A Vuelta a Burgos to improve towards the future

Vuelta a Burgos (finale)

Valverde, Mas struggle again at Lagunas de Neila as Spanish event comes to its end, with Evenepoel (DQT) claiming overall honours and Sosa (INS) conquering the day's win.

/ Today’s route

A mountain showdown, in crescendo. Three Cat-3 ascents -the ‘altos’ of Cerro, the Collado de Vilviestre and the Collado- will preceed the demanding, traditional climb to Lagunas de Neila, this time through a different side than the one used in 2019. The final 5km, at nearly 10% average, really make the difference.

/ Weather report

It’s a warm day, yet nowhere near as in previous days. Maximum temperatures of 29ºC and light winds make for an easier scenario, after crosswinds on stages one and three.

Valverde at the start in Covarrubias. (c) Photo Gomez Sport

/ Keys to the race

It took longer than expected to build a breakaway: about 20km were needed to consolidate a six-man attempt with Navarro (ISN), Madrazo (BBH), Delio Fernández (NIP), Gotzon Martín (EUS), Nicolau (CJR) and Livyns (WVA).
The stage followed, though, a traditional course as the favourites’ peloton gradually increased its pace before chasing them down into the slopes of the Collado, about 10km from the end. The Movistar Team’s work to protect its leaders, with Verona and Erviti, or position them at the final climb, with Lluís Mas, was sadly in vain, as both Enric Mas and Valverde lost contact with the front of the GC group with 4km to go.
Both of the Blues finished over 3′ behind the winner, Iván Sosa (INS), who took advantage from the attacks and counter-attacks from Mikel Landa (TBM) and Remco Evenepoel (DQT) to claim his third consecutive victory atop Neila. In turn, the Belgian notched up his third GC win on a row, after San Juan and Algarve. Valverde was 15th.

Verona with Mas and Valverde through the final climbs. (c) Photo Gomez Sport

/ Upcoming goals

The roster taking part in the Vuelta a Burgos now divides into two: some of the riders present in Spain -including Soler, Mas and Valverde- will be back for the Critérium du Dauphiné (August 12-16), while others, such as Imanol Erviti or Lluís Mas, will compete next week (August 5-9) at the Tour de Pologne.

Cover picture (c): Photo Gomez Sport