Haig came into the Vuelta expecting a three-week tour of chauffeuring Mikel Landa through the scorching Spanish countryside. But with Landa slipping in the GC it has given Haig the green light to follow the wheels of the GC favourites. Haig currently sits in sixth position, 3'35" off the pace of Odd Christian Eiking (Intermarche), and a mere 1'59" behind race favourite Primož Roglič (Jumbo-Visma).
Haig has full support from his team Bahrain Victorious, and most importantly a great relationship with the Spanish team leader Mikel Landa.
"He has great charisma, he's always happy," said Haig of Landa in an interview with Marca. "He's the one who makes the most jokes on the bus, we're always having a good time on this team and partly it's thanks to him. I'm sure he's going to be important for us in this final stretch."
"I am in great shape. As the days go by I am going to be better. We started the Vuelta focusing on supporting Mikel but, given the race situation, now we have other options to play and I think that is interesting for everyone."
Haig expects a tough final week with three huge days in the mountains that expects to have the cream rise to the top of the GC. The young Australian is adamant that he can keep up with the race favourites as his confidence continues to build throughout the three-week Tour of Spain.
When asked about the possibility of finishing on the podium Haig responded "It wouldn't be crazy because I really feel perfectly fine."
With the expectation of Eiking dropping from first place on GC through the mountains, Haig thinks the toughest competition is going to come in the form of Movistar's pairing of Mas and Lopez sitting in fourth and fifth place respectively. And the race's biggest threat being the two-time La Vuelta winner, Slovenian Jumbo-Visma leader Primož Roglič sitting in third place, who is extremely dangerous as a time-trial looms on the final day of competition.
“Movistar are our strongest rivals along with Roglic. They have a great team, but Primoz is not alone either because sometimes it seems that that is obvious to say.”
While the Australian sees the danger in these race-hardened veterans, he is receiving the same respect for the impressive way he has been riding.
When asked specifically about Haig, Roglič said “everybody can be a challenge, eh? The way he’s riding means it’s not by coincidence he’s in the place where he is.”
Gaining the respect of his competitors means Haig will be a marked man over the upcoming week and as they move into the mountains the GC contenders will do their best to keep him from making any sudden moves on the climbs.
“The Vuelta is a race that suits me well and that I love," said Haig. "I live in Girona, I love this country, its food and its people. I feel very comfortable and it would be a dream to be able to finish on the podium for the first time at a great race.”
Feeling comfortable and confident in a familiar landscape, as well as being acclimatised to the warm weather and Spanish altitude may also spell danger for the other GC leaders. That he's fighting for his highest ever Grand Tour finish in his newfound homeland will definitely spell danger for the other riders keen for the podium in Santiago de Compostela.
The Vuelta a España continues on SBS VICELAND and SBS OnDemand with Stage 16 a hilly day from Laredo to Santa Cruz de Bezana over 180km. The broadcast begins at 2300 AEST, with the SKODA Tour Tracker starting at 2250 AEST.
