BTN News: The vibrant city of Lisbon recently hosted the grand presentation of La Vuelta a España 2024, an event that drew cycling enthusiasts from around the world. With the iconic Torre de Belém as a backdrop, hundreds of fans gathered to witness the spectacle that set the stage for what promises to be an exhilarating edition of the race. The gala saw the participation of 23 teams and 188 riders, including seven Colombian cyclists, each eager to make their mark on the storied Spanish tour. The event was not without its memorable moments, as top athletes and teams showcased both their competitive spirit and sense of humor in equal measure.
Primož Roglic, the Slovenian cyclist from the Red Bull/Bora-Hansgrohe team and a favorite for the title, inadvertently became the center of attention when he arrived late and had to parade solo across the stage. His light-hearted response, “I wanted to have the stage to myself and enjoy it,” was a testament to his laid-back demeanor despite the pressure of being a three-time La Vuelta champion.
Adding to the evening’s surprises, Mikel Landa’s T-Rex Quick Step (Soudal) team brought a playful twist by introducing a dinosaur mascot on stage. Landa, the Spanish cyclist known for his unpredictable performances, warned with a smile, “Anyone not riding well will get eaten,” setting a humorous tone for the competitive days ahead. When asked by former Tour de France winner Pedro Delgado if we would see “a lot of Landismo” in this Vuelta, Landa responded with cautious optimism, “Let’s hope, let’s hope.”
The Portuguese crowd saved their loudest cheers for their homegrown talents, with Rui Costa, Nelson Oliveira, and João Almeida receiving thunderous applause. João Almeida, who finished fourth in the Tour de France and is seen as a strong contender in this year’s Vuelta, confidently stated that his UAE Team Emirates squad is “coming with a strong team” and, barring any accidents, they hope to perform at their best. Rui Costa, representing Intermarché-Wanty, expressed his joy at seeing Lisbon host the start of La Vuelta. His speech was playfully interrupted by teammate Rigoberto Urán, who filmed the moment on his phone while cheering him on.
La Vuelta a España 2024 will kick off on Saturday with an individual time trial from Lisbon to Oeiras, marking the start of a route that will initially take the riders through the interior of Portugal before crossing into Spain. Notably, the race will pass through the hometown of João Almeida, Caldas da Rainha, a significant moment for the local favorite.
The entertainment at the gala was provided by the Spanish band Miss Caffeina, who performed their hit “Cuando acabe el verano” both midway through and at the end of the ceremony. The event also featured a unique display of World War I-era bicycles, setting the stage for the athletes who will soon compete for glory in one of cycling’s most prestigious events.
For Colombian cycling fans, the 2024 Vuelta holds particular significance. Daniel Felipe Martínez, fresh off a second-place finish in the Giro d’Italia behind Slovenian superstar Tadej Pogacar, is poised to lead the Colombian charge in the 12-kilometer opening time trial from Lisbon to Oeiras. Martínez, known for his resilience and strategic acumen, will be one of the riders to watch as the race unfolds.
Two Colombian riders will represent the Movistar team, forming part of a formidable trio alongside Enric Mas and Nairo Quintana. Einer Rubio, the third Colombian in Movistar’s lineup, adds depth to a squad with serious ambitions in this year’s Vuelta. Meanwhile, the Astana team also boasts two Colombian riders: Harold Tejada and 21-year-old Santiago Umba, who will be making his Grand Tour debut.
The 2024 edition of La Vuelta will be particularly poignant for Rigoberto Urán, as it marks his final appearance in a Grand Tour before retiring at the end of the season. Urán, who has competed in seven previous editions of La Vuelta and achieved Top 10 finishes in 2018 and 2022, is determined to make his last race a memorable one. Brandon Rivera, another Colombian cyclist, will be riding in support of Carlos Rodríguez for the Ineos Grenadiers, completing a strong Colombian contingent in this year’s race.
As the countdown to the opening stage begins, the excitement is palpable. The 79th edition of La Vuelta a España promises to be a thrilling competition, with seasoned veterans and young talents alike vying for the coveted red jersey. With a starting point in the historic and picturesque city of Lisbon, the race is set to captivate cycling fans around the world, showcasing the drama, passion, and endurance that define one of the sport’s most challenging tours.
