Stage winner and jersey winner: Wout van Aert (Belgium, Visma-Leaserbaik)
Wout van Aert (Belgium, Visma Risabike) won the jersey in the maillot rojo. photo:CorVos
Post-race interview
It’s the outcome of being patient and waiting for the win. It’s been a long time since I last raised my hands. It feels really good to win.
Today I aimed to do the opposite of what I did yesterday (fall behind Groves), but I used my strength to move ahead and surprised Groves with my sprint with 200m remaining. There was a bit of an incline at the end, but I had enough speed for a perfect sprint.
Were you confident that you could win?
Yes, my legs felt good yesterday and the warm weather likely helped as well. The team was strong, and I was able to control the race from start to finish. They placed me in a perfect position, which gave me the confidence to win.
The fun is over (as tomorrow is a mountain stage). Tomorrow I will do my best to support the GC leaders Sepp (Kuss) and Kian (Aidebrooks). There will be very challenging mountains ahead, making it a battle for the GC. It will be tough to hold onto the maillot rojo, so I want to enjoy it for one more day.
Wout van Aert (Belgium, Visma-Leased Bike) retained the yellow jersey. photo:CorVos
Interview after the award ceremony
Honestly, I feel as if a weight has been lifted off my shoulders. As we all know, it has been a tough journey to get back here. I was in good form, but I couldn’t secure the win. I’m very happy with this victory, and while it may sound arrogant, I feel that I have returned to my “true self.” Rather than feeling pressured, I was motivated by the expectation of winning. It was more about the pressure I placed on myself, which ultimately led to my success.
To be fair, I’ve only focused on the first three stages of this event where I have a chance to win. I want to support the overall leader during the mountain stages and enjoy tomorrow’s stage while wearing the maillot rojo.
Maillot Montaña (mountain race winner): Luis Maté (Spain, Euskaltel-Euskadi)
Luis Maté (Euskaltel-Euskadi, Spain) wearing the Maillot Montagna (mountain jersey) photo:CorVos
As this is my last Vuelta as an active rider, I am riding with a special feeling. I never imagined my career would be as remarkable as this, and I am enjoying every moment. My goal today was to aim for the Maillot Montagna. My team was very supportive, and John Aberastri performed well in the stage, finishing third.
There aren’t many athletes who can compete on such a big stage after announcing their retirement, so I look forward to continuing to enjoy racing from now on.
Edoardo Affini (Italy, Visma Leasure Bike)
Edoardo Affini (Italy, Visma Risabike) celebrates his victory with Van Aert photo:CorVos
My role today was to get Wout (van Aert) near the front of the pack. However, he lost positions towards the end and had to use his strength to move back up. Campenaerts made a strong attack in the last 2km, causing some chaos in the pack for a moment. The lead-out wasn’t great, but the important part was that we won, and I managed to place Wout where he needed to be.
Pre-race interview with Primoz Roglic (Slovenia, Red Bull Bora-Hansgrohe)
Primoz Roglic (Slovenia, Red Bull Bora-Hansgrohe) in the peloton surrounded by his teammates photo:CorVos
I still feel some pain in my lower back, so I’m unsure how my body will respond in future races, but I feel good so far, so I’m optimistic.
text:Sotaro.Arakawa
photo:CorVos
Wout van Aert Celebrates Major Win at the Vuelta a España
“Honestly, I feel like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders,” said Wout van Aert (Belgium, Visma Risabike) after an impressive victory in the third stage of the Vuelta a España. Riders had mixed feelings as they crossed the finish line, with many showcasing their resilience and determination as they pushed through challenging terrains.
Stage Winner and Jersey Holder: Wout van Aert
Wout van Aert secured not only the stage victory but also retained the coveted maillot rojo (red jersey), solidifying his position as a top contender in this year’s Vuelta. The excitement was palpable as he celebrated with fans and teammates.
photo: CorVos
Post-Race Insights from Wout van Aert
In a post-race interview, van Aert reflected on his long-awaited win:
- Strategy and Sprint: “Today I was hoping to do the opposite of what I did yesterday (getting behind Groves), but I used my strength to get ahead. I surprised Groves with my sprint with 200m to go.” His strategic understanding of the race dynamics played a crucial role in his success.
- Confidence Boost: “Yes, my legs felt good yesterday and the warm weather probably helped too. The team was strong and I was able to control the race from start to finish.” Van Aert’s confidence and strong team support were essential in securing the victory.
- Looking Ahead: “Tomorrow I will do my best for the GC leaders Sepp (Kuss) and Kian (Aidebrooks). It will be difficult to keep the maillot rojo, but I want to enjoy it for one more day.” His focus on team goals showcases his dedication as a team player.
photo: CorVos
Reflection on Pressure and Expectations
Wout van Aert candidly shared:
“Honestly, I feel like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders. As we all know, it’s been a tough journey back here. I was in good form but unable to secure a win until now. It may sound arrogant, but I’ve returned to my ‘true self’. I put pressure on myself, which led to my victory.”
Maillot Montaña Winner: Luis Maté
In a remarkable performance, Luis Maté from Spain’s Euskaltel-Euskadi team clinched the Maillot Montaña (mountain jersey) for his efforts in the mountainous stages:
photo: CorVos
“As this is my last Vuelta as an active rider, I am riding with a special feeling. I never expected my career to be this fulfilling,” Maté expressed. His reflections on his career illustrate the emotional depth of competing in such a prestigious event.
Insights from Fellow Competitors
Edoardo Affini (Italy, Visma Risabike)
photo: CorVos
Edoardo Affini commented on his support role, detailing how he helped position van Aert near the front. “My role today was to get Wout near the front of the pack. Despite some difficulties, the important thing was to win.” This highlights the significance of teamwork in achieving success.
Primoz Roglic (Slovenia, Red Bull Bora-Hansgrohe)
photo: CorVos
Roglic shared his condition ahead of the mountain stage, revealing his lower back pain but maintaining optimism, “I feel good so far so I’m optimistic.” His attitude showcases the resilience and mental fortitude required in professional cycling.
Benefits of Professional Cycling Competitions
Cycling competitions like the Vuelta not only test the physical capabilities of the athletes but also promote various benefits:
- Physical Fitness: Extensive training and competitions lead to improved cardiovascular health and muscle strength.
- Team Dynamics: Teams create a unique environment for collaboration and strategy among diverse athletes.
- Mental Toughness: Competitors learn to handle intense pressure, develop resilience, and improve mental fortitude.
- Global Exposure: Events like the Vuelta attract international audiences, giving athletes a platform to gain recognition.
Practical Tips for Aspiring Cyclists
If you’re inspired by the Vuelta and want to improve your cycling skills, consider the following tips:
- Set Clear Goals: Define specific, achievable goals that will motivate you to progress.
- Focus on Technique: Pay attention to your cycling technique to enhance performance and minimize injury risks.
- Train Consistently: Develop a regular training schedule that includes endurance, strength, and interval workouts.
- Join a Cycling Club: Engage with local cycling groups to foster a community and gain access to experienced cyclists.
- Listen to Your Body: Be aware of your body’s signals and adjust your training to ensure proper recovery.
Upcoming Challenges in the Vuelta a España
The upcoming mountain stages promise to be challenging for all riders. Wout van Aert’s determination to support his teammates Kuss and Aidebrooks highlights the collaborative nature of team cycling in major competitions.
Conclusion
The excitement continues as Wout van Aert revels in his victory while preparing for the grueling mountain stages of the Vuelta a España. The camaraderie, rivalries, and impressive displays from athletes like Luis Maté ensure that this year’s event remains unforgettable.
