2 weeks Ago By Toni Padilla
From one small country to another. Slovenia has dominated the Vuelta a Catalunya recently. For the third time in a row, a Slovenian has won the Vuelta a Catalunya after a thrilling display by Primoz Roglic (Red Bull) on Montjuïc.
Roglic, the 2024 champion, wins the Vuelta a Catalunya for the second time, a year after his compatriot Tadej Pogacar's triumph. On the final stage, Roglic was one second behind Juan Ayuso (UAE), but the Barcelona-born rider was no match for Roglic's experience. His attack on the final circuit of Montjuïc was thrilling.
In fact, Roglic had already regained the lead with an intermediate sprint in Viladecans, but it wasn't enough. With more than 20km to go, already on the Montjuïc circuit, which must be ridden six times, he decided to attack like champions do. Winning on bonus points? No, it wasn't worth it.
Perhaps with his pride hurt for not having defended running more. The Slovenian decided to show what he's made of. He opened a gap and was no longer caught.
Although Ayuso's teammates tried, it seemed they didn't have the energy to catch him. Roglic entered alone under a sea of Catalan flags, breaking the road against Ayuso, who will have time to win in the city of his birth, seeing his progress. Ayuso finished second, 28 seconds behind the champion, with Mallorcan Enric Mas (Movistar) third, 53 seconds behind.
The final stage, starting and finishing in Barcelona, had its route shortened due to the clash with the start of the Barça-Girona match. In fact, many fans of both teams mingled with cycling enthusiasts at the foot of the Olympic Stadium, watching the exhibition live by Roglic, who has been engaged in a beautiful duel with Ayuso all week. Ayuso ended up winning one stage, Roglic two, and young Briton Matthew Brennan another two in the sprint.
A Vuelta that confirms Ayuso's good form, as he continues to improve, although he still needs to take a small step forward to sit at the same table as Roglic, who perfectly managed the distances in the final laps of Montjuïc. A triumph to remember from a Vuelta that, despite the wind, the football schedules, and the affected routes, remains in top form. It's been a decade since it became one of the best events on the European calendar.
.
