The start of the 2019 Vuelta a España is just three days away, and Cyclingnews has taken a look at 10 of the major contenders to gauge their form ahead of the race, which starts in Salinas de Torrevieja in south-east Spain on Saturday, August 24.
1. Primož Roglič (Jumbo-Visma)
Overview: From the end of February until the start of May, Roglič won the overall classification of every race he entered: the UAE Tour, Tirreno-Adriatico and the Tour de Romandie.
He then wasn't able to win the Giro d'Italia, having started as one of the favourites, but he gave it a very good crack, winning the opening time trial and holding the pink leader's jersey for the next five days. He also won the second individual time trial on stage 9, and remained in second place overall until an untimely mechanical problem and subsequent crash on a teammate's borrowed bike on stage 15 effectively put him out of contention for the maglia rosa.
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Nevertheless, be battled bravely on in what was only his fourth Grand Tour, eventually securing a podium spot – third – in Verona. After fourth place at the 2018 Tour de France, and that third at this year's Giro, Roglič could easily step up again – figuratively and literally – at this Vuelta. (EB)
Highlight: His continued rise and rise, winning the overall at the UAE Tour, Tirreno-Adriatico, the Tour de Romandie and two time trials at the Giro.
Lowlight: His bid for Giro victory effectively ended after a mechanical and crash on stage 15.
2. Richard Carapaz (Movistar)
3. Steven Kruijswijk (Jumbo-Visma)
4. Nairo Quintana (Movistar)
5. Esteban Chaves (Mitchelton-Scott)
6. Rafał Majka (Bora-Hansgrohe)
7. Miguel Ángel López (Astana)
8. Rigoberto Urán (EF Education First)
9. Fabio Aru (UAE Team Emirates)
10. Wilco Kelderman (Sunweb)
You can read more at Cyclingnews.com
via Cyclingnews Latest Interviews and Features http://www.cyclingnews.com/features/form-ranking-vuelta-a-espana-2019-favourites
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