The latest episode of the SBS Cycling Podcast dives into the thrilling moments and strategic moves that have defined this year’s Vuelta a España. Christophe Mallet and Matthew Keenan discuss Ben O’Connor’s leadership, as he holds onto the red jersey with a minute lead over Primoz Roglic. The episode explores O’Connor’s journey, his team’s strategies, and the intense competition from top riders like Mas and Carapaz.
Stage 15 brought dramatic developments, with Pablo Castillo emerging as a surprise star by winning two stages and impressing fans with his performance on a gruelling 24% incline. Christophe and Keeno also discuss the crucial role of bike changes and team strategies, highlighting Primoz Roglic’s pre-planned bike change and the 20-second penalty he received for drafting behind a car, debating its justification and impact on his performance.
The episode also focuses on the performance of UAE Team Emirates, particularly riders like Jay Vine and Pavel Sivakov, will they put their efforts in the King of the Mountains classification? As the race heads into its final week, we preview the upcoming stages, emphasising key moments and potential game-changers.