{"id":122745,"date":"2026-06-11T19:22:49","date_gmt":"2026-06-11T19:22:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/basketball.runfyers.com\/index.php\/2026\/06\/11\/ineos-with-leadership-issues-seixas-and-del-toro-with-ground-to-make-up-gc-analysis-ahead-of-mountain-triple-header-in-tour-auvergne-rhone-alpes\/"},"modified":"2026-06-11T19:22:49","modified_gmt":"2026-06-11T19:22:49","slug":"ineos-with-leadership-issues-seixas-and-del-toro-with-ground-to-make-up-gc-analysis-ahead-of-mountain-triple-header-in-tour-auvergne-rhone-alpes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/basketball.runfyers.com\/index.php\/2026\/06\/11\/ineos-with-leadership-issues-seixas-and-del-toro-with-ground-to-make-up-gc-analysis-ahead-of-mountain-triple-header-in-tour-auvergne-rhone-alpes\/","title":{"rendered":"Ineos with leadership issues, Seixas and Del Toro with ground to make up \u2013 GC analysis ahead of mountain triple-header in Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><\/p>\n<div id=\"article-body\">\n<p id=\"elk-30207ee4-cd81-404d-aee8-6255369f3ab0\">Team time trials are not everyone\u2019s cup of tea, but the triple T on stage 3 of the <a data-analytics-id=\"inline-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/races\/criterium-du-dauphine-auvergne-rhone-alpes-2026\/\" data-url=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/races\/criterium-du-dauphine-auvergne-rhone-alpes-2026\/\" data-hl-processed=\"none\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"inline-link\" data-before-rewrite-localise=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/races\/criterium-du-dauphine-auvergne-rhone-alpes-2026\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes<\/a> has left this race, <a data-analytics-id=\"inline-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/news\/adieu-criterium-du-dauphine-hello-tour-auvergne-rhone-alpes-french-stage-race-undergoes-major-name-change\/\" data-url=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/news\/adieu-criterium-du-dauphine-hello-tour-auvergne-rhone-alpes-french-stage-race-undergoes-major-name-change\/\" data-hl-processed=\"none\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"inline-link\" data-before-rewrite-localise=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/news\/adieu-criterium-du-dauphine-hello-tour-auvergne-rhone-alpes-french-stage-race-undergoes-major-name-change\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">formerly known as the Dauphin\u00e9<\/a>, poised rather nicely indeed as we head into the mountains.<\/p>\n<p>After three breakaways, one sprint, and one TTT, the eight-stage race takes a big shift in focus, with three successive summit finishes to light up the battle for the yellow jersey and, atop the Plateau de Solaison on Sunday, decide it.<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\"\/><\/p>\n<aside data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\" class=\"hawk-root\"\/>\n<p id=\"elk-30207ee4-cd81-404d-aee8-6255369f3ab0-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">What sets the scene so well is that the favourites for that yellow jersey have ground to make up and work to do. Paul Seixas (Decathlon CMA CGM), the 19-year-old prodigy who is in the spotlight ahead of his <a data-analytics-id=\"inline-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/teams-riders\/paul-seixas-set-to-start-the-2026-tour-de-france-this-year-his-team-confirm\/\" data-url=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/teams-riders\/paul-seixas-set-to-start-the-2026-tour-de-france-this-year-his-team-confirm\/\" data-hl-processed=\"none\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"inline-link\" data-before-rewrite-localise=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/teams-riders\/paul-seixas-set-to-start-the-2026-tour-de-france-this-year-his-team-confirm\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Tour de France debut<\/a>, finds himself a minute down on the overall lead, or 48 seconds down if we take the Netcompany-Ineos duo of K\u00e9vin Vauquelin and Oscar Onley as the virtual leaders, given Alex Baudin is likely to drop away in the mountains.<\/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-mobile\"\/><span class=\"jwp-carousel-title-desktop\">Latest Videos From<\/span><span class=\"jwp-carousel-brand inline-flex items-center\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"aspect-video w-full min-h-[200px] lg:min-h-[330px] relative overflow-hidden bg-black\" data-jwp-carousel-container=\"\">\n<div class=\"absolute inset-0 size-full items-center justify-center bg-white\" data-jwp-carousel-fallback=\"\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" data-new-v2-image=\"true\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/flexiimages\/gmvwmhupgi1715762145.svg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/flexiimages\/gmvwmhupgi1715762145.svg\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] max-h-12 w-auto\"\/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Seixas was the pre-race favourite in the eyes of many, but not far behind was the fellow young sensation Isac del Toro (UAE Team Emirates-XRG), who has even more ground to make up, sitting a further 16 seconds down on Seixas.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">That means the two pre-race favourites and the two most exciting climbers in the race need to get on the front foot and grab that time back off several very strong competitors. They need little invitation in normal circumstances, in all fairness, but you can put aggression and fireworks on the weekend menu.<\/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\">\n        <span class=\"&#10;            flex&#10;            after:content-[''] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]&#10;            before:content-[''] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]&#10;            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&#10;        \"><br \/>\n            You may like<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<\/aside>\n<p><a id=\"elk-659abcc4-151a-4f7a-9581-c6fa8189302e\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"\/><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"the-top-15-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The top 15<\/h2>\n<div id=\"slice-container-table-M7yQwjWwqd4rAymSsA53Hj-EPrFpth6klBszirJqflVDCFPknFkZB9x\" class=\"slice-container table-wrapper table-M7yQwjWwqd4rAymSsA53Hj-EPrFpth6klBszirJqflVDCFPknFkZB9x slice-container-table\">\n<div class=\"table__instruction\">Swipe to scroll horizontally<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 23 30\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M21.554 15.726a2.878 2.878 0 0 0-1.705-.374 2.881 2.881 0 0 0-1.388-3.068 2.877 2.877 0 0 0-1.992-.333 2.884 2.884 0 0 0-.1-.766 2.865 2.865 0 0 0-1.346-1.75c-.47-.27-.996-.4-1.527-.385l2.742-4.73a2.87 2.87 0 0 0 .323-.83h2.612V2.084h-2.661A2.861 2.861 0 0 0 15.18.385a2.903 2.903 0 0 0-3.952 1.055l-.373.644H2.983l1.003-1L2.99.09 1.28 1.793l-.999.995L2.99 5.484l.998-.994-1.003-.999h7.054L6.505 9.586c-.34.066-.905.186-1.523.366-1.405.41-2.321.895-2.8 1.483-.742.911-1.159 2.513-1.277 4.898l-.001.01c-.067 1.816.946 6.943.99 7.16a.688.688 0 0 0 1.35-.266c-.01-.051-1.023-5.177-.963-6.84.127-2.556.598-3.64.97-4.098.133-.163.602-.587 2.104-1.027l.206-.058-1.425 2.458a.685.685 0 0 0 .252.937c.33.19.75.077.94-.251L12.42 2.126a1.52 1.52 0 0 1 2.07-.552c.35.2.6.527.705.916.105.39.051.797-.15 1.145l-4.767 8.222a.685.685 0 0 0 .252.937c.33.19.75.077.94-.25l.794-1.368c.201-.348.529-.597.92-.702a1.508 1.508 0 0 1 1.854 1.066c.105.39.052.796-.15 1.144l-.377.652-.002.002-.898 1.55a.685.685 0 0 0 .252.938c.329.189.75.077.94-.251l.9-1.551c.201-.348.528-.597.92-.702a1.512 1.512 0 0 1 1.703 2.21l-1.223 2.11a.685.685 0 0 0 .252.938c.33.189.75.076.941-.252l.5-.862c.202-.348.529-.597.92-.702.392-.104.8-.051 1.15.15.723.416.972 1.34.554 2.06l-3.525 6.08c-.517.892-1.57 1.795-3.044 2.611-1.156.64-2.163.998-2.173 1.002a.685.685 0 0 0 .23 1.333.688.688 0 0 0 .229-.04c.18-.062 4.419-1.575 5.952-4.22l3.524-6.08a2.878 2.878 0 0 0-1.059-3.934Z\" fill=\"#333\"\/><\/svg><\/div>\n<div class=\"table__container\">\n<table tabindex=\"0\" class=\"table__wrapper table__wrapper--inbodyContent table__wrapper--sticky table__wrapper--divider\">\n<thead class=\"table__head\">\n<tr class=\"table__head__row\">\n<th class=\"table__head__heading table__head__heading--left\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Rank<\/p>\n<\/th>\n<th class=\"table__head__heading table__head__heading--left\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Rider<\/p>\n<\/th>\n<th class=\"table__head__heading table__head__heading--left\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Team<\/p>\n<\/th>\n<th class=\"table__head__heading table__head__heading--left\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Time \/ Gap<\/p>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody class=\"table__body\">\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\" style=\"text-align:left\">\n<p>1<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\" style=\"text-align:left\">\n<p>Alex Baudin<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\" style=\"text-align:left\">\n<p>EF Education-EasyPost<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\" style=\"text-align:left\">\n<p>18:07:12<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\" style=\"text-align:left\">\n<p>2<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\" style=\"text-align:left\">\n<p>K\u00e9vin Vauquelin<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\" style=\"text-align:left\">\n<p>Netcompany INEOS Cycling Team<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\" style=\"text-align:left\">\n<p>+ 12<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\" style=\"text-align:left\">\n<p>3<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\" style=\"text-align:left\">\n<p>Oscar Onley<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\" style=\"text-align:left\">\n<p>Netcompany INEOS Cycling Team<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\" style=\"text-align:left\">\n<p>+ 12<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\" style=\"text-align:left\">\n<p>4<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\" style=\"text-align:left\">\n<p>Matteo Jorgenson<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\" style=\"text-align:left\">\n<p>Team Visma | Lease a Bike<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\" style=\"text-align:left\">\n<p>+ 15<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\" style=\"text-align:left\">\n<p>5<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\" style=\"text-align:left\">\n<p>Juan Ayuso<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\" style=\"text-align:left\">\n<p>Lidl-Trek<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\" style=\"text-align:left\">\n<p>+ 47<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\" style=\"text-align:left\">\n<p>6<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\" style=\"text-align:left\">\n<p>Mattias Skjelmose<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\" style=\"text-align:left\">\n<p>Lidl-Trek<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\" style=\"text-align:left\">\n<p>+ 47<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\" style=\"text-align:left\">\n<p>7<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\" style=\"text-align:left\">\n<p>J\u00f8rgen Nordhagen<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\" style=\"text-align:left\">\n<p>Team Visma | Lease a Bike<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\" style=\"text-align:left\">\n<p>+ 50<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\" style=\"text-align:left\">\n<p>8<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\" style=\"text-align:left\">\n<p>Carlos Rodriguez<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\" style=\"text-align:left\">\n<p>Netcompany INEOS Cycling Team<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\" style=\"text-align:left\">\n<p>+ 57<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\" style=\"text-align:left\">\n<p>9<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\" style=\"text-align:left\">\n<p>L\u00e9o Bisiaux<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\" style=\"text-align:left\">\n<p>Decathlon CMA CGM Team<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\" style=\"text-align:left\">\n<p>+ 59<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\" style=\"text-align:left\">\n<p>10<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\" style=\"text-align:left\">\n<p>Paul Seixas<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\" style=\"text-align:left\">\n<p>Decathlon CMA CGM Team<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\" style=\"text-align:left\">\n<p>+ 01:00<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\" style=\"text-align:left\">\n<p>11<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\" style=\"text-align:left\">\n<p>Luke Plapp<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\" style=\"text-align:left\">\n<p>Team Jayco-AlUla<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\" style=\"text-align:left\">\n<p>+ 01:00<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\" style=\"text-align:left\">\n<p>12<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\" style=\"text-align:left\">\n<p>Luke Tuckwell<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\" style=\"text-align:left\">\n<p>Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\" style=\"text-align:left\">\n<p>+ 01:03<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\" style=\"text-align:left\">\n<p>13<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\" style=\"text-align:left\">\n<p>Cian Uijtdebroeks<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\" style=\"text-align:left\">\n<p>Movistar Team<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\" style=\"text-align:left\">\n<p>+ 01:07<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\" style=\"text-align:left\">\n<p>14<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\" style=\"text-align:left\">\n<p>Isaac del Toro<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\" style=\"text-align:left\">\n<p>UAE Team Emirates-XRG<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\" style=\"text-align:left\">\n<p>+ 01:16<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\" style=\"text-align:left\">\n<p>15<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\" style=\"text-align:left\">\n<p>Kevin Vermaerke<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\" style=\"text-align:left\">\n<p>UAE Team Emirates-XRG<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\" style=\"text-align:left\">\n<p>+ 01:20<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><a id=\"elk-netcompany-ineos-options-and-issues\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"\/><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-netcompany-ineos-options-and-issues\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Netcompany-Ineos&#8217; options and issues<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check=\"\" id=\"elk-1cf21c76-2433-4fec-97bd-ea1e7f6389ca\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\" style=\"max-width:1024px;\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\" style=\"padding-top:66.70%;\"> <picture data-new-v2-image=\"true\"><source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/x7ew5mrrpz93niGyPqDy8e-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/x7ew5mrrpz93niGyPqDy8e-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/x7ew5mrrpz93niGyPqDy8e-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/x7ew5mrrpz93niGyPqDy8e-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/x7ew5mrrpz93niGyPqDy8e-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/x7ew5mrrpz93niGyPqDy8e-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Vauquelin wearing the white jersey rides among his teammates single file\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/x7ew5mrrpz93niGyPqDy8e-1024-80.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/x7ew5mrrpz93niGyPqDy8e-1024-80.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/x7ew5mrrpz93niGyPqDy8e-970-80.jpg 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/x7ew5mrrpz93niGyPqDy8e-650-80.jpg 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/x7ew5mrrpz93niGyPqDy8e-480-80.jpg 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/x7ew5mrrpz93niGyPqDy8e-320-80.jpg 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" loading=\"lazy\" data-new-v2-image=\"true\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/x7ew5mrrpz93niGyPqDy8e.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/x7ew5mrrpz93niGyPqDy8e.jpg\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] inline\"\/>\n<\/picture><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption itemprop=\"caption description\" class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\" itemprop=\"copyrightHolder\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-e13d7acd-a5c3-4a78-bd32-60feb91579b8\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Despite Baudin&#8217;s presence in yellow, <a data-analytics-id=\"inline-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/teams-riders\/a-new-chapter-for-the-team-ineos-grenadiers-unveil-netcompany-as-new-title-sponsor\/\" data-url=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/teams-riders\/a-new-chapter-for-the-team-ineos-grenadiers-unveil-netcompany-as-new-title-sponsor\/\" data-hl-processed=\"none\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"inline-link\" data-before-rewrite-localise=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/teams-riders\/a-new-chapter-for-the-team-ineos-grenadiers-unveil-netcompany-as-new-title-sponsor\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Netcompany-Ineos<\/a> realistically sit at the top of the GC standings among overall contenders, in second and third following the team time trial. But that TTT did not go swimmingly at all, and in turn has sparked talk of tension in the camp and question marks over leadership.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Onley dropped his chain in the TTT, and the call came from the team car to wait, which seemed to frustrate Vauquelin, who <a data-analytics-id=\"inline-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/racing\/i-dont-think-that-would-have-been-my-strategy-was-for-oscar-onley-after-dropped-chain-the-right-choice-in-tour-auvergne-rhone-alpes\/\" data-url=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/racing\/i-dont-think-that-would-have-been-my-strategy-was-for-oscar-onley-after-dropped-chain-the-right-choice-in-tour-auvergne-rhone-alpes\/\" data-hl-processed=\"none\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"inline-link\" data-before-rewrite-localise=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/racing\/i-dont-think-that-would-have-been-my-strategy-was-for-oscar-onley-after-dropped-chain-the-right-choice-in-tour-auvergne-rhone-alpes\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">later even publicly questioned the wisdom of that call<\/a>. Had the team not waited, he&#8217;d almost certainly be in yellow already with an even bigger margin over his rivals. However, Onley would have been cut adrift and would be behind most of those rivals.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-M7yQwjWwqd4rAymSsA53Hj\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-M7yQwjWwqd4rAymSsA53Hj 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<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<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The decision from the team car makes perfect sense, even if Vauquelin and certain sections of the French media weren&#8217;t impressed. Onley is more of a pure climber than the punchier Vauquelin, so in theory, he stands a better chance in the mountains. What&#8217;s more, keeping the number game more alive is also a sensible tactic when you have stronger individuals lining up against you.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The real issue is communication and optics. We in the media will never complain about rider honesty, but from the team&#8217;s point of view, it&#8217;s never a great look for a rider to question decisions publicly. Likewise, was it really necessary for Director of Racing Geraint Thomas to say &#8220;<a data-analytics-id=\"inline-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/teams-riders\/geraint-thomas-insists-netcompany-ineos-see-the-bigger-picture-after-kevin-vauquelin-voices-ttt-frustrations-at-tour-auvergne-rhone-alpes\/\" data-url=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/teams-riders\/geraint-thomas-insists-netcompany-ineos-see-the-bigger-picture-after-kevin-vauquelin-voices-ttt-frustrations-at-tour-auvergne-rhone-alpes\/\" data-hl-processed=\"none\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"inline-link\" data-before-rewrite-localise=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/teams-riders\/geraint-thomas-insists-netcompany-ineos-see-the-bigger-picture-after-kevin-vauquelin-voices-ttt-frustrations-at-tour-auvergne-rhone-alpes\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">K\u00e9vin is not in top shape yet<\/a>&#8221; in a post-TTT press release?<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Thomas rightly pointed out that tensions can be ironed out and difficult conversations are often the most productive. But this risks becoming a theme. At Paris-Nice, it was striking how Vauquelin was left to fend for himself in the crosswind stage, before storming back and overtaking Onley, who abandoned the next day.<\/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\">\n        <span class=\"&#10;            flex&#10;            after:content-[''] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]&#10;            before:content-[''] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]&#10;            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&#10;        \"><br \/>\n            What to read next<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">In light of all that, it will be fascinating to see how Vauquelin and Onley combine over the next three days. It&#8217;s also interesting that Thomas was talking about having &#8220;two GC cards&#8221;, and not three, despite Carlos Rodr\u00edguez also being in the top 10. The Spaniard, fourth overall at the 2023 Tour de France, was meant to be a key part of a leadership trio, but those comments are a sign of how far he has slipped in the past 18 months, raising doubts over his prospects and role at the Tour.<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seixas-and-del-toro\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"\/><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-seixas-and-del-toro\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Seixas and Del Toro<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check=\"\" id=\"elk-4fef2563-edbf-4a72-a9d1-82895861260f\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\" style=\"max-width:1024px;\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\" style=\"padding-top:66.70%;\"> <picture data-new-v2-image=\"true\"><source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SuWkwrVaVEjq9fajXiwezn-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SuWkwrVaVEjq9fajXiwezn-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SuWkwrVaVEjq9fajXiwezn-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SuWkwrVaVEjq9fajXiwezn-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SuWkwrVaVEjq9fajXiwezn-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SuWkwrVaVEjq9fajXiwezn-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Paul Seixas of France and Team Decathlon CMA CGM crosses the finish line during the 78th Tour Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes 2026, Stage 2\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SuWkwrVaVEjq9fajXiwezn-1024-80.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SuWkwrVaVEjq9fajXiwezn-1024-80.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SuWkwrVaVEjq9fajXiwezn-970-80.jpg 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SuWkwrVaVEjq9fajXiwezn-650-80.jpg 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SuWkwrVaVEjq9fajXiwezn-480-80.jpg 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SuWkwrVaVEjq9fajXiwezn-320-80.jpg 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" loading=\"lazy\" data-new-v2-image=\"true\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SuWkwrVaVEjq9fajXiwezn.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SuWkwrVaVEjq9fajXiwezn.jpg\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] inline\"\/>\n<\/picture><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption itemprop=\"caption description\" class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\" itemprop=\"copyrightHolder\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-a4e3b8e0-3943-4ff5-bba9-11a16a9c7021\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Back to Seixas and Del Toro, who, despite their time losses, would still appear to be the two favourites. They both have a considerable amount of time to recoup, but have both shown that when they&#8217;re at their best they operate on a level above the rest of the riders in this race.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">That&#8217;s true especially of Seixas, who has had an extraordinary breakthrough year that has made him a genuine challenger to Tadej Poga\u010dar and Jonas Vingegaard at the Tour de France. In contrast to his meteoric momentum so far this year, though, the Frenchman has not had the smoothest of Dauphin\u00e9s. <a data-analytics-id=\"inline-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/teams-riders\/paul-seixas-loses-vital-climbing-domestique-matthew-riccitello-on-stage-1-of-the-dauphine\/\" data-url=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/teams-riders\/paul-seixas-loses-vital-climbing-domestique-matthew-riccitello-on-stage-1-of-the-dauphine\/\" data-hl-processed=\"none\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"inline-link\" data-before-rewrite-localise=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/teams-riders\/paul-seixas-loses-vital-climbing-domestique-matthew-riccitello-on-stage-1-of-the-dauphine\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">He lost his best climbing domestique<\/a>, Matthew Riccitello, to illness on the eve of the race, and he lost 12 seconds to the Ineos duo and others on the opening day. The time loss wasn&#8217;t make-or-break in itself, but there was confusion as his team went from controlling all day to suddenly backing off on the final climb and allowing that more tactical scenario to emerge.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The TTT was complicated: Decathlon started one man down and then lost their best time triallist, Stefan Bissegger, to an off-day, early in the effort. Daan Hoole could be seen telling Seixas to cool off, and quotes from team directors point to the biggest challenge being keeping their leader level-headed. Seixas has the talent to run away with this race, but you also sense the potential for a costly mistake &#8211; at 19, that&#8217;s only normal.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Del Toro, meanwhile, had an even more disappointing team time trial, though it didn&#8217;t matter so much, as the squad here is not a dress rehearsal for the Tour like Decathlon&#8217;s and others&#8217; are.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Del Toro will support Poga\u010dar next month, but has a chance to win a third WorldTour race this season after the UAE Tour and Tirreno-Adriatico. He had already been buried by Seixas at Itzulia Basque Country before he crashed out and had to recover from injury, so he comes into this contest on the back foot in more ways than one.<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-the-inbetweeners\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"\/><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-the-inbetweeners\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>The inbetweeners<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check=\"\" id=\"elk-3845e2e7-604c-4873-a6d7-ce8164bed601\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\" style=\"max-width:2000px;\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\" style=\"padding-top:66.65%;\"> <picture data-new-v2-image=\"true\"><source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HqCGkR5e8YoYwxViBtnedV-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HqCGkR5e8YoYwxViBtnedV-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HqCGkR5e8YoYwxViBtnedV-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HqCGkR5e8YoYwxViBtnedV-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HqCGkR5e8YoYwxViBtnedV-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HqCGkR5e8YoYwxViBtnedV-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Del Toro leads Jorgenson in a side-on photo\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HqCGkR5e8YoYwxViBtnedV-1200-80.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HqCGkR5e8YoYwxViBtnedV-1024-80.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HqCGkR5e8YoYwxViBtnedV-970-80.jpg 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HqCGkR5e8YoYwxViBtnedV-650-80.jpg 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HqCGkR5e8YoYwxViBtnedV-480-80.jpg 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HqCGkR5e8YoYwxViBtnedV-320-80.jpg 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" loading=\"lazy\" data-new-v2-image=\"true\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HqCGkR5e8YoYwxViBtnedV.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HqCGkR5e8YoYwxViBtnedV.jpg\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] inline\"\/>\n<\/picture><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption itemprop=\"caption description\" class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\" itemprop=\"copyrightHolder\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-3a6ef656-e372-49cf-9b4c-74e64c3ec324\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><a data-analytics-id=\"inline-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/riders\/matteo-jorgenson\/\" data-url=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/riders\/matteo-jorgenson\/\" data-hl-processed=\"none\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"inline-link\" data-before-rewrite-localise=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/riders\/matteo-jorgenson\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Matteo Jorgenson<\/a> sits fourth on GC, just 15 seconds down on Baudin and three seconds behind the Netcompany-Ineos duo, after Visma-Lease a Bike\u2019s victory in the TTT.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The US rider is making his first appearance since breaking his collarbone at Amstel Gold Race and missing the Ardennes Classics. His plans shifted, with an earlier visit to altitude at Sierra Nevada, so the Tour de Suisse was swapped for the Dauphin\u00e9, where he has made a strong start but not without question marks. Jorgenson himself has looked powerful and hungry \u2013 his bitterness at losing 12 seconds to a couple of rivals on the opening day was a good sign there \u2013 while his team have won the TTT and controlled well elsewhere.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">It remains to be seen whether Jorgenson has the climbing legs to get on the podium here, but in any case, after his injury layoff, he looks well on track for the Tour de France, where he\u2019ll play a key role once again for Jonas Vingegaard.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Just behind Jorgenson sits another duo, this time from Lidl-Trek, with Juan Ayuso and Mattias Skjelmose both 47 seconds down on the lead of the race. Again, there has been talk of tension here, even if <a data-analytics-id=\"inline-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/teams-riders\/these-questions-are-ridiculous-juan-ayuso-rejects-any-suggestion-of-leadership-dilemma-at-lidl-trek-with-mattias-skjelmose\/\" data-url=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/teams-riders\/these-questions-are-ridiculous-juan-ayuso-rejects-any-suggestion-of-leadership-dilemma-at-lidl-trek-with-mattias-skjelmose\/\" data-hl-processed=\"none\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"inline-link\" data-before-rewrite-localise=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/teams-riders\/these-questions-are-ridiculous-juan-ayuso-rejects-any-suggestion-of-leadership-dilemma-at-lidl-trek-with-mattias-skjelmose\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Ayuso has dismissed such talk as \u201cridiculous\u201d<\/a>. There were various comments over leadership traded in the media between the pair ahead of Ayuso\u2019s arrival at the team over the winter, and they had only shared three race days on the road, so it does remain to be seen how they combine out there.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Skjelmose has top 10s at Catalunya and the Itzulia Basque Country to his name this season, while Ayuso had a complicated Spring due to crashes. However, the Spaniard did have a bright start to life at Lidl-Trek, beating Paul Seixas to win the Volta ao Algarve, and when he\u2019s on song, he can reach places Skjelmose can\u2019t.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Consistency in these final three days is so important for Ayuso, whose chances of being counted among those podium contenders for the <a data-analytics-id=\"inline-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/tour-de-france\/\" data-url=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/tour-de-france\/\" data-hl-processed=\"none\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"inline-link\" data-before-rewrite-localise=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/tour-de-france\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Tour de France<\/a> will become much clearer.<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-the-road-ahead\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"\/><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-the-road-ahead\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>The road ahead<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check=\"\" id=\"elk-3f7f25a1-85e8-4f9f-afda-bccfbd1cdf34\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\" style=\"max-width:960px;\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\" style=\"padding-top:86.98%;\"> <picture data-new-v2-image=\"true\"><source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZdBeMGjPZ3Te3ebfAsCNnL-960-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZdBeMGjPZ3Te3ebfAsCNnL-960-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZdBeMGjPZ3Te3ebfAsCNnL-960-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZdBeMGjPZ3Te3ebfAsCNnL-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZdBeMGjPZ3Te3ebfAsCNnL-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZdBeMGjPZ3Te3ebfAsCNnL-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Profile of stage 6 of Tour Auvergne Rhone Alpes\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZdBeMGjPZ3Te3ebfAsCNnL-960-80.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZdBeMGjPZ3Te3ebfAsCNnL-960-80.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZdBeMGjPZ3Te3ebfAsCNnL-960-80.jpg 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZdBeMGjPZ3Te3ebfAsCNnL-650-80.jpg 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZdBeMGjPZ3Te3ebfAsCNnL-480-80.jpg 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZdBeMGjPZ3Te3ebfAsCNnL-320-80.jpg 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" loading=\"lazy\" data-new-v2-image=\"true\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZdBeMGjPZ3Te3ebfAsCNnL.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZdBeMGjPZ3Te3ebfAsCNnL.jpg\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] inline\"\/>\n<\/picture><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption itemprop=\"caption description\" class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Profile for the stage 6 mountain finish at Crest-Voland <\/span><span class=\"credit\" itemprop=\"copyrightHolder\">(Image credit: ASO)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-4f7cbe75-f337-47a5-8c0f-6f7e350ef86b\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The trio of mountain stages sees the difficulty ratchet up each day, revealing more and more as we go on.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Friday&#8217;s stage is the most straightforward, essentially coming down to the back-to-back climbs leading to Crest-Voland. The first is 11.5km at 5.1% while the second, which comes after a short, sharp descent, is harder at 5.9km and 7.5%. Still, it&#8217;s the sort of stage where any separation is only likely to come very close to the finish.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Things intensify on Saturday as stage 7 goes saw-toothed for the opening 50km, then takes on twin ascents of the Grand Colombier, first up the hair-pinned side, then back around for the harder climb as the summit finish, measuring 8.4km at 10.2%. There&#8217;s also a category-2 climb in between, so this summit finish should really see things kick off.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">But that&#8217;s nothing compared to the final day, which is a faintly ridiculous stage measuring 120km and featuring four major mountain ascents. The route climbs the Col du Pr\u00e9 (6.9km at 10.1%) from kilometre zero, before taking on the Mont\u00e9e de Bisanne (11.4km at 7.7%), the Col des Aravis (7km at 6.8%), and finally the Plateau de Solaison (11.3km at 9.1%). It&#8217;s a brutal final climb after such an explosive and difficult stage, and it&#8217;ll also feature in the upcoming Tour de France, underlining the Dauphin\u00e9&#8217;s \u2013 sorry, Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes&#8217; \u2013 status as a crucial waypoint for the big one.<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-the-other-names\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"\/><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-the-other-names\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>The other names<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><a id=\"elk-3d053750-c70d-4d86-a086-60902d2139e2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"\/><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"ones-to-watch-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Ones to watch<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check=\"\" id=\"elk-ab8660f0-f588-44cc-8aac-57f5d7995f2f\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\" style=\"max-width:2000px;\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\" style=\"padding-top:66.65%;\"> <picture data-new-v2-image=\"true\"><source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yF4KHkHDCvsktXN4fVg7dV-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yF4KHkHDCvsktXN4fVg7dV-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yF4KHkHDCvsktXN4fVg7dV-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yF4KHkHDCvsktXN4fVg7dV-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yF4KHkHDCvsktXN4fVg7dV-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yF4KHkHDCvsktXN4fVg7dV-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Alex Baudin (EF Education - EasyPost) - Leader Jersey, Leo Bisiaux (Decathlon CMA CGM) - Best Young Rider Jersey, Sergio Samitier (Cofidis) - Mountain Jersey in Tour Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes 2026, Stage 2\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yF4KHkHDCvsktXN4fVg7dV-1200-80.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yF4KHkHDCvsktXN4fVg7dV-1024-80.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yF4KHkHDCvsktXN4fVg7dV-970-80.jpg 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yF4KHkHDCvsktXN4fVg7dV-650-80.jpg 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yF4KHkHDCvsktXN4fVg7dV-480-80.jpg 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yF4KHkHDCvsktXN4fVg7dV-320-80.jpg 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" loading=\"lazy\" data-new-v2-image=\"true\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yF4KHkHDCvsktXN4fVg7dV.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yF4KHkHDCvsktXN4fVg7dV.jpg\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] inline\"\/>\n<\/picture><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption itemprop=\"caption description\" class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Baudin, Bisiaux and Sergio Samitier before stage 2 <\/span><span class=\"credit\" itemprop=\"copyrightHolder\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-fc8187e5-3a4d-4dc0-96ef-4d76a7f42c3d\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><strong>Alex Baudin (1st) \u2013 <\/strong>We haven\u2019t discussed him much but the Frenchman snuck into the top 10 at Paris-Nice and Catalunya, and has sliding room here.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><strong>Jorgen Nordhagen (7th) \u2013<\/strong> The Norwegian climber had a strong Tour de Romandie and could surprise a few while working for Jorgenson.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><strong>L\u00e9o Bisiaux (9th) \u2013 <\/strong>The young Frenchman is impressing and could become Seixas\u2019 closest ally in the absence of Riccitello.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><strong>Luke Plapp (11th) \u2013 <\/strong>The Australian will be hanging rather than attacking in the big mountain stages but 3rd at UAE Tour and 5th at Romandie show that he can make the top 10.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><strong>Luke Tuckwell (12th) \u2013<\/strong> Also impressive at Romandie (6th), the 21-year-old is still exploring his limits but could be a surprise top-10 package here after teammate Dani Martinez was dropped on the opening day.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><strong>Cian Uijtdebroeks (13th) \u2013 <\/strong>The Belgian still needs to prove himself at Movistar and the next few days will tell us whether he can deliver for his new team at the Tour de France.<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-fe60b125-af69-4a7d-9809-6b314d301c34\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"\/><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"off-the-pace-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Off the pace<\/h2>\n<p id=\"elk-b39480de-02cf-448a-ac76-316398bbb35e\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><strong>Dani Martinez (26th) \u2013<\/strong> Second place at Paris-Nice reignited the Colombian after a poor 2025 but he was off the pace at Romandie and off the pace on the opening day here. He could still push up the GC if that first day was just a shock to the system, but it doesn\u2019t bode well.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><strong>Tobias Haaland Johanessen (35th) \u2013 <\/strong>Top 10 last year but dropped on the opening day here and well out of the GC running now.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><strong>Jo\u00e3o Almeida (141st) \u2013 <\/strong>The Portuguese star has <a data-analytics-id=\"inline-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/racing\/its-been-ups-and-downs-for-me-joao-almeida-struggles-on-return-to-racing-convinced-he-is-not-ready-to-ride-tour-de-france\/\" data-url=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/racing\/its-been-ups-and-downs-for-me-joao-almeida-struggles-on-return-to-racing-convinced-he-is-not-ready-to-ride-tour-de-france\/\" data-hl-processed=\"none\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"inline-link\" data-before-rewrite-localise=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/racing\/its-been-ups-and-downs-for-me-joao-almeida-struggles-on-return-to-racing-convinced-he-is-not-ready-to-ride-tour-de-france\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">emphatically answered the question about whether he be flipped into UAE\u2019s Tour de France<\/a> team after skipping the Giro. He\u2019s 48 minutes down and barely making up the numbers.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-af3a1b71-63d9-4dd4-85b5-79e9da859d50\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><strong>The world\u2019s biggest bike race deserves world-class coverage. Subscribe to Cyclingnews for unlimited access to our unrivalled reporting of the 2026 Tour de France. From Barcelona through to Paris, our experienced team will bring you breaking news, expert insight, and in-depth coverage from every stage as the battle for the yellow jersey plays out. Plus, access the Cyclingnews app to follow the action on the go! <\/strong><a data-analytics-id=\"inline-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/subscription-paid\/?utm_source=Referral+link&amp;utm_medium=Website&amp;utm_campaign=PreTDF26\" target=\"_blank\" data-url=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/subscription-paid\/?utm_source=Referral+link&amp;utm_medium=Website&amp;utm_campaign=PreTDF26\" data-hl-processed=\"none\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"inline-link\" data-before-rewrite-localise=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/subscription-paid\/?utm_source=Referral+link&amp;utm_medium=Website&amp;utm_campaign=PreTDF26\" rel=\"noopener\"><u><strong>Find out more.<\/strong><\/u><\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/racing\/ineos-with-leadership-issues-seixas-and-del-toro-with-ground-to-make-up-gc-analysis-ahead-of-mountain-triple-header-in-tour-auvergne-rhone-alpes\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Source link <\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Team time trials are not everyone\u2019s cup of tea, but the triple T on stage 3 of the Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes has left this race, formerly known as the Dauphin\u00e9, poised rather nicely indeed as we head into the mountains. After three breakaways, one sprint, and one TTT, the eight-stage race takes a big shift in [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":122746,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[4],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/basketball.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/122745"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/basketball.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/basketball.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/basketball.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/basketball.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=122745"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/basketball.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/122745\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/basketball.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/122746"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/basketball.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=122745"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/basketball.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=122745"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/basketball.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=122745"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}