{"id":2187839,"date":"2026-10-08T19:23:37","date_gmt":"2026-10-08T16:23:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2187839"},"modified":"2026-10-08T19:23:37","modified_gmt":"2026-10-08T16:23:37","slug":"evenepoel-and-del-toro-the-favourites-but-il-lombardia-is-wide-open-analysing-the-contenders","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2187839","title":{"rendered":"Evenepoel and Del Toro the favourites, but Il Lombardia is wide open \u2013 Analysing the contenders"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JNZastQiZyHcp9fHvQJnwm-2400-80.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\/trNo5fgL72aJ22UyY2R2cL-160-80.png.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/trNo5fgL72aJ22UyY2R2cL-80-80.png.webp 80w\" sizes=\"80px\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex items-center justify-center absolute w-[18px] h-6 left-0 top-0 bg-white\/90 flex-none z-[1]\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"font-normal text-base leading-[17px] tracking-[1.3px] uppercase text-black flex-none\">2<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex flex-col items-center justify-center gap-1.5 w-[173px] h-20 flex-none\">\n<p class=\"font-article-heading font-medium text-base leading-[21px] text-gray-800 w-[173px] line-clamp-3 group-hover:underline\">\n                                    True grit specialists primed to challenge the run of road pro rainbow jerseys \u2013 Analysing the Gravel World Championships contenders\n                                <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"m-0 box-border flex flex-row items-center pr-2.5 gap-[15px] w-[278px] h-20 flex-none\" role=\"listitem\" aria-label=\"Recommended article 3 of 3\">\n<div class=\"relative flex-none w-20 h-20\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mUJr4fyEg59pLF4tkAujUR-160-80.jpg.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mUJr4fyEg59pLF4tkAujUR-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                                    An open field with no Evenepoel or Ganna \u2013 Analysing the European Championships elite men&#8217;s time trial 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>Evenepoel and Del Toro the favourites, but Il Lombardia is wide open \u2013 Analysing the contenders<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"vds-byline-block flex flex-row flex-nowrap my-1.5 gap-2 text-left items-start justify-start\" data-component-name=\"Article:BylineBlock\">\n<div class=\"my-auto vds-simple-byline\"><span class=\"inline-block vds-author\"><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nPatrick Fletcher <\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex gap-1 vds-byline-with-avatar__meta\"><span class=\"vds-date block font-normal tracking-normal normal-case text-xs\"><br \/>\nPublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-10-08T19:23:37Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n8 October 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">In the absence of Tadej Poga\u010dar, a new champion will be crowned for the first time since 2020<\/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\/JNZastQiZyHcp9fHvQJnwm-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JNZastQiZyHcp9fHvQJnwm-1600-80.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JNZastQiZyHcp9fHvQJnwm-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JNZastQiZyHcp9fHvQJnwm-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JNZastQiZyHcp9fHvQJnwm-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JNZastQiZyHcp9fHvQJnwm-750-80.jpg.webp 750w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JNZastQiZyHcp9fHvQJnwm-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JNZastQiZyHcp9fHvQJnwm-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JNZastQiZyHcp9fHvQJnwm-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 600px, 100vw\" \/><figcaption class=\"font-article-copy text-(--image--text--color) font-article-copy mt-2\"><span class=\"caption-text font-article-copy\">Giulio Ciccone and Remco Evenepoel have been going head-to-head frequently this fall and are two favourites for Il Lombardia<\/span><span class=\"credit font-article-copy\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo\" class=\"contents\" data-only-inline=\"1\">\n<div class=\"visible flex flex-row flex-nowrap sticky max-lg:-ml-5 top-[var(--site-header-height,60px)] sm:top-0 z-[9994] w-screen lg:w-full h-[50px] bg-white p-0 mb-5 border-neutral-200 border border-solid\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Variants:Inline\" data-analytics-id=\"sticky-nav\" id=\"sticky-nav--inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"sticky-nav\">\n<div class=\"flex flex-row w-full h-full overflow-x-scroll overflow-y-hidden tracking-normal overscroll-x-contain\" id=\"sticky-nav__scroll-container\"><span class=\"pl-4 my-auto text-base font-semibold font-article-heading lg:pl-3 lg:text-sm whitespace-nowrap uppercase\">Jump To:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-row w-auto border-y-0\">\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\nborder-b-[3px] border-b-(--jumpto-underline-color) border-solid font-semibold \" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>Isaac del Toro (UAE Team Emirates-XRG)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\"text-copy bodyCopy auto paywall-locker\">\n<div data-analytics-id=\"utility-bar\" id=\"utility-bar\" class=\"font-ui-heading flex justify-between items-center py-2 border-t border-b border-gray-300 border-solid mb-5 mx-auto\" data-component-name=\"UtilityBar\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"utility-bar\">\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div data-component-name=\"Social:Dropdown\" role=\"menu\" id=\"utilitybar__dropdown--share\" aria-labelledby=\"utilitybar__button--share\" class=\"absolute left-0 top-full w-44 bg-white rounded-md shadow-md border border-neutral-200 z-[9996] list-none m-0 py-2 px-3 border-solid\">\n<ul class=\"m-0!\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Facebook<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>X<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Pinterest<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Email<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-share-this-article\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nShare this article\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\"><span class=\"ml-1 inline-flex h-5 px-2 shrink-0 items-center justify-center self-center overflow-hidden whitespace-nowrap rounded-[10px] bg-primary-500 text-[11px] leading-none font-ui-heading font-semibold text-white\">7<\/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-1bd3413e-c344-11f1-bfab-57acdf423e48\">The final Monument of the 2026 season, Il Lombardia, is upon us and we have a fantastic race in prospect thanks to a fascinating array of contenders, who we&#8217;re going to delve into right here.<\/p>\n<p>There&#8217;s nowhere else to start than with an absentee, Tadej Poga\u010dar. The Slovenian has won this race five years in a row, and so his absence leaves a void in which a very different Lombardia should emerge \u2013 at least compared to the last couple of processions.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-1bd3413e-c344-11f1-bfab-57acdf423e48-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">We&#8217;ve been adjusting to a Poga\u010dar-less racing scene in recent weeks, and for all that it&#8217;s a shame to have the world&#8217;s biggest star on the sidelines, the racing has undeniably been more open, tactical, and interesting as a result.<\/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\">That&#8217;s what we&#8217;re expecting to see again on Saturday, at a 120th edition of the Race of the Falling Leaves that follows the Bergamo to Como direction on a 239km route with a finale over the Madonna del Ghisallo, San Fermo della Battaglia, and Civiglio climbs.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">We arguably have two top favourites \u2013 though neither so superior as Poga\u010dar \u2013 and a rich array of names who will all feel they have a shot at a Monument on Saturday afternoon.<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            You may like<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8PkTJPKGrgqMM2cQxQMqxX-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8PkTJPKGrgqMM2cQxQMqxX-150-80.png.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">A wide open face-off between Evenepoel, Del Toro, Seixas, Van der Poel and more for the rainbow jersey \u2013 Analysing the World Championships elite men&#8217;s road race contenders<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YVRk57PzuHNFMtZzbZVimn-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YVRk57PzuHNFMtZzbZVimn-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">A rare return to unpredictability as no Tadej Poga\u010dar at Il Lombardia opens the door to the same anarchy as Worlds \u2013 Analysis<\/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\/vXx3fTTYeYfvhBsZ8FoUhF-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vXx3fTTYeYfvhBsZ8FoUhF-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Tadej Poga\u010dar vs the rest \u2013 Our analysis of the top 10 contenders at the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-remco-evenepoel-red-bull-bora-hansgrohe\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Remco Evenepoel (Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe)<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-1bf5c394-c349-11f1-b610-07914e62a95e\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">After winning the European road race title, the Belgian has steadied the ship that listed so dramatically in the World Championship, and as such he starts as one of the top two favourites. As Worlds underlined, Evenepoel is a rider who can blow extremely hot and extremely cold. A one-pitch, know-what-you&#8217;re-getting Poga\u010dar he is not, but then again, that&#8217;s part of what makes him such a compelling bike rider.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">In a Poga\u010dar-less world, Evenepoel \u2013 a former world champion, two-time winner of Li\u00e8ge-Bastogne-Li\u00e8ge and five-time winner of the Cl\u00e1sica San Sebasti\u00e1n \u2013 ought to be the next man up. 12 months ago, he soloed to second place behind Poga\u010dar rather convincingly, as he did repeatedly last autumn. But despite bouncing back from that off-day at Worlds, you sense Evenepoel is not quite at the height of his powers.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-eX2xCAWCRkYBixXw9daKx6\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-eX2xCAWCRkYBixXw9daKx6 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\">The Europeans felt like a good example of a race he might have won solo at his peak. Indeed, he had to outsprint Giulio Ciccone for the second time in just a few weeks. Now, Evenepoel&#8217;s sprint is an underrated weapon that only broadens the way in which he can win these big races, but you can&#8217;t help but feel that the more we&#8217;ve been impressed by it, the more we&#8217;ve seen it in action, and the less that means he&#8217;s actually been able to get away.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Even so, he remains one of the very top favourites to finally win a race that he looked like he might have won as a 20-year-old in 2020.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-isaac-del-toro-uae-team-emirates-xrg\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Isaac del Toro (UAE Team Emirates-XRG)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-bfd78f84-c34d-11f1-9d54-6133349e32b1\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WnZZQFMugK56AhbfNYffe7-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WnZZQFMugK56AhbfNYffe7-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WnZZQFMugK56AhbfNYffe7-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WnZZQFMugK56AhbfNYffe7-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WnZZQFMugK56AhbfNYffe7-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WnZZQFMugK56AhbfNYffe7-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Isaac del Toro on the attack with Finn Fisher-Black during Gran Piemonte <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-1bf5c592-c349-11f1-aded-453211fc8ea2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The rainbows may be wrapped around the torso of Brandon McNulty, and while the US rider will have more freedom than if Poga\u010dar were present, it&#8217;s Isaac del Toro who represents the best shot for UAE Team Emirates and a joint favourite alongside Evenepoel.<\/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\/FFbuw6kBv6RkLDMWxnc7y7-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FFbuw6kBv6RkLDMWxnc7y7-150-80.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\">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<\/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\/ytKMCAWdoeKoxdomn4dR7V-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ytKMCAWdoeKoxdomn4dR7V-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Tadej Poga\u010dar&#8217;s absence changes everything \u2013 How will World Championships strategies and tactics be rewritten in Montreal?<\/span><\/li>\n<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\/zLLbbZMNGwFReCwkUyTZrD-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zLLbbZMNGwFReCwkUyTZrD-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">A big World Championships warm-up where Poga\u010dar&#8217;s absence opens the field significantly \u2013 Riders to watch at the Grands Prix de Qu\u00e9bec and Montr\u00e9al<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Del Toro has all the tools to win this race. As the Tour de France runner-up, he has the climbing legs. As the winner of nearly every late-season Italian classic last year, he knows what he&#8217;s doing in this punchy part of the world. And as the winner of the GP de Montr\u00e9al in a sprint, he has the finishing speed to win if he has company.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Del Toro has had a remarkable season in which he has won three WorldTour stage races, finished on the podium of his first Tour de France, and won a WorldTour one-dayer at Montreal. His performance at the World Championships in the same location was widely debated and shot through with allegations, and while we will take his ride at face value, there were tactical question marks that \u2013 like we saw at the Giro last year \u2013 could do with being ironed out.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">But on his day he is just the complete package, an electric racer, and he has a huge opportunity here to take the biggest win of his career so far.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-brandon-mcnulty-uae-team-emirates-xrg\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Brandon McNulty (UAE Team Emirates-XRG)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-bfd79060-c34d-11f1-b27a-6f87ac31a19e\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WzqDx4EmjAUjMmKZseQiBW-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WzqDx4EmjAUjMmKZseQiBW-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WzqDx4EmjAUjMmKZseQiBW-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WzqDx4EmjAUjMmKZseQiBW-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WzqDx4EmjAUjMmKZseQiBW-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WzqDx4EmjAUjMmKZseQiBW-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Brandon McNulty in the rainbow jersey <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Dario Belingheri \/ Staff)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-1bf5c65a-c349-11f1-a4ad-51892ef5605a\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">It would be rude not to give the world champion his own section. After all, Brandon McNulty&#8217;s Worlds win, though highly tactical, was no stroke of fortune. He has largely operated as a domestique, but the immense talent that was evident so early in his career has never been far from the surface, and he had racked up a very respectable palmar\u00e8s even before the world title.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Since he pulled on that rainbow jersey, he has looked invigorated. Some of it might have something to do with Poga\u010dar&#8217;s recent absence, but he&#8217;s been launching attacks left, right, and centre in a sign that the jersey is not weighing him down with any sort of onus of suddenly winning all the time now, but rather giving him a boost of confidence and a spring in his step.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">It will be interesting to see how he dovetails with Del Toro. The Mexican might be the standout favourite, but Poga\u010dar is not back yet, and while that&#8217;s the case there&#8217;s room for McNulty to go after this race, and perhaps make a bit of a statement over his status in the pecking order at UAE.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-paul-seixas-decathlon-cma-cgm\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Paul Seixas (Decathlon CMA CGM)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-bfd79128-c34d-11f1-b5f6-356c0f9f2eff\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PrSmk5phU2J2AZXnfbi4A4-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PrSmk5phU2J2AZXnfbi4A4-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PrSmk5phU2J2AZXnfbi4A4-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PrSmk5phU2J2AZXnfbi4A4-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PrSmk5phU2J2AZXnfbi4A4-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PrSmk5phU2J2AZXnfbi4A4-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Paul Seixas <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-1bf5c722-c349-11f1-8ca0-59d715f9c8a7\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The Frenchman takes to Lombardia to round out one of the most extraordinary seasons we&#8217;ve seen in recent years, one in which he rose to the top echelon of the sport and became the most hyped man in professional cycling.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Seixas looks likely to win this race in the future \u2013 you could say that about a lot of races \u2013 and while it wouldn&#8217;t be a total shock to see him do it this year, excitement surrounding the recently-turned 20-year-old has dampened somewhat compared to his blistering Spring.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Back then, he was genuinely looking like the second-best rider in the world with runner-up finishes behind Poga\u010dar at Strade Bianche and Li\u00e8ge-Bastogne-Li\u00e8ge, either side of a complete evisceration of the Itzulia Basque Country field. He was fast-tracked into his Tour de France debut, and since then a touch off the gloss has worn off, with a more subdued racing style and a level just a notch lower.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">That&#8217;s no slant on Seixas. Fourth on debut at the Tour de France at 19 is still otherworldly, and he only lost the GP de Montr\u00e9al in a sprint against Isaac del Toro. But the World Championships, where he cramped in the finale, highlighted some &#8211; to be expected &#8211; limitations, and also the level of pressure he puts on his own shoulders, berating himself for riding like a schoolkid.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">However it lands, and he has all the tools to win it, Lombardia represents the final act of a breakthrough season and the start of a reset that may well lead to a different beast in 2027.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-giulio-ciccone-lidl-trek\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Giulio Ciccone (Lidl-Trek)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-bfd7924a-c34d-11f1-9aa3-6d6cc3e468b8\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pCawfm4gCDiwkCVKrshAXe-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pCawfm4gCDiwkCVKrshAXe-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pCawfm4gCDiwkCVKrshAXe-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pCawfm4gCDiwkCVKrshAXe-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pCawfm4gCDiwkCVKrshAXe-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pCawfm4gCDiwkCVKrshAXe-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">The photo finish that broke Ciccone&#8217;s heart <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-1bf5c7ea-c349-11f1-bddf-b3f4dce947ba\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The Italian may feel he should be racing Il Lombardia in a white and blue jersey with golden stars on it, but amid his doubts surrounding the photo finish from the European Championships road race last weekend, he can have few doubts about his form.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Ciccone has shown his one-day shape is where it needs to be in recent weeks. As at the Europeans, he was out-sprinted only by Evenepoel at the end of the QP de Qu\u00e9bec, and he was sixth at Worlds after looking momentarily like he might make his way across to McNulty alongside Tom Pidcock on the final lap.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">It&#8217;s hard to see him winning in an outright sprint against some of the riders on this list, but as shown by the way he took the fight to Evenepoel at Europeans, he has the race craft to make different things happen. When he&#8217;s in this form and this mood, Ciccone is fantastic to watch. And after the Europeans, he may even be riding with a little extra fire in his belly, which, for a rider who has always ridden on emotion, might just make an all-important difference.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-tom-pidcock-pinarello-q36-5\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Tom Pidcock (Pinarello-Q36.5)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-bfd79308-c34d-11f1-84ba-574685cc4bfd\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6PsVBMmHtyiJDWGgodApP4-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6PsVBMmHtyiJDWGgodApP4-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6PsVBMmHtyiJDWGgodApP4-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6PsVBMmHtyiJDWGgodApP4-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6PsVBMmHtyiJDWGgodApP4-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6PsVBMmHtyiJDWGgodApP4-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-1bf5c8b2-c349-11f1-a8a9-1be179c64998\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">You never quite know what you&#8217;re going to get with Tom Pidcock, which is probably why he&#8217;s so exciting to watch. On his day, he&#8217;s world-class, as evidenced by a palmar\u00e8s that includes Strade Bianche, Amstel Gold Race, and a Grand Tour podium, along with all his off-road titles.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">His challenge to Poga\u010dar at Milan-San Remo this Spring was another reminder of the levels he can reach on his day. But he can also look pretty ordinary, make mistakes, or fade away in big races.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">It can be hard to read his form, but it looks pretty good. He had a subdued Tour de France and then won the Mountain Bike Worlds, so it&#8217;s been a tight one to adjust for a late-season full of hilly one-day races, but he seems to have done a decent job, winning on comeback at the GP Industria &amp; Artigianato and featuring prominently in every race since, with podiums at Tre Valli Varesine and Giro dell&#8217;Emilia.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">He was also top 10 at the GPs de Qu\u00e9bec and Montr\u00e9al, and in the World Championships, where he was one of the very strongest in the group behind McNulty.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">He was also the most generous, and that&#8217;s probably the most reliable thing about Pidcock \u2013 that he&#8217;ll commit and go all-in for the win rather than playing games and riding for the podium. With no co-leader on his level at Pinarello Q36.5, it leaves him slightly exposed, and he may find himself in awkward situations on Saturday once again. But if he can take that small step towards his sparkling best, then he is well in with a shout of a first Monument title.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-matteo-jorgenson-visma-lease-a-bike\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Matteo Jorgenson (Visma-Lease a Bike)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-bfd793bc-c34d-11f1-b4a6-5fcfdbff645c\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gom9mBTjztXw6goc7DV7xk-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gom9mBTjztXw6goc7DV7xk-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gom9mBTjztXw6goc7DV7xk-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gom9mBTjztXw6goc7DV7xk-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gom9mBTjztXw6goc7DV7xk-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gom9mBTjztXw6goc7DV7xk-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-1bf5c97a-c349-11f1-9f55-ab85b3542f27\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Matteo Jorgenson has looked incredibly strong in recent weeks \u2013 just a vision of perfect posture and, in contrast to some of the more spritely climbers on this list, pure seated horsepower. The World Championships would indicate that Jorgenson would thrive in a more grinding, attritional affair, but he still had the punch to follow Tom Pidcock&#8217;s decisive acceleration at Tre Valli Varesine.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The big weakness in Jorgenson&#8217;s arsenal is his sprint finish. He barely has one. So he&#8217;d need to win alone. And that&#8217;s certainly not out of the question given the lack of Poga\u010dar and given the potential room for tactical manoeuvre.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">In that respect, we need to highlight Visma&#8217;s two-pronged approach, with Davide Piganzoli another credible candidate for the Lombardia title. More on the young Italian in a minute, but what&#8217;s clear already from the past few races is how well they&#8217;ve combined. Piganzoli, of course, won the Giro dell&#8217;Emilia, and much like Brandon McNulty&#8217;s world title, it was massively aided and abetted by Jorgenson&#8217;s presence, strength, and actions in the group behind.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The pair both attacked in the finale of Tre Valli Varesine, and this time it was Jorgenson who got to play the finale, but was third in the three-man sprint. Is Jorgenson just the perfect second fiddle, or can he become the main man in Como?<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-davide-piganzoli-visma-lease-a-bike\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Davide Piganzoli (Visma-Lease a Bike)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-bfd794ca-c34d-11f1-bcfd-63132621b0f7\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PQdfEXZEhHKaMAVYjay9Nk-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PQdfEXZEhHKaMAVYjay9Nk-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PQdfEXZEhHKaMAVYjay9Nk-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PQdfEXZEhHKaMAVYjay9Nk-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PQdfEXZEhHKaMAVYjay9Nk-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PQdfEXZEhHKaMAVYjay9Nk-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-1bf5ca60-c349-11f1-8852-a5786db11c5b\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">We&#8217;ve mentioned some of Piganzoli&#8217;s results, and his collaboration with Jorgenson, but the 24-year-old Italian deserves his own slot on this list. He has had a fantastic breakthrough season, shining as the top mountain domestique at the Giro d&#8217;Italia won by his teammate Jonas Vingegaard, and finishing eighth himself in the process.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">He was then drafted into the Tour de France squad late on, and in truth he was unable to reach his Giro form at any point during the race, but still ended up in 14th place overall. He went on to win the Tour of Luxembourg \u2013 his second stage race title of the season after the Route d&#8217;Occitanie \u2013 before his brilliantly-taken solo victory at the Giro dell&#8217;Emilia, which has propelled him up the list of contenders for Il Lombardia.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-jarno-widar-lotto-intermarche\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Jarno Widar (Lotto-Intermarch\u00e9)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-bfd7957e-c34d-11f1-a548-0dc9f3f520a9\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SMpZpLJQrHv8dhqHmS9CEP-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SMpZpLJQrHv8dhqHmS9CEP-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SMpZpLJQrHv8dhqHmS9CEP-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SMpZpLJQrHv8dhqHmS9CEP-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SMpZpLJQrHv8dhqHmS9CEP-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SMpZpLJQrHv8dhqHmS9CEP-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-1bf5cb3c-c349-11f1-8f16-a766b79ea71a\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Are we getting carried away here? I&#8217;m not so sure. The 20-year-old Belgian just won his first pro race, at Tre Valli Varesine, outsprinting two riders higher up this list in the process. With that, he has put himself at the forefront of our minds ahead of Il Lombardia.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">And yet, he is far from a reliable contender for this race. For starters, it&#8217;s his first Monument, his first real test in a race as heavy as this in terms of distance and climbing. Secondly, the stunning talent that Widar showed in the U23 ranks has only come through in patches this season (which is absolutely fair enough). Thirdly, Widar is more of a puncheur than a climber, and while the climbs individually suit him, it&#8217;s far from a given he&#8217;ll stay the course here.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">That said, it was only recently that he was the best of the rest behind Poga\u010dar on a big mountain stage of the Vuelta to Andorra. And when it comes to a sprint, he showed in mid-week that he has one of the best. He may have surprised Pidcock at Tre Valli, but the Briton responded quickly and got nowhere near him.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">It could go one of two ways, and while he might fall away completely, you wouldn&#8217;t count him out of being in podium contention.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-ben-healy-ef-education-easypost\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Ben Healy (EF Education-EasyPost)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-bfd79632-c34d-11f1-b150-57daea5adde3\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yPdKDpzEyE4syadaADeEFJ-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yPdKDpzEyE4syadaADeEFJ-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yPdKDpzEyE4syadaADeEFJ-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yPdKDpzEyE4syadaADeEFJ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yPdKDpzEyE4syadaADeEFJ-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yPdKDpzEyE4syadaADeEFJ-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-1bf5cc18-c349-11f1-aba9-3fb63e6e13bc\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Ben Healy hasn&#8217;t hit the heights he did during his fantastic run of form in 2025, but there have been signs that he&#8217;s getting back there after a difficult 2026 campaign. The Irishman was 8th at GP de Montreal, 10th at Worlds, sixth at Giro dell&#8217;Emilia, and in the main group at Tre Valli Varesine.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">He has been an attacking presence throughout. This is Ben Healy, after all, and that&#8217;s not going to change. The question mark comes over how he uses those bullets. What we&#8217;ve seen in the past few years is a scattergun approach that has often rewarded him but elsewhere has seen him effectively set fire to whole mountains of energy. At Worlds, for example, he launched a big solo attack to reach the front of the race and by the time he&#8217;d done so the rest of the group were pretty much back there as well \u2013 a long time in the wind when he could have been in the same situation for a lot less money.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">But that&#8217;s what people love about Ben Healy, and if you don&#8217;t take those risks, you perhaps don&#8217;t get the rewards. He is capable of a top result here, but needs things to go his way for that magic bullet to land \u2013 you can be sure he&#8217;s going to fire the shots.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-enric-mas-movistar\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Enric Mas (Movistar)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-bfd796e6-c34d-11f1-bbff-5b5c5c611294\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Krmrgm9CvimRG5j9sKmoRK-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Krmrgm9CvimRG5j9sKmoRK-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Krmrgm9CvimRG5j9sKmoRK-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Krmrgm9CvimRG5j9sKmoRK-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Krmrgm9CvimRG5j9sKmoRK-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Krmrgm9CvimRG5j9sKmoRK-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-1bf5ccf4-c349-11f1-afef-cff9fa3e3fc0\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Enric Mas did not finish Worlds and was 29th at Giro dell&#8217;Emilia, but we&#8217;re not going to forget about his stunning Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a performance all that quickly. The Spaniard filled the void left by Poga\u010dar&#8217;s early exit and dominated the rest of the race with physical and tactical prowess. Mas has had a really bumpy few years, but when it&#8217;s his day, it really clicks, and he can look like he&#8217;s on the cusp of those riders in the very top bracket. Just cast your minds back to the 2022 Lombardia \u2013 he was the only rider who could get near Poga\u010dar, and he put up a decent fight in the two-way sprint for the title.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">So while the past couple of races haven&#8217;t been anything to write home about, Mas has performed here previously, his form can&#8217;t have disappeared, and he has absolutely no pressure on his shoulders.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-christian-scaroni-xds-astana\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Christian Scaroni (XDS-Astana)<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-1bf5cdd0-c349-11f1-84ae-514f762c9dab\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The Italian isn&#8217;t the biggest star, but he has been operating at a consistently high level for a couple of years now, and he comes into Lombardia with a list of results that reads: 2nd at GP Industria &amp; Artigianato, 3rd at Giro della Toscana, 4th at Coppa Sabatini, 18th at Worlds, 3rd at Europeans, 7th at Tre Valli Varesine. And his one-day record hasn&#8217;t been far off those levels all year; he has only won one \u2013 at Challenge Mallorca \u2013 so far (though he did win the Green Mountain stage and the overall at the Tour of Oman).<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">He probably likes things a little punchier, so the long distance and the climbing load of Lombardia represent an even bigger hurdle to that top step of the podium. But then again, he was eighth and in the second group behind Poga\u010dar at Li\u00e8ge-Bastogne-Li\u00e8ge in the spring.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">It&#8217;s difficult to see Scaroni winning, but he&#8217;s definitely an outsider for the podium.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-other-riders-to-watch\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Other riders to watch<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-1bf5cf74-c349-11f1-adc7-f3ff707cc4eb\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">We focused on Evenepoel at the top of this piece, and he&#8217;s definitely the focal point, but Red Bull&#8217;s team is stacked with riders who might be leaders in other outfits: Florian Lipowitz, Jai Hindley, and Giulio Pellizzari.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">We went big on Ciccone earlier, but Lidl-Trek also have Juan Ayuso, who is becoming increasingly inconsistent but has the raw talent to win this race, while Quinn Simmons may find it too climbing-intensive but is sure to show off the Stars and Stripes with an attacking display.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">While we&#8217;re on the subject of strong teams, none are in standout form but <strong>Bahrain Victorious<\/strong> are here with Antonio Tiberi, Lenny Martinez, Santiago Buitrago, Pello Bilbao, and Jakob Omrzel.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><strong>Oscar Onley<\/strong> was a protagonist at Worlds, was third at Giro dell&#8217;Emilia, and looks like Netcompany-Ineos best bet here.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><strong>EF Education-EasyPost<\/strong> also have the small matter of a former Olympic champion in Richard Carapaz.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><strong>Tobias Haaland Johannessen<\/strong> leads Uno-X alongside the impressive Anton Charmig.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">We&#8217;ve mentioned Widar but <strong>Lennert Van Eetvelt<\/strong> is perhaps Lotto-Intermarch\u00e9&#8217;s more tried-and-tested top-10 contender.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">In Mathys Rondel, Marc Hirschi, and Michael Storer, <strong>Tudor Pro Cycling<\/strong> have a decent set of potential top-10s.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-eX2xCAWCRkYBixXw9daKx6\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-eX2xCAWCRkYBixXw9daKx6 slice-container-authorBio\">\n<div class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio slice-container-authorBio\" id=\"slice-container-authorBio\" data-component-name=\"Slice:AuthorBio\">\n<div class=\"author author__default-layout author--separator author--collapsible\" data-author-bio-max-height=\"250\" data-author-bio-read-more=\"Read more\" data-author-bio-read-less=\"Read less\">\n<div class=\"author__header\">\n<div class=\"author__avatar-block\">\n<figure class=\"image-wrapped__wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__widthsetter\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__aspect-padding\">\n<div>\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2QoJgeVtEMbCKNujw2pLoH-140-80.jpg.webp 140w\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__heading\">\n<div class=\"author__name\">\n<p>Patrick Fletcher<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__role\">Deputy Editor<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>Patrick is an NCTJ-accredited journalist with a bachelor\u2019s degree in modern languages (French and Spanish) and a decade\u2019s experience in digital sports media, largely within the world of cycling. He re-joined Cyclingnews as Deputy Editor in February 2026, having previously spent eight years on staff between 2015 and 2023. In between, he was Deputy Editor at GCN and spent 18 months working across the sports portfolio at Future before returning to the cycling press pack. Patrick works across Cyclingnews\u2019 wide-ranging output, assisting the Editor in global content strategy, with a particular focus on shaping CN&#8217;s news operation.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<div class=\"relative max-w-[1070px] viafoura-twig-component mt-6 mx-4 lg:mx-0\" data-component-name=\"Viafoura:Comments\" data-nosnippet data-community-guidelines-text=\"&lt;p class=&apos;vfcustom-community-guidelines&apos;&gt;Please follow our &lt;a href=&quot;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/about\/#section-community-guidelines&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;community guidelines&lt;\/a&gt;.&lt;\/p&gt;\" data-join-the-conversation-text=\"Join the Conversation\">\n<div class=\"absolute top-0 left-0 w-full h-full flex items-center justify-center z-50 bg-white\/90 border-1 rounded-b-[var(--comment-widget-border-radius,0)]\">\n<div class=\"p-2 text-center\">\n<p class=\"mb-3 text-lg!\">You must confirm your public display name before commenting<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-3 text-sm!\">Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<section class=\"mx-2 my-5 sm:mx-0\">\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-adviser:hybrid\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Read more<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8PkTJPKGrgqMM2cQxQMqxX-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8PkTJPKGrgqMM2cQxQMqxX-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8PkTJPKGrgqMM2cQxQMqxX-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8PkTJPKGrgqMM2cQxQMqxX-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8PkTJPKGrgqMM2cQxQMqxX-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">A wide open face-off between Evenepoel, Del Toro, Seixas, Van der Poel and more for the rainbow jersey \u2013 Analysing the World Championships elite men&#8217;s road race contenders<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/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 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\/vXx3fTTYeYfvhBsZ8FoUhF-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vXx3fTTYeYfvhBsZ8FoUhF-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vXx3fTTYeYfvhBsZ8FoUhF-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vXx3fTTYeYfvhBsZ8FoUhF-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vXx3fTTYeYfvhBsZ8FoUhF-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Tadej Poga\u010dar vs the rest \u2013 Our analysis of the top 10 contenders at the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a<\/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\/FFbuw6kBv6RkLDMWxnc7y7-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FFbuw6kBv6RkLDMWxnc7y7-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FFbuw6kBv6RkLDMWxnc7y7-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FFbuw6kBv6RkLDMWxnc7y7-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FFbuw6kBv6RkLDMWxnc7y7-320-80.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\">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<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ytKMCAWdoeKoxdomn4dR7V-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ytKMCAWdoeKoxdomn4dR7V-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ytKMCAWdoeKoxdomn4dR7V-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ytKMCAWdoeKoxdomn4dR7V-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ytKMCAWdoeKoxdomn4dR7V-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Tadej Poga\u010dar&#8217;s absence changes everything \u2013 How will World Championships strategies and tactics be rewritten in Montreal?<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zLLbbZMNGwFReCwkUyTZrD-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zLLbbZMNGwFReCwkUyTZrD-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zLLbbZMNGwFReCwkUyTZrD-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zLLbbZMNGwFReCwkUyTZrD-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zLLbbZMNGwFReCwkUyTZrD-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">A big World Championships warm-up where Poga\u010dar&#8217;s absence opens the field significantly \u2013 Riders to watch at the Grands Prix de Qu\u00e9bec and Montr\u00e9al<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\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\/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 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\/KSqpBGMqZoj78dyjy7vT9c-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KSqpBGMqZoj78dyjy7vT9c-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KSqpBGMqZoj78dyjy7vT9c-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KSqpBGMqZoj78dyjy7vT9c-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KSqpBGMqZoj78dyjy7vT9c-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 reveals mystery knee pain ahead of trying to defend Poga\u010dar&#8217;s Il Lombardia streak alongside World Champion Brandon McNulty for UAE<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-articletype\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Previews<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/trNo5fgL72aJ22UyY2R2cL-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/trNo5fgL72aJ22UyY2R2cL-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/trNo5fgL72aJ22UyY2R2cL-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/trNo5fgL72aJ22UyY2R2cL-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/trNo5fgL72aJ22UyY2R2cL-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\">True grit specialists primed to challenge the run of road pro rainbow jerseys \u2013 Analysing the Gravel World Championships 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\/mUJr4fyEg59pLF4tkAujUR-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mUJr4fyEg59pLF4tkAujUR-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mUJr4fyEg59pLF4tkAujUR-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mUJr4fyEg59pLF4tkAujUR-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mUJr4fyEg59pLF4tkAujUR-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\">An open field with no Evenepoel or Ganna \u2013 Analysing the European Championships elite men&#8217;s time trial 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\/FFbuw6kBv6RkLDMWxnc7y7-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FFbuw6kBv6RkLDMWxnc7y7-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FFbuw6kBv6RkLDMWxnc7y7-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FFbuw6kBv6RkLDMWxnc7y7-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FFbuw6kBv6RkLDMWxnc7y7-320-80.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\">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<\/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\/vB4pFdX64YvSzFQPFYRedP-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vB4pFdX64YvSzFQPFYRedP-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vB4pFdX64YvSzFQPFYRedP-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vB4pFdX64YvSzFQPFYRedP-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vB4pFdX64YvSzFQPFYRedP-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Can anyone challenge world champion Marlen Reusser? \u2013 European Championship elite women&#8217;s time trial contenders<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aVDAw6hqD6AUQktJ4aFN4Q-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aVDAw6hqD6AUQktJ4aFN4Q-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aVDAw6hqD6AUQktJ4aFN4Q-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aVDAw6hqD6AUQktJ4aFN4Q-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aVDAw6hqD6AUQktJ4aFN4Q-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Will Vollering continue the Dutch domination or can someone exact Worlds revenge? \u2013 European Championships women&#8217;s road race contenders<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8PkTJPKGrgqMM2cQxQMqxX-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8PkTJPKGrgqMM2cQxQMqxX-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8PkTJPKGrgqMM2cQxQMqxX-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8PkTJPKGrgqMM2cQxQMqxX-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8PkTJPKGrgqMM2cQxQMqxX-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">A wide open face-off between Evenepoel, Del Toro, Seixas, Van der Poel and more for the rainbow jersey \u2013 Analysing the World Championships elite men&#8217;s road race contenders<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\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>Evenepoel and Del Toro the favourites, but Il Lombardia is wide open \u2013 Analysing the contenders<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"vds-byline-block flex flex-row flex-nowrap my-1.5 gap-2 text-left items-start justify-start\" data-component-name=\"Article:BylineBlock\">\n<div class=\"my-auto vds-simple-byline\"><span class=\"inline-block vds-author\"><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nPatrick Fletcher <\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex gap-1 vds-byline-with-avatar__meta\"><span class=\"vds-date block font-normal tracking-normal normal-case text-xs\"><br \/>\nPublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-10-08T19:23:37Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n8 October 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">In the absence of Tadej Poga\u010dar, a new champion will be crowned for the first time since 2020<\/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\/JNZastQiZyHcp9fHvQJnwm-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JNZastQiZyHcp9fHvQJnwm-1600-80.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JNZastQiZyHcp9fHvQJnwm-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JNZastQiZyHcp9fHvQJnwm-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JNZastQiZyHcp9fHvQJnwm-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JNZastQiZyHcp9fHvQJnwm-750-80.jpg.webp 750w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JNZastQiZyHcp9fHvQJnwm-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JNZastQiZyHcp9fHvQJnwm-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JNZastQiZyHcp9fHvQJnwm-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 600px, 100vw\" \/><figcaption class=\"font-article-copy text-(--image--text--color) font-article-copy mt-2\"><span class=\"caption-text font-article-copy\">Giulio Ciccone and Remco Evenepoel have been going head-to-head frequently this fall and are two favourites for Il Lombardia<\/span><span class=\"credit font-article-copy\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo\" class=\"contents\" data-only-inline=\"1\">\n<div class=\"visible flex flex-row flex-nowrap sticky max-lg:-ml-5 top-[var(--site-header-height,60px)] sm:top-0 z-[9994] w-screen lg:w-full h-[50px] bg-white p-0 mb-5 border-neutral-200 border border-solid\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Variants:Inline\" data-analytics-id=\"sticky-nav\" id=\"sticky-nav--inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"sticky-nav\">\n<div class=\"flex flex-row w-full h-full overflow-x-scroll overflow-y-hidden tracking-normal overscroll-x-contain\" id=\"sticky-nav__scroll-container\"><span class=\"pl-4 my-auto text-base font-semibold font-article-heading lg:pl-3 lg:text-sm whitespace-nowrap uppercase\">Jump To:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-row w-auto border-y-0\">\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\nborder-b-[3px] border-b-(--jumpto-underline-color) border-solid font-semibold \" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>Isaac del Toro (UAE Team Emirates-XRG)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\"text-copy bodyCopy auto paywall-locker\">\n<div data-analytics-id=\"utility-bar\" id=\"utility-bar\" class=\"font-ui-heading flex justify-between items-center py-2 border-t border-b border-gray-300 border-solid mb-5 mx-auto\" data-component-name=\"UtilityBar\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"utility-bar\">\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div data-component-name=\"Social:Dropdown\" role=\"menu\" id=\"utilitybar__dropdown--share\" aria-labelledby=\"utilitybar__button--share\" class=\"absolute left-0 top-full w-44 bg-white rounded-md shadow-md border border-neutral-200 z-[9996] list-none m-0 py-2 px-3 border-solid\">\n<ul class=\"m-0!\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Facebook<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>X<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Pinterest<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Email<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-share-this-article\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nShare this article\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\"><span class=\"ml-1 inline-flex h-5 px-2 shrink-0 items-center justify-center self-center overflow-hidden whitespace-nowrap rounded-[10px] bg-primary-500 text-[11px] leading-none font-ui-heading font-semibold text-white\">7<\/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-1bd3413e-c344-11f1-bfab-57acdf423e48\">The final Monument of the 2026 season, Il Lombardia, is upon us and we have a fantastic race in prospect thanks to a fascinating array of contenders, who we&#8217;re going to delve into right here.<\/p>\n<p>There&#8217;s nowhere else to start than with an absentee, Tadej Poga\u010dar. The Slovenian has won this race five years in a row, and so his absence leaves a void in which a very different Lombardia should emerge \u2013 at least compared to the last couple of processions.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-1bd3413e-c344-11f1-bfab-57acdf423e48-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">We&#8217;ve been adjusting to a Poga\u010dar-less racing scene in recent weeks, and for all that it&#8217;s a shame to have the world&#8217;s biggest star on the sidelines, the racing has undeniably been more open, tactical, and interesting as a result.<\/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\">That&#8217;s what we&#8217;re expecting to see again on Saturday, at a 120th edition of the Race of the Falling Leaves that follows the Bergamo to Como direction on a 239km route with a finale over the Madonna del Ghisallo, San Fermo della Battaglia, and Civiglio climbs.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">We arguably have two top favourites \u2013 though neither so superior as Poga\u010dar \u2013 and a rich array of names who will all feel they have a shot at a Monument on Saturday afternoon.<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            You may like<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8PkTJPKGrgqMM2cQxQMqxX-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8PkTJPKGrgqMM2cQxQMqxX-150-80.png.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">A wide open face-off between Evenepoel, Del Toro, Seixas, Van der Poel and more for the rainbow jersey \u2013 Analysing the World Championships elite men&#8217;s road race contenders<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YVRk57PzuHNFMtZzbZVimn-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YVRk57PzuHNFMtZzbZVimn-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">A rare return to unpredictability as no Tadej Poga\u010dar at Il Lombardia opens the door to the same anarchy as Worlds \u2013 Analysis<\/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\/vXx3fTTYeYfvhBsZ8FoUhF-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vXx3fTTYeYfvhBsZ8FoUhF-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Tadej Poga\u010dar vs the rest \u2013 Our analysis of the top 10 contenders at the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-remco-evenepoel-red-bull-bora-hansgrohe\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Remco Evenepoel (Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe)<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-1bf5c394-c349-11f1-b610-07914e62a95e\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">After winning the European road race title, the Belgian has steadied the ship that listed so dramatically in the World Championship, and as such he starts as one of the top two favourites. As Worlds underlined, Evenepoel is a rider who can blow extremely hot and extremely cold. A one-pitch, know-what-you&#8217;re-getting Poga\u010dar he is not, but then again, that&#8217;s part of what makes him such a compelling bike rider.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">In a Poga\u010dar-less world, Evenepoel \u2013 a former world champion, two-time winner of Li\u00e8ge-Bastogne-Li\u00e8ge and five-time winner of the Cl\u00e1sica San Sebasti\u00e1n \u2013 ought to be the next man up. 12 months ago, he soloed to second place behind Poga\u010dar rather convincingly, as he did repeatedly last autumn. But despite bouncing back from that off-day at Worlds, you sense Evenepoel is not quite at the height of his powers.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-eX2xCAWCRkYBixXw9daKx6\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-eX2xCAWCRkYBixXw9daKx6 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\">The Europeans felt like a good example of a race he might have won solo at his peak. Indeed, he had to outsprint Giulio Ciccone for the second time in just a few weeks. Now, Evenepoel&#8217;s sprint is an underrated weapon that only broadens the way in which he can win these big races, but you can&#8217;t help but feel that the more we&#8217;ve been impressed by it, the more we&#8217;ve seen it in action, and the less that means he&#8217;s actually been able to get away.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Even so, he remains one of the very top favourites to finally win a race that he looked like he might have won as a 20-year-old in 2020.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-isaac-del-toro-uae-team-emirates-xrg\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Isaac del Toro (UAE Team Emirates-XRG)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-bfd78f84-c34d-11f1-9d54-6133349e32b1\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WnZZQFMugK56AhbfNYffe7-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WnZZQFMugK56AhbfNYffe7-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WnZZQFMugK56AhbfNYffe7-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WnZZQFMugK56AhbfNYffe7-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WnZZQFMugK56AhbfNYffe7-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WnZZQFMugK56AhbfNYffe7-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Isaac del Toro on the attack with Finn Fisher-Black during Gran Piemonte <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-1bf5c592-c349-11f1-aded-453211fc8ea2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The rainbows may be wrapped around the torso of Brandon McNulty, and while the US rider will have more freedom than if Poga\u010dar were present, it&#8217;s Isaac del Toro who represents the best shot for UAE Team Emirates and a joint favourite alongside Evenepoel.<\/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\/FFbuw6kBv6RkLDMWxnc7y7-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FFbuw6kBv6RkLDMWxnc7y7-150-80.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\">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<\/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\/ytKMCAWdoeKoxdomn4dR7V-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ytKMCAWdoeKoxdomn4dR7V-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Tadej Poga\u010dar&#8217;s absence changes everything \u2013 How will World Championships strategies and tactics be rewritten in Montreal?<\/span><\/li>\n<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\/zLLbbZMNGwFReCwkUyTZrD-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zLLbbZMNGwFReCwkUyTZrD-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">A big World Championships warm-up where Poga\u010dar&#8217;s absence opens the field significantly \u2013 Riders to watch at the Grands Prix de Qu\u00e9bec and Montr\u00e9al<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Del Toro has all the tools to win this race. As the Tour de France runner-up, he has the climbing legs. As the winner of nearly every late-season Italian classic last year, he knows what he&#8217;s doing in this punchy part of the world. And as the winner of the GP de Montr\u00e9al in a sprint, he has the finishing speed to win if he has company.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Del Toro has had a remarkable season in which he has won three WorldTour stage races, finished on the podium of his first Tour de France, and won a WorldTour one-dayer at Montreal. His performance at the World Championships in the same location was widely debated and shot through with allegations, and while we will take his ride at face value, there were tactical question marks that \u2013 like we saw at the Giro last year \u2013 could do with being ironed out.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">But on his day he is just the complete package, an electric racer, and he has a huge opportunity here to take the biggest win of his career so far.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-brandon-mcnulty-uae-team-emirates-xrg\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Brandon McNulty (UAE Team Emirates-XRG)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-bfd79060-c34d-11f1-b27a-6f87ac31a19e\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WzqDx4EmjAUjMmKZseQiBW-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WzqDx4EmjAUjMmKZseQiBW-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WzqDx4EmjAUjMmKZseQiBW-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WzqDx4EmjAUjMmKZseQiBW-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WzqDx4EmjAUjMmKZseQiBW-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WzqDx4EmjAUjMmKZseQiBW-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Brandon McNulty in the rainbow jersey <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Dario Belingheri \/ Staff)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-1bf5c65a-c349-11f1-a4ad-51892ef5605a\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">It would be rude not to give the world champion his own section. After all, Brandon McNulty&#8217;s Worlds win, though highly tactical, was no stroke of fortune. He has largely operated as a domestique, but the immense talent that was evident so early in his career has never been far from the surface, and he had racked up a very respectable palmar\u00e8s even before the world title.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Since he pulled on that rainbow jersey, he has looked invigorated. Some of it might have something to do with Poga\u010dar&#8217;s recent absence, but he&#8217;s been launching attacks left, right, and centre in a sign that the jersey is not weighing him down with any sort of onus of suddenly winning all the time now, but rather giving him a boost of confidence and a spring in his step.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">It will be interesting to see how he dovetails with Del Toro. The Mexican might be the standout favourite, but Poga\u010dar is not back yet, and while that&#8217;s the case there&#8217;s room for McNulty to go after this race, and perhaps make a bit of a statement over his status in the pecking order at UAE.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-paul-seixas-decathlon-cma-cgm\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Paul Seixas (Decathlon CMA CGM)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-bfd79128-c34d-11f1-b5f6-356c0f9f2eff\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PrSmk5phU2J2AZXnfbi4A4-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PrSmk5phU2J2AZXnfbi4A4-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PrSmk5phU2J2AZXnfbi4A4-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PrSmk5phU2J2AZXnfbi4A4-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PrSmk5phU2J2AZXnfbi4A4-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PrSmk5phU2J2AZXnfbi4A4-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Paul Seixas <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-1bf5c722-c349-11f1-8ca0-59d715f9c8a7\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The Frenchman takes to Lombardia to round out one of the most extraordinary seasons we&#8217;ve seen in recent years, one in which he rose to the top echelon of the sport and became the most hyped man in professional cycling.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Seixas looks likely to win this race in the future \u2013 you could say that about a lot of races \u2013 and while it wouldn&#8217;t be a total shock to see him do it this year, excitement surrounding the recently-turned 20-year-old has dampened somewhat compared to his blistering Spring.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Back then, he was genuinely looking like the second-best rider in the world with runner-up finishes behind Poga\u010dar at Strade Bianche and Li\u00e8ge-Bastogne-Li\u00e8ge, either side of a complete evisceration of the Itzulia Basque Country field. He was fast-tracked into his Tour de France debut, and since then a touch off the gloss has worn off, with a more subdued racing style and a level just a notch lower.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">That&#8217;s no slant on Seixas. Fourth on debut at the Tour de France at 19 is still otherworldly, and he only lost the GP de Montr\u00e9al in a sprint against Isaac del Toro. But the World Championships, where he cramped in the finale, highlighted some &#8211; to be expected &#8211; limitations, and also the level of pressure he puts on his own shoulders, berating himself for riding like a schoolkid.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">However it lands, and he has all the tools to win it, Lombardia represents the final act of a breakthrough season and the start of a reset that may well lead to a different beast in 2027.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-giulio-ciccone-lidl-trek\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Giulio Ciccone (Lidl-Trek)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-bfd7924a-c34d-11f1-9aa3-6d6cc3e468b8\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pCawfm4gCDiwkCVKrshAXe-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pCawfm4gCDiwkCVKrshAXe-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pCawfm4gCDiwkCVKrshAXe-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pCawfm4gCDiwkCVKrshAXe-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pCawfm4gCDiwkCVKrshAXe-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pCawfm4gCDiwkCVKrshAXe-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">The photo finish that broke Ciccone&#8217;s heart <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-1bf5c7ea-c349-11f1-bddf-b3f4dce947ba\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The Italian may feel he should be racing Il Lombardia in a white and blue jersey with golden stars on it, but amid his doubts surrounding the photo finish from the European Championships road race last weekend, he can have few doubts about his form.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Ciccone has shown his one-day shape is where it needs to be in recent weeks. As at the Europeans, he was out-sprinted only by Evenepoel at the end of the QP de Qu\u00e9bec, and he was sixth at Worlds after looking momentarily like he might make his way across to McNulty alongside Tom Pidcock on the final lap.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">It&#8217;s hard to see him winning in an outright sprint against some of the riders on this list, but as shown by the way he took the fight to Evenepoel at Europeans, he has the race craft to make different things happen. When he&#8217;s in this form and this mood, Ciccone is fantastic to watch. And after the Europeans, he may even be riding with a little extra fire in his belly, which, for a rider who has always ridden on emotion, might just make an all-important difference.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-tom-pidcock-pinarello-q36-5\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Tom Pidcock (Pinarello-Q36.5)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-bfd79308-c34d-11f1-84ba-574685cc4bfd\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6PsVBMmHtyiJDWGgodApP4-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6PsVBMmHtyiJDWGgodApP4-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6PsVBMmHtyiJDWGgodApP4-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6PsVBMmHtyiJDWGgodApP4-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6PsVBMmHtyiJDWGgodApP4-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6PsVBMmHtyiJDWGgodApP4-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-1bf5c8b2-c349-11f1-a8a9-1be179c64998\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">You never quite know what you&#8217;re going to get with Tom Pidcock, which is probably why he&#8217;s so exciting to watch. On his day, he&#8217;s world-class, as evidenced by a palmar\u00e8s that includes Strade Bianche, Amstel Gold Race, and a Grand Tour podium, along with all his off-road titles.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">His challenge to Poga\u010dar at Milan-San Remo this Spring was another reminder of the levels he can reach on his day. But he can also look pretty ordinary, make mistakes, or fade away in big races.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">It can be hard to read his form, but it looks pretty good. He had a subdued Tour de France and then won the Mountain Bike Worlds, so it&#8217;s been a tight one to adjust for a late-season full of hilly one-day races, but he seems to have done a decent job, winning on comeback at the GP Industria &amp; Artigianato and featuring prominently in every race since, with podiums at Tre Valli Varesine and Giro dell&#8217;Emilia.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">He was also top 10 at the GPs de Qu\u00e9bec and Montr\u00e9al, and in the World Championships, where he was one of the very strongest in the group behind McNulty.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">He was also the most generous, and that&#8217;s probably the most reliable thing about Pidcock \u2013 that he&#8217;ll commit and go all-in for the win rather than playing games and riding for the podium. With no co-leader on his level at Pinarello Q36.5, it leaves him slightly exposed, and he may find himself in awkward situations on Saturday once again. But if he can take that small step towards his sparkling best, then he is well in with a shout of a first Monument title.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-matteo-jorgenson-visma-lease-a-bike\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Matteo Jorgenson (Visma-Lease a Bike)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-bfd793bc-c34d-11f1-b4a6-5fcfdbff645c\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gom9mBTjztXw6goc7DV7xk-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gom9mBTjztXw6goc7DV7xk-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gom9mBTjztXw6goc7DV7xk-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gom9mBTjztXw6goc7DV7xk-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gom9mBTjztXw6goc7DV7xk-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gom9mBTjztXw6goc7DV7xk-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-1bf5c97a-c349-11f1-9f55-ab85b3542f27\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Matteo Jorgenson has looked incredibly strong in recent weeks \u2013 just a vision of perfect posture and, in contrast to some of the more spritely climbers on this list, pure seated horsepower. The World Championships would indicate that Jorgenson would thrive in a more grinding, attritional affair, but he still had the punch to follow Tom Pidcock&#8217;s decisive acceleration at Tre Valli Varesine.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The big weakness in Jorgenson&#8217;s arsenal is his sprint finish. He barely has one. So he&#8217;d need to win alone. And that&#8217;s certainly not out of the question given the lack of Poga\u010dar and given the potential room for tactical manoeuvre.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">In that respect, we need to highlight Visma&#8217;s two-pronged approach, with Davide Piganzoli another credible candidate for the Lombardia title. More on the young Italian in a minute, but what&#8217;s clear already from the past few races is how well they&#8217;ve combined. Piganzoli, of course, won the Giro dell&#8217;Emilia, and much like Brandon McNulty&#8217;s world title, it was massively aided and abetted by Jorgenson&#8217;s presence, strength, and actions in the group behind.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The pair both attacked in the finale of Tre Valli Varesine, and this time it was Jorgenson who got to play the finale, but was third in the three-man sprint. Is Jorgenson just the perfect second fiddle, or can he become the main man in Como?<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-davide-piganzoli-visma-lease-a-bike\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Davide Piganzoli (Visma-Lease a Bike)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-bfd794ca-c34d-11f1-bcfd-63132621b0f7\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PQdfEXZEhHKaMAVYjay9Nk-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PQdfEXZEhHKaMAVYjay9Nk-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PQdfEXZEhHKaMAVYjay9Nk-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PQdfEXZEhHKaMAVYjay9Nk-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PQdfEXZEhHKaMAVYjay9Nk-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PQdfEXZEhHKaMAVYjay9Nk-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-1bf5ca60-c349-11f1-8852-a5786db11c5b\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">We&#8217;ve mentioned some of Piganzoli&#8217;s results, and his collaboration with Jorgenson, but the 24-year-old Italian deserves his own slot on this list. He has had a fantastic breakthrough season, shining as the top mountain domestique at the Giro d&#8217;Italia won by his teammate Jonas Vingegaard, and finishing eighth himself in the process.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">He was then drafted into the Tour de France squad late on, and in truth he was unable to reach his Giro form at any point during the race, but still ended up in 14th place overall. He went on to win the Tour of Luxembourg \u2013 his second stage race title of the season after the Route d&#8217;Occitanie \u2013 before his brilliantly-taken solo victory at the Giro dell&#8217;Emilia, which has propelled him up the list of contenders for Il Lombardia.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-jarno-widar-lotto-intermarche\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Jarno Widar (Lotto-Intermarch\u00e9)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-bfd7957e-c34d-11f1-a548-0dc9f3f520a9\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SMpZpLJQrHv8dhqHmS9CEP-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SMpZpLJQrHv8dhqHmS9CEP-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SMpZpLJQrHv8dhqHmS9CEP-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SMpZpLJQrHv8dhqHmS9CEP-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SMpZpLJQrHv8dhqHmS9CEP-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SMpZpLJQrHv8dhqHmS9CEP-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-1bf5cb3c-c349-11f1-8f16-a766b79ea71a\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Are we getting carried away here? I&#8217;m not so sure. The 20-year-old Belgian just won his first pro race, at Tre Valli Varesine, outsprinting two riders higher up this list in the process. With that, he has put himself at the forefront of our minds ahead of Il Lombardia.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">And yet, he is far from a reliable contender for this race. For starters, it&#8217;s his first Monument, his first real test in a race as heavy as this in terms of distance and climbing. Secondly, the stunning talent that Widar showed in the U23 ranks has only come through in patches this season (which is absolutely fair enough). Thirdly, Widar is more of a puncheur than a climber, and while the climbs individually suit him, it&#8217;s far from a given he&#8217;ll stay the course here.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">That said, it was only recently that he was the best of the rest behind Poga\u010dar on a big mountain stage of the Vuelta to Andorra. And when it comes to a sprint, he showed in mid-week that he has one of the best. He may have surprised Pidcock at Tre Valli, but the Briton responded quickly and got nowhere near him.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">It could go one of two ways, and while he might fall away completely, you wouldn&#8217;t count him out of being in podium contention.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-ben-healy-ef-education-easypost\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Ben Healy (EF Education-EasyPost)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-bfd79632-c34d-11f1-b150-57daea5adde3\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yPdKDpzEyE4syadaADeEFJ-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yPdKDpzEyE4syadaADeEFJ-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yPdKDpzEyE4syadaADeEFJ-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yPdKDpzEyE4syadaADeEFJ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yPdKDpzEyE4syadaADeEFJ-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yPdKDpzEyE4syadaADeEFJ-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-1bf5cc18-c349-11f1-aba9-3fb63e6e13bc\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Ben Healy hasn&#8217;t hit the heights he did during his fantastic run of form in 2025, but there have been signs that he&#8217;s getting back there after a difficult 2026 campaign. The Irishman was 8th at GP de Montreal, 10th at Worlds, sixth at Giro dell&#8217;Emilia, and in the main group at Tre Valli Varesine.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">He has been an attacking presence throughout. This is Ben Healy, after all, and that&#8217;s not going to change. The question mark comes over how he uses those bullets. What we&#8217;ve seen in the past few years is a scattergun approach that has often rewarded him but elsewhere has seen him effectively set fire to whole mountains of energy. At Worlds, for example, he launched a big solo attack to reach the front of the race and by the time he&#8217;d done so the rest of the group were pretty much back there as well \u2013 a long time in the wind when he could have been in the same situation for a lot less money.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">But that&#8217;s what people love about Ben Healy, and if you don&#8217;t take those risks, you perhaps don&#8217;t get the rewards. He is capable of a top result here, but needs things to go his way for that magic bullet to land \u2013 you can be sure he&#8217;s going to fire the shots.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-enric-mas-movistar\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Enric Mas (Movistar)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-bfd796e6-c34d-11f1-bbff-5b5c5c611294\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Krmrgm9CvimRG5j9sKmoRK-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Krmrgm9CvimRG5j9sKmoRK-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Krmrgm9CvimRG5j9sKmoRK-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Krmrgm9CvimRG5j9sKmoRK-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Krmrgm9CvimRG5j9sKmoRK-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Krmrgm9CvimRG5j9sKmoRK-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-1bf5ccf4-c349-11f1-afef-cff9fa3e3fc0\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Enric Mas did not finish Worlds and was 29th at Giro dell&#8217;Emilia, but we&#8217;re not going to forget about his stunning Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a performance all that quickly. The Spaniard filled the void left by Poga\u010dar&#8217;s early exit and dominated the rest of the race with physical and tactical prowess. Mas has had a really bumpy few years, but when it&#8217;s his day, it really clicks, and he can look like he&#8217;s on the cusp of those riders in the very top bracket. Just cast your minds back to the 2022 Lombardia \u2013 he was the only rider who could get near Poga\u010dar, and he put up a decent fight in the two-way sprint for the title.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">So while the past couple of races haven&#8217;t been anything to write home about, Mas has performed here previously, his form can&#8217;t have disappeared, and he has absolutely no pressure on his shoulders.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-christian-scaroni-xds-astana\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Christian Scaroni (XDS-Astana)<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-1bf5cdd0-c349-11f1-84ae-514f762c9dab\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The Italian isn&#8217;t the biggest star, but he has been operating at a consistently high level for a couple of years now, and he comes into Lombardia with a list of results that reads: 2nd at GP Industria &amp; Artigianato, 3rd at Giro della Toscana, 4th at Coppa Sabatini, 18th at Worlds, 3rd at Europeans, 7th at Tre Valli Varesine. And his one-day record hasn&#8217;t been far off those levels all year; he has only won one \u2013 at Challenge Mallorca \u2013 so far (though he did win the Green Mountain stage and the overall at the Tour of Oman).<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">He probably likes things a little punchier, so the long distance and the climbing load of Lombardia represent an even bigger hurdle to that top step of the podium. But then again, he was eighth and in the second group behind Poga\u010dar at Li\u00e8ge-Bastogne-Li\u00e8ge in the spring.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">It&#8217;s difficult to see Scaroni winning, but he&#8217;s definitely an outsider for the podium.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-other-riders-to-watch\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Other riders to watch<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-1bf5cf74-c349-11f1-adc7-f3ff707cc4eb\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">We focused on Evenepoel at the top of this piece, and he&#8217;s definitely the focal point, but Red Bull&#8217;s team is stacked with riders who might be leaders in other outfits: Florian Lipowitz, Jai Hindley, and Giulio Pellizzari.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">We went big on Ciccone earlier, but Lidl-Trek also have Juan Ayuso, who is becoming increasingly inconsistent but has the raw talent to win this race, while Quinn Simmons may find it too climbing-intensive but is sure to show off the Stars and Stripes with an attacking display.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">While we&#8217;re on the subject of strong teams, none are in standout form but <strong>Bahrain Victorious<\/strong> are here with Antonio Tiberi, Lenny Martinez, Santiago Buitrago, Pello Bilbao, and Jakob Omrzel.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><strong>Oscar Onley<\/strong> was a protagonist at Worlds, was third at Giro dell&#8217;Emilia, and looks like Netcompany-Ineos best bet here.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><strong>EF Education-EasyPost<\/strong> also have the small matter of a former Olympic champion in Richard Carapaz.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><strong>Tobias Haaland Johannessen<\/strong> leads Uno-X alongside the impressive Anton Charmig.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">We&#8217;ve mentioned Widar but <strong>Lennert Van Eetvelt<\/strong> is perhaps Lotto-Intermarch\u00e9&#8217;s more tried-and-tested top-10 contender.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">In Mathys Rondel, Marc Hirschi, and Michael Storer, <strong>Tudor Pro Cycling<\/strong> have a decent set of potential top-10s.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-eX2xCAWCRkYBixXw9daKx6\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-eX2xCAWCRkYBixXw9daKx6 slice-container-authorBio\">\n<div class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio slice-container-authorBio\" id=\"slice-container-authorBio\" data-component-name=\"Slice:AuthorBio\">\n<div class=\"author author__default-layout author--separator author--collapsible\" data-author-bio-max-height=\"250\" data-author-bio-read-more=\"Read more\" data-author-bio-read-less=\"Read less\">\n<div class=\"author__header\">\n<div class=\"author__avatar-block\">\n<figure class=\"image-wrapped__wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__widthsetter\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__aspect-padding\">\n<div>\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2QoJgeVtEMbCKNujw2pLoH-140-80.jpg.webp 140w\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__heading\">\n<div class=\"author__name\">\n<p>Patrick Fletcher<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__role\">Deputy Editor<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>Patrick is an NCTJ-accredited journalist with a bachelor\u2019s degree in modern languages (French and Spanish) and a decade\u2019s experience in digital sports media, largely within the world of cycling. He re-joined Cyclingnews as Deputy Editor in February 2026, having previously spent eight years on staff between 2015 and 2023. In between, he was Deputy Editor at GCN and spent 18 months working across the sports portfolio at Future before returning to the cycling press pack. Patrick works across Cyclingnews\u2019 wide-ranging output, assisting the Editor in global content strategy, with a particular focus on shaping CN&#8217;s news operation.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<div class=\"relative max-w-[1070px] viafoura-twig-component mt-6 mx-4 lg:mx-0\" data-component-name=\"Viafoura:Comments\" data-nosnippet data-community-guidelines-text=\"&lt;p class=&apos;vfcustom-community-guidelines&apos;&gt;Please follow our &lt;a href=&quot;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/about\/#section-community-guidelines&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;community guidelines&lt;\/a&gt;.&lt;\/p&gt;\" data-join-the-conversation-text=\"Join the Conversation\">\n<div class=\"absolute top-0 left-0 w-full h-full flex items-center justify-center z-50 bg-white\/90 border-1 rounded-b-[var(--comment-widget-border-radius,0)]\">\n<div class=\"p-2 text-center\">\n<p class=\"mb-3 text-lg!\">You must confirm your public display name before commenting<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-3 text-sm!\">Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<section class=\"mx-2 my-5 sm:mx-0\">\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-adviser:hybrid\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Read more<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8PkTJPKGrgqMM2cQxQMqxX-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8PkTJPKGrgqMM2cQxQMqxX-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8PkTJPKGrgqMM2cQxQMqxX-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8PkTJPKGrgqMM2cQxQMqxX-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8PkTJPKGrgqMM2cQxQMqxX-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">A wide open face-off between Evenepoel, Del Toro, Seixas, Van der Poel and more for the rainbow jersey \u2013 Analysing the World Championships elite men&#8217;s road race contenders<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/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 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\/vXx3fTTYeYfvhBsZ8FoUhF-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vXx3fTTYeYfvhBsZ8FoUhF-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vXx3fTTYeYfvhBsZ8FoUhF-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vXx3fTTYeYfvhBsZ8FoUhF-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vXx3fTTYeYfvhBsZ8FoUhF-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Tadej Poga\u010dar vs the rest \u2013 Our analysis of the top 10 contenders at the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a<\/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\/FFbuw6kBv6RkLDMWxnc7y7-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FFbuw6kBv6RkLDMWxnc7y7-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FFbuw6kBv6RkLDMWxnc7y7-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FFbuw6kBv6RkLDMWxnc7y7-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FFbuw6kBv6RkLDMWxnc7y7-320-80.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\">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<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ytKMCAWdoeKoxdomn4dR7V-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ytKMCAWdoeKoxdomn4dR7V-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ytKMCAWdoeKoxdomn4dR7V-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ytKMCAWdoeKoxdomn4dR7V-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ytKMCAWdoeKoxdomn4dR7V-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Tadej Poga\u010dar&#8217;s absence changes everything \u2013 How will World Championships strategies and tactics be rewritten in Montreal?<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zLLbbZMNGwFReCwkUyTZrD-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zLLbbZMNGwFReCwkUyTZrD-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zLLbbZMNGwFReCwkUyTZrD-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zLLbbZMNGwFReCwkUyTZrD-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zLLbbZMNGwFReCwkUyTZrD-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">A big World Championships warm-up where Poga\u010dar&#8217;s absence opens the field significantly \u2013 Riders to watch at the Grands Prix de Qu\u00e9bec and Montr\u00e9al<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\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\/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 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\/KSqpBGMqZoj78dyjy7vT9c-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KSqpBGMqZoj78dyjy7vT9c-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KSqpBGMqZoj78dyjy7vT9c-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KSqpBGMqZoj78dyjy7vT9c-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KSqpBGMqZoj78dyjy7vT9c-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 reveals mystery knee pain ahead of trying to defend Poga\u010dar&#8217;s Il Lombardia streak alongside World Champion Brandon McNulty for UAE<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-articletype\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Previews<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/trNo5fgL72aJ22UyY2R2cL-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/trNo5fgL72aJ22UyY2R2cL-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/trNo5fgL72aJ22UyY2R2cL-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/trNo5fgL72aJ22UyY2R2cL-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/trNo5fgL72aJ22UyY2R2cL-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\">True grit specialists primed to challenge the run of road pro rainbow jerseys \u2013 Analysing the Gravel World Championships 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\/mUJr4fyEg59pLF4tkAujUR-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mUJr4fyEg59pLF4tkAujUR-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mUJr4fyEg59pLF4tkAujUR-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mUJr4fyEg59pLF4tkAujUR-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mUJr4fyEg59pLF4tkAujUR-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\">An open field with no Evenepoel or Ganna \u2013 Analysing the European Championships elite men&#8217;s time trial 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\/FFbuw6kBv6RkLDMWxnc7y7-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FFbuw6kBv6RkLDMWxnc7y7-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FFbuw6kBv6RkLDMWxnc7y7-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FFbuw6kBv6RkLDMWxnc7y7-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FFbuw6kBv6RkLDMWxnc7y7-320-80.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\">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<\/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\/vB4pFdX64YvSzFQPFYRedP-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vB4pFdX64YvSzFQPFYRedP-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vB4pFdX64YvSzFQPFYRedP-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vB4pFdX64YvSzFQPFYRedP-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vB4pFdX64YvSzFQPFYRedP-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Can anyone challenge world champion Marlen Reusser? \u2013 European Championship elite women&#8217;s time trial contenders<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aVDAw6hqD6AUQktJ4aFN4Q-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aVDAw6hqD6AUQktJ4aFN4Q-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aVDAw6hqD6AUQktJ4aFN4Q-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aVDAw6hqD6AUQktJ4aFN4Q-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aVDAw6hqD6AUQktJ4aFN4Q-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Will Vollering continue the Dutch domination or can someone exact Worlds revenge? \u2013 European Championships women&#8217;s road race contenders<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8PkTJPKGrgqMM2cQxQMqxX-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8PkTJPKGrgqMM2cQxQMqxX-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8PkTJPKGrgqMM2cQxQMqxX-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8PkTJPKGrgqMM2cQxQMqxX-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8PkTJPKGrgqMM2cQxQMqxX-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">A wide open face-off between Evenepoel, Del Toro, Seixas, Van der Poel and more for the rainbow jersey \u2013 Analysing the World Championships elite men&#8217;s road race contenders<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\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>Evenepoel and Del Toro the favourites, but Il Lombardia is wide open \u2013 Analysing the contenders<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"vds-byline-block flex flex-row flex-nowrap my-1.5 gap-2 text-left items-start justify-start\" data-component-name=\"Article:BylineBlock\">\n<div class=\"my-auto vds-simple-byline\"><span class=\"inline-block vds-author\"><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nPatrick Fletcher <\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex gap-1 vds-byline-with-avatar__meta\"><span class=\"vds-date block font-normal tracking-normal normal-case text-xs\"><br \/>\nPublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-10-08T19:23:37Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n8 October 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">In the absence of Tadej Poga\u010dar, a new champion will be crowned for the first time since 2020<\/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\">7<\/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-1bd3413e-c344-11f1-bfab-57acdf423e48\">The final Monument of the 2026 season, Il Lombardia, is upon us and we have a fantastic race in prospect thanks to a fascinating array of contenders, who we&#8217;re going to delve into right here.<\/p>\n<p>There&#8217;s nowhere else to start than with an absentee, Tadej Poga\u010dar. The Slovenian has won this race five years in a row, and so his absence leaves a void in which a very different Lombardia should emerge \u2013 at least compared to the last couple of processions.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-1bd3413e-c344-11f1-bfab-57acdf423e48-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">We&#8217;ve been adjusting to a Poga\u010dar-less racing scene in recent weeks, and for all that it&#8217;s a shame to have the world&#8217;s biggest star on the sidelines, the racing has undeniably been more open, tactical, and interesting as a result.<\/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\">That&#8217;s what we&#8217;re expecting to see again on Saturday, at a 120th edition of the Race of the Falling Leaves that follows the Bergamo to Como direction on a 239km route with a finale over the Madonna del Ghisallo, San Fermo della Battaglia, and Civiglio climbs.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">We arguably have two top favourites \u2013 though neither so superior as Poga\u010dar \u2013 and a rich array of names who will all feel they have a shot at a Monument on Saturday afternoon.<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            You may like<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8PkTJPKGrgqMM2cQxQMqxX-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8PkTJPKGrgqMM2cQxQMqxX-150-80.png.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">A wide open face-off between Evenepoel, Del Toro, Seixas, Van der Poel and more for the rainbow jersey \u2013 Analysing the World Championships elite men&#8217;s road race contenders<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YVRk57PzuHNFMtZzbZVimn-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YVRk57PzuHNFMtZzbZVimn-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">A rare return to unpredictability as no Tadej Poga\u010dar at Il Lombardia opens the door to the same anarchy as Worlds \u2013 Analysis<\/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\/vXx3fTTYeYfvhBsZ8FoUhF-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vXx3fTTYeYfvhBsZ8FoUhF-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Tadej Poga\u010dar vs the rest \u2013 Our analysis of the top 10 contenders at the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-remco-evenepoel-red-bull-bora-hansgrohe\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Remco Evenepoel (Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe)<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-1bf5c394-c349-11f1-b610-07914e62a95e\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">After winning the European road race title, the Belgian has steadied the ship that listed so dramatically in the World Championship, and as such he starts as one of the top two favourites. As Worlds underlined, Evenepoel is a rider who can blow extremely hot and extremely cold. A one-pitch, know-what-you&#8217;re-getting Poga\u010dar he is not, but then again, that&#8217;s part of what makes him such a compelling bike rider.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">In a Poga\u010dar-less world, Evenepoel \u2013 a former world champion, two-time winner of Li\u00e8ge-Bastogne-Li\u00e8ge and five-time winner of the Cl\u00e1sica San Sebasti\u00e1n \u2013 ought to be the next man up. 12 months ago, he soloed to second place behind Poga\u010dar rather convincingly, as he did repeatedly last autumn. But despite bouncing back from that off-day at Worlds, you sense Evenepoel is not quite at the height of his powers.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-eX2xCAWCRkYBixXw9daKx6\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-eX2xCAWCRkYBixXw9daKx6 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\">The Europeans felt like a good example of a race he might have won solo at his peak. Indeed, he had to outsprint Giulio Ciccone for the second time in just a few weeks. Now, Evenepoel&#8217;s sprint is an underrated weapon that only broadens the way in which he can win these big races, but you can&#8217;t help but feel that the more we&#8217;ve been impressed by it, the more we&#8217;ve seen it in action, and the less that means he&#8217;s actually been able to get away.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Even so, he remains one of the very top favourites to finally win a race that he looked like he might have won as a 20-year-old in 2020.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-isaac-del-toro-uae-team-emirates-xrg\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Isaac del Toro (UAE Team Emirates-XRG)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-bfd78f84-c34d-11f1-9d54-6133349e32b1\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WnZZQFMugK56AhbfNYffe7-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WnZZQFMugK56AhbfNYffe7-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WnZZQFMugK56AhbfNYffe7-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WnZZQFMugK56AhbfNYffe7-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WnZZQFMugK56AhbfNYffe7-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WnZZQFMugK56AhbfNYffe7-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Isaac del Toro on the attack with Finn Fisher-Black during Gran Piemonte <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-1bf5c592-c349-11f1-aded-453211fc8ea2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The rainbows may be wrapped around the torso of Brandon McNulty, and while the US rider will have more freedom than if Poga\u010dar were present, it&#8217;s Isaac del Toro who represents the best shot for UAE Team Emirates and a joint favourite alongside Evenepoel.<\/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\/FFbuw6kBv6RkLDMWxnc7y7-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FFbuw6kBv6RkLDMWxnc7y7-150-80.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\">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<\/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\/ytKMCAWdoeKoxdomn4dR7V-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ytKMCAWdoeKoxdomn4dR7V-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Tadej Poga\u010dar&#8217;s absence changes everything \u2013 How will World Championships strategies and tactics be rewritten in Montreal?<\/span><\/li>\n<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\/zLLbbZMNGwFReCwkUyTZrD-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zLLbbZMNGwFReCwkUyTZrD-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">A big World Championships warm-up where Poga\u010dar&#8217;s absence opens the field significantly \u2013 Riders to watch at the Grands Prix de Qu\u00e9bec and Montr\u00e9al<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Del Toro has all the tools to win this race. As the Tour de France runner-up, he has the climbing legs. As the winner of nearly every late-season Italian classic last year, he knows what he&#8217;s doing in this punchy part of the world. And as the winner of the GP de Montr\u00e9al in a sprint, he has the finishing speed to win if he has company.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Del Toro has had a remarkable season in which he has won three WorldTour stage races, finished on the podium of his first Tour de France, and won a WorldTour one-dayer at Montreal. His performance at the World Championships in the same location was widely debated and shot through with allegations, and while we will take his ride at face value, there were tactical question marks that \u2013 like we saw at the Giro last year \u2013 could do with being ironed out.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">But on his day he is just the complete package, an electric racer, and he has a huge opportunity here to take the biggest win of his career so far.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-brandon-mcnulty-uae-team-emirates-xrg\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Brandon McNulty (UAE Team Emirates-XRG)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-bfd79060-c34d-11f1-b27a-6f87ac31a19e\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WzqDx4EmjAUjMmKZseQiBW-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WzqDx4EmjAUjMmKZseQiBW-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WzqDx4EmjAUjMmKZseQiBW-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WzqDx4EmjAUjMmKZseQiBW-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WzqDx4EmjAUjMmKZseQiBW-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WzqDx4EmjAUjMmKZseQiBW-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Brandon McNulty in the rainbow jersey <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Dario Belingheri \/ Staff)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-1bf5c65a-c349-11f1-a4ad-51892ef5605a\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">It would be rude not to give the world champion his own section. After all, Brandon McNulty&#8217;s Worlds win, though highly tactical, was no stroke of fortune. He has largely operated as a domestique, but the immense talent that was evident so early in his career has never been far from the surface, and he had racked up a very respectable palmar\u00e8s even before the world title.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Since he pulled on that rainbow jersey, he has looked invigorated. Some of it might have something to do with Poga\u010dar&#8217;s recent absence, but he&#8217;s been launching attacks left, right, and centre in a sign that the jersey is not weighing him down with any sort of onus of suddenly winning all the time now, but rather giving him a boost of confidence and a spring in his step.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">It will be interesting to see how he dovetails with Del Toro. The Mexican might be the standout favourite, but Poga\u010dar is not back yet, and while that&#8217;s the case there&#8217;s room for McNulty to go after this race, and perhaps make a bit of a statement over his status in the pecking order at UAE.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-paul-seixas-decathlon-cma-cgm\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Paul Seixas (Decathlon CMA CGM)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-bfd79128-c34d-11f1-b5f6-356c0f9f2eff\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PrSmk5phU2J2AZXnfbi4A4-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PrSmk5phU2J2AZXnfbi4A4-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PrSmk5phU2J2AZXnfbi4A4-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PrSmk5phU2J2AZXnfbi4A4-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PrSmk5phU2J2AZXnfbi4A4-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PrSmk5phU2J2AZXnfbi4A4-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Paul Seixas <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-1bf5c722-c349-11f1-8ca0-59d715f9c8a7\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The Frenchman takes to Lombardia to round out one of the most extraordinary seasons we&#8217;ve seen in recent years, one in which he rose to the top echelon of the sport and became the most hyped man in professional cycling.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Seixas looks likely to win this race in the future \u2013 you could say that about a lot of races \u2013 and while it wouldn&#8217;t be a total shock to see him do it this year, excitement surrounding the recently-turned 20-year-old has dampened somewhat compared to his blistering Spring.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Back then, he was genuinely looking like the second-best rider in the world with runner-up finishes behind Poga\u010dar at Strade Bianche and Li\u00e8ge-Bastogne-Li\u00e8ge, either side of a complete evisceration of the Itzulia Basque Country field. He was fast-tracked into his Tour de France debut, and since then a touch off the gloss has worn off, with a more subdued racing style and a level just a notch lower.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">That&#8217;s no slant on Seixas. Fourth on debut at the Tour de France at 19 is still otherworldly, and he only lost the GP de Montr\u00e9al in a sprint against Isaac del Toro. But the World Championships, where he cramped in the finale, highlighted some &#8211; to be expected &#8211; limitations, and also the level of pressure he puts on his own shoulders, berating himself for riding like a schoolkid.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">However it lands, and he has all the tools to win it, Lombardia represents the final act of a breakthrough season and the start of a reset that may well lead to a different beast in 2027.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-giulio-ciccone-lidl-trek\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Giulio Ciccone (Lidl-Trek)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-bfd7924a-c34d-11f1-9aa3-6d6cc3e468b8\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pCawfm4gCDiwkCVKrshAXe-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pCawfm4gCDiwkCVKrshAXe-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pCawfm4gCDiwkCVKrshAXe-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pCawfm4gCDiwkCVKrshAXe-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pCawfm4gCDiwkCVKrshAXe-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pCawfm4gCDiwkCVKrshAXe-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">The photo finish that broke Ciccone&#8217;s heart <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-1bf5c7ea-c349-11f1-bddf-b3f4dce947ba\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The Italian may feel he should be racing Il Lombardia in a white and blue jersey with golden stars on it, but amid his doubts surrounding the photo finish from the European Championships road race last weekend, he can have few doubts about his form.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Ciccone has shown his one-day shape is where it needs to be in recent weeks. As at the Europeans, he was out-sprinted only by Evenepoel at the end of the QP de Qu\u00e9bec, and he was sixth at Worlds after looking momentarily like he might make his way across to McNulty alongside Tom Pidcock on the final lap.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">It&#8217;s hard to see him winning in an outright sprint against some of the riders on this list, but as shown by the way he took the fight to Evenepoel at Europeans, he has the race craft to make different things happen. When he&#8217;s in this form and this mood, Ciccone is fantastic to watch. And after the Europeans, he may even be riding with a little extra fire in his belly, which, for a rider who has always ridden on emotion, might just make an all-important difference.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-tom-pidcock-pinarello-q36-5\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Tom Pidcock (Pinarello-Q36.5)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-bfd79308-c34d-11f1-84ba-574685cc4bfd\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6PsVBMmHtyiJDWGgodApP4-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6PsVBMmHtyiJDWGgodApP4-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6PsVBMmHtyiJDWGgodApP4-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6PsVBMmHtyiJDWGgodApP4-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6PsVBMmHtyiJDWGgodApP4-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6PsVBMmHtyiJDWGgodApP4-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-1bf5c8b2-c349-11f1-a8a9-1be179c64998\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">You never quite know what you&#8217;re going to get with Tom Pidcock, which is probably why he&#8217;s so exciting to watch. On his day, he&#8217;s world-class, as evidenced by a palmar\u00e8s that includes Strade Bianche, Amstel Gold Race, and a Grand Tour podium, along with all his off-road titles.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">His challenge to Poga\u010dar at Milan-San Remo this Spring was another reminder of the levels he can reach on his day. But he can also look pretty ordinary, make mistakes, or fade away in big races.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">It can be hard to read his form, but it looks pretty good. He had a subdued Tour de France and then won the Mountain Bike Worlds, so it&#8217;s been a tight one to adjust for a late-season full of hilly one-day races, but he seems to have done a decent job, winning on comeback at the GP Industria &amp; Artigianato and featuring prominently in every race since, with podiums at Tre Valli Varesine and Giro dell&#8217;Emilia.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">He was also top 10 at the GPs de Qu\u00e9bec and Montr\u00e9al, and in the World Championships, where he was one of the very strongest in the group behind McNulty.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">He was also the most generous, and that&#8217;s probably the most reliable thing about Pidcock \u2013 that he&#8217;ll commit and go all-in for the win rather than playing games and riding for the podium. With no co-leader on his level at Pinarello Q36.5, it leaves him slightly exposed, and he may find himself in awkward situations on Saturday once again. But if he can take that small step towards his sparkling best, then he is well in with a shout of a first Monument title.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-matteo-jorgenson-visma-lease-a-bike\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Matteo Jorgenson (Visma-Lease a Bike)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-bfd793bc-c34d-11f1-b4a6-5fcfdbff645c\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gom9mBTjztXw6goc7DV7xk-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gom9mBTjztXw6goc7DV7xk-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gom9mBTjztXw6goc7DV7xk-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gom9mBTjztXw6goc7DV7xk-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gom9mBTjztXw6goc7DV7xk-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gom9mBTjztXw6goc7DV7xk-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-1bf5c97a-c349-11f1-9f55-ab85b3542f27\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Matteo Jorgenson has looked incredibly strong in recent weeks \u2013 just a vision of perfect posture and, in contrast to some of the more spritely climbers on this list, pure seated horsepower. The World Championships would indicate that Jorgenson would thrive in a more grinding, attritional affair, but he still had the punch to follow Tom Pidcock&#8217;s decisive acceleration at Tre Valli Varesine.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The big weakness in Jorgenson&#8217;s arsenal is his sprint finish. He barely has one. So he&#8217;d need to win alone. And that&#8217;s certainly not out of the question given the lack of Poga\u010dar and given the potential room for tactical manoeuvre.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">In that respect, we need to highlight Visma&#8217;s two-pronged approach, with Davide Piganzoli another credible candidate for the Lombardia title. More on the young Italian in a minute, but what&#8217;s clear already from the past few races is how well they&#8217;ve combined. Piganzoli, of course, won the Giro dell&#8217;Emilia, and much like Brandon McNulty&#8217;s world title, it was massively aided and abetted by Jorgenson&#8217;s presence, strength, and actions in the group behind.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The pair both attacked in the finale of Tre Valli Varesine, and this time it was Jorgenson who got to play the finale, but was third in the three-man sprint. Is Jorgenson just the perfect second fiddle, or can he become the main man in Como?<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-davide-piganzoli-visma-lease-a-bike\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Davide Piganzoli (Visma-Lease a Bike)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-bfd794ca-c34d-11f1-bcfd-63132621b0f7\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PQdfEXZEhHKaMAVYjay9Nk-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PQdfEXZEhHKaMAVYjay9Nk-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PQdfEXZEhHKaMAVYjay9Nk-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PQdfEXZEhHKaMAVYjay9Nk-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PQdfEXZEhHKaMAVYjay9Nk-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PQdfEXZEhHKaMAVYjay9Nk-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-1bf5ca60-c349-11f1-8852-a5786db11c5b\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">We&#8217;ve mentioned some of Piganzoli&#8217;s results, and his collaboration with Jorgenson, but the 24-year-old Italian deserves his own slot on this list. He has had a fantastic breakthrough season, shining as the top mountain domestique at the Giro d&#8217;Italia won by his teammate Jonas Vingegaard, and finishing eighth himself in the process.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">He was then drafted into the Tour de France squad late on, and in truth he was unable to reach his Giro form at any point during the race, but still ended up in 14th place overall. He went on to win the Tour of Luxembourg \u2013 his second stage race title of the season after the Route d&#8217;Occitanie \u2013 before his brilliantly-taken solo victory at the Giro dell&#8217;Emilia, which has propelled him up the list of contenders for Il Lombardia.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-jarno-widar-lotto-intermarche\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Jarno Widar (Lotto-Intermarch\u00e9)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-bfd7957e-c34d-11f1-a548-0dc9f3f520a9\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SMpZpLJQrHv8dhqHmS9CEP-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SMpZpLJQrHv8dhqHmS9CEP-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SMpZpLJQrHv8dhqHmS9CEP-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SMpZpLJQrHv8dhqHmS9CEP-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SMpZpLJQrHv8dhqHmS9CEP-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SMpZpLJQrHv8dhqHmS9CEP-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-1bf5cb3c-c349-11f1-8f16-a766b79ea71a\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Are we getting carried away here? I&#8217;m not so sure. The 20-year-old Belgian just won his first pro race, at Tre Valli Varesine, outsprinting two riders higher up this list in the process. With that, he has put himself at the forefront of our minds ahead of Il Lombardia.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">And yet, he is far from a reliable contender for this race. For starters, it&#8217;s his first Monument, his first real test in a race as heavy as this in terms of distance and climbing. Secondly, the stunning talent that Widar showed in the U23 ranks has only come through in patches this season (which is absolutely fair enough). Thirdly, Widar is more of a puncheur than a climber, and while the climbs individually suit him, it&#8217;s far from a given he&#8217;ll stay the course here.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">That said, it was only recently that he was the best of the rest behind Poga\u010dar on a big mountain stage of the Vuelta to Andorra. And when it comes to a sprint, he showed in mid-week that he has one of the best. He may have surprised Pidcock at Tre Valli, but the Briton responded quickly and got nowhere near him.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">It could go one of two ways, and while he might fall away completely, you wouldn&#8217;t count him out of being in podium contention.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-ben-healy-ef-education-easypost\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Ben Healy (EF Education-EasyPost)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-bfd79632-c34d-11f1-b150-57daea5adde3\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yPdKDpzEyE4syadaADeEFJ-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yPdKDpzEyE4syadaADeEFJ-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yPdKDpzEyE4syadaADeEFJ-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yPdKDpzEyE4syadaADeEFJ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yPdKDpzEyE4syadaADeEFJ-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yPdKDpzEyE4syadaADeEFJ-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-1bf5cc18-c349-11f1-aba9-3fb63e6e13bc\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Ben Healy hasn&#8217;t hit the heights he did during his fantastic run of form in 2025, but there have been signs that he&#8217;s getting back there after a difficult 2026 campaign. The Irishman was 8th at GP de Montreal, 10th at Worlds, sixth at Giro dell&#8217;Emilia, and in the main group at Tre Valli Varesine.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">He has been an attacking presence throughout. This is Ben Healy, after all, and that&#8217;s not going to change. The question mark comes over how he uses those bullets. What we&#8217;ve seen in the past few years is a scattergun approach that has often rewarded him but elsewhere has seen him effectively set fire to whole mountains of energy. At Worlds, for example, he launched a big solo attack to reach the front of the race and by the time he&#8217;d done so the rest of the group were pretty much back there as well \u2013 a long time in the wind when he could have been in the same situation for a lot less money.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">But that&#8217;s what people love about Ben Healy, and if you don&#8217;t take those risks, you perhaps don&#8217;t get the rewards. He is capable of a top result here, but needs things to go his way for that magic bullet to land \u2013 you can be sure he&#8217;s going to fire the shots.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-enric-mas-movistar\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Enric Mas (Movistar)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-bfd796e6-c34d-11f1-bbff-5b5c5c611294\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Krmrgm9CvimRG5j9sKmoRK-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Krmrgm9CvimRG5j9sKmoRK-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Krmrgm9CvimRG5j9sKmoRK-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Krmrgm9CvimRG5j9sKmoRK-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Krmrgm9CvimRG5j9sKmoRK-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Krmrgm9CvimRG5j9sKmoRK-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-1bf5ccf4-c349-11f1-afef-cff9fa3e3fc0\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Enric Mas did not finish Worlds and was 29th at Giro dell&#8217;Emilia, but we&#8217;re not going to forget about his stunning Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a performance all that quickly. The Spaniard filled the void left by Poga\u010dar&#8217;s early exit and dominated the rest of the race with physical and tactical prowess. Mas has had a really bumpy few years, but when it&#8217;s his day, it really clicks, and he can look like he&#8217;s on the cusp of those riders in the very top bracket. Just cast your minds back to the 2022 Lombardia \u2013 he was the only rider who could get near Poga\u010dar, and he put up a decent fight in the two-way sprint for the title.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">So while the past couple of races haven&#8217;t been anything to write home about, Mas has performed here previously, his form can&#8217;t have disappeared, and he has absolutely no pressure on his shoulders.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-christian-scaroni-xds-astana\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Christian Scaroni (XDS-Astana)<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-1bf5cdd0-c349-11f1-84ae-514f762c9dab\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The Italian isn&#8217;t the biggest star, but he has been operating at a consistently high level for a couple of years now, and he comes into Lombardia with a list of results that reads: 2nd at GP Industria &amp; Artigianato, 3rd at Giro della Toscana, 4th at Coppa Sabatini, 18th at Worlds, 3rd at Europeans, 7th at Tre Valli Varesine. And his one-day record hasn&#8217;t been far off those levels all year; he has only won one \u2013 at Challenge Mallorca \u2013 so far (though he did win the Green Mountain stage and the overall at the Tour of Oman).<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">He probably likes things a little punchier, so the long distance and the climbing load of Lombardia represent an even bigger hurdle to that top step of the podium. But then again, he was eighth and in the second group behind Poga\u010dar at Li\u00e8ge-Bastogne-Li\u00e8ge in the spring.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">It&#8217;s difficult to see Scaroni winning, but he&#8217;s definitely an outsider for the podium.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-other-riders-to-watch\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Other riders to watch<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-1bf5cf74-c349-11f1-adc7-f3ff707cc4eb\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">We focused on Evenepoel at the top of this piece, and he&#8217;s definitely the focal point, but Red Bull&#8217;s team is stacked with riders who might be leaders in other outfits: Florian Lipowitz, Jai Hindley, and Giulio Pellizzari.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">We went big on Ciccone earlier, but Lidl-Trek also have Juan Ayuso, who is becoming increasingly inconsistent but has the raw talent to win this race, while Quinn Simmons may find it too climbing-intensive but is sure to show off the Stars and Stripes with an attacking display.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">While we&#8217;re on the subject of strong teams, none are in standout form but <strong>Bahrain Victorious<\/strong> are here with Antonio Tiberi, Lenny Martinez, Santiago Buitrago, Pello Bilbao, and Jakob Omrzel.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><strong>Oscar Onley<\/strong> was a protagonist at Worlds, was third at Giro dell&#8217;Emilia, and looks like Netcompany-Ineos best bet here.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><strong>EF Education-EasyPost<\/strong> also have the small matter of a former Olympic champion in Richard Carapaz.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><strong>Tobias Haaland Johannessen<\/strong> leads Uno-X alongside the impressive Anton Charmig.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">We&#8217;ve mentioned Widar but <strong>Lennert Van Eetvelt<\/strong> is perhaps Lotto-Intermarch\u00e9&#8217;s more tried-and-tested top-10 contender.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">In Mathys Rondel, Marc Hirschi, and Michael Storer, <strong>Tudor Pro Cycling<\/strong> have a decent set of potential top-10s.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/racing\/evenepoel-and-del-toro-the-favourites-but-il-lombardia-is-wide-open-analysing-the-contenders\/&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JNZastQiZyHcp9fHvQJnwm-2400-80.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 True grit specialists primed to challenge the run of road pro rainbow jerseys \u2013 Analysing the Gravel World Championships contenders 3 An open field with no Evenepoel [&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-2187839","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\/2187839","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=2187839"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2187839\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2187839"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=2187839"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=2187839"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}