🇪🇸 #LaVuelta24 Breves declaraciones de @EnricMasNicolau tras su buen rendimiento en el Pico Villuercas, cuarto en meta y tercero en la general ⤵️
These riders did manage to keep up with Primoz Roglic: "Hopefully, it stays this way throughout the Vuelta"
CyclingTuesday, 20 August 2024 at 18:53
The first blow is half the battle, Primoz Roglic must have thought on Tuesday. The Slovenian from Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe secured a double victory in the very first mountain stage of the Vuelta a España, immediately showing that he’s not to be trifled with. Only six riders were able to finish in the same time as Roglic.
Among them, of course, was Lennert Van Eetvelt, who, for a moment, thought he had won as he took the inside corner. The Belgian from Lotto-Dstny, along with Enric Mas (Movistar), was one of the only riders who could keep up with Roglic throughout the climb. This was a source of satisfaction for the man from Mallorca. "I feel good and was able to follow Roglic. I hope it continues like this for the entire race," said the Spaniard, who traditionally performs well in his home tour.
"We finished with a group of seven, and there were significant gaps behind us, which I think is important for the GC," Mas added. The Movistar rider was also impressed by Roglic and his team, Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe. "They played their cards well, and in the end, Roglic was the strongest," he admitted honestly.
Continue reading below the video.
Gall and Landa see their attacks falter but remain positive
Felix Gall attempted an early attack for Decathlon AG2R, but was eventually reeled in by Roglic and his team. The Austrian ultimately finished fifth, one spot behind Mas. "It was an incredibly hot day, and I have to admit, I didn’t feel great. It wasn’t until the final climb that I started to feel like I had good legs."
Ben O'Connor lost more than a minute. "He’s the team leader, I’m just the backup," said Gall. "I have a free role, so I had nothing to lose. That’s why I took a risk and attacked early, going on instinct. On a hot day, it’s hard to pace yourself, but I didn’t blow up. Maybe at the end, I watched the others a bit too much, but overall, I’m proud. I’m happy with my legs after a tough Tour."
Mikel Landa was the last to join the group and tried an attack in the final few hundred meters. "I struggled on the steep sections, but I was able to maintain a good pace. I tried to surprise them, but it didn’t work out. The finish was further than I expected. I was a bit worried about this stage because I wasn’t feeling well and the heat was intense. But it went okay, and I hope things only improve from here."
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Latest Comments
- Well explained, thanks for the clarity! Daniel DantasDanieldantas20-12-2024
- This is the kind of 'news' that belongs in a cheap tabloid. No matter how boring the offseason gets, nobody wants to read this.
santiagobenites19-12-2024 - I wish we could have seen him try. He'd absolutely get dropped before Pogi overtakes his domestiquesVeganpotter10-12-2024
- Talk is cheap! Next year barring crashes with a healthy team... all well be on track! Some need to talk to make a headline!mootman27-11-2024
- I do not see this event listed on HBO Max Sports Online? Can anyone confirm? Thanks!
MrYuck23-11-2024 - It seemed that he was focusing forward at the time of the crash, after seeing a quick video snippet. But one thing I think he should focus on more intently is breaking a bad habit he has, right now. And that is his constant looking over his shoulders. He does that so much, that I am very sure it is not good for him. Simply watch videos of the greats of CX and you will see very little of that constant looking over their shoulders. That is a behavior that betrays a bit of insecurity on his part. He shouldn't be so concerned, incessantly, about what is over his shoulder. He needn't worry they didn't all disappear. He neds to keep his focus more ahead of himself, and he needs to pay a bit more attention to himself, in a confident manner. It is very frustrating to watch, because it is apparent that he has a lot of potential, and is in much better shape thwan many of his competitors, but the mental game needs to be sharpened more, because that part of strategy plays a huge part in the final results
reemmo022-11-2024 - hahahaha love this shit! I didnt even watched the race, but reading all the gossip articles of how stupid this is!Zatoichi19-11-2024
- Van Aert is really handsome. He can influence me all day! Ditto for Philipsen. Why do you think many of us love cycling?: to see heroic attempts at climbing mountains at high altitudes or to watch speedsters sprint for the finish line or to watch a human being ride at break neck speed down a tricky descent? No, it's all about their lean physiques and muscular legs. (apologies for objectifying these dedicated and amazing athletes).BarwonHeadsUp25-10-2024
- It is unfortunate that the author can't feel the joy that Pogacar brings to the sport and his fans who are legion and I for one feel lucky to have watched such a memorable performance and historic season From the Strada until yesterday with multiple wins in stages in both tours and beyond dominance in the World's. He is proud to wear the Rainbow stripes, shows his leadership to protect his fellows and is as courteous and sportsman-like as the sport allows. He goes early to not have to respond to each attack as all the rest would make him do it. Any racer who could would do the same. Don't "grow tired" of greatness as it is always fleeting.ccrider13-10-2024
- What load of rubbish. Pog is likely a once in a generation cyclist, the like of which hasn't been seen since 'the Cannibal '. How many people were complaining that Merckx was making racing predictable? I remember this year's World RR as one of the most exciting I've watched. Mainly BECAUSE Pog was the favourite and launched what everyone thought (Pog included) was a suicidal attack with 80km to go. For the next 2 hours, I was on the edge of my seat thinking "this is too much, even for Pog". Maybe Zonnefeld prefers the snooze-fest that is a bunch sprint? Like most people I know, I can't watch two hours of the bunch riding very fast... I wait for the final 5km and watch just the sprint. In any event, most races are won from a sprint or lone break. What difference does it make who makes the lone break? Ultimately, the other contenders will have to figure out a way to beat Pog. Even if that means collaboration between teams. It's going to be an exciting few seasons, until the next Pog arrives on the scene. If this is boring, heaven knows what exciting looks like!Michael513-10-2024