La Vuelta at 90: A Legacy Forged in Grit and Glory

la Vuelta, celebrating its 90th anniversary, honors its storied past while embracing teh future. This year’s edition, like recent installments, commences outside Spanish borders, a nod to the race’s evolving global appeal.The presentation featured legends like Pedro Delgado, a perennial fixture, alongside titans such as Alberto contador, Chris Froome, and Nairo Quintana, who represent the modern era.Icons like Olano, Zülle, and Jalabert, who bridged the gap between centuries, were also celebrated, as were Álvaro Pino, Marino lejarreta, and Agustín Tamames. Notably absent is Primoz Roglic, the defending champion and co-record holder for most Vuelta victories alongside Roberto Heras.

italian Prologue and Spanish Arrival

The race begins in Piedmont, Italy, before venturing into Spain on the fifth stage. The peloton will traverse Italian terrain for three days, briefly touch France, and then enter Spain through Figueras. A 20-kilometer time trial, starting and ending in Figueras, marks this transition.UCI regulations prevent an additional rest day, an exception La Vuelta utilized in 2022 when departing from Utrecht.

Ascending to Greatness: Mountain Challenges

La Vuelta remains true to its essence,challenging riders with relentless climbs. The second stage features a high finish, a harbinger of the arduous ascents to come. In total, there are ten high-altitude finishes, complemented by stages that traverse multiple mountain passes and feature steep ramp finishes, a hallmark of the race’s character.

Early Mountain Tests: Andorra, Cerler, and Valdezcaray

The high-altitude battles commence early.Stage six culminates in Pal, Andorra, followed by another summit finish in Cerler. After a potentially calmer stage en route to Zaragoza, the peloton faces the ascent to Valdezcaray.

No Respite: Larra Belagua and Beyond

The race offers no easy path. Following the first rest day after valdezcaray, riders instantly confront the climb to Larra Belagua. This ascent, introduced a few years prior, saw Remco Evenepoel secure a memorable victory during his triumphant Vuelta campaign.

Following the second rest day, a stage ending in Mos presents another chance for notable action, provided the riders possess the necessary strength and ambition.

Asturias Returns: Somiedo Lakes and Angliru

Continuing its tradition of exploring iconic climbs, La Vuelta revisits Asturias, featuring the Somiedo Lakes and the formidable Angliru, replacing the Cuitu Negru where Jesús Castrillo previously distinguished himself.

Tradition Meets Modernity: Madrid and the World Ball

La Vuelta blends tradition with contemporary challenges. The race concludes with a circuit through Madrid’s city centre. Before the finale, the stage through the mountains of Madrid culminates at the World Ball, a summit first introduced in 2010 when Vincenzo Nibali secured his first Grand tour victory.

Time Trials: Figueras and Valladolid

to balance the mountainous terrain, La Vuelta includes two individual time trials: the opening stage in figueras and another in Valladolid during the final week, totaling 46 kilometers. The race commences on August 23 and concludes on September 14 in the Plaza de Cibeles.

La Vuelta at 90: A Legacy Forged in Grit and Glory – Exclusive Debate with Santiago Romero

Moderator: Welcome back to the show, cycling aficionados! Today, we’re diving deep into the heart of one of the most grueling and captivating races in the world: la Vuelta, which celebrates its 90th anniversary this year.Joining us is Santiago romero, a lifelong cycling enthusiast, a walking encyclopedia of cycling history, and someone who can dissect a stage like no other. Santiago,welcome!

Santiago Romero: It’s a pleasure to be here! Always excited to talk cycling,especially when we’re anticipating a Vuelta!

moderator: absolutely! La vuelta is a race steeped in tradition,but it’s also constantly evolving. This year’s edition, like recent ones, kicks off outside Spain, in Italy, before the peloton hits Spanish soil. A clear indication of how the race is broadening its global appeal. What are your initial thoughts on the route and its importance for this anniversary year?

Santiago Romero: Well,starting in Italy,then the speedy incursion into France promptly provides a diverse experience. The time trial in Figueras is going to be fascinating. We’re talking about a race that consistently serves up climbs, and this year is no exception. Those ten high altitude finishes along with steep ramp climbs and the introduction of Angliru back into the itinerary, and the addition of new races with early mountain tests such as Andorra and Cerler, I think the route favors the climbers.What do you see as the best stage to keep an eye on?

Moderator: I agree that the route is designed for the climbers. But,let’s shift our focus to specific highlights for that. Santiago, the article highlights ten high-altitude summit finishes. La Vuelta has always been known for its demanding mountain stages. From the early challenges in the Pyrenees, Andorra, and Cerler, to the Angliru in Asturias, it’s a relentless test of endurance. Do you think this concentration on climbing will lead to a more exciting race, or potentially a more predictable one?

Santiago Romero: Predictable? Never! Climbs are the soul of this race, but I do think it makes a difference if riders are in contention to win. A stage were favorites target each one with a specific attack strategy is a different thing than just having the stage for the stage. I believe the stage in Angliru is the key one; Its notoriously hard. This year’s route demands unbelievable stamina. You can’t really hide on Angliru. When you have a climb that brutal, it really favors the climbers. But I also wouldn’t completely discount the Valladolid time trial.If the climbing specialists don’t build a big enough gap, the ability of the riders to ride time trials in the final week could be decisive in terms of overall race victory!

Moderator: That’s astute, Santiago. It’s a fascinating balance.And let’s not forget the time trials. The article mentions two – Figueras at the start, and the one in Valladolid later on. Thes could disrupt the carefully laid plans of even the strongest climbers. How vital are these time trials in shaping the overall outcome?

Santiago Romero: Crucial! in modern cycling, every second counts. We’ve seen in recent years that time trials can make or break a GC contender. The opening time trial immediately sets the tone,and a strong performance can provide a vital psychological boost. The Valladolid time trial, coming late in the race, could be a game changer, allowing those with strong time-trialing skills to either consolidate their lead or claw back valuable seconds.

Moderator: Precisely. And what about the legacy riders being celebrated? We’ve got everyone from pedro Delgado to Alberto Contador mentioned in the article and the inevitable absence of Primoz Roglic. Considering the talent, what does that mean for the race?

Santiago Romero: Missing Roglic undoubtedly changes the dynamic. But it’s a chance for new stars to rise. This opens the door for riders like Remco Evenepoel or Jonas Vingegaard to really cement their presence.The legacy riders, like Delgado and Contador, represent the history of the race. They are like watching the old gods. They remind us that cycling is timeless.

Moderator: Absolutely. And speaking of emerging talents, the ascent to Larra Belagua, which we know from Remco Evenepoel’s victory a few years back, is back. What impact do you think that ascent will have on the race?

Santiago Romero: Larra Belagua is a brutal climb. Evenepoel’s win there a few years back was incredible. It’s a stage where the contenders will need to be both clever and have the legs. Its location, coming early in the race, allows the more tactical riders an early edge. Expect big moves on the last stage. It’s going to be a crucial test of both climbing prowess and tactical acumen.

Moderator: Let’s get to the final stage in Madrid. Tradition dictates a celebratory circuit through the city center. The finish at the “World Ball” is modern. Can you give us a look ahead to that scenario?

Santiago Romero: Madrid is a special occasion. It marks the culmination of weeks of brutal combat.The World Ball offers one final test and prospect for a breakaway. It’s usually where the overall winner is confirmed, and the final sprint is always electrifying. But the climb to the world Ball always adds a degree of drama that other races lack. The whole vibe of Madrid and its connection to La Vuelta is what makes the finale magical.

Moderator: Well said. Santiago, let’s move on to the mountain challenges.La Vuelta is known for its aggressive climbs, and this year is no exception with the early tests in, Andorra, and Cerler, etc. Does the steepness of the Angliru favor a specific type of rider?

Santiago Romero: The Angliru is a beast. Very few riders can hide on that climb. The gradients are punishing. it is a massive test, and it favors riders with exceptional climbing skills.The riders’ ability to adjust their cadence to the change of elevation is going to be crucial. Riders with both explosive power and the endurance to sustain a high tempo for an extended period will excel there. Experience with the Angliru is one of the most important factors.

Moderator: It’s hard to disagree.But, it’s a controversial climb as well. The Cuitu Negru, where Jesus Castrillo made his name, is not there. What do you think about that?

Santiago Romero: The Angliru versus Cuitu Negru debate is a passionate one. Some argue that the new climb offers something fresh. The Cuitu Negru climb had become synonymous. it’s like we are making changes in a new era.Its absence is going to be missed.

Moderator: And Santiago, let’s talk about the broader appeal of La Vuelta. It’s a race that often flies under the radar compared to the tour de France or Giro d’Italia, but it’s renowned for its thrilling racing. Do you think La Vuelta is gaining in popularity, and if so, what’s driving that growth?

Santiago Romero: I do think it’s gaining popularity. Part of it is indeed the accessibility of watching the race. Its location is also key. La Vuelta offers a unique blend of challenging climbs, varied landscapes, and frequently enough, exciting racing that comes down to the wire. Also, the fact that it takes place in a more relaxed surroundings. Its global reach with start locations and the quality of the riders have also been key factors in its continuing growth. I feel that La Vuelta has managed to maintain its authentic feel. No matter what, it always delivers on the excitement and drama.

Moderator: Santiago, this has been an incredibly insightful conversation. Thank you for sharing your expertise and passion with us today.

Santiago Romero: The pleasure was all mine!

Reader Engagement

Do you agree with Santiago Romero’s assessment of this year’s La Vuelta? Share your thoughts on which stages you are most excited about and which riders you think will shine in the comments below!