Vuelta a Espana 2023: Geraint Thomas to face stiff competition from Jonas Vingegaard and Remco Evenepoel
Geraint Thomas Ready to Commit at the Very End of His Career in Tough Vuelta a Espana
A new challenge awaits Britain’s Geraint Thomas as he prepares to test his limits in what is being hailed as one of the toughest editions of the Vuelta a Espana. The experienced Ineos Grenadiers rider narrowly missed out on victory in May’s Giro d’Italia, but he is determined to give it his all.
“It’s always easier to commit when you’re nearing the end of your career,” said Thomas with determination. “I might as well push myself and see what I am capable of.”
The highly anticipated Vuelta kicks off this Saturday with a thrilling team time trial through Barcelona’s streets. With time away from his family being one of the challenges, Thomas revealed that no decision has been made regarding his future or potential contract for 2024.
“Hopefully, something will be decided soon,” expressed Thomas before embarking on this exciting race. “Being away from home for training camps and missing precious moments with my young son and wife isn’t easy. However, I know there will be plenty of time after cycling to relax and enjoy quality time together.”
This edition of the Vuelta, often referred to as ‘El Clasico’ due to its start in Barcelona and finish in Madrid three weeks later, boasts an impressive lineup resembling legendary football clubs’ ‘galacticos’. Set across 21 stages, covering a distance of 3,154km through numerous cities and towns, including challenging mountainous terrains like the Pyrenees and the famed Col du Tourmalet climb.
Defending champion Primoz Roglic of Jumbo-Visma returns with hopes of claiming his fourth Vuelta title. He is joined by Jonas Vingegaard from this year’s victorious Tour de France team and the young Belgian talent Remco Evenepoel of Soudal-Quick Step.
Roglic narrowly defeated Thomas in the Giro d’Italia earlier this year, capitalizing on a bike chain mishap during a crucial time trial stage. Despite leading for most of the race while wearing the coveted pink jersey, Thomas ultimately fell short by just 14 seconds.
This edition does not feature Slovenian sensation Tadej Pogacar, who has been dominant throughout much of the season. Instead, Spanish rider Juan Ayuso and Portuguese rider Joao Almeida will challenge for overall victory alongside their UAE Team Emirates.
Pogacar displayed signs of exhaustion at this month’s UCI Cycling World Championships after an impressive spring performance but struggled against Vingegaard in July’s Tour de France where he was outperformed both in climbing and time trials by a significant margin.
Vingegaard aims to add another Grand Tour triumph to his already remarkable season as he looks to surpass Pogacar’s reputation as one of cycling’s best. However, all eyes are also on Evenepoel – last year’s surprise winner – who proved himself with victories at major races despite battling COVID-19 symptoms during the Giro d’Italia before becoming time trial world champion later that same season in Glasgow. Many consider him as one of the favorites for this thrilling race.
“Evenepoel is an incredibly strong rider,” acknowledged Thomas. “The competition will be fierce, and I’m excited to see how it all unfolds.”