{"id":2178561,"date":"2026-10-03T16:24:01","date_gmt":"2026-10-03T13:24:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2178561"},"modified":"2026-10-03T16:24:01","modified_gmt":"2026-10-03T13:24:01","slug":"we-are-a-family-and-its-really-sad-nil-gimeno-delivers-a-first-win-at-le-tour-de-langkawi-but-it-could-well-be-kern-pharmas-last","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2178561","title":{"rendered":"&#8216;We are a family, and it&#8217;s really sad&#8217; \u2013 Nil Gimeno delivers a first win at Le Tour de Langkawi but it could well be Kern Pharma&#8217;s last"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/C45TqwB7ixfiqAsgXdYFqH-2000-80.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\/aEggLG5chm2Y2cRJngUcyD-160-80.jpg.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aEggLG5chm2Y2cRJngUcyD-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;We&#8217;ll show people we can train in short sleeves all year round&#8217; 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&#8211; Ion Izagirre reflects on broken wrist injury that wrecked end of 17-year career\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\/eUfZgxtATR5sXPCzxJaGcJ-160-80.jpg.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eUfZgxtATR5sXPCzxJaGcJ-80-80.jpg.webp 80w\" sizes=\"80px\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex items-center justify-center absolute w-[18px] h-6 left-0 top-0 bg-white\/90 flex-none z-[1]\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"font-normal text-base leading-[17px] tracking-[1.3px] uppercase text-black flex-none\">3<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex flex-col items-center justify-center gap-1.5 w-[173px] h-20 flex-none\">\n<p class=\"font-article-heading font-medium text-base leading-[21px] text-gray-800 w-[173px] line-clamp-3 group-hover:underline\">\n                                    &#8216;I&#8217;ve seen places I never thought I&#8217;d go, let alone on a bike&#8217; \u2013 A year on from the Tour de Langkawi win that sparked British rider Zeb Kyffin&#8217;s Terengganu twist\n                                <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"page-content-onecol flex-1\nnews-article article\n\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"widget-area-group widget-area-group-2col flex flex-wrap box-border\">\n<div id=\"widgetArea16\" class=\"widget-area basis-full md:basis-2\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-2-3 page-widget-area-16\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"hero\" id=\"hero\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-hero widget-hero widget-hero-hero widget-hero widget-hero-fter-news\">\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRacing\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRoad\n<\/li>\n<li>\nLe Tour de Langkawi\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>&#8216;We are a family, and it&#8217;s really sad&#8217; \u2013 Nil Gimeno delivers a first win at Le Tour de Langkawi but it could well be Kern Pharma&#8217;s last<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"vds-byline-block flex flex-row flex-nowrap my-1.5 gap-2 text-left items-start justify-start\" data-component-name=\"Article:BylineBlock\">\n<p>News<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-auto vds-simple-byline\"><span class=\"inline-block vds-author\"><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nSimone Giuliani <\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex gap-1 vds-byline-with-avatar__meta\"><span class=\"vds-date block font-normal tracking-normal normal-case text-xs\"><br \/>\nPublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-10-03T16:24:01Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n3 October 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Question marks over future of Spanish ProTeam beyond the end of this season remain, raising prospect that the Malaysian race could be the last tour for the long running squad<\/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\/C45TqwB7ixfiqAsgXdYFqH-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/C45TqwB7ixfiqAsgXdYFqH-1600-80.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/C45TqwB7ixfiqAsgXdYFqH-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/C45TqwB7ixfiqAsgXdYFqH-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/C45TqwB7ixfiqAsgXdYFqH-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/C45TqwB7ixfiqAsgXdYFqH-750-80.jpg.webp 750w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/C45TqwB7ixfiqAsgXdYFqH-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/C45TqwB7ixfiqAsgXdYFqH-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/C45TqwB7ixfiqAsgXdYFqH-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 600px, 100vw\" \/><figcaption class=\"font-article-copy text-(--image--text--color) font-article-copy mt-2\"><span class=\"caption-text font-article-copy\">Nil Gimeno (Equipo Kern Pharma) after winning stage 7 of Le Tour de Langkawi<\/span><span class=\"credit font-article-copy\">(Image credit: Le Tour de Langkawi)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\"text-copy bodyCopy auto paywall-locker\">\n<div data-analytics-id=\"utility-bar\" id=\"utility-bar\" class=\"font-ui-heading flex justify-between items-center py-2 border-t border-b border-gray-300 border-solid mb-5 mx-auto\" data-component-name=\"UtilityBar\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"utility-bar\">\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div data-component-name=\"Social:Dropdown\" role=\"menu\" id=\"utilitybar__dropdown--share\" aria-labelledby=\"utilitybar__button--share\" class=\"absolute left-0 top-full w-44 bg-white rounded-md shadow-md border border-neutral-200 z-[9996] list-none m-0 py-2 px-3 border-solid\">\n<ul class=\"m-0!\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Facebook<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>X<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Pinterest<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Email<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-share-this-article\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nShare this article\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\"><span class=\"ml-1 inline-flex h-5 px-2 shrink-0 items-center justify-center self-center overflow-hidden whitespace-nowrap rounded-[10px] bg-primary-500 text-[11px] leading-none font-ui-heading font-semibold text-white\">0<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-join-the-conversation\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nJoin the conversation\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<p>Follow us<\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none 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while the search has long been on to find a new one, there has yet to be any good news announced. Sometimes the old adage that no news is good news doesn&#8217;t ring true.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-426e6fc0-bf2b-11f1-a894-4fc407a27097-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">That means while the glee that the win had come for the 22-year-old Gimeno was written all over his face, so was the emotion when he contemplated what may be ahead for the squad where he built the foundation of his cycling career.<\/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&#8217;m really, really happy to achieve this with this team,&#8221; Gimeno told <em>Cyclingnews<\/em> after going to podium in Batu Pahat to celebrate his win. &#8220;They&#8217;ve been really, really, really good with me, and also with all the riders. They care so much about us.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;These two years, they believed in me all the time. I had tough moments because pro cycling is really, really hard most of the time, and they were always there supporting me, saying to me that I have to believe in myself. And even though they are having a really, really bad moment now, I just want to say thank you to Juanjo [Jos\u00e9 Oroz, team manager] and Iosune [Murillo, coach], to all the staff members, to the riders.<\/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\/dbNHEsVxgH94wr9krggdgU-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dbNHEsVxgH94wr9krggdgU-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;You&#8217;ve got that pressure in your head&#8217; &#8211; Kern Pharma hit final days of Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a in last-ditch battle to continue in 2027<\/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\/GD5mNwAjUqq84aCkeQfs5d-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GD5mNwAjUqq84aCkeQfs5d-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\">Nil Gimeno snares first professional win at stage 7 of Le Tour de Langkawi to Batu Pahat<\/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\/eUfZgxtATR5sXPCzxJaGcJ-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eUfZgxtATR5sXPCzxJaGcJ-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;I&#8217;ve seen places I never thought I&#8217;d go, let alone on a bike&#8217; \u2013 A year on from the Tour de Langkawi win that sparked British rider Zeb Kyffin&#8217;s Terengganu twist<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;We are a family, and it&#8217;s really sad that the team don&#8217;t have any sponsor now, and we are doing everything we can to achieve that.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The support and camaraderie among the squad at the Tour de Langkawi was clearly visible in the scenes on the road in recent days, both when things were good, on Saturday, and not so good after Wednesday&#8217;s stage 4. That was the day Gimeno had marked out as the one for him, and after third last year on the final stage he was determined to try and fight for more this time.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-XDyvMKsMbNE2a7ZiPHEmpD\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-XDyvMKsMbNE2a7ZiPHEmpD slice-container-newsletterForm\">\n<div data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"newsletter-form__wrapper newsletter-form__wrapper--inbodyContent\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__container\">\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__top-bar\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__header\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__main-section\">\n<p class=\"newsletter-form__strapline\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<footer class=\"newsletter-form__footer \">By submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.<\/footer>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">It started off well, he&#8217;d made the break and it looked like it was going to last but the rider, who knows how to deliver in a reduced group sprint, just fell short of making it to the line with the group of three to unfurl it.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I did not have the best day, so I was really, really disappointed because it was a climb that treated me really good, and I did everything bad. I just was not there, so I was really, really sad,&#8221; said Gimeno.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">That was clear as he sat on the road after the line, with slumped shoulders and head, but his team rallied around, quietly offering moral support, an arm around the shoulder, a comforting word and watchful sympathetic eyes.<\/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\/UCc5o7qeEXMN4Tkv4qPf9L-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UCc5o7qeEXMN4Tkv4qPf9L-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;The Tour is daunting, but we&#8217;re in the fight&#8217; &#8211; Tour de France &#8216;newbies&#8217; Caja Rural-Seguros RGA push hard to justify wildcard status<\/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\/6vdna66p5oHAfXVVpGRvBP-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6vdna66p5oHAfXVVpGRvBP-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;Nerve-wracking right to the end&#8217; \u2013 How Richard Carapaz and EF Education-EasyPost hit the Tour de France jackpot on Alpe d&#8217;Huez<\/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\/SKPDErtoWWzouBCfdQZKzT-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SKPDErtoWWzouBCfdQZKzT-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;I thought I had it&#8217; \u2013 Riley Pickrell just short of Le Tour de Langkawi opening stage win as he closes out year with Modern Adventure where &#8216;what they sold is exactly what I got&#8217;<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Equally, they were all there on Saturday, waiting patiently as Gimeno spoke to the broadcast media, so they could snatch a moment to celebrate together before he headed to the podium to stand on the top step, in a Kern Pharma jersey which looks set to disappear from the peloton.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-d97dc01c-bf2d-11f1-b0e1-bff338570d77\" 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\/G7zx5vs8TDL26a3EUsgoKJ-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/G7zx5vs8TDL26a3EUsgoKJ-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/G7zx5vs8TDL26a3EUsgoKJ-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/G7zx5vs8TDL26a3EUsgoKJ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/G7zx5vs8TDL26a3EUsgoKJ-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/G7zx5vs8TDL26a3EUsgoKJ-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: Le Tour de Langkawi)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2 id=\"39-the-situation-is-complicated-39-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8216;The situation is complicated&#8217;<\/h2>\n<p id=\"elk-6105e676-bf2f-11f1-8362-a57e900fc279\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The Spanish team has a long history, moving into the ProTeam ranks in 2020 but before that operating as a as a top feeder amateur team, Lizarte. Sports director Jon Armendariz, who was with the team at Le Tour de Langkawi ,has been there since well before the beginnings of its life as a ProTeam as his history with the squad that first came into existence in 1993 extends back 16 years. He started with Lizarte as a rider and then became a sports director.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;We don&#8217;t know anything yet,&#8221; Armendariz told <em>Cyclingnews <\/em>before the winning move was made at the start of stage 7. &#8220;Juanjo, the team manager, is doing a very great job but the situation is complicated for us, and maybe these two stages will be our last stages in this team. We will see.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">It&#8217;s a sobering situation, with the Spanish team shepherding many riders into the pro ranks from both Spain and also beyond. Taiwan&#8217;s Yen Yi Ho is a good example, with the rider who is now racing with the squad at Le Tour de Langkawi having spent this year in the ProTeam, learning the ropes of working within the team dynamics of a European-based squad after coming up the ranks at Equipo Finisher-Kern Pharma through the Giant Grassroots Program.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Then there is the Spanish rider Jorge Guti\u00e9rrez, a 24-year-old who has come up through the Equipo Kern Pharma development pathway before racing with the ProTeam the past three seasons. He had some health problems at the start of the season, but has come to Le Tour de Langkawi with some strong form, building on his tenth overall of last year and eight of 2024. Guti\u00e9rrez is now sitting at sixth on the GC with one stage to go and trying to make the most of the racing in Malaysia, despite the issues surrounding the team.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It&#8217;s a different situation. I&#8217;ve never lived this before,&#8221; Guti\u00e9rrez told <em>Cyclingnews<\/em> ahead of stage 7. &#8220;It&#8217;s not easy, but I have to enjoy every competition day and appreciate how lucky we are as a team to be here.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Guti\u00e9rrez, who is the leading Kern Pharma rider on the overall, said before the penultimate stage that he was still looking for chances to move up higher, but also help his teammates chase opportunities. An hour after we spoke it was one of them, in the form of Gimeno, who capitalised on a big one.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The race is clearly also one that suits Guti\u00e9rrez, given his two finishes within the top ten overall, and even more so this year, with additional climbing thrown in. This time, however, the stakes at this race that plays to his strengths are higher than ever.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I&#8217;m in a dangerous situation because I don&#8217;t have a contract for next year, and I think I&#8217;m doing a good race, a good GC, and also I don&#8217;t have problems helping my teammates for a victory, for staying in a breakaway,&#8221; said Guti\u00e9rrez, &#8220;I hope for next year to have a contract and opportunity to be a cyclist. I love it.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">That hope extends to the team, who earlier in the season gave riders and staff carte blanche to look for employment elsewhere given the situation. But for now, the wheels keep turning as there is a race and season to finish, and only after that will the thoughts of what&#8217;s next be able to fully take over.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;We will come back to to Pamplona to our service course, and and we will see the situation and we&#8217;ll see the best step for next year,&#8221; concluded Guti\u00e9rrez.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">*<em>Cyclingnews attended Le Tour de Langkawi on an invitation\/media package from the race that included travel and accommodation. In line with our editorial standards, our coverage is independent and was not subject to review, approval or influence by the organiser or any sponsor; no favourable coverage was promised or given in return.<\/em><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-d7e1e92c-bf46-11f1-bf3d-b305818039a0\" 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><strong>Join today.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-XDyvMKsMbNE2a7ZiPHEmpD\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-XDyvMKsMbNE2a7ZiPHEmpD slice-container-authorBio\">\n<div class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio slice-container-authorBio\" id=\"slice-container-authorBio\" data-component-name=\"Slice:AuthorBio\">\n<div class=\"author author__default-layout author--separator author--collapsible\" data-author-bio-max-height=\"250\" data-author-bio-read-more=\"Read more\" data-author-bio-read-less=\"Read less\">\n<div class=\"author__header\">\n<div class=\"author__avatar-block\">\n<figure class=\"image-wrapped__wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__widthsetter\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__aspect-padding\">\n<div>\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RUKCQmBBgAFRGkijgpLyah-140-80.jpg.webp 140w\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__heading\">\n<div class=\"author__name\">\n<p>Simone Giuliani<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__social\">\n<nav class=\"button-social-group author__social-buttons\" aria-labelledby=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">\n<div id=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">\nSocial Links Navigation\n<\/div>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__role\">Australia Editor<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>Simone is a degree-qualified journalist that has accumulated decades of wide-ranging experience while working across a variety of leading media organisations. She joined <em>Cyclingnews<\/em> as a Production Editor at the start of the 2021 season and has now moved into the role of Australia Editor. Previously she worked as a freelance writer, Australian Editor at <em>Ella CyclingTips<\/em> and as a correspondent for <em>Reuters<\/em> and <em>Bloomberg<\/em>. Cycling was initially purely a leisure pursuit for Simone, who started out as a business journalist, but in 2015 her career focus also shifted to the sport.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<div class=\"relative max-w-[1070px] viafoura-twig-component mt-6 mx-4 lg:mx-0\" data-component-name=\"Viafoura:Comments\" data-nosnippet data-community-guidelines-text=\"&lt;p class=&apos;vfcustom-community-guidelines&apos;&gt;Please follow our &lt;a href=&quot;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/about\/#section-community-guidelines&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;community guidelines&lt;\/a&gt;.&lt;\/p&gt;\" data-join-the-conversation-text=\"Join the Conversation\">\n<div class=\"absolute top-0 left-0 w-full h-full flex items-center justify-center z-50 bg-white\/90 border-1 rounded-b-[var(--comment-widget-border-radius,0)]\">\n<div class=\"p-2 text-center\">\n<p class=\"mb-3 text-lg!\">You must confirm your public display name before commenting<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-3 text-sm!\">Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<section class=\"mx-2 my-5 sm:mx-0\">\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-adviser:hybrid\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Read more<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dbNHEsVxgH94wr9krggdgU-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dbNHEsVxgH94wr9krggdgU-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dbNHEsVxgH94wr9krggdgU-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dbNHEsVxgH94wr9krggdgU-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dbNHEsVxgH94wr9krggdgU-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;You&#8217;ve got that pressure in your head&#8217; &#8211; Kern Pharma hit final days of Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a in last-ditch battle to continue in 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\/GD5mNwAjUqq84aCkeQfs5d-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GD5mNwAjUqq84aCkeQfs5d-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GD5mNwAjUqq84aCkeQfs5d-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GD5mNwAjUqq84aCkeQfs5d-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GD5mNwAjUqq84aCkeQfs5d-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\">Nil Gimeno snares first professional win at stage 7 of Le Tour de Langkawi to Batu Pahat<\/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\/eUfZgxtATR5sXPCzxJaGcJ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eUfZgxtATR5sXPCzxJaGcJ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eUfZgxtATR5sXPCzxJaGcJ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eUfZgxtATR5sXPCzxJaGcJ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eUfZgxtATR5sXPCzxJaGcJ-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&#8217;ve seen places I never thought I&#8217;d go, let alone on a bike&#8217; \u2013 A year on from the Tour de Langkawi win that sparked British rider Zeb Kyffin&#8217;s Terengganu twist<\/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\/UCc5o7qeEXMN4Tkv4qPf9L-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UCc5o7qeEXMN4Tkv4qPf9L-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UCc5o7qeEXMN4Tkv4qPf9L-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UCc5o7qeEXMN4Tkv4qPf9L-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UCc5o7qeEXMN4Tkv4qPf9L-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;The Tour is daunting, but we&#8217;re in the fight&#8217; &#8211; Tour de France &#8216;newbies&#8217; Caja Rural-Seguros RGA push hard to justify wildcard status<\/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\/6vdna66p5oHAfXVVpGRvBP-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6vdna66p5oHAfXVVpGRvBP-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6vdna66p5oHAfXVVpGRvBP-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6vdna66p5oHAfXVVpGRvBP-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6vdna66p5oHAfXVVpGRvBP-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;Nerve-wracking right to the end&#8217; \u2013 How Richard Carapaz and EF Education-EasyPost hit the Tour de France jackpot on Alpe d&#8217;Huez<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SKPDErtoWWzouBCfdQZKzT-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SKPDErtoWWzouBCfdQZKzT-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SKPDErtoWWzouBCfdQZKzT-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SKPDErtoWWzouBCfdQZKzT-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SKPDErtoWWzouBCfdQZKzT-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I thought I had it&#8217; \u2013 Riley Pickrell just short of Le Tour de Langkawi opening stage win as he closes out year with Modern Adventure where &#8216;what they sold is exactly what I got&#8217;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-category\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Racing<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bWZujxNJqT4j6JtCd9AbG4-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bWZujxNJqT4j6JtCd9AbG4-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bWZujxNJqT4j6JtCd9AbG4-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bWZujxNJqT4j6JtCd9AbG4-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bWZujxNJqT4j6JtCd9AbG4-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">The race within the race \u2013 Pride and purpose fuel chase for top spots in Best Asian Rider category at Le Tour de Langkawi<\/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\/wQZQuQnYJYa6cHXpP6YiT8-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wQZQuQnYJYa6cHXpP6YiT8-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wQZQuQnYJYa6cHXpP6YiT8-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wQZQuQnYJYa6cHXpP6YiT8-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wQZQuQnYJYa6cHXpP6YiT8-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I was never worried about anything&#8217; &#8211; Vollering converts Dutch dominance into yet more championships success in Slovenia<\/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\/eDzkXgD7awETKXVFC5iRbD-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eDzkXgD7awETKXVFC5iRbD-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eDzkXgD7awETKXVFC5iRbD-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eDzkXgD7awETKXVFC5iRbD-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eDzkXgD7awETKXVFC5iRbD-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\">UEC European Championships: Azzura Ballan masters a four woman sprint to take the Junior Women&#8217;s title<\/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\/8AfgonLXMFMM8t97PUerG3-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8AfgonLXMFMM8t97PUerG3-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8AfgonLXMFMM8t97PUerG3-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8AfgonLXMFMM8t97PUerG3-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8AfgonLXMFMM8t97PUerG3-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Lennart Jasch declares arrival as GC force with Le Tour de Langkawi overall victory, Matteo Malucelli claims stage 8 sprint to deliver three stage wins for 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\/eJeYsHewuaeqtqp8m5LQ8V-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eJeYsHewuaeqtqp8m5LQ8V-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eJeYsHewuaeqtqp8m5LQ8V-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eJeYsHewuaeqtqp8m5LQ8V-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eJeYsHewuaeqtqp8m5LQ8V-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\">Jenny Rissveds and Luca Martin secure 2026 Mountain Bike World Series overall cross-country titles<\/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\/V7TaDg6WpsAtnQZMFGgXNK-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/V7TaDg6WpsAtnQZMFGgXNK-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/V7TaDg6WpsAtnQZMFGgXNK-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/V7TaDg6WpsAtnQZMFGgXNK-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/V7TaDg6WpsAtnQZMFGgXNK-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\">Cholet Agglo Tour: Jenthe Biermans wins from break after massive pull from teammate Bryan Coquard<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-articletype\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in News<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bWZujxNJqT4j6JtCd9AbG4-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bWZujxNJqT4j6JtCd9AbG4-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bWZujxNJqT4j6JtCd9AbG4-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bWZujxNJqT4j6JtCd9AbG4-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bWZujxNJqT4j6JtCd9AbG4-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">The race within the race \u2013 Pride and purpose fuel chase for top spots in Best Asian Rider category at Le Tour de Langkawi<\/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\/wQZQuQnYJYa6cHXpP6YiT8-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wQZQuQnYJYa6cHXpP6YiT8-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wQZQuQnYJYa6cHXpP6YiT8-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wQZQuQnYJYa6cHXpP6YiT8-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wQZQuQnYJYa6cHXpP6YiT8-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I was never worried about anything&#8217; &#8211; Vollering converts Dutch dominance into yet more championships success in Slovenia<\/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\/eJeYsHewuaeqtqp8m5LQ8V-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eJeYsHewuaeqtqp8m5LQ8V-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eJeYsHewuaeqtqp8m5LQ8V-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eJeYsHewuaeqtqp8m5LQ8V-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eJeYsHewuaeqtqp8m5LQ8V-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\">Jenny Rissveds and Luca Martin secure 2026 Mountain Bike World Series overall cross-country titles<\/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\/25mUggSXJWWhw9aA2MXdrV-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/25mUggSXJWWhw9aA2MXdrV-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/25mUggSXJWWhw9aA2MXdrV-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/25mUggSXJWWhw9aA2MXdrV-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/25mUggSXJWWhw9aA2MXdrV-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Rookie mistake&#8217; leaves Elisa Longo Borghini outside the medals in the women\u2019s elite road race at the European Road 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\/eUfZgxtATR5sXPCzxJaGcJ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eUfZgxtATR5sXPCzxJaGcJ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eUfZgxtATR5sXPCzxJaGcJ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eUfZgxtATR5sXPCzxJaGcJ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eUfZgxtATR5sXPCzxJaGcJ-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&#8217;ve seen places I never thought I&#8217;d go, let alone on a bike&#8217; \u2013 A year on from the Tour de Langkawi win that sparked British rider Zeb Kyffin&#8217;s Terengganu twist<\/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\/xTHwnyBTu238SiDWq3KnKk-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xTHwnyBTu238SiDWq3KnKk-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xTHwnyBTu238SiDWq3KnKk-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xTHwnyBTu238SiDWq3KnKk-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xTHwnyBTu238SiDWq3KnKk-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\">USA gets another UCI race as Battenkill returns to pro calendar<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"widgetArea17\" class=\"widget-area md:basis-1\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-1-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-1-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-1-3 page-widget-area-17\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"dynamic\" id=\"popular-data\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-dynamic widget-popular-data widget-dynamic-popular-data widget-dynamic-fter-popular-box\">\n<div class=\"wdn-fte-pb pos-relative space-t20\n\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"slice-container popular-box-slice\">\n<section class=\"popular-box\" data-component-name=\"Slice:PopularBox\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label__tab popular-box__label__tab--active\" role=\"heading\">\nLATEST ARTICLES\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<ol class=\"popular-box__articles-list popular-box__articles-list--active\">\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__image-wrapper\">\n<div>\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wQZQuQnYJYa6cHXpP6YiT8-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wQZQuQnYJYa6cHXpP6YiT8-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wQZQuQnYJYa6cHXpP6YiT8-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wQZQuQnYJYa6cHXpP6YiT8-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"99vw\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">1<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>&#8216;I was never worried about anything&#8217; &#8211; Vollering converts Dutch dominance into yet more championships success in Slovenia<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">2<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>UEC European Championships: Azzura Ballan masters a four woman sprint to take the Junior Women&#8217;s title<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">3<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>&#8216;Rookie mistake&#8217; leaves Elisa Longo Borghini outside the medals in the women\u2019s elite road race at the European Road Championships<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">4<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>Lennart Jasch declares arrival as GC force with Le Tour de Langkawi overall victory, Matteo Malucelli claims stage 8 sprint to deliver three stage wins for 2026<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">5<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>Jenny Rissveds and Luca Martin secure 2026 Mountain Bike World Series overall cross-country titles<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"page-content-onecol flex-1\nnews-article article\n\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"widget-area-group widget-area-group-2col flex flex-wrap box-border\">\n<div id=\"widgetArea16\" class=\"widget-area basis-full md:basis-2\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-2-3 page-widget-area-16\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"hero\" id=\"hero\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-hero widget-hero widget-hero-hero widget-hero widget-hero-fter-news\">\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRacing\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRoad\n<\/li>\n<li>\nLe Tour de Langkawi\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>&#8216;We are a family, and it&#8217;s really sad&#8217; \u2013 Nil Gimeno delivers a first win at Le Tour de Langkawi but it could well be Kern Pharma&#8217;s last<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"vds-byline-block flex flex-row flex-nowrap my-1.5 gap-2 text-left items-start justify-start\" data-component-name=\"Article:BylineBlock\">\n<p>News<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-auto vds-simple-byline\"><span class=\"inline-block vds-author\"><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nSimone Giuliani <\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex gap-1 vds-byline-with-avatar__meta\"><span class=\"vds-date block font-normal tracking-normal normal-case text-xs\"><br \/>\nPublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-10-03T16:24:01Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n3 October 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Question marks over future of Spanish ProTeam beyond the end of this season remain, raising prospect that the Malaysian race could be the last tour for the long running squad<\/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\/C45TqwB7ixfiqAsgXdYFqH-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/C45TqwB7ixfiqAsgXdYFqH-1600-80.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/C45TqwB7ixfiqAsgXdYFqH-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/C45TqwB7ixfiqAsgXdYFqH-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/C45TqwB7ixfiqAsgXdYFqH-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/C45TqwB7ixfiqAsgXdYFqH-750-80.jpg.webp 750w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/C45TqwB7ixfiqAsgXdYFqH-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/C45TqwB7ixfiqAsgXdYFqH-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/C45TqwB7ixfiqAsgXdYFqH-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 600px, 100vw\" \/><figcaption class=\"font-article-copy text-(--image--text--color) font-article-copy mt-2\"><span class=\"caption-text font-article-copy\">Nil Gimeno (Equipo Kern Pharma) after winning stage 7 of Le Tour de Langkawi<\/span><span class=\"credit font-article-copy\">(Image credit: Le Tour de Langkawi)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\"text-copy bodyCopy auto paywall-locker\">\n<div data-analytics-id=\"utility-bar\" id=\"utility-bar\" class=\"font-ui-heading flex justify-between items-center py-2 border-t border-b border-gray-300 border-solid mb-5 mx-auto\" data-component-name=\"UtilityBar\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"utility-bar\">\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 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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-426e6fc0-bf2b-11f1-a894-4fc407a27097\">A first win always means a lot, though somehow this one seems like it may mean that bit more, as when Nil Gimeno took his victory on stage 7 of Le Tour de Langkawi it was not just a beginning, but also potentially an end.<\/p>\n<p>It was announced earlier this year that the Equipo Kern Pharma&#8217;s main sponsor would be withdrawing at the end of the year, and while the search has long been on to find a new one, there has yet to be any good news announced. Sometimes the old adage that no news is good news doesn&#8217;t ring true.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-426e6fc0-bf2b-11f1-a894-4fc407a27097-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">That means while the glee that the win had come for the 22-year-old Gimeno was written all over his face, so was the emotion when he contemplated what may be ahead for the squad where he built the foundation of his cycling career.<\/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&#8217;m really, really happy to achieve this with this team,&#8221; Gimeno told <em>Cyclingnews<\/em> after going to podium in Batu Pahat to celebrate his win. &#8220;They&#8217;ve been really, really, really good with me, and also with all the riders. They care so much about us.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;These two years, they believed in me all the time. I had tough moments because pro cycling is really, really hard most of the time, and they were always there supporting me, saying to me that I have to believe in myself. And even though they are having a really, really bad moment now, I just want to say thank you to Juanjo [Jos\u00e9 Oroz, team manager] and Iosune [Murillo, coach], to all the staff members, to the riders.<\/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\/dbNHEsVxgH94wr9krggdgU-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dbNHEsVxgH94wr9krggdgU-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;You&#8217;ve got that pressure in your head&#8217; &#8211; Kern Pharma hit final days of Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a in last-ditch battle to continue in 2027<\/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\/GD5mNwAjUqq84aCkeQfs5d-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GD5mNwAjUqq84aCkeQfs5d-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\">Nil Gimeno snares first professional win at stage 7 of Le Tour de Langkawi to Batu Pahat<\/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\/eUfZgxtATR5sXPCzxJaGcJ-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eUfZgxtATR5sXPCzxJaGcJ-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;I&#8217;ve seen places I never thought I&#8217;d go, let alone on a bike&#8217; \u2013 A year on from the Tour de Langkawi win that sparked British rider Zeb Kyffin&#8217;s Terengganu twist<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;We are a family, and it&#8217;s really sad that the team don&#8217;t have any sponsor now, and we are doing everything we can to achieve that.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The support and camaraderie among the squad at the Tour de Langkawi was clearly visible in the scenes on the road in recent days, both when things were good, on Saturday, and not so good after Wednesday&#8217;s stage 4. That was the day Gimeno had marked out as the one for him, and after third last year on the final stage he was determined to try and fight for more this time.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-XDyvMKsMbNE2a7ZiPHEmpD\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-XDyvMKsMbNE2a7ZiPHEmpD slice-container-newsletterForm\">\n<div data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"newsletter-form__wrapper newsletter-form__wrapper--inbodyContent\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__container\">\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__top-bar\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__header\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__main-section\">\n<p class=\"newsletter-form__strapline\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<footer class=\"newsletter-form__footer \">By submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.<\/footer>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">It started off well, he&#8217;d made the break and it looked like it was going to last but the rider, who knows how to deliver in a reduced group sprint, just fell short of making it to the line with the group of three to unfurl it.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I did not have the best day, so I was really, really disappointed because it was a climb that treated me really good, and I did everything bad. I just was not there, so I was really, really sad,&#8221; said Gimeno.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">That was clear as he sat on the road after the line, with slumped shoulders and head, but his team rallied around, quietly offering moral support, an arm around the shoulder, a comforting word and watchful sympathetic eyes.<\/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\/UCc5o7qeEXMN4Tkv4qPf9L-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UCc5o7qeEXMN4Tkv4qPf9L-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;The Tour is daunting, but we&#8217;re in the fight&#8217; &#8211; Tour de France &#8216;newbies&#8217; Caja Rural-Seguros RGA push hard to justify wildcard status<\/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\/6vdna66p5oHAfXVVpGRvBP-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6vdna66p5oHAfXVVpGRvBP-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;Nerve-wracking right to the end&#8217; \u2013 How Richard Carapaz and EF Education-EasyPost hit the Tour de France jackpot on Alpe d&#8217;Huez<\/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\/SKPDErtoWWzouBCfdQZKzT-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SKPDErtoWWzouBCfdQZKzT-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;I thought I had it&#8217; \u2013 Riley Pickrell just short of Le Tour de Langkawi opening stage win as he closes out year with Modern Adventure where &#8216;what they sold is exactly what I got&#8217;<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Equally, they were all there on Saturday, waiting patiently as Gimeno spoke to the broadcast media, so they could snatch a moment to celebrate together before he headed to the podium to stand on the top step, in a Kern Pharma jersey which looks set to disappear from the peloton.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-d97dc01c-bf2d-11f1-b0e1-bff338570d77\" 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\/G7zx5vs8TDL26a3EUsgoKJ-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/G7zx5vs8TDL26a3EUsgoKJ-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/G7zx5vs8TDL26a3EUsgoKJ-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/G7zx5vs8TDL26a3EUsgoKJ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/G7zx5vs8TDL26a3EUsgoKJ-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/G7zx5vs8TDL26a3EUsgoKJ-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: Le Tour de Langkawi)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2 id=\"39-the-situation-is-complicated-39-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8216;The situation is complicated&#8217;<\/h2>\n<p id=\"elk-6105e676-bf2f-11f1-8362-a57e900fc279\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The Spanish team has a long history, moving into the ProTeam ranks in 2020 but before that operating as a as a top feeder amateur team, Lizarte. Sports director Jon Armendariz, who was with the team at Le Tour de Langkawi ,has been there since well before the beginnings of its life as a ProTeam as his history with the squad that first came into existence in 1993 extends back 16 years. He started with Lizarte as a rider and then became a sports director.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;We don&#8217;t know anything yet,&#8221; Armendariz told <em>Cyclingnews <\/em>before the winning move was made at the start of stage 7. &#8220;Juanjo, the team manager, is doing a very great job but the situation is complicated for us, and maybe these two stages will be our last stages in this team. We will see.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">It&#8217;s a sobering situation, with the Spanish team shepherding many riders into the pro ranks from both Spain and also beyond. Taiwan&#8217;s Yen Yi Ho is a good example, with the rider who is now racing with the squad at Le Tour de Langkawi having spent this year in the ProTeam, learning the ropes of working within the team dynamics of a European-based squad after coming up the ranks at Equipo Finisher-Kern Pharma through the Giant Grassroots Program.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Then there is the Spanish rider Jorge Guti\u00e9rrez, a 24-year-old who has come up through the Equipo Kern Pharma development pathway before racing with the ProTeam the past three seasons. He had some health problems at the start of the season, but has come to Le Tour de Langkawi with some strong form, building on his tenth overall of last year and eight of 2024. Guti\u00e9rrez is now sitting at sixth on the GC with one stage to go and trying to make the most of the racing in Malaysia, despite the issues surrounding the team.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It&#8217;s a different situation. I&#8217;ve never lived this before,&#8221; Guti\u00e9rrez told <em>Cyclingnews<\/em> ahead of stage 7. &#8220;It&#8217;s not easy, but I have to enjoy every competition day and appreciate how lucky we are as a team to be here.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Guti\u00e9rrez, who is the leading Kern Pharma rider on the overall, said before the penultimate stage that he was still looking for chances to move up higher, but also help his teammates chase opportunities. An hour after we spoke it was one of them, in the form of Gimeno, who capitalised on a big one.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The race is clearly also one that suits Guti\u00e9rrez, given his two finishes within the top ten overall, and even more so this year, with additional climbing thrown in. This time, however, the stakes at this race that plays to his strengths are higher than ever.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I&#8217;m in a dangerous situation because I don&#8217;t have a contract for next year, and I think I&#8217;m doing a good race, a good GC, and also I don&#8217;t have problems helping my teammates for a victory, for staying in a breakaway,&#8221; said Guti\u00e9rrez, &#8220;I hope for next year to have a contract and opportunity to be a cyclist. I love it.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">That hope extends to the team, who earlier in the season gave riders and staff carte blanche to look for employment elsewhere given the situation. But for now, the wheels keep turning as there is a race and season to finish, and only after that will the thoughts of what&#8217;s next be able to fully take over.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;We will come back to to Pamplona to our service course, and and we will see the situation and we&#8217;ll see the best step for next year,&#8221; concluded Guti\u00e9rrez.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">*<em>Cyclingnews attended Le Tour de Langkawi on an invitation\/media package from the race that included travel and accommodation. In line with our editorial standards, our coverage is independent and was not subject to review, approval or influence by the organiser or any sponsor; no favourable coverage was promised or given in return.<\/em><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-d7e1e92c-bf46-11f1-bf3d-b305818039a0\" 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><strong>Join today.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-XDyvMKsMbNE2a7ZiPHEmpD\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-XDyvMKsMbNE2a7ZiPHEmpD slice-container-authorBio\">\n<div class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio slice-container-authorBio\" id=\"slice-container-authorBio\" data-component-name=\"Slice:AuthorBio\">\n<div class=\"author author__default-layout author--separator author--collapsible\" data-author-bio-max-height=\"250\" data-author-bio-read-more=\"Read more\" data-author-bio-read-less=\"Read less\">\n<div class=\"author__header\">\n<div class=\"author__avatar-block\">\n<figure class=\"image-wrapped__wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__widthsetter\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__aspect-padding\">\n<div>\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RUKCQmBBgAFRGkijgpLyah-140-80.jpg.webp 140w\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__heading\">\n<div class=\"author__name\">\n<p>Simone Giuliani<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__social\">\n<nav class=\"button-social-group author__social-buttons\" aria-labelledby=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">\n<div id=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">\nSocial Links Navigation\n<\/div>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__role\">Australia Editor<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>Simone is a degree-qualified journalist that has accumulated decades of wide-ranging experience while working across a variety of leading media organisations. She joined <em>Cyclingnews<\/em> as a Production Editor at the start of the 2021 season and has now moved into the role of Australia Editor. Previously she worked as a freelance writer, Australian Editor at <em>Ella CyclingTips<\/em> and as a correspondent for <em>Reuters<\/em> and <em>Bloomberg<\/em>. Cycling was initially purely a leisure pursuit for Simone, who started out as a business journalist, but in 2015 her career focus also shifted to the sport.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<div class=\"relative max-w-[1070px] viafoura-twig-component mt-6 mx-4 lg:mx-0\" data-component-name=\"Viafoura:Comments\" data-nosnippet data-community-guidelines-text=\"&lt;p class=&apos;vfcustom-community-guidelines&apos;&gt;Please follow our &lt;a href=&quot;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/about\/#section-community-guidelines&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;community guidelines&lt;\/a&gt;.&lt;\/p&gt;\" data-join-the-conversation-text=\"Join the Conversation\">\n<div class=\"absolute top-0 left-0 w-full h-full flex items-center justify-center z-50 bg-white\/90 border-1 rounded-b-[var(--comment-widget-border-radius,0)]\">\n<div class=\"p-2 text-center\">\n<p class=\"mb-3 text-lg!\">You must confirm your public display name before commenting<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-3 text-sm!\">Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<section class=\"mx-2 my-5 sm:mx-0\">\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-adviser:hybrid\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Read more<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dbNHEsVxgH94wr9krggdgU-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dbNHEsVxgH94wr9krggdgU-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dbNHEsVxgH94wr9krggdgU-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dbNHEsVxgH94wr9krggdgU-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dbNHEsVxgH94wr9krggdgU-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;You&#8217;ve got that pressure in your head&#8217; &#8211; Kern Pharma hit final days of Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a in last-ditch battle to continue in 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\/GD5mNwAjUqq84aCkeQfs5d-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GD5mNwAjUqq84aCkeQfs5d-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GD5mNwAjUqq84aCkeQfs5d-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GD5mNwAjUqq84aCkeQfs5d-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GD5mNwAjUqq84aCkeQfs5d-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\">Nil Gimeno snares first professional win at stage 7 of Le Tour de Langkawi to Batu Pahat<\/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\/eUfZgxtATR5sXPCzxJaGcJ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eUfZgxtATR5sXPCzxJaGcJ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eUfZgxtATR5sXPCzxJaGcJ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eUfZgxtATR5sXPCzxJaGcJ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eUfZgxtATR5sXPCzxJaGcJ-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&#8217;ve seen places I never thought I&#8217;d go, let alone on a bike&#8217; \u2013 A year on from the Tour de Langkawi win that sparked British rider Zeb Kyffin&#8217;s Terengganu twist<\/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\/UCc5o7qeEXMN4Tkv4qPf9L-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UCc5o7qeEXMN4Tkv4qPf9L-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UCc5o7qeEXMN4Tkv4qPf9L-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UCc5o7qeEXMN4Tkv4qPf9L-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UCc5o7qeEXMN4Tkv4qPf9L-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;The Tour is daunting, but we&#8217;re in the fight&#8217; &#8211; Tour de France &#8216;newbies&#8217; Caja Rural-Seguros RGA push hard to justify wildcard status<\/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\/6vdna66p5oHAfXVVpGRvBP-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6vdna66p5oHAfXVVpGRvBP-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6vdna66p5oHAfXVVpGRvBP-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6vdna66p5oHAfXVVpGRvBP-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6vdna66p5oHAfXVVpGRvBP-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;Nerve-wracking right to the end&#8217; \u2013 How Richard Carapaz and EF Education-EasyPost hit the Tour de France jackpot on Alpe d&#8217;Huez<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SKPDErtoWWzouBCfdQZKzT-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SKPDErtoWWzouBCfdQZKzT-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SKPDErtoWWzouBCfdQZKzT-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SKPDErtoWWzouBCfdQZKzT-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SKPDErtoWWzouBCfdQZKzT-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I thought I had it&#8217; \u2013 Riley Pickrell just short of Le Tour de Langkawi opening stage win as he closes out year with Modern Adventure where &#8216;what they sold is exactly what I got&#8217;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-category\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Racing<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bWZujxNJqT4j6JtCd9AbG4-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bWZujxNJqT4j6JtCd9AbG4-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bWZujxNJqT4j6JtCd9AbG4-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bWZujxNJqT4j6JtCd9AbG4-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bWZujxNJqT4j6JtCd9AbG4-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">The race within the race \u2013 Pride and purpose fuel chase for top spots in Best Asian Rider category at Le Tour de Langkawi<\/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\/wQZQuQnYJYa6cHXpP6YiT8-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wQZQuQnYJYa6cHXpP6YiT8-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wQZQuQnYJYa6cHXpP6YiT8-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wQZQuQnYJYa6cHXpP6YiT8-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wQZQuQnYJYa6cHXpP6YiT8-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I was never worried about anything&#8217; &#8211; Vollering converts Dutch dominance into yet more championships success in Slovenia<\/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\/eDzkXgD7awETKXVFC5iRbD-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eDzkXgD7awETKXVFC5iRbD-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eDzkXgD7awETKXVFC5iRbD-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eDzkXgD7awETKXVFC5iRbD-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eDzkXgD7awETKXVFC5iRbD-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\">UEC European Championships: Azzura Ballan masters a four woman sprint to take the Junior Women&#8217;s title<\/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\/8AfgonLXMFMM8t97PUerG3-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8AfgonLXMFMM8t97PUerG3-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8AfgonLXMFMM8t97PUerG3-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8AfgonLXMFMM8t97PUerG3-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8AfgonLXMFMM8t97PUerG3-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Lennart Jasch declares arrival as GC force with Le Tour de Langkawi overall victory, Matteo Malucelli claims stage 8 sprint to deliver three stage wins for 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\/eJeYsHewuaeqtqp8m5LQ8V-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eJeYsHewuaeqtqp8m5LQ8V-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eJeYsHewuaeqtqp8m5LQ8V-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eJeYsHewuaeqtqp8m5LQ8V-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eJeYsHewuaeqtqp8m5LQ8V-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\">Jenny Rissveds and Luca Martin secure 2026 Mountain Bike World Series overall cross-country titles<\/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\/V7TaDg6WpsAtnQZMFGgXNK-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/V7TaDg6WpsAtnQZMFGgXNK-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/V7TaDg6WpsAtnQZMFGgXNK-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/V7TaDg6WpsAtnQZMFGgXNK-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/V7TaDg6WpsAtnQZMFGgXNK-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\">Cholet Agglo Tour: Jenthe Biermans wins from break after massive pull from teammate Bryan Coquard<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-articletype\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in News<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bWZujxNJqT4j6JtCd9AbG4-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bWZujxNJqT4j6JtCd9AbG4-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bWZujxNJqT4j6JtCd9AbG4-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bWZujxNJqT4j6JtCd9AbG4-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bWZujxNJqT4j6JtCd9AbG4-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">The race within the race \u2013 Pride and purpose fuel chase for top spots in Best Asian Rider category at Le Tour de Langkawi<\/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\/wQZQuQnYJYa6cHXpP6YiT8-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wQZQuQnYJYa6cHXpP6YiT8-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wQZQuQnYJYa6cHXpP6YiT8-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wQZQuQnYJYa6cHXpP6YiT8-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wQZQuQnYJYa6cHXpP6YiT8-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I was never worried about anything&#8217; &#8211; Vollering converts Dutch dominance into yet more championships success in Slovenia<\/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\/eJeYsHewuaeqtqp8m5LQ8V-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eJeYsHewuaeqtqp8m5LQ8V-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eJeYsHewuaeqtqp8m5LQ8V-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eJeYsHewuaeqtqp8m5LQ8V-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eJeYsHewuaeqtqp8m5LQ8V-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\">Jenny Rissveds and Luca Martin secure 2026 Mountain Bike World Series overall cross-country titles<\/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\/25mUggSXJWWhw9aA2MXdrV-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/25mUggSXJWWhw9aA2MXdrV-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/25mUggSXJWWhw9aA2MXdrV-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/25mUggSXJWWhw9aA2MXdrV-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/25mUggSXJWWhw9aA2MXdrV-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Rookie mistake&#8217; leaves Elisa Longo Borghini outside the medals in the women\u2019s elite road race at the European Road 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\/eUfZgxtATR5sXPCzxJaGcJ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eUfZgxtATR5sXPCzxJaGcJ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eUfZgxtATR5sXPCzxJaGcJ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eUfZgxtATR5sXPCzxJaGcJ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eUfZgxtATR5sXPCzxJaGcJ-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&#8217;ve seen places I never thought I&#8217;d go, let alone on a bike&#8217; \u2013 A year on from the Tour de Langkawi win that sparked British rider Zeb Kyffin&#8217;s Terengganu twist<\/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\/xTHwnyBTu238SiDWq3KnKk-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xTHwnyBTu238SiDWq3KnKk-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xTHwnyBTu238SiDWq3KnKk-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xTHwnyBTu238SiDWq3KnKk-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xTHwnyBTu238SiDWq3KnKk-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\">USA gets another UCI race as Battenkill returns to pro calendar<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"widgetArea17\" class=\"widget-area md:basis-1\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-1-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-1-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-1-3 page-widget-area-17\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"dynamic\" id=\"popular-data\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-dynamic widget-popular-data widget-dynamic-popular-data widget-dynamic-fter-popular-box\">\n<div class=\"wdn-fte-pb pos-relative space-t20\n\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"slice-container popular-box-slice\">\n<section class=\"popular-box\" data-component-name=\"Slice:PopularBox\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label__tab popular-box__label__tab--active\" role=\"heading\">\nLATEST ARTICLES\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<ol class=\"popular-box__articles-list popular-box__articles-list--active\">\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__image-wrapper\">\n<div>\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wQZQuQnYJYa6cHXpP6YiT8-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wQZQuQnYJYa6cHXpP6YiT8-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wQZQuQnYJYa6cHXpP6YiT8-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wQZQuQnYJYa6cHXpP6YiT8-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"99vw\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">1<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>&#8216;I was never worried about anything&#8217; &#8211; Vollering converts Dutch dominance into yet more championships success in Slovenia<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">2<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>UEC European Championships: Azzura Ballan masters a four woman sprint to take the Junior Women&#8217;s title<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">3<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>&#8216;Rookie mistake&#8217; leaves Elisa Longo Borghini outside the medals in the women\u2019s elite road race at the European Road Championships<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">4<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>Lennart Jasch declares arrival as GC force with Le Tour de Langkawi overall victory, Matteo Malucelli claims stage 8 sprint to deliver three stage wins for 2026<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">5<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>Jenny Rissveds and Luca Martin secure 2026 Mountain Bike World Series overall cross-country titles<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRacing\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRoad\n<\/li>\n<li>\nLe Tour de Langkawi\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>&#8216;We are a family, and it&#8217;s really sad&#8217; \u2013 Nil Gimeno delivers a first win at Le Tour de Langkawi but it could well be Kern Pharma&#8217;s last<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"vds-byline-block flex flex-row flex-nowrap my-1.5 gap-2 text-left items-start justify-start\" data-component-name=\"Article:BylineBlock\">\n<p>News<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-auto vds-simple-byline\"><span class=\"inline-block vds-author\"><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nSimone Giuliani <\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex gap-1 vds-byline-with-avatar__meta\"><span class=\"vds-date block font-normal tracking-normal normal-case text-xs\"><br \/>\nPublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-10-03T16:24:01Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n3 October 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Question marks over future of Spanish ProTeam beyond the end of this season remain, raising prospect that the Malaysian race could be the last tour for the long running squad<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"text-gray-700 flex items-center mx-0 my-5 p-0 justify-start text-left\" id=\"affiliate-disclaimer\" data-component-name=\"AffiliateDisclaimer\" data-hawk-message=\"Affiliate disclaimer removed because hawk deemed there are no affiliate links on this page\">\n<p class=\"text-[color:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--text-color,inherit)] mb-2 text-[length:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--font-size,0.75rem)] leading-[18px] md:text-[13px] [&amp;&gt;a]:text-inherit [&amp;&gt;a]:underline\">\nWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here\u2019s how it works.\n<\/p>\n<\/aside>\n<\/header>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\"text-copy bodyCopy auto paywall-locker\">\n<div data-analytics-id=\"utility-bar\" id=\"utility-bar\" class=\"font-ui-heading flex justify-between items-center py-2 border-t border-b border-gray-300 border-solid mb-5 mx-auto\" data-component-name=\"UtilityBar\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"utility-bar\">\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div data-component-name=\"Social:Dropdown\" role=\"menu\" id=\"utilitybar__dropdown--share\" aria-labelledby=\"utilitybar__button--share\" class=\"absolute left-0 top-full w-44 bg-white rounded-md shadow-md border border-neutral-200 z-[9996] list-none m-0 py-2 px-3 border-solid\">\n<ul class=\"m-0!\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Facebook<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>X<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Pinterest<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Email<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-share-this-article\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nShare this article\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\"><span class=\"ml-1 inline-flex h-5 px-2 shrink-0 items-center justify-center self-center overflow-hidden whitespace-nowrap rounded-[10px] bg-primary-500 text-[11px] leading-none font-ui-heading font-semibold text-white\">0<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-join-the-conversation\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nJoin the conversation\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<p>Follow us<\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-add-us-as-a-preferred-source-on-google\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nAdd us as a preferred source on Google\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-subscribe-to-our-newsletter\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nSubscribe to our newsletter\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-426e6fc0-bf2b-11f1-a894-4fc407a27097\">A first win always means a lot, though somehow this one seems like it may mean that bit more, as when Nil Gimeno took his victory on stage 7 of Le Tour de Langkawi it was not just a beginning, but also potentially an end.<\/p>\n<p>It was announced earlier this year that the Equipo Kern Pharma&#8217;s main sponsor would be withdrawing at the end of the year, and while the search has long been on to find a new one, there has yet to be any good news announced. Sometimes the old adage that no news is good news doesn&#8217;t ring true.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-426e6fc0-bf2b-11f1-a894-4fc407a27097-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">That means while the glee that the win had come for the 22-year-old Gimeno was written all over his face, so was the emotion when he contemplated what may be ahead for the squad where he built the foundation of his cycling career.<\/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&#8217;m really, really happy to achieve this with this team,&#8221; Gimeno told <em>Cyclingnews<\/em> after going to podium in Batu Pahat to celebrate his win. &#8220;They&#8217;ve been really, really, really good with me, and also with all the riders. They care so much about us.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;These two years, they believed in me all the time. I had tough moments because pro cycling is really, really hard most of the time, and they were always there supporting me, saying to me that I have to believe in myself. And even though they are having a really, really bad moment now, I just want to say thank you to Juanjo [Jos\u00e9 Oroz, team manager] and Iosune [Murillo, coach], to all the staff members, to the riders.<\/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\/dbNHEsVxgH94wr9krggdgU-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dbNHEsVxgH94wr9krggdgU-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;You&#8217;ve got that pressure in your head&#8217; &#8211; Kern Pharma hit final days of Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a in last-ditch battle to continue in 2027<\/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\/GD5mNwAjUqq84aCkeQfs5d-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GD5mNwAjUqq84aCkeQfs5d-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\">Nil Gimeno snares first professional win at stage 7 of Le Tour de Langkawi to Batu Pahat<\/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\/eUfZgxtATR5sXPCzxJaGcJ-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eUfZgxtATR5sXPCzxJaGcJ-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;I&#8217;ve seen places I never thought I&#8217;d go, let alone on a bike&#8217; \u2013 A year on from the Tour de Langkawi win that sparked British rider Zeb Kyffin&#8217;s Terengganu twist<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;We are a family, and it&#8217;s really sad that the team don&#8217;t have any sponsor now, and we are doing everything we can to achieve that.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The support and camaraderie among the squad at the Tour de Langkawi was clearly visible in the scenes on the road in recent days, both when things were good, on Saturday, and not so good after Wednesday&#8217;s stage 4. That was the day Gimeno had marked out as the one for him, and after third last year on the final stage he was determined to try and fight for more this time.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-XDyvMKsMbNE2a7ZiPHEmpD\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-XDyvMKsMbNE2a7ZiPHEmpD slice-container-newsletterForm\">\n<div data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"newsletter-form__wrapper newsletter-form__wrapper--inbodyContent\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__container\">\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__top-bar\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__header\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__main-section\">\n<p class=\"newsletter-form__strapline\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<footer class=\"newsletter-form__footer \">By submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.<\/footer>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">It started off well, he&#8217;d made the break and it looked like it was going to last but the rider, who knows how to deliver in a reduced group sprint, just fell short of making it to the line with the group of three to unfurl it.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I did not have the best day, so I was really, really disappointed because it was a climb that treated me really good, and I did everything bad. I just was not there, so I was really, really sad,&#8221; said Gimeno.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">That was clear as he sat on the road after the line, with slumped shoulders and head, but his team rallied around, quietly offering moral support, an arm around the shoulder, a comforting word and watchful sympathetic eyes.<\/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\/UCc5o7qeEXMN4Tkv4qPf9L-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UCc5o7qeEXMN4Tkv4qPf9L-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;The Tour is daunting, but we&#8217;re in the fight&#8217; &#8211; Tour de France &#8216;newbies&#8217; Caja Rural-Seguros RGA push hard to justify wildcard status<\/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\/6vdna66p5oHAfXVVpGRvBP-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6vdna66p5oHAfXVVpGRvBP-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;Nerve-wracking right to the end&#8217; \u2013 How Richard Carapaz and EF Education-EasyPost hit the Tour de France jackpot on Alpe d&#8217;Huez<\/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\/SKPDErtoWWzouBCfdQZKzT-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SKPDErtoWWzouBCfdQZKzT-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;I thought I had it&#8217; \u2013 Riley Pickrell just short of Le Tour de Langkawi opening stage win as he closes out year with Modern Adventure where &#8216;what they sold is exactly what I got&#8217;<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Equally, they were all there on Saturday, waiting patiently as Gimeno spoke to the broadcast media, so they could snatch a moment to celebrate together before he headed to the podium to stand on the top step, in a Kern Pharma jersey which looks set to disappear from the peloton.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-d97dc01c-bf2d-11f1-b0e1-bff338570d77\" 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\/G7zx5vs8TDL26a3EUsgoKJ-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/G7zx5vs8TDL26a3EUsgoKJ-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/G7zx5vs8TDL26a3EUsgoKJ-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/G7zx5vs8TDL26a3EUsgoKJ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/G7zx5vs8TDL26a3EUsgoKJ-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/G7zx5vs8TDL26a3EUsgoKJ-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: Le Tour de Langkawi)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2 id=\"39-the-situation-is-complicated-39-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8216;The situation is complicated&#8217;<\/h2>\n<p id=\"elk-6105e676-bf2f-11f1-8362-a57e900fc279\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The Spanish team has a long history, moving into the ProTeam ranks in 2020 but before that operating as a as a top feeder amateur team, Lizarte. Sports director Jon Armendariz, who was with the team at Le Tour de Langkawi ,has been there since well before the beginnings of its life as a ProTeam as his history with the squad that first came into existence in 1993 extends back 16 years. He started with Lizarte as a rider and then became a sports director.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;We don&#8217;t know anything yet,&#8221; Armendariz told <em>Cyclingnews <\/em>before the winning move was made at the start of stage 7. &#8220;Juanjo, the team manager, is doing a very great job but the situation is complicated for us, and maybe these two stages will be our last stages in this team. We will see.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">It&#8217;s a sobering situation, with the Spanish team shepherding many riders into the pro ranks from both Spain and also beyond. Taiwan&#8217;s Yen Yi Ho is a good example, with the rider who is now racing with the squad at Le Tour de Langkawi having spent this year in the ProTeam, learning the ropes of working within the team dynamics of a European-based squad after coming up the ranks at Equipo Finisher-Kern Pharma through the Giant Grassroots Program.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Then there is the Spanish rider Jorge Guti\u00e9rrez, a 24-year-old who has come up through the Equipo Kern Pharma development pathway before racing with the ProTeam the past three seasons. He had some health problems at the start of the season, but has come to Le Tour de Langkawi with some strong form, building on his tenth overall of last year and eight of 2024. Guti\u00e9rrez is now sitting at sixth on the GC with one stage to go and trying to make the most of the racing in Malaysia, despite the issues surrounding the team.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It&#8217;s a different situation. I&#8217;ve never lived this before,&#8221; Guti\u00e9rrez told <em>Cyclingnews<\/em> ahead of stage 7. &#8220;It&#8217;s not easy, but I have to enjoy every competition day and appreciate how lucky we are as a team to be here.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Guti\u00e9rrez, who is the leading Kern Pharma rider on the overall, said before the penultimate stage that he was still looking for chances to move up higher, but also help his teammates chase opportunities. An hour after we spoke it was one of them, in the form of Gimeno, who capitalised on a big one.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The race is clearly also one that suits Guti\u00e9rrez, given his two finishes within the top ten overall, and even more so this year, with additional climbing thrown in. This time, however, the stakes at this race that plays to his strengths are higher than ever.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I&#8217;m in a dangerous situation because I don&#8217;t have a contract for next year, and I think I&#8217;m doing a good race, a good GC, and also I don&#8217;t have problems helping my teammates for a victory, for staying in a breakaway,&#8221; said Guti\u00e9rrez, &#8220;I hope for next year to have a contract and opportunity to be a cyclist. I love it.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">That hope extends to the team, who earlier in the season gave riders and staff carte blanche to look for employment elsewhere given the situation. But for now, the wheels keep turning as there is a race and season to finish, and only after that will the thoughts of what&#8217;s next be able to fully take over.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;We will come back to to Pamplona to our service course, and and we will see the situation and we&#8217;ll see the best step for next year,&#8221; concluded Guti\u00e9rrez.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">*<em>Cyclingnews attended Le Tour de Langkawi on an invitation\/media package from the race that included travel and accommodation. In line with our editorial standards, our coverage is independent and was not subject to review, approval or influence by the organiser or any sponsor; no favourable coverage was promised or given in return.<\/em><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-d7e1e92c-bf46-11f1-bf3d-b305818039a0\" 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><strong>Join today.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/racing\/we-are-a-family-and-its-really-sad-nil-gimeno-delivers-a-first-win-at-le-tour-de-langkawi-but-it-could-well-be-kern-pharmas-last\/&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/C45TqwB7ixfiqAsgXdYFqH-2000-80.jpg&#8221;] 1 &#8216;We&#8217;ll show people we can train in short sleeves all year round&#8217; \u2013 Why the first-ever Vuelta a las Islas Canarias stage race is finally happening next January 2 &#8216;The world caves in on you&#8217; &#8211; Ion Izagirre reflects on broken wrist injury that wrecked end of 17-year career 3 &#8216;I&#8217;ve [&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-2178561","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\/2178561","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=2178561"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2178561\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2178561"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=2178561"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=2178561"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}