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The final stage of the Vuelta a España unfolded today with a gripping 25-kilometer time trial from Distrito Telefónica Madrid to the heart of Madrid. This concluding stage provided a dramatic end to the race, as riders raced against the clock on a route that started in the bustling telecommunications district and culminated in the vibrant capital city. The course offered a dynamic mix of city streets and technical sections, showcasing the riders’ time-trialing prowess. As the peloton powered through Madrid’s urban landscape, it was a fitting finale to a thrilling three weeks of racing.

Stefan Küng Claims Final Stage Triumph in Vuelta a España Time Trial, Showcasing His Time-Trialing Prowess

Stefan Küng (GFC) triumphed in the final stage of the Vuelta a España, clinching victory in the 25-kilometer time trial with a time of 26′ 28″. The Swiss time-trial specialist outpaced the competition, finishing 31 seconds ahead of overall champion Primož Roglič (RBH), who clocked 26′ 59″, and Matteo Cattaneo (SOQ), who came in third with a time of 27′ 10″.

Stefan Küng’s victory caps off an impressive career development. Over the years, Küng has established himself as a formidable time trialist. Starting in 2015 with BMC Racing Team, his PCS points were notable but modest compared to his more recent achievements. By 2021, he had amassed 1140 points in time trials alone, highlighting his growth and specialization in this discipline. This year, despite a dip in points, Küng remains a top contender in time trials, demonstrating his enduring skill and consistency. His victory in this stage underscores his expertise and significant impact in the world of cycling.

Wrap-Up: Roglič Wins Overall, Vine Tops Climbers, and Groves Tops Sprinters

And that’s a wrap on the Vuelta a España 2024! The race concluded with Primož Roglič taking top honors and securing the overall victory. Ben O’Connor delivered a stellar performance throughout the tour to claim second place, while Enric Mas rounded out the podium in third. In the climber’s classification, Jay Vine emerged as the best climber, narrowly edging out his teammate Marc Soler. The green jersey for best sprinter went to Kaden Groves, who consistently excelled in the sprints. As for the best team, UAE Team Emirates proved their dominance, finishing an impressive 34 minutes ahead of Red Bull – BORA – Hanssgrohe. With an exhilarating final stage and a dramatic tour overall, the Vuelta has come to a memorable close.

Stage 20 of the Vuelta a España unfolded today with a grueling 172-kilometer mountain race from Villarcayo to the summit of Picón Blanco. The challenging route featured seven daunting passes, including three Category 1 climbs, with the final and most brutal ascent doubling as the finish line. Starting in the quaint town of Villarcayo, nestled in the heart of Burgos, the peloton faced relentless terrain before reaching the spectacular, high-altitude finish at Picón Blanco. This stage was designed to test the limits of the climbers and set the stage for a dramatic finale as the riders battled through the severe climbs toward the ultimate victory.

Edward Dunbar secures Second Win and Solidifies Rising Star Status

Edward Dunbar (JAY) delivered a brilliant performance today, seizing victory on Stage 20 of the Vuelta a España with a time of 04h 38′ 37″. In a thrilling finale on the punishing slopes of Picón Blanco, Dunbar edged out Spain’s Enric Mas (MOV) by just seven seconds, with the ever-consistent Primož Roglič (RBH) crossing the line only 10 seconds behind in third. Dunbar’s second stage win of this year’s race cements his reputation as a truly versatile and dynamic rider. Not only has he dazzled with two stage victories, but he has also consistently placed within the top 20 across all classifications, making him a genuine all-rounder and a rising force in this Vuelta. His ability to excel in different terrains and hold his own among the top contenders has made him one of the revelations of this year’s race.

Minimal Changes in Standings: Roglič Solidifies Lead, Vine Reclaims Polka Dot Jersey

In the overall standings, there was minimal change following today’s stage, with the podium positions remaining the same. Primož Roglič maintains his lead with a solid advantage, while the gap between Enric Mas and Ben O’Connor has narrowed slightly to just nine seconds, keeping the battle for second place fiercely competitive. Additionally, in the best climber classification, Jay Vine has reclaimed the polka dot jersey with a narrow two-point lead over his UAE Team Emirates teammate, Marc Soler. This marks the second time the two teammates have exchanged the prestigious jersey, highlighting their ongoing rivalry in the mountains as they continue to vie for the climber’s title.

Final Stage Preview: Vuelta’s Time Trial to Crown Stage Winner

Tomorrow’s final stage of the Vuelta a España will feature a decisive time trial, providing a spectacular conclusion to the race. While Primož Roglič is set to secure the red jersey and the overall victory, the time trial itself promises to be a thrilling contest for the stage win. The favorites for this stage are Brandon McNulty, Vacek, and Stefan Küng, all of whom delivered impressive performances in the first time trial on Stage 1. As the riders race against the clock on this penultimate day, expect a gripping display of speed and precision as they battle for the most coveted stage victory of the Vuelta.

Stage 19 of the Vuelta a España saw the riders tackle a 173-kilometer hilly race from Logroño to the summit finish at Alto de Moncalvillo. Starting in the heart of La Rioja’s wine country, the peloton navigated rolling terrain before facing the day’s two significant climbs. The final challenge, the Category 1 ascent to Alto de Moncalvillo, also served as the finish line, demanding everything from the climbers and overall contenders. With its steep slopes, this decisive climb set the stage for fierce attacks as the riders aimed to make their mark in the closing stages of the Vuelta.

Roglič Dominates Alto de Moncalvillo for Third Stage Win

Primož Roglič (RBH) dominated Stage 19 of the Vuelta a España, securing his third victory of this year’s race with an impressive time of 03h 54′ 55″. The Slovenian powerhouse conquered the brutal Alto de Moncalvillo climb with a 46-second lead over Frenchman David Gaudu (GFC), who crossed the line in 03h 55′ 41″, alongside Denmark’s Mattias Skjelmose (LTK), who finished with the same time. Roglič’s commanding performance left little room for doubt as he left his rivals trailing behind on the final ascent.

This win marks Roglič’s third stage victory in the 2024 Vuelta, further cementing his status as one of the race’s top contenders. His exceptional effort on the final climb, where he gained 46 seconds over his closest competitors, demonstrated that Roglič is still in peak form and fully capable of fighting for the overall title. With the finish line in sight, Roglič sent a clear message that he is ready to seize control in the decisive stages ahead.

Roglič Reclaims Red Jersey

With this decisive victory, Primož Roglič has reclaimed the red jersey, taking a commanding lead of nearly two minutes over Ben O’Connor, who now sits in second place. O’Connor remains just 26 seconds ahead of Enric Mas, who holds third in the overall standings, setting up an intense fight for the podium in the final stages. In the best young rider classification, Mattias Skjelmose’s strong performance on the day propelled him to first place, overtaking Carlos Rodriguez as the race for the white jersey heats up heading into the final days of the Vuelta.

Epic Mountain Showdown Ahead: Seven Passes Set Stage for Climbers and Red Jersey Battle

Tomorrow’s stage promises to be an epic showdown, featuring an extremely difficult mountain route with seven punishing passes packed into a short but intense day of racing. The relentless climbs are sure to favor the pure climbers, and riders like Enric Mas, Richard Carapaz, or Ben O’Connor will be gunning for victory. O’Connor, in particular, may seize this opportunity to try and reclaim the red jersey from Roglič, making this a crucial stage in the battle for the overall title. Expect fireworks as the top contenders push themselves to the limit.

Stage 18 of the Vuelta a España unfolded today with a thrilling 179-kilometer mid-mountain race from Vitoria-Gasteiz to Maeztu, traversing the scenic Parque Natural de Izki. The peloton faced two key climbs, the most daunting of which was the Category 1 Puerto Herrera, a grueling ascent that promised to shake up the standings. Beginning in the vibrant city of Vitoria-Gasteiz, renowned for its cultural heritage, the riders navigated through rugged terrain before reaching the tranquil and picturesque setting of Maeztu, set amid the natural beauty of the Izki reserve. This challenging stage was designed to test both the climbers and the overall contenders.

Urko Berrade Fernandez Shocks with First Major Tour Win

In a surprising turn of events, Urko Berrade Fernandez (EKP) claimed victory in Stage 18 of the Vuelta a España, crossing the finish line in 04h 00′ 52″. The Spanish rider, born in 1997, defied the odds to secure his first-ever stage win in a major tour, edging out Switzerland’s Mauro Schmid (JAY) and Australia’s Michael Poole (DFP), who both finished just four seconds behind, clocking identical times of 04h 00′ 56″. Berrade, a relatively unknown contender, had not been on many radars, especially after finishing 66th in his first Grand Tour appearance at the 2022 Vuelta. His triumph today was a stunning upset, marking a significant breakthrough for the young Spaniard on his second outing in a major tour.

Jersey Shuffle: Soler Takes Climber’s Lead from Vine

The climber’s jersey will see a change in wearer tomorrow, as Marc Soler reclaimed it after a strong performance on today’s stage. Soler, who picked up crucial points on the Puerto Herrera climb, now leads the classification by just one point over his UAE Team Emirates teammate, Jay Vine. Though the jersey changes shoulders, it remains within the same team, setting up a thrilling internal battle for the remaining mountain stages. Meanwhile, Ben O’Connor successfully defended his red leader’s jersey, sticking close to Primož Roglič’s wheel throughout the day to secure his overall lead for at least another stage.

Thrilling Mountain Stage Ahead

Tomorrow’s stage promises to be another thrilling battle on rough terrain, culminating in a challenging mountain finish. With its grueling profile, it is expected to spark several breakaways and provide spectacular racing action. All eyes will be on Primož Roglič, who could seize this opportunity to reclaim the red jersey he lost early in the competition. The demanding climbs will be the perfect stage for the Slovenian champion to showcase his strength, making it a key moment in the race for the overall victory. Spectators can expect high drama as the contenders push their limits once again.

The 17th stage of the Vuelta unfolded today over 141 kilometers, starting at the Monumento Juan de Castillo in Arnuero and finishing in the coastal city of Santander. Arnuero, known for its historical landmarks and scenic beauty, marked the beginning of this medium mountain stage. The route featured two significant passes but transitioned into 40 kilometers of flat terrain, setting the tone for a calm finish in Santander, a vibrant port city famous for its beaches and maritime heritage. Despite the early climbs, the flat stretch toward the end promised a quieter race.

Third win for Groves

Kaden Groves (ADC) claimed yet another victory in this year’s Vuelta, crossing the finish line in Santander with a time of 03h 32′ 14″. He was followed closely by Pavel Bittner (DFP) and Vincent Braet (IWA), both finishing in the same time. This marks Groves’ third stage win in the Tour of Spain, further solidifying his status as one of the premier sprinters in the race. His powerful performances have left little doubt about his prowess in the flat and fast finishes, making him a dominant force in the sprints.

Quiet Day

In today’s stage, there were no significant changes in the overall classification. Jay Vine remains the leader of the climber’s classification, holding onto the polka dot jersey with a 14-point lead over Marc Soler, his closest rival. With Wout Van Aert no longer in contention, the battle for the climber’s jersey now seems to be between Vine and Soler, setting the stage for a thrilling contest in the coming mountain stages.

A day of surprises tomorrow?

Tomorrow’s 18th stage promises to be quite different from today’s race. Although it’s also a mid-mountain event, it lacks the flat terrain that characterized the final kilometers of today’s stage. With the course consisting of consistent climbs and descents, the stage offers a prime opportunity for a small climber’s breakaway to take the win. This terrain is perfect for aggressive riders, and we might see some surprises as lesser-known climbers could have their moment to shine. Victory could be wide open, making this stage an exciting one to watch.

The 16th stage of the Vuelta unfolded today, taking riders from the coastal town of Luanco to the iconic climb at Lagos de Covadonga. Luanco, known for its maritime charm, offered a scenic yet deceptive start to this 181km mountain race. The finish at Lagos de Covadonga, nestled in the stunning Picos de Europa, presented a legendary challenge, with two category 1 climbs and a grueling final ascent that tested the peloton to the limits. This stage has solidified its reputation as one of the most demanding in the race.

Soler: winner of stage 16

Marc Soler claimed victory in today’s grueling 16th stage, crossing the finish line in 04h 44′ 46″ and securing his first stage win in this year’s Vuelta. He was followed by Filippo Zana of Jayco Alula, just 18 seconds behind, and Michael Poole of Team DSM-Firmenich, who finished 23 seconds back. This win marks another significant milestone in Soler’s career.

Having debuted in 2017 with Movistar Team, Soler has steadily grown into a strong contender in mountain stages, accumulating an impressive 473 climber points by 2023. Since joining UAE Team Emirates in 2022, his prowess as a climber has only sharpened, and this year’s Vuelta is a testament to his ongoing development. His ability to handle demanding terrain makes him a cyclist to watch in the coming years.

The matamorphosis of classification

Today’s stage brought a series of dramatic turnarounds, starting with the overall classification. Ben O’Connor managed to hold onto the red jersey, but his lead has been drastically reduced to just 5 seconds over Primož Roglic, who continues to chip away at the Australian’s advantage. As the Vuelta enters its final stages, the battle for the overall lead is shaping up to be one of the most thrilling contests in recent years.

Another shock came when Wout Van Aert, who had been dominant throughout the race, unexpectedly dropped out¹. His withdrawal has left the door open for Kaden Groves, who now takes over the best sprinter’s jersey. Van Aert’s exit is a major surprise, and with Groves stepping up, the sprint classification is suddenly wide open once again.

A quieter day expected for stage 17

Stage 17 will take the riders through mid-mountain terrain, but the flat final 40 kilometers will likely set the stage for a sprint finish. This provides a golden opportunity for Kaden Groves to prove that he is a worthy holder of the green jersey following Van Aert’s retirement. If Groves can dominate the sprint tomorrow, it will solidify his position as the top sprinter of this Vuelta and confirm that he fully deserves his place as the new leader in the sprint classification.

1. Van Aert suffers knee injury in crash ↩︎

The 15th stage of the Vuelta unfolded today between Infiesto and Valgrande-Pajares, culminating in the grueling ascent of Cuitu Negru. Infiesto, a picturesque town nestled in the Asturian countryside, served as the starting point for this challenging 143 km mountain stage. The finish line awaited the riders at the summit of Valgrande-Pajares, a ski resort known for its steep climbs and breathtaking views. This stage, characterized by its multiple punishing passes, is one of the most difficult of this year’s Vuelta, testing even the most seasoned climbers.

Zapater impresses with victory on a tough stage

Pablo Castrillo Zapater claimed his second victory of this Vuelta today with a stellar performance on the grueling slopes of Cuitu Negru, crossing the finish line in 03h 45′ 51″. Hot on his heels was Aleksandr Vlasov, who finished 12 seconds later, followed by Pavel Sivakov, who came in 31 seconds behind the leader. This year’s Vuelta has truly showcased Castrillo Zapater’s talent, marking him as one of the best up-and-coming climbers of the next few years. His impressive ascent through the ranks is one to watch closely as his career progresses.

Ben O’Connor holds his ground!

Despite the intense battle on the slopes of Cuitu Negru, Ben O’Connor is holding on to his overall lead in the Vuelta. He lost almost 20 seconds to Primož Roglič, but his efforts were enough to keep the red jersey for at least another day. In the climbers’ classification, Jay Vine made a significant move by catching up with Wout van Aert, equaling his points tally. The fight for the weighted jersey is now wide open, setting the stage for an exciting contest in the days to come.

One difficulty follows another

Stage 16 will once again challenge the riders with difficult mountain terrain, pushing them to their limits. The big question is whether Pablo Castrillo Zapater will seize another opportunity to shine, solidifying his reputation as a rising star, or if the great favorite, Primož Roglič, will finally take control of this Vuelta, narrowing the gap to claim the leader’s jersey. All eyes will be on the climbs, as the battle for supremacy intensifies.

Today’s 14th stage of the Vuelta took the riders on a challenging 200km journey from Villafranca del Bierzo to Villablino, a route characterized by the rugged terrain typical of the region. Villafranca del Bierzo, a historic town nestled in the heart of the Bierzo region, served as the starting point, known for its beautiful medieval architecture and picturesque vineyards. The race concluded in Villablino, a town surrounded by the mountains of the Laciana Valley, renowned for its rich mining history. Along the way, the cyclists faced two significant climbs, including the grueling category 1 Puerto de Leitariegos, which was pivotal in shaping the day’s results.

Van Aert and Groves fight for every victory

In a thrilling sprint finish, Australian cyclist Kaden Groves (ADC) clinched his second victory of this year’s Vuelta, crossing the finish line in Villablino with a time of 04h 21′ 34″. He narrowly edged out Wout van Aert (TVL), who finished in the same time but had to settle for second place. Corbin Strong (IPT) also crossed the line with the same time, securing third place. Groves’ win today solidifies his position as a formidable sprinter in this Vuelta, proving once again his ability to deliver under pressure.

Van Aert keeps his distance for the sprinter’s jersey

Since today’s stage concluded with a mass sprint, there were no significant changes in the overall classification. Despite Kaden Groves’ impressive performance in securing his second stage win, it wasn’t enough to pose a real threat to Wout van Aert in the battle for the best sprinter’s jersey. Van Aert continues to hold a comfortable lead in that competition, and Groves, despite his victories, still has ground to cover to challenge the Belgian’s dominance in the sprints.

The end for O’Connor?

Tomorrow’s stage is set to be one of the most challenging of this Vuelta, featuring the infamous Col de Cuitu Negru. As one of the toughest climbs in the race, it promises to be a decisive day for the general classification. This could be Primož Roglič’s golden opportunity to close the final minute gap between him and Ben O’Connor, making the battle for the red jersey even more intense. All eyes will be on the Slovenian as he seeks to reclaim the top spot in the standings.

Today’s 13th stage of the Vuelta took riders on a grueling 176 km mountain race from Lugo to Puerto de Ancares. Lugo, a historic city known for its well-preserved Roman walls, provided a scenic start to the day’s demanding route. The race concluded at Puerto de Ancares, a high-altitude finish that tested the riders’ climbing abilities. The stage featured four significant passes, starting with a Category 3 and escalating to two Category 2 climbs before culminating in a challenging Category 1 ascent. The increasing difficulty throughout the stage made it a true test of endurance and strength.

Canadian victory

The 13th stage saw Michael Woods of Israel – Premier Tech take the win with a time of 4 hours, 19 minutes, and 51 seconds. He was followed by Maurits Schmid from Jayco-Alula, who finished just 45 seconds behind, and Marc Soler from UAE Team Emirates, who crossed the line 1 minute and 11 seconds after Woods.

Michael Woods, a Canadian cyclist, has shown consistent improvement throughout his career. Since his early days with Optum in 2015, Woods has evolved into a formidable climber. Notably, his climbing points have steadily increased, reflecting his growing strength in mountainous stages. Woods has been a key player for his teams, including Cannondale-Drapac and EF Pro Cycling, and now Israel – Premier Tech. His career highlights include significant performances in mountain stages and one-day races, with his 2023 form demonstrating his continued prowess in challenging terrains.

Movement in the overall rankings

The 13th stage brought significant shifts in the rankings. Most notably, Wout Van Aert claimed the King of the Mountains jersey after a strong performance, collecting 14 points today. This achievement means he now holds both the King of the Mountains and Best Sprinter jerseys. In the overall individual classification, Primož Roglič made substantial gains, closing the gap to leader Ben O’Connor to just 1 minute and 21 seconds. The race for the red jersey is intensifying as the Vuelta progresses.

An unpredictable stage

Tomorrow’s stage promises to be another mountainous challenge, featuring two significant passes that will test the riders’ climbing abilities. With the terrain favoring the strong climbers, it’s a stage where any of the top contenders could emerge victorious. Look out for potential standout performances from riders vying for the Best Young Rider jersey, such as Carlos Rodríguez, Fredrik Lipowitz, and Andreas Skjelmose, who may seize the opportunity to make their mark on the race.