The young Spanish cyclists who aspire to be the great stars of La Vuelta

Faced with seniority and conformism, youth and disrespect. After cycling the Spaniard signed the worst Tour de France since 1981, without any stage success and without any rider in the top ten, Spanish fans have been waiting with open arms and heart for the role that the youngest cyclists can play in La Vuelta. In Alexander Valverde (42 years old) in his final season, with Mikel Landa already 32, included Mark Soler (28 years old) serving his colleagues now in the UAE or with a Enrique More (27) who seeks to find his best pedal stroke in the Spanish round after the failure of ‘Big Boucle‘, Spanish cycling does not enjoy the weight, the influence it had a few years ago in Alberto counter either Joaquim ‘Purito’ Rodriguezto name two of the most “brave” ‘recent’ cyclists admired by fans.

For this reason, the presence in 77th edition of La Vuelta of a large group of young cyclists with the desire to face the world and show the high hopes placed on them is one of the greatest attractions of the Spanish round that starts today in Utrecht (Netherlands).

Of all the new litters of puppies, the one that arouses the most enthusiasm is John Ayuso (19). The Barcelona-born UAE cyclist is making his La Vuelta debut this year in a great cycling tour. He came from winning in Getxo and he has already signed good performances this year in Volta Ciclista a Catalunya (5th) or in Romandía (4th). Many of the hopes of Spanish cycling have passed through the legs of this Valencia-trained runner. He knows this and accepts the challenge of convincing his class. Beside him, the Ineos runner Carlos Rodríguez (21) is another good alternative. Current Spanish road champion, this year he already won a stage in Itzulia and the red and white jersey could give him wings. Ayuso and Rodríguez are on everyone’s lips. They both know that their task is to work for their team leaders, which may clip their wings but also gives them the necessary freedom to seek personal intelligence.

As in Almuñécar, Raul Garcia Pierna I am 21 years old. The one from Tres Cantos was proclaimed champion of Spain against the clock in June and plays in a team where the youngsters prevail, in not following the Roger Adria (24), Urko Berrade (24), Pau Miquel (21) or Kiko Galvan (24). Other meaningless formations are Euskaltel-Euskadi, included Joan Bou (25) or Mikel Azparren (23) and with a Charles Channel (21) facing his second Vuelta. All these less experienced cyclists but endowed with good fatness should have as a reference Juan Pedro Lopez. ‘Juanpe’ (25 years old) dazzled in the last Giro d’Italia. The Trek-Segafredo member finished as the best young man, finished tenth overall and was the leader in days of stages. We will have to keep a close eye this year from Lebrija, who is tackling his third Vuelta, improving his performance year on year.

Many of the hopes for the present and future of Spanish cycling are pinned on the legs of these young, but ready enough runners, and they can also serve as an alarm clock for other more ‘veteran’ cyclists.