Joaquim Rodriguez, affectionately known as ‘Purito,’ never claimed the Red Jersey during his cycling career, but his nine stage wins at the Vuelta a España have cemented his legacy in Spanish cycling history.
As the 2024 Vuelta a España reaches its first summit finish on Stage 4, Rodriguez expresses his excitement about the open nature of this year’s race, especially in light of Tadej Pogačar’s dominant victories earlier this year at both the Giro d’Italia and the Tour de France.
Reflecting on the absence of top contenders like Pogačar, Jonas Vingegaard, and Remco Evenepoel, Rodriguez shared his thoughts with Marca. “It’s clear that without Pogacar, Vingegaard, or Evenepoel, the race is more open,” said the 45-year-old Spaniard. While the star power might be lessened by these absences, Rodriguez believes the competition will be even more thrilling. “In terms of the spectacle, it’s much more fun not to have such a strong rider,” he added.
When it comes to picking a favorite for this year’s race, Rodriguez leans towards Primož Roglič, a three-time Vuelta champion.
“I have no doubt that he can be the big favorite for this Vuelta a España,” Rodriguez predicts. However, he acknowledges some uncertainty due to Roglič’s recent lack of racing following his injury and fall during the Tour de France. “We’ll see how he does today,” Rodriguez remarks cautiously.
Rodriguez, who wore the Red Jersey for 19 days during his career but never won the Vuelta, also commented on the current generation of Spanish riders, particularly Carlos Rodríguez, Enric Mas, and Mikel Landa, who are leading the charge in this year’s edition of the race.
“There are no doubts about Carlos Rodríguez; he’s shown that he’s prepared well for this Vuelta a España and has a strong chance at the podium,” Rodriguez states. He also praises Enric Mas for his form after the Tour de France, where he was frustrated by his inability to compete for the general classification. “I think he will find himself again in this Vuelta,” Rodriguez suggests.
As for Mikel Landa, Rodriguez sees him as a wild card. “With Mikel, it’s all or nothing. I hope we see the same Mikel Landa we saw at the Tour de France because he is possibly the bravest of the three.”
As the Vuelta a España unfolds, Rodriguez’s insights highlight the unpredictable and thrilling nature of this year’s race, offering fans a unique and exciting spectacle in the absence of some of the sport’s biggest stars.
