Bernie Wilson
Updated on: October 9, 2024 1:06 am GMT
Primož Roglič Wins Historic Fourth Vuelta a España Title
Madrid, Spain – In a stunning display of endurance and skill, Slovenian cyclist Primož Roglič clinched his fourth consecutive Vuelta a España title, matching the record held by Spanish cyclist Roberto Heras. This remarkable achievement echoes through the cycling world as Roglič navigated the challenging final individual time trial in Madrid on September 17, 2024, wrapping up the three-week-long Grand Tour with an overall time of 81 hours, 49 minutes, and 18 seconds.
Dominance in the Finale
<pGoing into the final stage, which spanned 26.4 kilometers, Roglič held a lead of two minutes and two seconds over Australian cyclist Ben O’Connor of Decathlon-AG2R-La Mondiale. Demonstrating his exceptional time-trialing capabilities, Roglič completed the final stage in 26 minutes and 59 seconds, ensuring his victory by finishing second on that day.
“I had to go for it or it is even harder so I pushed,” Roglič commented post-race. “At the end it was hard. We [me and my team] all sacrifice; we all live for it. I feel happy I could do it and I appreciate it.”
Final Stage Highlights
The final stage showcased competition beyond just the overall leaderboard, as Swiss rider Stefan Küng won the time trial, finishing with a time of 26 minutes and 28 seconds. Italian cyclist Mattia Cattaneo rounded out the podium for the stage with a time of 26 minutes and 70 seconds. Küng expressed his joy after the stage victory, stating, “It’s always nice if you win with more than half a minute; it shows you were absolutely the best, there was no coincidence today.”
- Stage Results
- Stefan Küng (SUI/Groupama-FDJ) – 26:28
- Primož Roglič (SLO/Red Bull – Bora-Hansgrohe) – +31 seconds
- Mattia Cattaneo (ITA/T-Rex Quick-Step) – +42 seconds
General Classification Standings
Roglič not only achieved personal glory but also secured his place in cycling history. He ended the Vuelta with a decisive margin of 2 minutes and 36 seconds over O’Connor, who rode exceptionally throughout the event, earning his spot on the podium with determination and skill. O’Connor consistently showcased his racing capabilities, establishing himself as a formidable opponent despite not being among the top climbers.
Final Overall Results
| Rider | Time | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| Primož Roglič (SLO/Red Bull – Bora-Hansgrohe) | 81:49:18 | – |
| Ben O’Connor (AUS/Decathlon-AG2R-La Mondiale) | +2:36 | |
| Enric Mas (SPA/Movistar) | +3:13 |
Heroic Performances and Future Aspirations
The 2024 Vuelta not only highlighted Roglič’s prowess but also featured the rise of other competitors and heartwarming stories throughout the race. Among these was Irish cyclist Eddie Dunbar, who triumphed with two stage wins following challenges in previous seasons. Additionally, the 2024 edition saw new and unexpected stars emerge, leaving an indelible mark on this year’s race.
Roglič’s victory marks his sixth appearance in the Vuelta a España, with four wins under his belt. Despite early challenges including a tactical error, his tenacity and strategic riding propelled him to a memorable victory. As Roglič gears up for future competitions, fans and cycling enthusiasts are eager to see if he can further cement his legacy and become the sole record holder for Vuelta titles.
Looking Ahead
As the cycling season progresses, eyes will turn towards potential challengers in the upcoming races. Questions about who will step up against Roglič remain, particularly as he looks to maintain this impressive form. His competitors, including O’Connor and Mas, may be training hard to dethrone the reigning champion. One thing is certain: the cycling world will be watching closely as the drama unfolds in future competitions.
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Roglič’s amazing journey in the Vuelta a España shows how strong he is and how much he loves to compete. We can expect to see even more exciting races from him in the future!
