Nicola Rutzou
This year’s Vuelta a España promised variety and excitement and has delivered after just nine days with exciting sprints, exhilarating mountain climbs and a thrilling team time trial. It’s also delivered seven different winners, with Jonas Vingegaard and Jasper Philipsen taking two stages apiece.
Over those nine stages, the peloton has traversed four countries – Italy, Andorra, France, and Spain. Stage 10 occurs later today (2 September) and the 3,138km race concludes in Madrid on 14 September.
Highlights for the Aussie riders so far include Jay Vine’s win on Stage 6 and holding the polka dot jersey since that stage. And Jai Hindley in the top 10, holding ninth place going into the first rest day. All the other Aussies who rolled out in Turino 10 days ago are still in the race – Ben O’Connor, Kelland O’Brien, Chris Harper, Jack Haig, Damien Howson, Chris Hamilton, Patrick Eddy, Callum Scotson and Lucas Hamilton.
Here are some image highlights from the race organisers, the A.S.O.
Nicola Rutzou – a long-time contributor and, most recently, the editor of Bicycling Australia. Nicola is a keen Sydney-based road cyclist who writes reviews, news, and destination pieces, as well as the weekly e-newsletter for BA online.
