Carlos Rodríguez will go all out for the rest of the Vuelta a España: "If I can attack, I'll try"

Carlos Rodríguez saved a complicated day in the 18th stage of the Vuelta a España 2024. The INEOS Grenadiers rider crossed the finish line in 26th position, 6:40 behind the day's winner Urko Berrade but in the group of the favorites for the final overall classification. All but one. Mikel Landa suffered and lost 3:20 with his direct rivals. The rider from Almuñécar had a few words for him at the finish.

"We didn't know what could happen, but we had to be attentive, because Herrera was hard for someone to suffer, it was Mikel's turn, I feel sorry for him. You have to always be prepared, attentive," the 23-year-old rider commented on his feeling about the day's stage.

He also spoke about what's left of the Vuelta and his personal aspirations: "I hope that these two remaining mountain days will be much better feelings, I'm not complaining at the moment about how it's going. If I see the opportunity and I have the legs I like to attack, the rest are very strong, but if I can attack I will try. We'll have to take advantage of the opportunities that arise and Richard can be a great ally".

The Spaniard takes advantage of Landa's setback and climbs to sixth place in the general classification, 3:53 behind Ben O'Connor and keeps the white jersey of the best young rider of the race by only 7 seconds over his main adversary in the fight, Mattias Skjelmose, and 34 over Florian Lipowitz.