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Kuss secures Spanish Vuelta victory to become first American to win a Grand Tour race in a decade

CORRECTS TO ''WINS THE VUELTA’’ - Sepp Kuss of Jumbo-Visma celebrates after winning the Vuelta cycling race in Madrid, Spain, Sunday, Sept. 17, 2023. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez)

CORRECTS TO ''WINS THE VUELTA’’ - The winner Sepp Kuss of Jumbo-Visma, center, celebrates with teammates, second place Jonas Vingegaard, left, and third place Primoz Roglic on the podium after winning the Vuelta cycling race in Madrid, Spain, Sunday, Sept. 17, 2023. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez)

CORRECTS TO ''WINS THE VUELTA’’ - Sepp Kuss of Jumbo-Visma celebrates on the podium after winning the Vuelta cycling race in Madrid, Spain, Sunday, Sept. 17, 2023. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez)

Sepp Kuss of Jumbo-Visma, center with red helmet, competes during the 21st stage of the Vuelta cycling race between Hipodromo de La Zarzuela and Madrid, Spain, Sunday, Sept. 17, 2023. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez)

Sepp Kuss of Jumbo Visma, center with red helmet, competes during the 21st stage of the Vuelta cycling race between Hipodromo de La Zarzuela and Madrid, Spain, Sunday, Sept. 17, 2023. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez)

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MADRID (AP) — A decade later, the United States has a Grand Tour winner again.

Sepp Kuss won the Spanish Vuelta on Sunday to become the first American to win one of cycling’s top races since Chris Horner earned the Vuelta victory in 2013. The other Grand Tour events are the Giro d’Italia and the Tour de France.

Kuss had effectively secured the victory ahead of Sunday’s largely ceremonial stage, when rivals in the Spanish capital respected his lead and did not launch any attacks as per cycling tradition.

“It’s incredible. I think today was the stage that I suffered the most of the whole race, now I’m just glad it’s over,” Kuss said. “It’s life-changing for sure. I think I’ll look back on this experience with a lot of fun memories. It’s still sinking in, I think it’s gonna take quite some time. Now, a big celebration. Family, friends are here, and that’s gonna be really special.”

It was a surprising victory for Kuss, who entered the race in a supporting role to his Jumbo-Visma teammates Jonas Vingegaard — the two-time Tour de France winner — and Primoz Roglic, a three-time Vuelta winner.

Vingegaard and Roglic finished second and third overall, respectively, capping a dominant performance and a historic treble for Jumbo-Visma, which swept all three Grand Tour events this year. Roglic won the Giro d’Italia in May and Vingegaard repeated as Tour de France champion in July.

Kuss crossed the line along with his teammates, who were all wearing a special jersey in honor of the team’s treble.

Alpecin-Deceuninck rider Kaden Groves prevailed in the final sprint to win the last stage.

Kuss took the lead in the eighth stage and never relinquished it despite being pushed hard by his teammates a few times. The American held his own on difficult climbs up the Col du Tourmalet in France and the Alto de l’Angliru in northern Spain, ending the three-week race with a 17-second advantage.

The 29-year-old from Durango, Colorado, started cycling as a way to train all year for his passion of cross-country skiing. But he eventually changed the skis for wheels and has for several seasons featured as one of the top support riders for Jumbo-Visma. He now lives in Andorra with his wife in the Pyrenees Mountains nestled between Spain and France.

The final stage began at Madrid’s horse-racing track and ended with riders taking laps around some of the iconic monuments in the Spanish capital.

Kuss took it easy within the peloton and was celebrated by his rivals and fans who lined Madrid’s streets.

Last year’s champion, Remco Evenepoel of Soudal Quick-Step, ended as King of the Mountains and became the first Belgian to win the Vuelta’s most combative award. Groves became the first Australian to win the points standings, while 21-year-old Juan Ayuso of Spain was the best young rider.

VUELTA GOES TO PORTUGAL

Organizers announced Sunday that the 2024 edition of the Vuelta will begin in Portugal, with the cities of Lisbon, Oeiras and Cascais hosting the race’s official start.

Lisbon was the first foreign city to host a Vuelta start back in 1997.

AP sports: https://apnews.com/hub/apf-sports

Sepp Kuss wins Spanish Vuelta, becoming the first American to win a Grand Tour race in a decade

MADRID — A decade later, the United States has a Grand Tour winner again.

Sepp Kuss won the Spanish Vuelta on Sunday to become the first American to win one of cycling’s top races since Chris Horner earned the Vuelta victory in 2013. The other Grand Tour events are the Giro d’Italia and the Tour de France.

Kuss had effectively secured the victory ahead of Sunday’s largely ceremonial stage, when rivals in the Spanish capital respected his lead and did not launch any attacks as per cycling tradition.

“It’s incredible. I think today was the stage that I suffered the most of the whole race, now I’m just glad it’s over,” Kuss said. “It’s life-changing for sure. I think I’ll look back on this experience with a lot of fun memories. It’s still sinking in, I think it’s gonna take quite some time. Now, a big celebration. Family, friends are here, and that’s gonna be really special.”

It was a surprising victory for Kuss, who entered the race in a supporting role to his Jumbo-Visma teammates Jonas Vingegaard — the two-time Tour de France winner — and Primoz Roglic, a three-time Vuelta winner.

Vingegaard and Roglic finished second and third overall, respectively, capping a dominant performance and a historic treble for Jumbo-Visma, which swept all three Grand Tour events this year. Roglic won the Giro d’Italia in May and Vingegaard repeated as Tour de France champion in July.

Kuss crossed the line along with his teammates, who were all wearing a special jersey in honor of the team’s treble.

Alpecin-Deceuninck rider Kaden Groves prevailed in the final sprint to win the last stage.

Kuss took the lead in the eighth stage and never relinquished it despite being pushed hard by his teammates a few times. The American held his own on difficult climbs up the Col du Tourmalet in France and the Alto de l’Angliru in northern Spain, ending the three-week race with a 17-second advantage.

The 29-year-old from Durango, Colorado, started cycling as a way to train all year for his passion of cross-country skiing. But he eventually changed the skis for wheels and has for several seasons featured as one of the top support riders for Jumbo-Visma. He now lives in Andorra with his wife in the Pyrenees Mountains nestled between Spain and France.

The final stage began at Madrid’s horse-racing track and ended with riders taking laps around some of the iconic monuments in the Spanish capital.

Kuss took it easy within the peloton and was celebrated by his rivals and fans who lined Madrid’s streets.

Last year’s champion, Remco Evenepoel of Soudal Quick-Step, ended as King of the Mountains and became the first Belgian to win the Vuelta’s most combative award. Groves became the first Australian to win the points standings, while 21-year-old Juan Ayuso of Spain was the best young rider.

Organizers announced Sunday that the 2024 edition of the Vuelta will begin in Portugal, with the cities of Lisbon, Oeiras and Cascais hosting the race’s official start.

Lisbon was the first foreign city to host a Vuelta start back in 1997.

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U.S. cyclist Sepp Kuss has won Spain's La Vuelta. His biggest rivals? His team

Bill Chappell

Sepp Kuss, overall leader of La Vuelta cycling race in Spain, has found his most persistent challengers to be his own teammates. He's seen here after Friday's stage. Oscar Del Pozo/AFP via Getty Images hide caption

Sepp Kuss, overall leader of La Vuelta cycling race in Spain, has found his most persistent challengers to be his own teammates. He's seen here after Friday's stage.

American rider Sepp Kuss has won La Vuelta a España, one of cycling's crown jewels, turning the crowd favorite into a surprise champion.

"I think I'll just look back on this experience with a lot of fond memories," Kuss said in an interview after his victory. "It's still sinking in. I think that's gonna take quite some time."

But in a dramatic twist, the biggest threat to Kuss during the three-week race came from within his own team — including a much-criticized attack on Kuss' birthday that cut into his lead.

U.S. rider Sepp Kuss (center) celebrates with teammates winning while crossing the finish line of the 21st and last stage of the 2023 La Vuelta cycling tour of Spain, on Sunday. Oscar del Pozo/AFP via Getty Images hide caption

U.S. rider Sepp Kuss (center) celebrates with teammates winning while crossing the finish line of the 21st and last stage of the 2023 La Vuelta cycling tour of Spain, on Sunday.

The result was an international sports controversy with all the trimmings, one that gets to the heart of how elite road cycling defines itself in its most high-profile team events.

Here's a quick guide to what's been going on in Spain:

Kuss is on cycling's most dominant team

Kuss' teammates on the Jumbo-Visma squad included two of the top cyclists in recent memory: two-time Tour de France winner Jonas Vingegaard and three-time Vuelta champion Primož Roglič (who also won this year's Giro d'Italia).

Kuss, who is from Durango, Colo., faithfully served both Vingegaard and Roglič in key moments, pacing them on brutal climbs, shielding them from the wind and chasing down their rivals. By being a loyal domestique , or support rider, he repeatedly helped them climb to the top of the podium.

On Friday, the trio was ranked 1-2-3 in La Vuelta, nearly three minutes ahead of their closest rival. On its face, that's a bit boring. But in a fascinating twist, it's Kuss who had been wearing La Roja — the Spanish equivalent of the French yellow jersey — since becoming the race's leader on Sept. 2.

There's just one snag: Kuss was not the leader of Jumbo-Visma.

Sepp Kuss has gotten help from his accomplished teammates, including Danish rider Jonas Vingegaard (left). The two are seen here after stage 13 of the 2023 La Vuelta, the cycling grand tour race of Spain. Ander Gillenea/AFP via Getty Images hide caption

Sepp Kuss has gotten help from his accomplished teammates, including Danish rider Jonas Vingegaard (left). The two are seen here after stage 13 of the 2023 La Vuelta, the cycling grand tour race of Spain.

With the team in control in La Vuelta's final week, Jumbo-Visma had been under intense public scrutiny: Would the squad and its elite competitors allow Kuss to keep the famed red jersey all the way to Madrid?

On one side are those who say Kuss, a well-liked "super domestique" who has been integral to the world-beating successes of Team Jumbo-Visma, earned the right to vie for a Grand Tour victory of his own.

On the other side are those who say that the whole point of stage races such as La Vuelta and the Tour de France is to sort out the top cyclists, after thousands of miles and daunting climbs.

The birthday surprise, and an epic backlash

It was all smiles at the start of Wednesday's stage, when Kuss was presented with a cake and serenaded with "Cumpleaños Feliz" in honor of his 29th birthday. But by the end of the day, cycling fans were hotly accusing Kuss' teammates of betrayal.

❤️ Ha sufrido en el Angliru al ritmo de sus compañeros, pero logra salvar el liderato. ¡Disfruta del minuto de La Roja! ❤️ He suffered on the Angliru at the pace of his teammates, but managed to save the lead. Enjoy La Roja's minute! #LaVuelta23 @CarrefourES … pic.twitter.com/g38rZJJJoa — La Vuelta (@lavuelta) September 13, 2023

Roglič attacked late in the race, sprinting ahead of a handful of riders up the storied heights of the Alto de l'Angliru in the Asturias mountains, where the road soars up inclines of 20% in some spots. Only Vingegaard and Kuss were able to reunite with Roglič — and in a stunning moment, when Kuss faltered, his teammates simply dropped him, pedaling away into the mist.

The pair sliced 19 seconds off of Kuss' advantage, leaving Vingegaard just 8 seconds behind. They were also condemned for essentially attacking their teammate while he was wearing the race leader's jersey.

"It was a much nicer result than last time," Roglič said, referring to 2020, when he lost the red jersey on the Angliru. But as many fans quickly noted , that year's punishing stage was one in which Kuss stayed with his teammate and helped him limit the damage.

Danish rider Jonas Vingegaard wins the Tour de France for the 2nd straight year

Suspicions of an intra-team battle had risen one day earlier, when Vingegaard mounted an attack on the final climb that put him just 29 seconds behind Kuss and brought the Dane his second stage win.

"I don't know if I'll take the overall lead tomorrow," Vingegaard said at the time, reassuring no one.

When "tomorrow" came, there was Vingegaard, following Roglič's wheel to take more time out of Kuss. Compared to his actions, his comments afterward were hard to parse.

"To be honest, I actually hope that [Kuss] will keep the jersey," he said. "I would love to see Sepp winning this Vuelta a Espana." On Instagram and elsewhere, the Dane dedicated his win to an injured teammate. But cycling fans were incensed, criticizing Vingegaard and Roglič for dropping a teammate who was wearing the leader's jersey.

A public debate explodes

In a three-week stage race, it's not rare for a race leader to have an off day. But for many cycling fans, it was stunning to see Kuss' teammates abandon him, after the three had left all the other riders behind — both on the day's stage and in the overall standings.

Veteran cyclists also noted the rarity of the moment.

"There shouldn't be any gifts in a grand tour win," former Tour de France winner Geraint Thomas said . But he added that in his view, Kuss has proven he's good enough to earn the win in Spain.

"I feel for Kuss... he deserves a bit more respect." Geraint Thomas hopes Sepp Kuss can go all the way! 🏆 #LaVuelta23 pic.twitter.com/UmzxZhsbRu — Eurosport (@eurosport) September 14, 2023

"So yeah, I feel for Kuss. I feel like he deserves a bit more respect," veteran rider Geraint Thomas said. "Not necessarily from the riders, either. I think more from the team. I think the team should be stronger with that."

Thomas later added, "Obviously, I would love to see Sepp win. And I think most of the peloton would, as well."

The uproar quieted on Thursday, when Roglič and Vingegaard shepherded Kuss through one of the final stages standing between him and the title. They even led him out to the finish, letting Kuss sprint ahead to defuse any challenges.

Role reversal at Team Jumbo-Visma 🔁🔴 Primož Roglič and Jonas Vingegaard led out their teammate and loyal super-domestique Sepp Kuss on the final climb of Stage 18 at La Vuelta, protecting his lead on general classification 👏 📸 Cor Vos ________________ 🇪🇸 #LaVuelta23 pic.twitter.com/e7aRkHbsm1 — Velon CC (@VelonCC) September 14, 2023

"It's an honor to have two such champions working for you," Kuss said afterward , noting his teammates' recent wins. He also praised the local fans: "It's probably the best part of being a professional cyclist. You feel the passion and the emotion when people cheer you on from the sidelines. It touches me every time."

Kuss also said his team has a plan — and Vingegaard affirmed the aim to defend Kuss' lead.

"We are in an excellent position, but we are not there yet," he said. "Saturday's stage is treacherous. It's fantastic to be able to do something for Sepp in this way. I will always remember what he has done for me. So, I wanted to give something back. Hopefully, we can bring his red jersey to the finish line."

The crowds in Spain chant: "Kuss! Kuss!"

Sepp Kuss had already endeared himself to cycling fans for taking on the sport's most painful assignments without complaint, grinding his team's rivals down as he dragged his leaders up the sides of mountains and literally carried their water.

Increasingly, that affection has blossomed into full-bore love, as evidenced by the crowd of fans who cheerfully mobbed Kuss as he left — or attempted to leave — his hotel Friday morning.

🇪🇸 #LaVuelta23 Euh, @lavuelta .. your race leader is a bit later at today’s start. 😉 Muchas gracias, fans! ❤️🫶🏼 pic.twitter.com/JwQV0ylCEg — Team Visma | Lease a Bike (@vismaleaseabike) September 15, 2023

For signs of what makes this American so appealing, watch his actions. Here's Kuss answering reporters' questions in Spanish; there's Kuss jumping out of the front seat of a team car, offering it to Roglič (who declined). Here's Kuss apologizing for sprinting for third place, saying he needed the bonus seconds to retain La Roja.

And there's Kuss chugging champagne , or admitting this week that he was surprised to learn he was still leading the race — and with a smile on his face, refusing to attack his teammates.

His humility and modesty, paired with his obvious talents, have made him an eminently likable American in Europe — so much so that Europeans turned on their own this week, to cheer for the "Durango Kid" to win it all.

Even before this week's high drama, fans of Kuss mounted a "GC Kuss" campaign, saying he should ride for "general classification," seeking the overall win in multistage races, rather than sacrificing himself for others. For one race, at least, that wish is being fulfilled.

NPR's Joe Hernandez contributed to this story.

How to watch Vuelta a España 2023: Live stream the 78th Spanish Grand Tour

Here's how to catch all of the action during the last week of the Vuelta a España 2023 on TV and online

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The final Grand Tour of the 2023 season, the Vuelta a España, is heading towards a conclusion and the final day of racing with a sprint day in Madrid. Below, we have all the information you need to watch a Vuelta a España live stream when the riders get back in the saddle.

Running from Barcelona to Madrid, the three-week race is available to watch around the world with viewing options including GCN+ and Eurosport in the UK, and Peacock in the US. Coverage of the Vuelta a España 2023 will also be available free to air on SBS On Demand in Australia and RTVE in Spain , so make sure you know how to watch a Vuelta a España live stream for free with a VPN from anywhere .

Jumbo-Visma will celebrate an unprecedented feat of taking the three podium spots as the peloton race to the end of this year's Vuelta. Sepp Kuss leads Tour de France winner Jonas Vingegaard and Primož Roglič following the trio's 1-2-3 on the Col du Tourmalet and Altu de L'Angliru. The riders will round out three weeks of racing with a sprint stage – Sunday's stage 21 finale in Madrid.

Below we explain how to watch a 2023 Vuelta a España live stream so you can follow the race all the way to Madrid – scroll down to find out everything you need to know about watching the race when it resumes on Tuesday. You can also check out our in-depth guide to the Vuelta a España 2023 route .

How to watch Vuelta a España: live stream in the UK

2023 Vuelta a España live streams will be available to view in the UK via GCN+, Eurosport, and Discovery+.

A year's subscription to GCN+ , which is viewable on the GCN mobile app as well as via their desktop website, costs £6.99 per month or £39.99 for a year.

Eurosport channels 1 and 2 are available to view on Sky channels 410 and 411 and Discovery+, though, unlike with GCN+, there will be advert breaks. 

A subscription to Discovery+ , which can also be streamed via mobile or desktop, costs £6.99 per month, or £59.99 for a 12-month pass.

Finally, daily highlights of the race will be available to view every evening for free on ITV4 – online at ITVX plus via channel 26 on Freeview and 119 on Sky.

How to watch Vuelta a España: live stream from anywhere on the planet

If you’re abroad during the 2023 Vuelta a España you might have a problem accessing your regular streaming service because of geo-blocking restrictions. Thankfully, there’s an easy solution.

If you’re not in the country for the Vuelta a España 2023, you can just download and install a VPN and use a location inside the United Kingdom to watch the broadcast live as if you were back home. 

Setting up a VPN is simple – just download, install, open the app and select your location. 

Try out Express VPN for its speed, security and simplicity to use. It is also compatible with a range of devices and streaming services (e.g. Amazon Fire TV Stick, Apple TV, Xbox, PS4, etc.), giving you the option to watch wherever you want.

A VPN is a piece of software which offers both online privacy and ability to change your IP address, meaning that you can access on-demand content or live TV like you would back at home while in another country. There are other great options out there, of course, and plenty of free VPNs but our sister site TechRadar recommends the paid-for ExpressVPN, which it consistently rates as the best VPN provider. Express VPN gives you the added benefit of a 30-day money back guarantee and three months free with a yearly plan.

Try ExpressVPN for 30 days ExpressVPN offers online privacy and unblocks your usual streaming services from abroad. It has apps to use on phones, laptops, Amazon Fire TV Stick, Apple TV, Xbox PlayStation, Android and Apple mobiles, and for more many devices.

Best of all, there's a 30-day money back guarantee . So, if it's not for you, then they'll give you your money back without a quibble.

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How to watch Vuelta a España: live stream for free in Australia

In Australia, national broadcaster SBS will have a Vuelta a España live stream available for free on its SBS On Demand service. 

GCN+ will also carry live coverage of the race in Australia. A monthly subscription to GCN+ costs $15.99AUD while a yearly subscription costs $64.99AUD.

How to watch Vuelta a España: live stream in the US and Canada

In the USA, you can watch a Vuelta a España live stream via Peacock with some stages also set to be shown on CNBC.

A subscription to Peacock will set you back $5.99 per month of $11.99 for the ad-free Peacock Premium Plus. A yearly subscription to either service comes with a 17% discount.

In Canada, you can watch a Vuelta a España live stream on Flobikes , with a subscription costing $12.50 per month.

Watch Vuelta a España: live stream in Europe

RTVE will be airing the race in full – and for free – for viewers in Spain.

GCN+ and Eurosport will provide coverage in various countries around Europe with live streams available in France, Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands, Italy, Spain and more. Check their nation-by-nation streaming guide for all the information on Vuelta a España streaming where you are.

Vuelta a España Stages

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Founded in 1891, Cycling Weekly and its team of expert journalists brings cyclists in-depth reviews, extensive coverage of both professional and domestic racing, as well as fitness advice and 'brew a cuppa and put your feet up' features. Cycling Weekly serves its audience across a range of platforms, from good old-fashioned print to online journalism, and video.

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Vuelta 2023 – Results

Check results and standings for your favourite teams or cyclists competing in Vuelta 2023. Use this tool to bet like an expert. Stay updated with race info, preview, La Vuelta 2023 results and highlights.

We offer live results and final race result. Follow your favourite cycling competition and enhance your winnings by knowing exactly what is happening during the race. Read all about La Vuelta 2023 stages and be prepared to place your bet.

See the accomplishments complemented by strong efforts in the climbings and sprints, watch courageous riding and stay with your eyes glued to the screen during the mountainous stages. Check Vuelta 2023 results for summit finishes and how the overall contenders to throughout the Tour of Spain.

Who will win this year? Find out here.

Rodríguez and Ayuso lead Spain's next generation of Vuelta a España contenders

Ineos and UAE young talents impress as Valverde nears retirement

The presence of Juan Ayuso and Carlos Rodríguez in the Vuelta a España this year is producing a sense of optimism among Spanish cycling fans.

Spain has already broken its 122-stage victory drought with two wins in three days and Enric Mas (Movistar) is currently ‘best of the rest’ in the GC battle but it is the strong overall performances by Ayuso and Rodríguez that has boosted local morale for the mid-to-long term future of Spanish Grand Tour racing.

“They remind me of when I got the Vuelta podium finish in 2018, it’s great to see how well they are doing, it’s very encouraging for Spanish cycling,” Mas says.

Rodríguez ( Ineos Grenadiers ) and Ayuso ( UAE Team Emirates ) are certainly punching above their weight in a way which parallels Mas’ second place Madrid and stage win four years. Currently lying fourth and fifth overall, both are racing their first Grand Tour. 

Vuelta a España 2022 stage 10 preview - Momentum with Evenepoel in race of truth Rodríguez holds GC fourth but Geoghegan Hart out of Vuelta top 10 after Les Praeres Youngest Vuelta rider Ayuso says no pressure as he soars back into top five on GC Vuelta a España stage 10 time trial - Start times

At 19, Ayuso is the youngest rider in the Vuelta since Eduardo Chozas 42 years ago. Rodríguez, who turned pro in 2020, is just over a year older than Ayuso.

“Juan is young and has not got huge amounts of experience yet, but he’s got huge qualities as a rider,” UAE Team Emirates sports director Joxean Fernandez Matxin told Cyclingnews .

“We already changed his program and brought his Vuelta participation forward by a year, and we’ve done that because in his first World Tour race (Volta a Catalunya) he already finished fifth, despite being there to help [Joao] Almeida, and in his second [the Tour de Romandie], he was fourth. Then in the third [Criterium du Dauphine], he was eighth but had to abandon because he got sick.”

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“So here he is in the Vuelta. He recently won Getxo ahead of [Wilco] Kelderman (Bora-Hansgrohe) and he’s a rider who can climb well, do really good time trials and who’s also very good in the sprints.”

Matxin says that his Portuguese teammate and team leader João Almeida acts as the lightning bolt for taking the pressure off Ayuso’s shoulders. 

“Joao is the leader here too, and every day we just have to appreciate what Juan gives us, but not demand anything more than that. He is here to learn,” he says.

Just a few seconds apart

Rodríguez is on a remarkably similar trajectory to Ayuso in the Vuelta so far, with just three seconds separating the two on GC.  Rodríguez lies fourth overall, 2:33 down on Evenepoel, with Ayuso fifth at 2:36.

Rodríguez's progress has been more gradual compared to Ayuso, having turned pro in 2020 but is still very impressive, his rise towards the upper rungs of the hierarchy is remarkably fast.

His first season that was drastically curtailed by the COVID-19 pandemic but the Spanish National Champion’s jersey this June, and a notable stage victory in the Itzulia this April, indicated his talents before the Vuelta.

“Carlos never stops surprising us,” Xabier Artetxe, Ineos Grenadiers race coach told Spanish TV on Sunday evening, shortly after Rodríguez had secured his third ninth place in a row on the race’s first three summit finishes at les Praeres. 

“But this is the first Grand Tour he’s done so it would be rash to say this or that will happen for sure.

“When we designed his career route plan when he came to the team three years ago, the idea was what we’ve done. He’d spend two years getting used to the WorldTour and then in the third year, take part in the Vuelta a España.”

One of four Grand Tour debutants for Ineos Grenadiers this year, Artetxe says it’s important to keep a sense of perspective. 

“We know that there are top riders who get burned out in the third week,” the team coach said. “But to be 21 and running fourth in the overall, right now, really we can’t ask for more. Anything that comes after this will be a bonus.”

Anything could happen in time trial ‘race of truth’ in Alicante but the chances of the two remaining so close together overall following a 30-kilometre time trial are logically slim. However when it comes to predicting how well they will fare, Ayuso and Rodríguez both have solid, if logically limited, references points at WorldTour level and before. Both are former Junior Spanish national time trial champions.

Rodríguez has already clinched a bronze in the same category at senior level back in 2021. Ayuso, on the other hand, has better WorldTour time trial results so far, with an eighth in Romandie and 10th in the Dauphine this year. 

However, as their team management is constantly underlining, neither is pushing for a particular overall GC target early in their respective careers.

“Right now I’m not even beginning to think about winning the Vuelta,” Ayuso said on Monday’s rest day. “There’s so much ahead of me and I’m doing this all on the day by day.”

“If I were to start imagining that I did get on the podium or win and I didn’t do it, I’d end up finishing the race with a bad taste in my mouth and that’s just not right.

“I’m ambitious and if I can be up there, then I’ll try. But I didn’t start this race with a clear objective, because this is my first Grand Tour.”

Rodríguez echoed Ayuso’s words saying that he is very satisfied with his results so far and that rather than push for a top GC placing come what may, his main goal is to enjoy the Vuelta and see what happens. 

As for the rider just a year older than Rodríguez and already leading the Vuelta, he said: “Remco has proved so far  that he’s on a different level.

“Hopefully, in the next few weeks, we can work on closing the gap and fight for as high a position as possible. In any case, I didn’t expect to be where I am overall, so I’m very happy with what I’ve done so far.”

A new Spanish rivalry

The history of cycling is littered with examples of bitter divisions between top riders from the same country who are successful in the same kinds of races at the same time. But Ayuso insists that there is no kind of underlying antagonism or ill-will between him and his compatriot. 

“With Carlos there’s rivalry, respect and friendship. We’ve been competing together since we were ‘cadetes’ [the 15-16-year-old category in Spain] every weekend. I’m always very happy for him when he achieves something important because he’s a naturally friendly kind of guy,” Ayuso said.

Curiously enough, quite apart from shining in their home Grand Tour, both riders will find themselves on very familiar terrain this week. 

Ayuso has lived in the Valencia region since 2010 in the nearby town of Javea, close to where today’s time trial is held, while Rodriguez grew up in the Andalusian coastal town of Almunecar so knows the stage 15 ascent to Sierra Nevada and the roads of stage 12 along the edge of the Mediterranean very well.

“Hopefully it will give me some extra energy, I would appreciate that, it would come in handy”, Rodríguez said with a touch of good humour on Monday.  

“Also knowing the roads a little bit can be an advantage, knowing where you have to be in the front and so on."

As for young riders doing so well in their first Grand Tour, as Matxin points out, the modern-day trends in cycling suggest this is a phenomenon that is here to stay.

“Every year, it's less and less unusual to have these young riders up there. Don’t forget what Tadej Pogacar was doing at 19 and that the race leader here is a certain Remco. We have to stop being surprised," he told Cyclingnews .

No matter what happens between Alicante and the fish of the Vuelta in Madrid, Spanish cycling fans can start celebrating a re-emergence of young racers from their country at the highest level of the sport. 

That this is taking place in the same Vuelta where a rider who has flown the flag for Spain so long in Grand Tours like Alejandro Valverde is racing his final three-week race is, obviously, a complete coincidence. Yet the symbolism of it all could hardly be clearer.

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Alasdair Fotheringham has been reporting on cycling since 1991. He has covered every Tour de France since 1992 bar one, as well as numerous other bike races of all shapes and sizes, ranging from the Olympic Games in 2008 to the now sadly defunct Subida a Urkiola hill climb in Spain. As well as working for Cyclingnews , he has also written for The Independent ,  The Guardian ,  ProCycling , The Express and Reuters .

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Stage-by-stage winners of the 2022 Vuelta a España

• Stage 1: 19 August , Utrecht to Utrecht (team time trial, 23.3km) - Won by Jumbo-Visma , Robert Gesink (Jumbo-Visma) takes overall leader's red jersey
• Stage 2: 20 August , 's-Hertogenbosch to Utrecht (175.1km) - Won by Sam Bennett (Bora-Hansgrohe), Mike Teunissen (Jumbo-Visma) takes overall lead
• Stage 3: 21 August , Breda to Breda (193.5km) - Won by Sam Bennett , Edoardo Affini (Jumbo-Visma) takes overall lead
• Rest Day 1: 22 August (transfer day)
• Stage 4: 23 August , Vitoria-Gasteiz to Laguardia (152.5km) - Won by Primoz Roglic (Jumbo-Visma), who also takes the overall lead
• Stage 5: 24 August , Irún to Bilbao (187.2km) - Won by Marc Soler (UAE Team Emirates). Rudy Molard (Groupama FDJ) takes overall lead
• Stage 6: 25 August , Bilbao to Ascensión al Pico Jano, San Miguel de Aguayo (181.2km) - Won by Jay Vine (Alpecin-Deceuninck), Remco Evenepoel (Quick-Step Alpha Vinyl) takes overall lead
• Stage 7: 26 August, Camargo to Cistierna (190km) - Won by Jesús Herrada (Cofidis). Remco Evenepoel retains overall lead
• Stage 8: 27 August , La Pola Llaviana/Pola de Laviana to Colláu Fancuaya, Yernes y Tameza (153.4km) - Won by Jay Vine , Remco Evenepoel retains overall lead
• Stage 9: 28 August , Villaviciosa to Les Praeres, Nava (171.4km) - Won by Louis Meintjes (Intermarché-Wanty-Gobert), Remco Evenepoel retains overall lead
• Rest Day 2: 29 August
• Stage 10: 30 August , Elche to Alicante (time trial, 30.9km) - Won by Remco Evenepoel , who retains overall lead
• Stage 11: 31 August, ElPozo Alimentación, Alhama de Murcia to Cabo de Gata (191.2km) - Won by Kaden Groves (BikeExchange-Jayco). Remco Evenepoel retains overall lead
• Stage 12: 1 September, Salobreña to Peñas Blancas, Estepona (192.7km) - Won by Richard Carapaz (Ineos Grenadiers). Remco Evenepoel retains lead.
• Stage 13: 2 September , Ronda to Montilla (168.4km) - Won by Mads Pedersen (Trek-Segafredo). Remco Evenepoel retains lead.
• Stage 14: 3 September, Montoro to Sierra de la Pandera (160.3km) - Won by Richard Carapaz (Ineos Grenadiers). Remco Evenepoel retains overall lead.
• Stage 15: 4 September, Martos to Sierra Nevada, Alto Hoya de la Mora, Monachil (152.6km) - Won by Thymen Arensman (Team DSM).  Remco Evenepoel retains overall lead.
• Rest Day 3: 5 September
• Stage 16: 6 September, Sanlúcar de Barrameda to Tomares (189.4km)
• Stage 17: 7 September, Aracena to Monasterio de Tentudía (162.3km)
• Stage 18: 8 September, Trujillo to Alto de Piornal (192km)
• Stage 19: 9 September, Talavera de la Reina to Talavera de la Reina (138.3km)
• Stage 20: 10 September, Moralzarzal to Puerto de Navacerrada (181km)
• Stage 21: 11 September, Las Rozas to Madrid, Paisaje de la Luz (96.7km)

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