The Back to Spain enters its final week with the trident of leaders of Jumbo-Visma so strongly at stake in the first three positions that any attack on the final podium in Madrid seemed almost heroic for the other cyclists, among them the four Spaniards who lined up in the general standings just behind. Sepp Kuss (1st), Primoz Roglic (2nd at 1’37”) and Jonas Vingegaard (3rd in 1’44”).
Juan Ayuso (4th at 2’37”), Enric Mas (5th at 3’06”), Marc Soler (6º to 3’10”) and Mikel Landa (7th at 4’12”) they are at a great distance considering the strength of the Jumbo team, but it is not an insurmountable time if their legs respond because there is still enough ground to try to tickle three favourites.
Kuss leads his theoretical team leaders, both winners of this year’s other two grand stage tours: Roglic, three-time Vuelta champion, takes the ‘pink jersey’ of the Giro d’Italia and Vingegaard revalidated his yellow Tour de France jersey. Jumbo is the clear favorite to win as well red jersey of the Vuelta a Españaa triplet in which Kuss wants to be the next star.
“We know each other well and fortunately the other teammates are happy and believe in me, but they also want to win, in this sport there are no gifts,” said Kuss.
“We mustn’t forget the bigger picture. We want to keep this situation and win the Vuelta with one of us. We have to be honest with each other. Who feels better and who can finish? My good feeling. I like the ports that are still on today Asturias and Cantabria“They are my kind of climbs, the steep ones,” reflected the American on the second day of the Vuelta’s break in Santander.
In fact, three mountain stages will surely determine the champion and his companions on the final podium in the coming days, with a special mention on Wednesday at the finish in Angliru and its 13.1 km at 9.4% average slope and its legendary sections now close to 20%.
This special port will be preceded by two 1st, the Colladiella and the Tail piece. The double promotion at The Cross of Linares (1st), on Thursday, and on Saturday stage at Guadarramathe longest of this Vuelta with 207.8 km and 10 3rd class ports, will focus on other points of interest.
“I’ve been on the podium at the Vuelta and I’m not afraid of losing fourth place by taking risks, that’s not the end of the world,” commented Ayuso, the 20-year-old’s big hope for the present and future of Spanish cycling with Carlos Rodríguez.
“This year I see myself closer to the first, more stable in the race, moving forward one step,” added Ayuso, 3rd last year and soon to be marked by Jumbo and Roglic. “I stopped to pee and he was behind me,” he joked about it.
With ‘all against Jumbo’, yes, attacks and alliances will be needed in the coming days if the candidates want to change the established order. This Tuesday the Vuelta will continue its march with a short stage (120.5) km and a 2nd category high finish in Beigefireworks, after 4.9 km at 8.6% average slope.
Source: La Verdad
I’m Robert Maynard, and I am a passionate journalist with experience in sports writing. For the last few years, I have been writing for Today Times Live. My main focus has been on sports-related stories and features. With my strong background in journalism and extensive knowledge of the industry, I am able to provide readers with well-crafted pieces that are both informative and engaging.
