-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iCmue4fAKiGQCcQ6qgvhmK-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\">Lachlan Morton set to leave EF Education-EasyPost<\/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\/9fzcrARcoekQdu5KYxJuV6-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9fzcrARcoekQdu5KYxJuV6-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9fzcrARcoekQdu5KYxJuV6-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9fzcrARcoekQdu5KYxJuV6-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9fzcrARcoekQdu5KYxJuV6-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Transfers<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">UAE Team Emirates-XRG bolster Classics squad with young Frenchman from Decathlon CMA CGM<\/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\/EtbMB5jaf5MHzqkcbpaHPW-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EtbMB5jaf5MHzqkcbpaHPW-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EtbMB5jaf5MHzqkcbpaHPW-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EtbMB5jaf5MHzqkcbpaHPW-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EtbMB5jaf5MHzqkcbpaHPW-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\">Belgian racers avoided World Championships disaster in run-in at US border, Alec Segaert reveals<\/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\/7aGnmEPpe7zMXvzfBM8BdX-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7aGnmEPpe7zMXvzfBM8BdX-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7aGnmEPpe7zMXvzfBM8BdX-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7aGnmEPpe7zMXvzfBM8BdX-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7aGnmEPpe7zMXvzfBM8BdX-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\">Transfers<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Visma-Lease a Bike look to realise &#8216;untapped potential&#8217; of British rider Mark Donovan as first new signing for 2027<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JgunE23CEoUkKKphnmXEfE-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JgunE23CEoUkKKphnmXEfE-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JgunE23CEoUkKKphnmXEfE-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JgunE23CEoUkKKphnmXEfE-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JgunE23CEoUkKKphnmXEfE-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Transfers<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Luka Mezgec announces new role as sports director at top WorldTour team following imminent retirement after European Championships<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ko3ErXkPMfF4oHGgLCTsBf-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ko3ErXkPMfF4oHGgLCTsBf-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ko3ErXkPMfF4oHGgLCTsBf-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ko3ErXkPMfF4oHGgLCTsBf-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ko3ErXkPMfF4oHGgLCTsBf-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\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I&#8217;m getting better each day after the crash&#8217; \u2013 Tadej Poga\u010dar provides injury update at 2031 World Championships presentation<\/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 Features<\/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\/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 class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JQxDTX3Tn2awqXyRcqXphD-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JQxDTX3Tn2awqXyRcqXphD-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JQxDTX3Tn2awqXyRcqXphD-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JQxDTX3Tn2awqXyRcqXphD-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JQxDTX3Tn2awqXyRcqXphD-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">North American crowds deliver, the juniors deserve better, and the Dutch get it so right \u2013\u00a0Our key takeaways from the Road World Championships 2026<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GDzNnnhzKhoM5Tnjtc4LNQ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GDzNnnhzKhoM5Tnjtc4LNQ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GDzNnnhzKhoM5Tnjtc4LNQ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GDzNnnhzKhoM5Tnjtc4LNQ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GDzNnnhzKhoM5Tnjtc4LNQ-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 put our egos aside\u2019 \u2013 How the USA harnessed selfless teamwork to deliver Brandon McNulty to World Championships gold<\/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\/hBKXkBsi7rwycedA57aLmS-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hBKXkBsi7rwycedA57aLmS-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hBKXkBsi7rwycedA57aLmS-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hBKXkBsi7rwycedA57aLmS-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hBKXkBsi7rwycedA57aLmS-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\">Yes, the favourite won, but the Women&#8217;s World Championships road race was a thriller where everyone was racing for the win<\/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\/c34s4THws7pNeEW8zQrnMQ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/c34s4THws7pNeEW8zQrnMQ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/c34s4THws7pNeEW8zQrnMQ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/c34s4THws7pNeEW8zQrnMQ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/c34s4THws7pNeEW8zQrnMQ-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\">Bikes<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Early access: Watch our video review of the Factor Elara before it goes live on YouTube<\/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\/dreVmXvfTeMWx2XTtpWqE3-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dreVmXvfTeMWx2XTtpWqE3-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dreVmXvfTeMWx2XTtpWqE3-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, 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class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"vds-byline-block flex flex-row flex-nowrap my-1.5 gap-2 text-left items-start justify-start\" data-component-name=\"Article:BylineBlock\">\n<p>Features<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-auto vds-simple-byline\"><span class=\"inline-block vds-author\"><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nAlasdair Fotheringham <\/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=\"2026-10-03T08:23:55Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n3 October 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Basque star unable to complete final few races after training accident this week<\/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 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Here\u2019s how it works.\n<\/p>\n<\/aside>\n<\/header>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\"text-copy bodyCopy auto paywall-locker\">\n<div data-analytics-id=\"utility-bar\" id=\"utility-bar\" class=\"font-ui-heading flex justify-between items-center py-2 border-t border-b border-gray-300 border-solid mb-5 mx-auto\" data-component-name=\"UtilityBar\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"utility-bar\">\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div data-component-name=\"Social:Dropdown\" role=\"menu\" id=\"utilitybar__dropdown--share\" aria-labelledby=\"utilitybar__button--share\" class=\"absolute left-0 top-full w-44 bg-white rounded-md shadow-md border border-neutral-200 z-[9996] list-none m-0 py-2 px-3 border-solid\">\n<ul class=\"m-0!\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Facebook<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>X<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Pinterest<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Email<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-share-this-article\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nShare this article\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\"><span class=\"ml-1 inline-flex h-5 px-2 shrink-0 items-center justify-center self-center overflow-hidden whitespace-nowrap rounded-[10px] bg-primary-500 text-[11px] leading-none font-ui-heading font-semibold text-white\">0<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-join-the-conversation\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nJoin the conversation\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<p>Follow us<\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-add-us-as-a-preferred-source-on-google\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nAdd us as a preferred source on Google\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-subscribe-to-our-newsletter\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nSubscribe to our newsletter\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-7741e8b8-be58-11f1-8295-8d0a8a374e5e\">&#8220;I&#8217;m a little bit in mourning right now,&#8221; is how Ion Izagirre describes his current situation, as he contemplates a much more abrupt, painful and downright unlucky end to his 17-year career than any pro would wish for.<\/p>\n<p>In any other circumstances for the 37-year-old Basque racer, an accident and injuries suffered on Wednesday when out training would have been a major setback to his plans, but by no means impossible to overcome. But this time round, the broken left wrist that Izagirre ended up with after falling during training has much more serious long-term consequences.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-7741e8b8-be58-11f1-8295-8d0a8a374e5e-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">In a flash, and barely ten days before Il Lombardia, his plans for a dream farewell to his days as a roadracer at the last Monument of 2026 have all gone up in smoke. That he was in excellent condition &#8211; witness his victory at the Memorial Pantani a month back &#8211; only makes it all a tougher pill to swallow. But it&#8217;s the completely wrong-footed ending to his career that is what is perhaps hardest to handle of all.<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-6 w-full overflow-hidden rounded-[10px] lg:my-8\" data-component-name=\"JwPlayer:Carousel\" data-jwp-carousel data-jwp-carousel-payload=\"{&quot;ids&quot;:{&quot;playerID&quot;:&quot;jYDCcabO&quot;,&quot;searchPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;gwjdoYHD&quot;,&quot;divID&quot;:&quot;botr_gwjdoYHD_jYDCcabO_div&quot;,&quot;fallbackPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;gwjdoYHD&quot;,&quot;fallbackDivID&quot;:&quot;botr_gwjdoYHD_jYDCcabO_div&quot;,&quot;key&quot;:&quot;X9\/mXVGac0NphghLH9hZaqWA5d3dhAM\/Ih07grnEyMLjuO2E&quot;,&quot;tintLogo&quot;:true,&quot;useSearchPlaylist&quot;:false,&quot;enabled&quot;:true},&quot;signPostingEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;signPostingLinkEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;waitForAdLoad&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnDesktop&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnMobile&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnTablet&quot;:false}\">\n<div class=\"flex flex-nowrap items-center justify-between gap-3 bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-header>\n<div class=\"flex min-w-0 shrink items-center\"><span class=\"inline-flex items-center gap-1.5 text-sm font-article-heading capitalize leading-5 text-white whitespace-nowrap\"><span class=\"jwp-carousel-title-desktop\">Latest Videos From<\/span><span class=\"jwp-carousel-brand\">Cyclingnews<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"min-h-[44px] bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting><a class=\"invisible block truncate text-sm font-bold leading-5 text-white underline decoration-solid underline-offset-2\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting-link href target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span data-jwp-carousel-signposting-title>Watch full video here: <\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I was out training, doing one of my last rides for the last races of the year,&#8221; the Cofidis pro told<em> Cyclingnews<\/em>, &#8220;and on a downhill that was a bit wet, my back wheel went from underneath me.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I was trying to stop myself from going down as I fell and that&#8217;s when I broke my wrist. It doesn&#8217;t hurt, and I had a splint put on it at the hospital. But that was that.&#8221;<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            You may like<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uRd5Tanu5brongoNX5SeD4-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uRd5Tanu5brongoNX5SeD4-150-80.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\">Ion Izagirre&#8217;s dream farewell in Il Lombardia wrecked by broken wrist in training accident<\/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\/FybojdVd79PonXnxEokDBP-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FybojdVd79PonXnxEokDBP-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;There&#8217;s no time for nostalgia&#8217;  &#8211; Increasingly fraught fight for last-chance breaks in Tour de France keep 2026 retiree Ion Izagirre focused on race<\/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\/wUt7X7JMWyigpYd3yVt8No-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wUt7X7JMWyigpYd3yVt8No-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\">Geoffrey Bouchard&#8217;s rewrite of professional cycling farewell goes off script as he leaves Le Tour de Langkawi with broken collarbone<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The injury made it out of the question that he could start the three Italian races he had left on his program as a pro, Coppa Agostini on October 4, Tre Valli Varesine (October 6) and Il Lombardia (October 11) &#8211; where he has two top ten places in his career, including a fourth in 2024. As ends of careers go, so close to the finish line, you&#8217;d need a heart of stone not to feel that this was a truly harsh twist of fate.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">What made it worse, the Cofidis racer told <em>Cyclingnews,<\/em> was that he was in great condition &#8220;and hoping to do something good to round it all off with a good taste, at least give it 100% and finish my career, too, riding a bike, not like this.&#8221;<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-yW3uNkDaCo9UCreXp5bYEP\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-yW3uNkDaCo9UCreXp5bYEP slice-container-newsletterForm\">\n<div data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"newsletter-form__wrapper newsletter-form__wrapper--inbodyContent\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__container\">\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__top-bar\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__header\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__main-section\">\n<p class=\"newsletter-form__strapline\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<footer class=\"newsletter-form__footer \">By submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.<\/footer>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;But that&#8217;s how it plays out sometimes. You never want it, never expect it, but sometimes that&#8217;s just what happens.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Il Lombardia clearly is a Classic that suits him, too and after the big boost to his motivation he&#8217;d had from winning the Memorial, he was raring to get back into racing one last time.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;The Italian races I&#8217;d done before, I was going well, but I wasn&#8217;t at the level I wanted, maybe because of the heat or whatever. I couldn&#8217;t show what I&#8217;d got,&#8221; he said.<\/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\/3iZJDSFZU9XdXY5PfvQduh-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3iZJDSFZU9XdXY5PfvQduh-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;Heartbroken&#8217; Chad Haga says his career is over after a heavy crash in training<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tHn8trN6dMv53qtc8uBmEj-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tHn8trN6dMv53qtc8uBmEj-150-80.png.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Poga\u010dar&#8217;s crash doesn&#8217;t just put his Worlds defence in doubt, it complicates next season&#8217;s plans \u2013 Sean Kelly&#8217;s Vuelta column<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PqHdCxLqcsCG3j55wRKHd8-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PqHdCxLqcsCG3j55wRKHd8-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;It&#8217;s a sad way to end it&#8217; &#8211; exit of Tadej Poga\u010dar sparks wave of sympathy and regret in the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a peloton<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;But then the weather changed; it turned rainier and cooler, and my body really responded, and in Pantani I was always up there, getting in the moves and so on.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Then in the last moment, when four of us went ahead, I could play it out well in the sprint. So by then I knew I was on a roll, and it made me feel confident for what was to come.&#8221;<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-de0c31f0-be5a-11f1-8511-114b902e282c\" 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\/NTawbYoTmKYKuT4UjAnp8G-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NTawbYoTmKYKuT4UjAnp8G-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NTawbYoTmKYKuT4UjAnp8G-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NTawbYoTmKYKuT4UjAnp8G-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NTawbYoTmKYKuT4UjAnp8G-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NTawbYoTmKYKuT4UjAnp8G-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2 id=\"a-turn-for-the-worse-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">A turn for the worse<\/h2>\n<p id=\"elk-de0c32c2-be5a-11f1-bb72-71212ede3890\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">That could hardly have changed more dramatically after his accident on Wednesday, out training alone and building his form one last time. His morale now, he agrees, is that of feeling <em>jodido &#8211; <\/em>screwed.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Yes, above all yesterday when it all happened. I dunno, I just couldn&#8217;t believe it. When I couldn&#8217;t hold the handlebar with my left hand, I realised it was <em>Adios <\/em>to my season and my career. The world caves in on you.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I didn&#8217;t want to finish my career with a plaster on my wrist. I wanted to finish it enjoying my racing in the Italian races. But it&#8217;s not going to happen that time.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">His only way of trying to fight back against the misery is, as he says, that he&#8217;s received lots of messages of support and sympathy, also reminding him that he&#8217;s had an exceptionally good last season and to try and focus on that.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">They&#8217;re not wrong, either. Apart from Pantani, Izagirre had both been consistent and taken another top-level one-day race, the GP Miguel Indurain, along with a fourth place overall in the Itzulia Basque Country, a seventh in Fl\u00e8che Wallonne and a sixth in Eschborn-Frankfurt this season. He also raced the Tour de France &#8211; a race where he&#8217;s twice been a stage winner &#8211; taking part in breakaways up until the last day in the Alps.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;But maybe it&#8217;s a bit too soon to try and feel upbeat,&#8221; Izagirre said, &#8220;instead right now you could say I&#8217;m in mourning. It&#8217;s just a feeling of being hurt and demotivated, disappointed with what happened.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Maybe further down the line, looking at things more objectively, I&#8217;ll value this last season, what I&#8217;ve done in it, a lot more.&#8221;<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"what-now-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">What now?<\/h2>\n<p id=\"elk-de0c3380-be5a-11f1-a253-e3acee19fab5\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">If road racing is now out of the question &#8211; and with it the celebrations and farewell dinner he and the team had planned after Lombardia &#8211; he hasn&#8217;t totally lost hope of perhaps ending the very last chapter of his career as he wanted. That will be a cyclo-cross event held each year on October 25 in his home town of Ormaiztegi in the Basque Country. &#8220;There are still 25 days and let&#8217;s hope that&#8217;s possible that I recover in time,&#8221; he said, &#8220;maybe that way I&#8217;d finish it all off at home.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I&#8217;ve been able to race it in the last few years, which is something that wasn&#8217;t possible before then because the teams were more worried about the risks of crashes and injuries and so on.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;But when I&#8217;ve been able to do it, I&#8217;ve done it, and this year even more so, as it&#8217;s my last chance. Let&#8217;s see if I&#8217;ll be able to do it again, for one last time.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">After that, what is out of the question, he said, is turning to an alternative career in gravel or cyclo-cross in the future. His only &#8216;career plan&#8217; right now is to be with his family and then, he reckons, other ideas will come up. But in terms of racing, as he said, &#8220;When I hang up my wheels, that&#8217;s me done for good. I&#8217;ll go on riding a bike out of pure pleasure, and as a fan of the sport.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Cycling has given me a lot, and I think it&#8217;ll help me clear my head if I need it in the future, too, by simply riding the bike. But without any need of being out there doing series, training hard and so on. Just choosing the day and the place and the time and the people I want to be with. It&#8217;ll be another world.&#8221;<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-de0c33e4-be5a-11f1-a3db-fdcb6a9f759d\" 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\/us7qF5TnSRjeitJbyWpQYh-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/us7qF5TnSRjeitJbyWpQYh-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/us7qF5TnSRjeitJbyWpQYh-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/us7qF5TnSRjeitJbyWpQYh-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/us7qF5TnSRjeitJbyWpQYh-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/us7qF5TnSRjeitJbyWpQYh-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\">2012 Giro d&#8217;Italia stage 16: Ion Izagirre celebrates first major win of his career <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-dffac078-be58-11f1-8bc8-29ef7205d5c0\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><strong>Subscribe to Cyclingnews for comprehensive race coverage of both the UCI Road and Gravel World Championships, alongside the final monument of the season, Il Lombardia. Subscribers get unlimited access to exclusive analysis from our expert columnists, in-depth features and industry-leading tech insight. Plus, the Cyclingnews app lets you follow the action wherever you go! <\/strong><u><strong>Join today.<\/strong><\/u><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/teams-riders\/the-world-caves-in-on-you-ion-izagirre-reflects-on-broken-wrist-injury-that-wrecked-end-of-17-year-career\/&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pB6zENmahitW9nEBThkRdK-1024-80.jpg&#8221;] 1 &#8216;First day back, last day with rainbow&#8217; \u2013 Tadej Poga\u010dar shows off scar from collarbone surgery as he returns to riding outdoors for the first time since season-ending crash 2 &#8216;I would be probably just cracking a top 20&#8217; \u2013 Chris Froome talks Tadej Poga\u010dar, the state of modern cycling, and [&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-2178071","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\/2178071","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=2178071"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2178071\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2178071"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=2178071"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=2178071"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}