Despite the distance of 15,700 kilometers that separates Spain from Australia, Australian cycling is made pprotagonist of La Vuelta 2024 to an unexpected degree. Australia It’s always had great riders in all cycling disciplines, but the ‘Aussie’ riders have never shone so brightly at the Spanish round as this year. There are seven ocean runners who are part of the initial platoon of La Vuelta in Lisbon (Portugal) on August 17: Harry Sweeny, Jay Vine, Jack Haig, Chris Harper, Callum Scotson, Ben O’Connor and Chris Hamilton; with a prominent role in the future of the Vuelta for three of them: O’Connor, Vine and Groves.
Beyond their stage victories (one for O’Connor) and three for Groves, and the work they do for their teams and their attempts to become racing stars, there is one fact that cannot be -doubt and that sums up the muscle showing. Australian cycling in 79th edition of La Vuelta. And for the first time in the history of the Spanish round, three Australian cyclists led different classifications of the race: Ben O’Connor (overall), Kaden Groves (points) and Jay Vine (mountain).
An event that was also experienced in 2003 Tour de Francewhen Bradley McGee led the general Robbie McEwen the points and Baden Cooke the classification of youth after the second stage. It is also live in 2010 Giro d’Italiawhen Cadel Evans led classification of points, Matthew Lloyd the mountain and Richie Porte the youth classification after the eighth stage and from 15th, until the three get their jerseys at the end of the race in Verona.
It remains to be seen what will happen in the four remaining stages of La Vuelta and if O’Connor, Groves and Vine They manage to maintain their dominance in their various classifications. With Groves finish green in Madrid It will not be news that can be called unexpected, since he already achieved it in 2023, or for Vine to pose in the capital with a polka dot jersey, because Michael Storer (2021) and Simon Clarke (2012) they’ve achieved it before, but if O’Connor realizes his victory at the head of La Vuelta it will be absolutely historic.
So far no Australian rider has won La Vuelta and the brightest position has been achieved Jack Haig and Cadel Evans, Both were third in 2021 and in 2009. There are only four rounds to go and the first is being played today.
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.
