Primoz Roglic, Slovenian, 31 years old, gold medal in Tokyo gave an encore to the Vuelta by dominating the time trial, of 7.1 km with a crazy time: 8’32. The first of the 21 stages of the Spanish race is deservedly his. And his is the first red jersey. Behind him an excellent Aranburo and compatriot Tratnik. Fourth Sculli, fifth Cerny.
Short time trial but with pitfalls. Path far from trivial. It was not a comfortable opening chronograph with 7.1 km (almost all cordoned off) and a third category climb. Departure from Burgos to celebrate the eighth centenary of the sumptuous cathedral, Unesco heritage (construction began in July 1221). Departure even from the central door of the cathedral.
The first 2.5 km were steadily climbing to the top with an average gradient of 7.1%. Then a descent in which 76-78 km / h were reached. Final stage with three tricky curves. I still arrive at the cathedral.
The first runner started at 5.44 pm. The last one, Primoz Roglic, at 20.47, one minute after Egan Bernal.
Three of the most popular riders of the moment: Aru, Ciccone and Valverde. The Sardinian because at the end of the Vuelta he retires; from Abruzzo because at the age of 26 he was promoted to captain of Trek Segafredo; the Spaniard because he leaves racing at the age of 41 with an amazing palmares. Among other things, he has won five editions of the Freccia Vallone, a World Championship (2018) and at the Vuelta he has reached the podium seven times (victory in 2009, three second places, three third places). Another legend that goes away.
The best Italians at the start of the Vuelta
The best of the Italians were the young Andrea Bagioli (8’44) one second more than the specialist Van Baarle and 4 less than a true cronoman like Sepp Kuss (8’48). Very good Damiano Caruso (8’53).
Mid-August, second stage for sprinters of 166.7 km. From Caleruega to Burgos. Arrival expected around 5.30 pm, in the sprint. Total absence of GPM despite a continuous altitude of 800 meters. Watch out for the flying finish line located less than 17 km from the finish. The last kilometer has no curves. Great news for sprinter trains. Monday stage of 202.8 km and there is the first, big rock of the Race, the Picon Blanco. It is the first uphill arrival. The last 7.5 km have an average gradient of 9.3% but in the last km there are peaks that reach 18%. Explosive fraction. Unmissable.