A day after stage win, Roglic struggled badly in Vuelta: "My back hurt"

Primoz Roglic gained time on his rivals Saturday by winning the eighth stage of the Vuelta a España, but Sunday was not in his favor. The Slovenian of Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe struggled on the final climb and could not regain time on red jersey wearer Ben O'Connor (Decathlon-AG2R La Mondiale).

After the finish, Roglic reacted to his difficult day in the flash interview. "I didn't have the legs. My back hurt; it was very tough," Roglic said. On the final climb of the Alto de Hazallanas, the three-time Vuelta winner was seen at the back of the group of favorites. When Enric Mas (Movistar Team) attacked, he couldn't keep up. "I was suffering; it was just hard. I'm glad it's done. Fortunately, tomorrow is a rest day." On a brighter note, Roglic counted on a very strong Florian Lipowitz, who managed to stay with his leader for the entire stage. In the end, Roglic lost no time on his biggest rivals and finished safely in eighth place in Granada.

Roglic loses time (and polka dot jersey) to Yates

Roglic did, however, lose time on Adam Yates (UAE Team Emirates). The Briton crowned a fantastic solo with a stage win and blended into the battle for the red jersey: he picked up 3.45 minutes back on Roglic, O'Connor, and the other classification riders. Was it a mistake to let him ride? "I don't know because I don't know the results by heart. It's hard to comment on everything now, who finished where. I also don't know where I finished myself. I just want to cool down and have a drink now."

Roglic also lost his lead in the mountain points classification. After one day in the polka dot jersey, he must surrender it to Yates, who has passed him by four points.