Vuelta 2025: Vingegaard in control of the general classification

Interviewed by Marca, the Portuguese rider gave an update after a week of racing. "Vingegaard hasn't built up a huge gap either (regarding the 9th stage - Editor's note). He's 24 seconds away on the road, which isn't huge, I think. We're still here, with a lot of desire. The Vuelta is very long, and there are still a lot of difficult stages to go, so there will be plenty of opportunities to gain time. And also to lose some (laughs)." Speaking of the difficult stages, the UAE rider gave an update. "Tomorrow (this Tuesday) is a long mountain stage, so we can't say it won't be decisive. Then there's the Angliru, the time trial... several high-altitude finishes that will be very difficult... and the 20th stage is also difficult. There are no shortage of difficult days in this Vuelta.

Two stage wins, a red jersey voluntarily relinquished, Jonas Vingegaard is the strongest man in this Vuelta and is currently in perfect control of his rivals. "We still want to try to save a little energy, so yes, we decided not to do anything today, and anyway, the last climb was difficult. But yes, the team worked well. I think if we had wanted to, we could have fought for the victory," he explained. "But as I said, we also want to preserve the team. We are saving our strength for the second and third week, because it will be difficult enough."

After an intense week, marked by difficult conditions and significant transfers between Italy, France and Spain, it is now time for the first rest day of this Tour of Spain.