Alberto Contador previews 'really scary' queen stage of La Vuelta: "Anything can happen"

Alberto Contador has analyzed and given his opinion on what can happen in the penultimate stage of the Vuelta a España 2024. The three-time winner of the Spanish race speaks of a beastly day that has numerous climbs and where strategy will be key. He has no doubt that many things can happen, although he recognizes that the men fighting for the general classification are very fatigued at this point of the race.

To Eurosport, he said the following: "And then comes the twentieth stage of the Vuelta a España between Villarcayo and Picón Blanco, which is really scary. We are talking about a completely different stage from the previous one with 7 mountain passes, 2 of third category, 2 of second category and 3 of first category. On a tactical level, anything can happen for the teams, from putting riders in front, from putting riders who are well placed in the general classification to get on the podium and of course with the final ramps of the Picón Blanco".

It is clear that the final pass will generate differences and spectacle among the men in the general classification: "Very hard pass that will make differences (7.8 km at 9.1% with ramps and kilometers maintained above 11%, ed.). The favorites are very close and there are riders who will have to gamble to make a difference. The show is assured".

After his clear triumph in Moncalvillo, Primoz Roglic is the new race leader with almost 2 minutes ahead of Ben O'Connor, 2:20 ahead of Enric Mas and 2:54 ahead of Richard Carapaz. Considering that we have a time trial on Sunday in Madrid, it will have to be very bad for him today not to leave on a plate his fourth victory in the Vuelta, thus equaling Roberto Heras. However, it is still a very difficult challenge that he has to tackle today and it has been seen that on days with many long climbs in this race the Slovenian hasn't been able to really take time on the competition.