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NACHO LABARGA
Lisbon
Updated
Sand got hooked on a Vuelta that he had ‘forgotten’ after his good performance in the last editions and now, this 2024, Mikel Landa He returns to try to find a podium that he lacks after having rejuvenated in a Soudal Quick-Step where he has landed on his feet and with which he has already fulfilled in his season after the Top 5 and the services provided to Remco Evenepoel in the Tour de FranceThe challenge is to get rid of that thorn that bothers him that says he performs better when he acts as a domestique than when he is a leader.
Now that a few weeks have passed, how do you assess your Top 5 in France?
The Tour is already forgotten. We are now in LaVuelta with a different chip. Let’s see how everything goes here. We are very excited to get a good result.
We saw how in the ‘Grande Boucle’ you had a good time trial but you still had some details to refine in the ‘goat’, have you prepared the discipline thoroughly for LaVuelta?
There wasn’t time. I know I’ve put in a few more hours, but there wasn’t time either. I don’t know if the time trials will be key, but they can certainly make a difference.
Are you a little worried about the result of the Klasica, where the Tour riders looked a bit toasty?
I think that all of us who came from the Tour suffered quite a bit that day. Then I saw how Vingegaard and Kelderman turned things around in Poland, so I hope to experience a bit of the same process. Maybe I didn’t arrive at LaVuelta in as good shape as I was in the Tour, but I think that as the days go by that condition may come.
What has changed to have this powerful version on the way to 35?
The change of scenery I needed. I have peace of mind and also a bit of luck.
They often say, ‘Mikel fails when he is a leader, and when he is gregarious, he triumphs.’ Do these comments sting you?
Yes, it hurts me. Because they forget the results I had in the past when I was leading and finished fourth in the Tour for the second time or when I finished third in the Giro for the second time as the team leader.
Aritz Aranbarri
Now he’s back to being the leader, what’s the point?
If I have the Tour conditions, I think I can be on the podium, so we’ll dream about it. But it’s going to be difficult. Roglic, Kuss, Vlasov, Cian, Mas, Carapaz… there are a lot of rivals at the start. Then, as it’s the last Grand Tour, I think there will be a quick selection.
He hasn’t won since 2021 when he took the overall title at the Vuelta a Burgos with Bahrain, how much do he miss it?
A lot, a lot. It’s something I’ve been looking for for a long time, four years, so let’s see if before the end of the year we can raise our arms again.
You have become a little more explosive again, leaving your rivals behind. Is that what motivates you the most?
Yes, seeing yourself competitive and ahead of your rivals is always good. I’m very happy to be back there.
Do you feel pressure in this Vuelta because of the need to get a result or are you coming to enjoy and see what comes out after achieving your goals in the Tour?
I feel a good pressure. It’s a great opportunity. I have a good team at my disposal and I want to take advantage of it, let’s see if the forces are on my side and I can do it.
Where do you think the race can be decided?
Anywhere. There will be differences in the time trials, but the stages in Len and Asturias, along with other explosive finishes that have bonuses, will also be important.
Have you spoken to Evenepoel again since his double gold in Paris? Has he given him any advice for this race?
We didn’t talk much because I imagine how busy his phone must be, it’s full every day. One of them spoke to me. He wished me luck and told me that everything was going to go well. It was incredible what he did. We enjoyed the Tour and then he did great in Paris.
If you are given the choice between third place or winning two stages, which would you choose?
With a podium. I hadn’t competed in LaVuelta for a while until three years ago. I’m back, I’m hooked on this race again and I’d like to have a podium here.
What made it come back online?
I enjoyed it. When there are many stages in the north, you have another motivation because they are roads that you know, the public and family support you. I am sure that this year, during the route, I will meet many family members and friends. It is comfortable for local riders.
He has fit in very well with the team, landing on his feet. Does he have a nickname?
‘Landasaurus rex’ (laughs). I already knew about the sponsor’s name change from the Tour. It’s a curious thing. We’re going to bring the T-Rex that’s around here to the peloton in case someone gets involved. You journalists have to do your job well, otherwise you’ll get eaten up.
