{"id":2187490,"date":"2026-10-08T12:49:12","date_gmt":"2026-10-08T09:49:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2187490"},"modified":"2026-10-08T12:49:12","modified_gmt":"2026-10-08T09:49:12","slug":"isaac-del-toro-reveals-mystery-knee-pain-ahead-of-trying-to-defend-pogacars-il-lombardia-streak-alongside-world-champion-brandon-mcnulty-for-uae","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2187490","title":{"rendered":"Isaac del Toro reveals mystery knee pain ahead of trying to defend Poga\u010dar&#8217;s Il Lombardia streak alongside World Champion Brandon McNulty for UAE"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KSqpBGMqZoj78dyjy7vT9c-2560-80.jpg&#8221;]<\/p>\n<article class=\"m-0 box-border flex flex-row items-center pr-2.5 gap-[15px] w-[278px] h-20 flex-none upnext-article-divider\" role=\"listitem\" aria-label=\"Recommended article 1 of 3\">\n<div class=\"relative flex-none w-20 h-20\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FFbuw6kBv6RkLDMWxnc7y7-160-80.jpg.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FFbuw6kBv6RkLDMWxnc7y7-80-80.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                                    Some big absentees, but plenty of quality and a favourite with a question mark \u2013 Analysing the European Championships men&#8217;s road race contenders\n                                <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"m-0 box-border flex flex-row items-center pr-2.5 gap-[15px] w-[278px] h-20 flex-none upnext-article-divider\" role=\"listitem\" aria-label=\"Recommended article 2 of 3\">\n<div class=\"relative flex-none w-20 h-20\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hM6eqBnG4UJXcLPbpjxDfV-160-80.jpg.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hM6eqBnG4UJXcLPbpjxDfV-80-80.jpg.webp 80w\" sizes=\"80px\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex items-center justify-center absolute w-[18px] h-6 left-0 top-0 bg-white\/90 flex-none z-[1]\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"font-normal text-base leading-[17px] tracking-[1.3px] uppercase text-black flex-none\">2<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex flex-col items-center justify-center gap-1.5 w-[173px] h-20 flex-none\">\n<p class=\"font-article-heading font-medium text-base leading-[21px] text-gray-800 w-[173px] line-clamp-3 group-hover:underline\">\n                                    &#8216;Perhaps it will wear off and I will go back to suffering&#8217; \u2013 World Champion Brandon McNulty still riding high as he makes impressive start to rainbow jersey reign\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\/JNZastQiZyHcp9fHvQJnwm-160-80.jpg.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JNZastQiZyHcp9fHvQJnwm-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                                    Evenepoel and Del Toro the favourites, but Il Lombardia is wide open \u2013 Analysing the contenders\n                                <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"page-content-onecol flex-1\nnews-article article\n\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"widget-area-group widget-area-group-2col flex flex-wrap box-border\">\n<div id=\"widgetArea16\" class=\"widget-area basis-full md:basis-2\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-2-3 page-widget-area-16\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"hero\" id=\"hero\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-hero widget-hero widget-hero-hero widget-hero widget-hero-fter-news\">\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRacing\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRoad\n<\/li>\n<li>\nIl Lombardia\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>Isaac del Toro reveals mystery knee pain ahead of trying to defend Poga\u010dar&#8217;s Il Lombardia streak alongside World Champion Brandon McNulty for UAE<\/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 \/>\nJames Moultrie <\/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=\"2026-10-08T12:49:12Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n8 October 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Mexican star says &#8216;After the travel, I started to have some troubles. I don&#8217;t know why&#8217; before Gran Piemonte on Thursday<\/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\/KSqpBGMqZoj78dyjy7vT9c-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KSqpBGMqZoj78dyjy7vT9c-1600-80.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KSqpBGMqZoj78dyjy7vT9c-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KSqpBGMqZoj78dyjy7vT9c-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KSqpBGMqZoj78dyjy7vT9c-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KSqpBGMqZoj78dyjy7vT9c-750-80.jpg.webp 750w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KSqpBGMqZoj78dyjy7vT9c-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KSqpBGMqZoj78dyjy7vT9c-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KSqpBGMqZoj78dyjy7vT9c-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 600px, 100vw\" \/><figcaption class=\"font-article-copy text-(--image--text--color) font-article-copy mt-2\"><span class=\"credit font-article-copy\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\"text-copy bodyCopy auto paywall-locker\">\n<div data-analytics-id=\"utility-bar\" id=\"utility-bar\" class=\"font-ui-heading flex justify-between items-center py-2 border-t border-b border-gray-300 border-solid mb-5 mx-auto\" data-component-name=\"UtilityBar\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"utility-bar\">\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div data-component-name=\"Social:Dropdown\" role=\"menu\" id=\"utilitybar__dropdown--share\" aria-labelledby=\"utilitybar__button--share\" class=\"absolute left-0 top-full w-44 bg-white rounded-md shadow-md border border-neutral-200 z-[9996] list-none m-0 py-2 px-3 border-solid\">\n<ul class=\"m-0!\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Facebook<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>X<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Pinterest<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Email<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-share-this-article\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nShare this article\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\"><span class=\"ml-1 inline-flex h-5 px-2 shrink-0 items-center justify-center self-center overflow-hidden whitespace-nowrap rounded-[10px] bg-primary-500 text-[11px] leading-none font-ui-heading font-semibold text-white\">1<\/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-81f96e46-c314-11f1-851b-39ae3f48071c\">Despite going without their talisman Tadej Poga\u010dar for the final Monument of the season at Il Lombardia, UAE Team Emirates-XRG will still be starting with one of the strongest lineups, led by new World Champion Brandon McNulty and Mexican star Isaac del Toro.<\/p>\n<p>The latter was fifth on debut last season, while the US rider hasn&#8217;t raced the Autumn Classic since 2021, when he supported the Slovenian en route to his first of five consecutive wins, matching Fausto Coppi&#8217;s 72-year-old record just 12 months ago.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-81f96e46-c314-11f1-851b-39ae3f48071c-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">With a stacked start list to contend with if they are to maintain the team&#8217;s run of victories, UAE are also bringing former podium finisher Adam Yates to the start, alongside Jan Christen, Felix Gro\u00dfschartner, Domen Novak, and Pavel Sivakov.<\/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\">Their main rivals will include Remco Evenepoel, Primo\u017e Rogli\u010d (both Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe), Tom Pidcock (Pinarello Q36.5), Paul Seixas (Decathlon CMA CGM), Giulio Ciccone (Lidl-Trek), Ben Healy (EF Education-EasyPost), and Matteo Jorgenson (Visma-Lease a Bike).<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;We go into Lombardia as defending champions and we\u2019ll have a clear goal to keep that title. The team is very strong and we have many options for victory,&#8221; said Del Toro on the UAE team&#8217;s website.<\/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\/xxgC9wzLX7ZbEM7HtWL3Ta-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xxgC9wzLX7ZbEM7HtWL3Ta-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\">Is Isaac del Toro the new favourite for the World Championships? He says no but the road may say differently<\/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\/S2mGx58FnQsZuip3eugE3Q-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/S2mGx58FnQsZuip3eugE3Q-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;We&#8217;ve kept motivating each other&#8217; &#8211; Isaac del Toro tightens grip on Tour de France podium as UAE Team Emirates bounce back from illness<\/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\/ptqxGrewLcgBWNyevv5s8c-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ptqxGrewLcgBWNyevv5s8c-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\">Isaac del Toro announces himself as rainbow jersey favourite with Grand Prix de Montr\u00e9al victory<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Obviously Brandon is flying in the rainbows at the moment and personally I\u2019m in good form also. The key will be to have numbers as deep into the race as possible and then play our cards on the road.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;We have a good feeling in the group and understand each other well, so it puts us in a strong position from the start. The rest will depend on the rivals.&#8221;<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-sHrxtcsDY2ios2Y6ZxUE9R\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-sHrxtcsDY2ios2Y6ZxUE9R 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\">Since Worlds, McNulty has brought his rainbow jersey to life with impressive, attacking performances at the Giro dell&#8217;Emilia, Coppa Agostoni, and Tre Valli Varesine, finishing 10th, second, and 23rd. And while he had been feeling the effects of his stunning solo win in Montreal, Del Toro&#8217;s presence makes the opportunistic attack late in the finale just as possible as it was in Canada \u2013 but nothing can represent more of a target on one&#8217;s back than the rainbow jersey itself.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">But unfortunately for team boss Mauro Gianetti&#8217;s men, they have one small issue in the form of an unknown knee problem for Del Toro, which he revealed at the start of Gran Piemonte on Thursday morning. It should become clear after the 185km 1.Pro race whether or not he has been significantly affected, hoping to carry the form which saw him attack Worlds as one of the main aggressors, eventually finishing fifth behind his trade teammate.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;[I&#8217;m] good, battling with the jet lag and also the knee pain, but hopefully now we will be OK. So let&#8217;s see how the legs are, and of course we try to do our best today,&#8221; Del Toro told CyclingProNet at the start in Asti.<\/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\/nHPZFm7QVt4RPtEsxQSzjL-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nHPZFm7QVt4RPtEsxQSzjL-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;Either I crash myself, or I go into Tadej&#8217; \u2013 Isaac del Toro takes a tumble for his leader but gets instant payback as &#8216;insane&#8217; Poga\u010dar works for him on Tour de France summit finish<\/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\/JNZastQiZyHcp9fHvQJnwm-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JNZastQiZyHcp9fHvQJnwm-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\">Evenepoel and Del Toro the favourites, but Il Lombardia is wide open \u2013 Analysing the contenders<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-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\/zDZrFnSRiNsxLjXjzY3jHj-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zDZrFnSRiNsxLjXjzY3jHj-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;To practice and get better naturally&#8217; &#8211; Isaac del Toro shows consistency in men&#8217;s elite time trial at Road World Championships despite flatter course<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Asked to clarify the knee issues, he said: &#8220;[It hurts] a little bit, I don&#8217;t know why. After the travel, I started to have some troubles \u2013 I had the same bike, same shoes, same everything, but I don&#8217;t know \u2013 just let&#8217;s see how I am and, of course, in the race, hopefully I feel good and can do my job.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I need to play alongside Johnny [Narv\u00e1ez] and Brandon [McNulty]; they both are flying on these types of parcours. Of course we need to play the cards well, and I need to be alongside them, but we&#8217;ll see how the race develops and well try to do it.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">22-year-old Del Toro extended his contract with UAE earlier this year until the end of 2031, signalling him as the Emirati squad&#8217;s long-term leader after Poga\u010dar, and after two incredible opening years on cycling&#8217;s best team, he has only kicked on to bigger and better things in 2026.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">He&#8217;s managed GC victories at the UAE Tour, Tirreno-Adriatico, and the Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes, took third on GC on debut at the Tour de France \u2013 while supporting the Slovenian to overall victory, and has won the GP de Montreal. Del Toro is expected to fill Poga\u010dar&#8217;s shoes when he eventually winds down his career, and he will have an early chance to taste some of that ultimate responsibility this weekend, as long as this knee pain doesn&#8217;t turn into a bigger issue.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-81f96f54-c314-11f1-9c30-6bc4550cadc6\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><em><strong>Subscribe to Cyclingnews for comprehensive race coverage of the UCI Gravel World Championships, alongside the final Monument of the season, Il Lombardia. Subscribers get unlimited access to exclusive analysis from our expert columnists, in-depth features and industry-leading tech insight. Plus, the Cyclingnews app lets you follow the action wherever you go! <\/strong><\/em><u><em><strong>Join today.<\/strong><\/em><\/u><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-sHrxtcsDY2ios2Y6ZxUE9R\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-sHrxtcsDY2ios2Y6ZxUE9R 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\/5kc8nsofmMWAQECTbzYYw9-140-80.jpg.webp 140w\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__heading\">\n<div class=\"author__name\">\n<p>James Moultrie<\/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\">News Writer<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>James Moultrie is a gold-standard NCTJ journalist who joined\u00a0Cyclingnews\u00a0as a News Writer in 2023 after originally contributing as a freelancer for eight months, during which time he also wrote for Eurosport, Rouleur and Cycling Weekly. Prior to joining the team he reported on races such as Paris-Roubaix and the Giro d\u2019Italia Donne for Eurosport and has interviewed some of the sport\u2019s top riders in Chlo\u00e9 Dygert, Lizzie Deignan and Wout van Aert. Outside of cycling, he spends the majority of his time watching other sports \u2013 rugby, football, cricket, and American Football to name a few.<\/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\/xxgC9wzLX7ZbEM7HtWL3Ta-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xxgC9wzLX7ZbEM7HtWL3Ta-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xxgC9wzLX7ZbEM7HtWL3Ta-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xxgC9wzLX7ZbEM7HtWL3Ta-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xxgC9wzLX7ZbEM7HtWL3Ta-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\">Is Isaac del Toro the new favourite for the World Championships? He says no but the road may say differently<\/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\/S2mGx58FnQsZuip3eugE3Q-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/S2mGx58FnQsZuip3eugE3Q-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/S2mGx58FnQsZuip3eugE3Q-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/S2mGx58FnQsZuip3eugE3Q-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/S2mGx58FnQsZuip3eugE3Q-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;We&#8217;ve kept motivating each other&#8217; &#8211; Isaac del Toro tightens grip on Tour de France podium as UAE Team Emirates bounce back from illness<\/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\/ptqxGrewLcgBWNyevv5s8c-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ptqxGrewLcgBWNyevv5s8c-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ptqxGrewLcgBWNyevv5s8c-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ptqxGrewLcgBWNyevv5s8c-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ptqxGrewLcgBWNyevv5s8c-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\">Isaac del Toro announces himself as rainbow jersey favourite with Grand Prix de Montr\u00e9al victory<\/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\/nHPZFm7QVt4RPtEsxQSzjL-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nHPZFm7QVt4RPtEsxQSzjL-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nHPZFm7QVt4RPtEsxQSzjL-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nHPZFm7QVt4RPtEsxQSzjL-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nHPZFm7QVt4RPtEsxQSzjL-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;Either I crash myself, or I go into Tadej&#8217; \u2013 Isaac del Toro takes a tumble for his leader but gets instant payback as &#8216;insane&#8217; Poga\u010dar works for him on Tour de France summit finish<\/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\/JNZastQiZyHcp9fHvQJnwm-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JNZastQiZyHcp9fHvQJnwm-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JNZastQiZyHcp9fHvQJnwm-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JNZastQiZyHcp9fHvQJnwm-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JNZastQiZyHcp9fHvQJnwm-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\">Evenepoel and Del Toro the favourites, but Il Lombardia is wide open \u2013 Analysing the contenders<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zDZrFnSRiNsxLjXjzY3jHj-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zDZrFnSRiNsxLjXjzY3jHj-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zDZrFnSRiNsxLjXjzY3jHj-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zDZrFnSRiNsxLjXjzY3jHj-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zDZrFnSRiNsxLjXjzY3jHj-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\">Pro Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;To practice and get better naturally&#8217; &#8211; Isaac del Toro shows consistency in men&#8217;s elite time trial at Road World Championships despite flatter course<\/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\/GR8hMnz74quLVEPKFXZdum-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GR8hMnz74quLVEPKFXZdum-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GR8hMnz74quLVEPKFXZdum-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GR8hMnz74quLVEPKFXZdum-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GR8hMnz74quLVEPKFXZdum-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\">Tour of Chongming Island: Lorena Wiebes storms to 21st victory of the season on stage 1<\/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\/7iX94Fdss4cwAXSPUHLmqE-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7iX94Fdss4cwAXSPUHLmqE-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7iX94Fdss4cwAXSPUHLmqE-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7iX94Fdss4cwAXSPUHLmqE-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7iX94Fdss4cwAXSPUHLmqE-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\">Pro Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;They are going to be hard to beat for sure&#8217; \u2013 Marianne Vos toes the line against a field packed with discipline specialists at the UCI Gravel World Championships<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VCpi4LX6sGpiB4VEJU2HEF-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VCpi4LX6sGpiB4VEJU2HEF-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VCpi4LX6sGpiB4VEJU2HEF-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VCpi4LX6sGpiB4VEJU2HEF-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VCpi4LX6sGpiB4VEJU2HEF-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\">Three course features that could be make or break at the UCI Gravel World Championships in Nannup<\/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\/AHayJhLU9j3qGgLTrjwbCX-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AHayJhLU9j3qGgLTrjwbCX-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AHayJhLU9j3qGgLTrjwbCX-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AHayJhLU9j3qGgLTrjwbCX-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AHayJhLU9j3qGgLTrjwbCX-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Six-day American Criterium Cup summer schedule confirmed for 2027 while USA CRITS taking shape for spring &#8211; North American Roundup<\/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\/JNZastQiZyHcp9fHvQJnwm-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JNZastQiZyHcp9fHvQJnwm-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JNZastQiZyHcp9fHvQJnwm-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JNZastQiZyHcp9fHvQJnwm-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JNZastQiZyHcp9fHvQJnwm-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\">Evenepoel and Del Toro the favourites, but Il Lombardia is wide open \u2013 Analysing the contenders<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YVRk57PzuHNFMtZzbZVimn-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YVRk57PzuHNFMtZzbZVimn-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YVRk57PzuHNFMtZzbZVimn-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YVRk57PzuHNFMtZzbZVimn-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YVRk57PzuHNFMtZzbZVimn-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">A rare return to unpredictability as no Tadej Poga\u010dar at Il Lombardia opens the door to the same anarchy as Worlds \u2013 Analysis<\/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\/BeqSRtAgGQv26oXLCwLUKW-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BeqSRtAgGQv26oXLCwLUKW-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BeqSRtAgGQv26oXLCwLUKW-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BeqSRtAgGQv26oXLCwLUKW-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BeqSRtAgGQv26oXLCwLUKW-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Transfers<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Lidl-Trek announce early departure of Giulio Ciccone on eve of final race together at Il Lombardia<\/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\/x8GLYyjaz7KKEftEVKyh2m-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/x8GLYyjaz7KKEftEVKyh2m-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/x8GLYyjaz7KKEftEVKyh2m-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/x8GLYyjaz7KKEftEVKyh2m-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/x8GLYyjaz7KKEftEVKyh2m-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;m here to just go all-out and race without any regret&#8217; \u2013 Florian Vermeersch prepared for Gravel Worlds title defence<\/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\/iPZrguHRjpC8DMxf4azMLe-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iPZrguHRjpC8DMxf4azMLe-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iPZrguHRjpC8DMxf4azMLe-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iPZrguHRjpC8DMxf4azMLe-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iPZrguHRjpC8DMxf4azMLe-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\">Helmets<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">The fastest road helmet we&#8217;ve ever tested has dropped by up to 40% \u2013 Save watts and money at the same time with this Sigma Sports deal<\/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\/LgndAsuc5KQLuYvN4qpPqe-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LgndAsuc5KQLuYvN4qpPqe-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LgndAsuc5KQLuYvN4qpPqe-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LgndAsuc5KQLuYvN4qpPqe-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LgndAsuc5KQLuYvN4qpPqe-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\">Doping<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">ITA confirms 12-month ban for Kyrylo Tsarenko after three whereabouts failures<\/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\/AHayJhLU9j3qGgLTrjwbCX-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AHayJhLU9j3qGgLTrjwbCX-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AHayJhLU9j3qGgLTrjwbCX-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AHayJhLU9j3qGgLTrjwbCX-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AHayJhLU9j3qGgLTrjwbCX-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Six-day American Criterium Cup summer schedule confirmed for 2027 while USA CRITS taking shape for spring &#8211; North American Roundup<\/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\/APtGhMAYhmoX4TGnnPjWAQ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/APtGhMAYhmoX4TGnnPjWAQ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/APtGhMAYhmoX4TGnnPjWAQ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/APtGhMAYhmoX4TGnnPjWAQ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/APtGhMAYhmoX4TGnnPjWAQ-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 intend to start the upcoming season&#8217; &#8211; Egan Bernal denies retirement rumours in personal Instagram post<\/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\/x8GLYyjaz7KKEftEVKyh2m-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/x8GLYyjaz7KKEftEVKyh2m-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/x8GLYyjaz7KKEftEVKyh2m-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/x8GLYyjaz7KKEftEVKyh2m-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&#8217;m here to just go all-out and race without any regret&#8217; \u2013 Florian Vermeersch prepared for Gravel Worlds title defence<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">2<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>The fastest road helmet we&#8217;ve ever tested has dropped by up to 40% \u2013 Save watts and money at the same time with this Sigma Sports deal<\/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>Lidl-Trek announce early departure of Giulio Ciccone on eve of final race together at Il Lombardia<\/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>ITA confirms 12-month ban for Kyrylo Tsarenko after three whereabouts failures<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">5<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>&#8216;They are going to be hard to beat for sure&#8217; \u2013 Marianne Vos toes the line against a field packed with discipline specialists at the UCI Gravel World Championships<\/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>\nIl Lombardia\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>Isaac del Toro reveals mystery knee pain ahead of trying to defend Poga\u010dar&#8217;s Il Lombardia streak alongside World Champion Brandon McNulty for UAE<\/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 \/>\nJames Moultrie <\/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=\"2026-10-08T12:49:12Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n8 October 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Mexican star says &#8216;After the travel, I started to have some troubles. I don&#8217;t know why&#8217; before Gran Piemonte on Thursday<\/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\/KSqpBGMqZoj78dyjy7vT9c-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KSqpBGMqZoj78dyjy7vT9c-1600-80.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KSqpBGMqZoj78dyjy7vT9c-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KSqpBGMqZoj78dyjy7vT9c-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KSqpBGMqZoj78dyjy7vT9c-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KSqpBGMqZoj78dyjy7vT9c-750-80.jpg.webp 750w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KSqpBGMqZoj78dyjy7vT9c-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KSqpBGMqZoj78dyjy7vT9c-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KSqpBGMqZoj78dyjy7vT9c-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 600px, 100vw\" \/><figcaption class=\"font-article-copy text-(--image--text--color) font-article-copy mt-2\"><span class=\"credit font-article-copy\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\"text-copy bodyCopy auto paywall-locker\">\n<div data-analytics-id=\"utility-bar\" id=\"utility-bar\" class=\"font-ui-heading flex justify-between items-center py-2 border-t border-b border-gray-300 border-solid mb-5 mx-auto\" data-component-name=\"UtilityBar\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"utility-bar\">\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div data-component-name=\"Social:Dropdown\" role=\"menu\" id=\"utilitybar__dropdown--share\" aria-labelledby=\"utilitybar__button--share\" class=\"absolute left-0 top-full w-44 bg-white rounded-md shadow-md border border-neutral-200 z-[9996] list-none m-0 py-2 px-3 border-solid\">\n<ul class=\"m-0!\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Facebook<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>X<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Pinterest<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Email<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-share-this-article\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nShare this article\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\"><span class=\"ml-1 inline-flex h-5 px-2 shrink-0 items-center justify-center self-center overflow-hidden whitespace-nowrap rounded-[10px] bg-primary-500 text-[11px] leading-none font-ui-heading font-semibold text-white\">1<\/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-81f96e46-c314-11f1-851b-39ae3f48071c\">Despite going without their talisman Tadej Poga\u010dar for the final Monument of the season at Il Lombardia, UAE Team Emirates-XRG will still be starting with one of the strongest lineups, led by new World Champion Brandon McNulty and Mexican star Isaac del Toro.<\/p>\n<p>The latter was fifth on debut last season, while the US rider hasn&#8217;t raced the Autumn Classic since 2021, when he supported the Slovenian en route to his first of five consecutive wins, matching Fausto Coppi&#8217;s 72-year-old record just 12 months ago.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-81f96e46-c314-11f1-851b-39ae3f48071c-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">With a stacked start list to contend with if they are to maintain the team&#8217;s run of victories, UAE are also bringing former podium finisher Adam Yates to the start, alongside Jan Christen, Felix Gro\u00dfschartner, Domen Novak, and Pavel Sivakov.<\/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\">Their main rivals will include Remco Evenepoel, Primo\u017e Rogli\u010d (both Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe), Tom Pidcock (Pinarello Q36.5), Paul Seixas (Decathlon CMA CGM), Giulio Ciccone (Lidl-Trek), Ben Healy (EF Education-EasyPost), and Matteo Jorgenson (Visma-Lease a Bike).<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;We go into Lombardia as defending champions and we\u2019ll have a clear goal to keep that title. The team is very strong and we have many options for victory,&#8221; said Del Toro on the UAE team&#8217;s website.<\/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\/xxgC9wzLX7ZbEM7HtWL3Ta-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xxgC9wzLX7ZbEM7HtWL3Ta-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\">Is Isaac del Toro the new favourite for the World Championships? He says no but the road may say differently<\/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\/S2mGx58FnQsZuip3eugE3Q-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/S2mGx58FnQsZuip3eugE3Q-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;We&#8217;ve kept motivating each other&#8217; &#8211; Isaac del Toro tightens grip on Tour de France podium as UAE Team Emirates bounce back from illness<\/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\/ptqxGrewLcgBWNyevv5s8c-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ptqxGrewLcgBWNyevv5s8c-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\">Isaac del Toro announces himself as rainbow jersey favourite with Grand Prix de Montr\u00e9al victory<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Obviously Brandon is flying in the rainbows at the moment and personally I\u2019m in good form also. The key will be to have numbers as deep into the race as possible and then play our cards on the road.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;We have a good feeling in the group and understand each other well, so it puts us in a strong position from the start. The rest will depend on the rivals.&#8221;<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-sHrxtcsDY2ios2Y6ZxUE9R\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-sHrxtcsDY2ios2Y6ZxUE9R 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\">Since Worlds, McNulty has brought his rainbow jersey to life with impressive, attacking performances at the Giro dell&#8217;Emilia, Coppa Agostoni, and Tre Valli Varesine, finishing 10th, second, and 23rd. And while he had been feeling the effects of his stunning solo win in Montreal, Del Toro&#8217;s presence makes the opportunistic attack late in the finale just as possible as it was in Canada \u2013 but nothing can represent more of a target on one&#8217;s back than the rainbow jersey itself.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">But unfortunately for team boss Mauro Gianetti&#8217;s men, they have one small issue in the form of an unknown knee problem for Del Toro, which he revealed at the start of Gran Piemonte on Thursday morning. It should become clear after the 185km 1.Pro race whether or not he has been significantly affected, hoping to carry the form which saw him attack Worlds as one of the main aggressors, eventually finishing fifth behind his trade teammate.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;[I&#8217;m] good, battling with the jet lag and also the knee pain, but hopefully now we will be OK. So let&#8217;s see how the legs are, and of course we try to do our best today,&#8221; Del Toro told CyclingProNet at the start in Asti.<\/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\/nHPZFm7QVt4RPtEsxQSzjL-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nHPZFm7QVt4RPtEsxQSzjL-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;Either I crash myself, or I go into Tadej&#8217; \u2013 Isaac del Toro takes a tumble for his leader but gets instant payback as &#8216;insane&#8217; Poga\u010dar works for him on Tour de France summit finish<\/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\/JNZastQiZyHcp9fHvQJnwm-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JNZastQiZyHcp9fHvQJnwm-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\">Evenepoel and Del Toro the favourites, but Il Lombardia is wide open \u2013 Analysing the contenders<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-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\/zDZrFnSRiNsxLjXjzY3jHj-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zDZrFnSRiNsxLjXjzY3jHj-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;To practice and get better naturally&#8217; &#8211; Isaac del Toro shows consistency in men&#8217;s elite time trial at Road World Championships despite flatter course<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Asked to clarify the knee issues, he said: &#8220;[It hurts] a little bit, I don&#8217;t know why. After the travel, I started to have some troubles \u2013 I had the same bike, same shoes, same everything, but I don&#8217;t know \u2013 just let&#8217;s see how I am and, of course, in the race, hopefully I feel good and can do my job.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I need to play alongside Johnny [Narv\u00e1ez] and Brandon [McNulty]; they both are flying on these types of parcours. Of course we need to play the cards well, and I need to be alongside them, but we&#8217;ll see how the race develops and well try to do it.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">22-year-old Del Toro extended his contract with UAE earlier this year until the end of 2031, signalling him as the Emirati squad&#8217;s long-term leader after Poga\u010dar, and after two incredible opening years on cycling&#8217;s best team, he has only kicked on to bigger and better things in 2026.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">He&#8217;s managed GC victories at the UAE Tour, Tirreno-Adriatico, and the Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes, took third on GC on debut at the Tour de France \u2013 while supporting the Slovenian to overall victory, and has won the GP de Montreal. Del Toro is expected to fill Poga\u010dar&#8217;s shoes when he eventually winds down his career, and he will have an early chance to taste some of that ultimate responsibility this weekend, as long as this knee pain doesn&#8217;t turn into a bigger issue.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-81f96f54-c314-11f1-9c30-6bc4550cadc6\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><em><strong>Subscribe to Cyclingnews for comprehensive race coverage of the UCI Gravel World Championships, alongside the final Monument of the season, Il Lombardia. Subscribers get unlimited access to exclusive analysis from our expert columnists, in-depth features and industry-leading tech insight. Plus, the Cyclingnews app lets you follow the action wherever you go! <\/strong><\/em><u><em><strong>Join today.<\/strong><\/em><\/u><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-sHrxtcsDY2ios2Y6ZxUE9R\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-sHrxtcsDY2ios2Y6ZxUE9R 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\/5kc8nsofmMWAQECTbzYYw9-140-80.jpg.webp 140w\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__heading\">\n<div class=\"author__name\">\n<p>James Moultrie<\/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\">News Writer<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>James Moultrie is a gold-standard NCTJ journalist who joined\u00a0Cyclingnews\u00a0as a News Writer in 2023 after originally contributing as a freelancer for eight months, during which time he also wrote for Eurosport, Rouleur and Cycling Weekly. Prior to joining the team he reported on races such as Paris-Roubaix and the Giro d\u2019Italia Donne for Eurosport and has interviewed some of the sport\u2019s top riders in Chlo\u00e9 Dygert, Lizzie Deignan and Wout van Aert. Outside of cycling, he spends the majority of his time watching other sports \u2013 rugby, football, cricket, and American Football to name a few.<\/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\/xxgC9wzLX7ZbEM7HtWL3Ta-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xxgC9wzLX7ZbEM7HtWL3Ta-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xxgC9wzLX7ZbEM7HtWL3Ta-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xxgC9wzLX7ZbEM7HtWL3Ta-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xxgC9wzLX7ZbEM7HtWL3Ta-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\">Is Isaac del Toro the new favourite for the World Championships? He says no but the road may say differently<\/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\/S2mGx58FnQsZuip3eugE3Q-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/S2mGx58FnQsZuip3eugE3Q-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/S2mGx58FnQsZuip3eugE3Q-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/S2mGx58FnQsZuip3eugE3Q-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/S2mGx58FnQsZuip3eugE3Q-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;We&#8217;ve kept motivating each other&#8217; &#8211; Isaac del Toro tightens grip on Tour de France podium as UAE Team Emirates bounce back from illness<\/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\/ptqxGrewLcgBWNyevv5s8c-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ptqxGrewLcgBWNyevv5s8c-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ptqxGrewLcgBWNyevv5s8c-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ptqxGrewLcgBWNyevv5s8c-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ptqxGrewLcgBWNyevv5s8c-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\">Isaac del Toro announces himself as rainbow jersey favourite with Grand Prix de Montr\u00e9al victory<\/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\/nHPZFm7QVt4RPtEsxQSzjL-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nHPZFm7QVt4RPtEsxQSzjL-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nHPZFm7QVt4RPtEsxQSzjL-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nHPZFm7QVt4RPtEsxQSzjL-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nHPZFm7QVt4RPtEsxQSzjL-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;Either I crash myself, or I go into Tadej&#8217; \u2013 Isaac del Toro takes a tumble for his leader but gets instant payback as &#8216;insane&#8217; Poga\u010dar works for him on Tour de France summit finish<\/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\/JNZastQiZyHcp9fHvQJnwm-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JNZastQiZyHcp9fHvQJnwm-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JNZastQiZyHcp9fHvQJnwm-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JNZastQiZyHcp9fHvQJnwm-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JNZastQiZyHcp9fHvQJnwm-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\">Evenepoel and Del Toro the favourites, but Il Lombardia is wide open \u2013 Analysing the contenders<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zDZrFnSRiNsxLjXjzY3jHj-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zDZrFnSRiNsxLjXjzY3jHj-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zDZrFnSRiNsxLjXjzY3jHj-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zDZrFnSRiNsxLjXjzY3jHj-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zDZrFnSRiNsxLjXjzY3jHj-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\">Pro Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;To practice and get better naturally&#8217; &#8211; Isaac del Toro shows consistency in men&#8217;s elite time trial at Road World Championships despite flatter course<\/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\/GR8hMnz74quLVEPKFXZdum-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GR8hMnz74quLVEPKFXZdum-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GR8hMnz74quLVEPKFXZdum-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GR8hMnz74quLVEPKFXZdum-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GR8hMnz74quLVEPKFXZdum-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\">Tour of Chongming Island: Lorena Wiebes storms to 21st victory of the season on stage 1<\/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\/7iX94Fdss4cwAXSPUHLmqE-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7iX94Fdss4cwAXSPUHLmqE-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7iX94Fdss4cwAXSPUHLmqE-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7iX94Fdss4cwAXSPUHLmqE-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7iX94Fdss4cwAXSPUHLmqE-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\">Pro Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;They are going to be hard to beat for sure&#8217; \u2013 Marianne Vos toes the line against a field packed with discipline specialists at the UCI Gravel World Championships<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VCpi4LX6sGpiB4VEJU2HEF-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VCpi4LX6sGpiB4VEJU2HEF-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VCpi4LX6sGpiB4VEJU2HEF-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VCpi4LX6sGpiB4VEJU2HEF-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VCpi4LX6sGpiB4VEJU2HEF-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\">Three course features that could be make or break at the UCI Gravel World Championships in Nannup<\/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\/AHayJhLU9j3qGgLTrjwbCX-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AHayJhLU9j3qGgLTrjwbCX-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AHayJhLU9j3qGgLTrjwbCX-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AHayJhLU9j3qGgLTrjwbCX-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AHayJhLU9j3qGgLTrjwbCX-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Six-day American Criterium Cup summer schedule confirmed for 2027 while USA CRITS taking shape for spring &#8211; North American Roundup<\/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\/JNZastQiZyHcp9fHvQJnwm-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JNZastQiZyHcp9fHvQJnwm-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JNZastQiZyHcp9fHvQJnwm-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JNZastQiZyHcp9fHvQJnwm-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JNZastQiZyHcp9fHvQJnwm-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\">Evenepoel and Del Toro the favourites, but Il Lombardia is wide open \u2013 Analysing the contenders<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YVRk57PzuHNFMtZzbZVimn-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YVRk57PzuHNFMtZzbZVimn-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YVRk57PzuHNFMtZzbZVimn-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YVRk57PzuHNFMtZzbZVimn-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YVRk57PzuHNFMtZzbZVimn-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">A rare return to unpredictability as no Tadej Poga\u010dar at Il Lombardia opens the door to the same anarchy as Worlds \u2013 Analysis<\/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\/BeqSRtAgGQv26oXLCwLUKW-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BeqSRtAgGQv26oXLCwLUKW-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BeqSRtAgGQv26oXLCwLUKW-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BeqSRtAgGQv26oXLCwLUKW-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BeqSRtAgGQv26oXLCwLUKW-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Transfers<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Lidl-Trek announce early departure of Giulio Ciccone on eve of final race together at Il Lombardia<\/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\/x8GLYyjaz7KKEftEVKyh2m-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/x8GLYyjaz7KKEftEVKyh2m-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/x8GLYyjaz7KKEftEVKyh2m-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/x8GLYyjaz7KKEftEVKyh2m-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/x8GLYyjaz7KKEftEVKyh2m-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;m here to just go all-out and race without any regret&#8217; \u2013 Florian Vermeersch prepared for Gravel Worlds title defence<\/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\/iPZrguHRjpC8DMxf4azMLe-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iPZrguHRjpC8DMxf4azMLe-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iPZrguHRjpC8DMxf4azMLe-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iPZrguHRjpC8DMxf4azMLe-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iPZrguHRjpC8DMxf4azMLe-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\">Helmets<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">The fastest road helmet we&#8217;ve ever tested has dropped by up to 40% \u2013 Save watts and money at the same time with this Sigma Sports deal<\/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\/LgndAsuc5KQLuYvN4qpPqe-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LgndAsuc5KQLuYvN4qpPqe-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LgndAsuc5KQLuYvN4qpPqe-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LgndAsuc5KQLuYvN4qpPqe-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LgndAsuc5KQLuYvN4qpPqe-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\">Doping<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">ITA confirms 12-month ban for Kyrylo Tsarenko after three whereabouts failures<\/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\/AHayJhLU9j3qGgLTrjwbCX-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AHayJhLU9j3qGgLTrjwbCX-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AHayJhLU9j3qGgLTrjwbCX-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AHayJhLU9j3qGgLTrjwbCX-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AHayJhLU9j3qGgLTrjwbCX-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Six-day American Criterium Cup summer schedule confirmed for 2027 while USA CRITS taking shape for spring &#8211; North American Roundup<\/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\/APtGhMAYhmoX4TGnnPjWAQ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/APtGhMAYhmoX4TGnnPjWAQ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/APtGhMAYhmoX4TGnnPjWAQ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/APtGhMAYhmoX4TGnnPjWAQ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/APtGhMAYhmoX4TGnnPjWAQ-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 intend to start the upcoming season&#8217; &#8211; Egan Bernal denies retirement rumours in personal Instagram post<\/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\/x8GLYyjaz7KKEftEVKyh2m-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/x8GLYyjaz7KKEftEVKyh2m-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/x8GLYyjaz7KKEftEVKyh2m-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/x8GLYyjaz7KKEftEVKyh2m-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&#8217;m here to just go all-out and race without any regret&#8217; \u2013 Florian Vermeersch prepared for Gravel Worlds title defence<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">2<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>The fastest road helmet we&#8217;ve ever tested has dropped by up to 40% \u2013 Save watts and money at the same time with this Sigma Sports deal<\/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>Lidl-Trek announce early departure of Giulio Ciccone on eve of final race together at Il Lombardia<\/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>ITA confirms 12-month ban for Kyrylo Tsarenko after three whereabouts failures<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">5<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>&#8216;They are going to be hard to beat for sure&#8217; \u2013 Marianne Vos toes the line against a field packed with discipline specialists at the UCI Gravel World Championships<\/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>\nIl Lombardia\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>Isaac del Toro reveals mystery knee pain ahead of trying to defend Poga\u010dar&#8217;s Il Lombardia streak alongside World Champion Brandon McNulty for UAE<\/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 \/>\nJames Moultrie <\/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=\"2026-10-08T12:49:12Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n8 October 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Mexican star says &#8216;After the travel, I started to have some troubles. I don&#8217;t know why&#8217; before Gran Piemonte on Thursday<\/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\">1<\/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-81f96e46-c314-11f1-851b-39ae3f48071c\">Despite going without their talisman Tadej Poga\u010dar for the final Monument of the season at Il Lombardia, UAE Team Emirates-XRG will still be starting with one of the strongest lineups, led by new World Champion Brandon McNulty and Mexican star Isaac del Toro.<\/p>\n<p>The latter was fifth on debut last season, while the US rider hasn&#8217;t raced the Autumn Classic since 2021, when he supported the Slovenian en route to his first of five consecutive wins, matching Fausto Coppi&#8217;s 72-year-old record just 12 months ago.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-81f96e46-c314-11f1-851b-39ae3f48071c-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">With a stacked start list to contend with if they are to maintain the team&#8217;s run of victories, UAE are also bringing former podium finisher Adam Yates to the start, alongside Jan Christen, Felix Gro\u00dfschartner, Domen Novak, and Pavel Sivakov.<\/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\">Their main rivals will include Remco Evenepoel, Primo\u017e Rogli\u010d (both Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe), Tom Pidcock (Pinarello Q36.5), Paul Seixas (Decathlon CMA CGM), Giulio Ciccone (Lidl-Trek), Ben Healy (EF Education-EasyPost), and Matteo Jorgenson (Visma-Lease a Bike).<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;We go into Lombardia as defending champions and we\u2019ll have a clear goal to keep that title. The team is very strong and we have many options for victory,&#8221; said Del Toro on the UAE team&#8217;s website.<\/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\/xxgC9wzLX7ZbEM7HtWL3Ta-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xxgC9wzLX7ZbEM7HtWL3Ta-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\">Is Isaac del Toro the new favourite for the World Championships? He says no but the road may say differently<\/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\/S2mGx58FnQsZuip3eugE3Q-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/S2mGx58FnQsZuip3eugE3Q-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;We&#8217;ve kept motivating each other&#8217; &#8211; Isaac del Toro tightens grip on Tour de France podium as UAE Team Emirates bounce back from illness<\/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\/ptqxGrewLcgBWNyevv5s8c-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ptqxGrewLcgBWNyevv5s8c-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\">Isaac del Toro announces himself as rainbow jersey favourite with Grand Prix de Montr\u00e9al victory<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Obviously Brandon is flying in the rainbows at the moment and personally I\u2019m in good form also. The key will be to have numbers as deep into the race as possible and then play our cards on the road.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;We have a good feeling in the group and understand each other well, so it puts us in a strong position from the start. The rest will depend on the rivals.&#8221;<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-sHrxtcsDY2ios2Y6ZxUE9R\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-sHrxtcsDY2ios2Y6ZxUE9R 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\">Since Worlds, McNulty has brought his rainbow jersey to life with impressive, attacking performances at the Giro dell&#8217;Emilia, Coppa Agostoni, and Tre Valli Varesine, finishing 10th, second, and 23rd. And while he had been feeling the effects of his stunning solo win in Montreal, Del Toro&#8217;s presence makes the opportunistic attack late in the finale just as possible as it was in Canada \u2013 but nothing can represent more of a target on one&#8217;s back than the rainbow jersey itself.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">But unfortunately for team boss Mauro Gianetti&#8217;s men, they have one small issue in the form of an unknown knee problem for Del Toro, which he revealed at the start of Gran Piemonte on Thursday morning. It should become clear after the 185km 1.Pro race whether or not he has been significantly affected, hoping to carry the form which saw him attack Worlds as one of the main aggressors, eventually finishing fifth behind his trade teammate.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;[I&#8217;m] good, battling with the jet lag and also the knee pain, but hopefully now we will be OK. So let&#8217;s see how the legs are, and of course we try to do our best today,&#8221; Del Toro told CyclingProNet at the start in Asti.<\/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\/nHPZFm7QVt4RPtEsxQSzjL-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nHPZFm7QVt4RPtEsxQSzjL-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;Either I crash myself, or I go into Tadej&#8217; \u2013 Isaac del Toro takes a tumble for his leader but gets instant payback as &#8216;insane&#8217; Poga\u010dar works for him on Tour de France summit finish<\/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\/JNZastQiZyHcp9fHvQJnwm-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JNZastQiZyHcp9fHvQJnwm-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\">Evenepoel and Del Toro the favourites, but Il Lombardia is wide open \u2013 Analysing the contenders<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-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\/zDZrFnSRiNsxLjXjzY3jHj-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zDZrFnSRiNsxLjXjzY3jHj-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;To practice and get better naturally&#8217; &#8211; Isaac del Toro shows consistency in men&#8217;s elite time trial at Road World Championships despite flatter course<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Asked to clarify the knee issues, he said: &#8220;[It hurts] a little bit, I don&#8217;t know why. After the travel, I started to have some troubles \u2013 I had the same bike, same shoes, same everything, but I don&#8217;t know \u2013 just let&#8217;s see how I am and, of course, in the race, hopefully I feel good and can do my job.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I need to play alongside Johnny [Narv\u00e1ez] and Brandon [McNulty]; they both are flying on these types of parcours. Of course we need to play the cards well, and I need to be alongside them, but we&#8217;ll see how the race develops and well try to do it.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">22-year-old Del Toro extended his contract with UAE earlier this year until the end of 2031, signalling him as the Emirati squad&#8217;s long-term leader after Poga\u010dar, and after two incredible opening years on cycling&#8217;s best team, he has only kicked on to bigger and better things in 2026.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">He&#8217;s managed GC victories at the UAE Tour, Tirreno-Adriatico, and the Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes, took third on GC on debut at the Tour de France \u2013 while supporting the Slovenian to overall victory, and has won the GP de Montreal. Del Toro is expected to fill Poga\u010dar&#8217;s shoes when he eventually winds down his career, and he will have an early chance to taste some of that ultimate responsibility this weekend, as long as this knee pain doesn&#8217;t turn into a bigger issue.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-81f96f54-c314-11f1-9c30-6bc4550cadc6\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><em><strong>Subscribe to Cyclingnews for comprehensive race coverage of the UCI Gravel World Championships, alongside the final Monument of the season, Il Lombardia. Subscribers get unlimited access to exclusive analysis from our expert columnists, in-depth features and industry-leading tech insight. Plus, the Cyclingnews app lets you follow the action wherever you go! <\/strong><\/em><u><em><strong>Join today.<\/strong><\/em><\/u><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/racing\/isaac-del-toro-reveals-mystery-knee-pain-ahead-of-trying-to-defend-pogacars-il-lombardia-streak-alongside-world-champion-brandon-mcnulty-for-uae\/&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KSqpBGMqZoj78dyjy7vT9c-2560-80.jpg&#8221;] 1 Some big absentees, but plenty of quality and a favourite with a question mark \u2013 Analysing the European Championships men&#8217;s road race contenders 2 &#8216;Perhaps it will wear off and I will go back to suffering&#8217; \u2013 World Champion Brandon McNulty still riding high as he makes impressive start to rainbow [&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-2187490","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\/2187490","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=2187490"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2187490\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2187490"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=2187490"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=2187490"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}