The last week of Back to Spain promises intense emotions. The race entered its decisive phase where the mountains were the main protagonist but not forgetting the final time trial in Madrid that would dictate the verdict.
This Monday the peloton enjoyed a well-deserved rest after completing the queen’s stage elevated Pablo Castrillowinner of Cuito Negro. The Aragonese from Kern Pharma is undoubtedly the sensation of the Vuelta with his two wins and will surely be looking for a historic triple.
The land ahead will put everything in its place. Starting this Tuesday stage at the end of the mythical climb at Lakes of Covadonga (12.5 kilometers at 6.9%) ahead of Colada Llamena (7.6 kilometers at 9.3%). A first litmus test for the leader, Ben O’Connor, who will face the final stage with the sole aim of “holding on and holding on”. The Australian has a 1:03 advantage over the big favourite, Primoz Roglic. The Slovenian wants to play down the 20-second penalty he received for driving ‘after the cars’ and vowed to fight. “I’ll give everything,” said the Slovenian, who was looking Madrid win your fourth Lap.
The journey is benefiting him as he is gradually closing the gap O’Connorwhich lasted up to five minutes and everything seemed to indicate that the leader was destined to continue losing time in the mountains. But the truth is that for now he has kept the red jersey and will fight to defend it.
After the Lakes the Vuelta enters Cantabria and the Basque Country with two mid-mountain stages perfect for escapes and for teams that have not yet won to fight for victory.
But it is not until Friday, upon arrival at Alto de Moncalvillo (8.6 kilometers at 8.9%), that the unknowns begin to shine. A port that knows full well Roglicwinner in 2020. And the next day, the final fireworks. Two third-class ports, two second-class and three first-class, plus the terrifying final climb to White Picon (7.9 kilometers at 9.1%).
A very difficult stage where the favorites also have to save a few ounces of energy for the final 24.6 kilometer time trial in Madrid.
Enric Mas, Mikel Landa and Carlos Rodríguez, go for it
Enric Mas presented to Cuito Negro has the legs to put Roglic in trouble when the road slopes. The Movistar cyclist, third 2:23 behind O’Connor and 1:20 behind Roglic, must continue to be ambitious and attack without looking back to try to close the gap. It’s just like that Mikel Landafifth in 3:05, but who came into it last week with the question of whether the Vuelta could last after his great performance at the Tour. It is more difficult Carlos Rodríguez. The Ineos leader is 4:40 behind O’Connor and just over two minutes from the podium but he is also forced to be aggressive to, at least, win the best youngster white jersey currently in the hands of Florian Lipowitz, teammate by Roglic.
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.
