Bernie Wilson
Updated on: October 8, 2024 7:14 pm GMT
The conclusion of the 2024 Vuelta a España took place with an exhilarating time trial in Madrid, marking the final stage of this prestigious cycling event. The sun setting over the city provided a picturesque backdrop as riders completed their grueling three-week journey. The atmosphere was filled with celebration, reflecting on the sacrifices and challenges faced throughout the race.
Primož Roglič of Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe emerged victorious, capturing his fourth general classification (GC) title. He finished second in the stage 21 time trial, clocking in at 26:59, 31 seconds behind Stefan Küng of Groupama-FDJ, who claimed his first Grand Tour stage win. Roglič expressed his emotion about the victory, emphasizing the collective effort and support from his family and team that contributed to his success. With a final GC margin of 2:36 over runner-up Ben O’Connor, Roglič solidified his legacy in Vuelta history.
Stefan Küng showcased his time trial prowess, demonstrating his skills with determination and finishing strong. His victory was a significant milestone after years of striving for success in Grand Tours.
Enric Mas from Movistar secured his place on the podium for the fourth time, while O’Connor celebrated his first Grand Tour podium finish as well. In terms of jersey classifications, Kaden Groves of Alpecin-Deceuninck clinched the green jersey for points, Jay Vine of UAE Team Emirates took home the polka-dots for mountains, and Mattias Skjelmose of Lidl-Trek was recognized as the best young rider.
As the riders crossed the finish line along Madrid’s iconic Gran Via, the sense of accomplishment and the camaraderie shared among competitors was palpable. The time trial not only determined the final standings but also provided insights into each rider’s journey throughout the competition, underscoring the unique challenges posed by a demanding Grand Tour.
Roglič kept winning, and Küng had an exciting first big win. Along with other riders who did great, their performances showed what cycling is all about. In this year’s Vuelta a España, we saw some thrilling races and celebrated the hard work and teamwork that makes this sport so special.
