Hansen gets a Vuelta reprieve at Valls expense

Australian Adam Hansen's Grand Tour streak remains alive but comes after misfortune struck Lotto Soudal team-mate Rafael Valls.

Adam Hansen will be back in the saddle for another Grand Tour. Source: Getty

Hansen's run of Grand Tour starts was set to end at 18 after Lotto Soudal announced a Vuelta a España roster which did not include the tough Queenslander.

He had been suffering from a severe saddle sore but along with his global army of fans was still disappointed by the management decision.

However, an unfortunate training crash by Valls, who was set to start the Vuelta, combined with depleted team stocks through other injury and illness, sees Hansen lining up for his 19th consecutive Grand Tour appearance.

Valls's season comes to an end with the crash and subsequent hip surgery while Lotto Soudal hopes Hansen will be sufficiently healed in time for the Vuelta start in Niems, France.

SBS will broadcast and live stream all stages of the Vuelta a España live from 19 August to 10 September.