No Pogačar, No Problem? La Vuelta Race Dynamics Explained

SANTANDER, SPAIN - SEPTEMBER 04: Ben O'Connor of Australia and Team Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale celebrates at podium as Red Leader Jersey winner during the La Vuelta - 79th Tour of Spain 2024, Stage 17 a 141.5km stage Arnuero to Santander / #UCIWT / on September 04, 2024 in Santander, Spain. (Photo by Tim de Waele/Getty Images)

The SBS Cycling Podcast sets the stage for La Vuelta, unpacking the brutal mountain battles, key absences, and the riders to watch.


This week’s SBS Cycling Podcast sees Christophe, Macka and Grace Brown back from France, reflecting on the Tour de France and the return to Melbourne before turning their focus to the upcoming Vuelta a España. They highlight the unique challenges of the race, particularly its demanding mountain stages, and discuss the impact of big names like Tadej Pogačar being absent from the lineup.

The conversation explores the roles of Jai Hindley and Ben O’Connor, with the hosts considering how their performances could shape not only the Vuelta but also their future contracts and team strategies. This angle underscores the pressures riders face at this stage of the season, where results can have career-defining consequences.
If Jai wins the Vuelta, it will be monumental and historic.
Dave McKenzie

Another standout topic is the debate around GPS tracking in cycling, where the team weigh safety improvements against concerns from riders. The episode wraps up with predictions for the Vuelta, offering listeners an engaging mix of analysis, controversy, and anticipation for the race ahead.


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