Equipo Kern Pharma entered the 2024 Vuelta a España as a
wildcard team, but they have quickly become one of the most talked-about squads
in the race. Their performances have been nothing short of extraordinary,
making them certainly one of the most memorable wild card teams in the history
of Grand Tour racing.
So just how good of a grand tour has this been for Equipo
Kern Pharma, and which other wildcard teams have excelled on the big stage
before?
Equipo Kern Pharma
On stage 18, Urko Berrade pulled off a stunning victory,
launching a late attack to outpace the breakaway and secure a win in
Maeztu-Parque Natural de Izki. This was no ordinary stage win, as it was Berrade's
first-ever professional victory, achieved on home soil during a Grand Tour. The
significance of this achievement cannot be overstated; for a rider to claim his
first victory in such a prestigious setting is a testament to both his talent
and the team’s strategy.
But Berrade's win was just the latest in a series of
successes for Equipo Kern Pharma. Earlier in the race, Pablo Castrillo
delivered two victories, including a remarkable triumph on the brutal ascent of
Cuitu Negru during stage 15. Before the start of this Vuelta, Equipo Kern
Pharma had only one stage win to their name. Now, they've quadrupled that
number in a single Grand Tour—an unprecedented achievement for a wildcard team.
The team's exceptional performance will undoubtedly delight
their sponsors, who have seen their investment pay off in the best possible
way. For Castrillo, who has been heavily linked with a move to Ineos for the
2025 season, and Berrade, these victories could be the springboard to secure
contracts with top UCI World Tour teams, allowing them to compete in more Grand
Tours on a regular basis.
Wildcard Success Stories
While the feats of Equipo Kern Pharma at the 2024 Vuelta are
remarkable, they are not the first wildcard team to make headlines in a Grand
Tour. So who are the other wildcard teams that have left their mark on the
grand tour peloton?
Colombian Café de Colombia Team (1983 Tour de France)
As a wildcard entry, they introduced the world to the
talents of Colombian climbers. Luis Herrera won the stage to Alpe d'Huez,
marking the first-ever Tour stage win by a Colombian and an inspiring moment
for future generations. Significantly, Herrera was also the first amateur to
win a stage at the Tour de France.
Euskaltel-Euskadi (2003 Tour de France)
A Basque team that was given a wildcard entry, they animated
the race with aggressive tactics. Iban Mayo’s stage win at Alpe d'Huez was a
standout moment, solidifying their place in the Tour’s history.
Androni Giocattoli-Sidermec (2020 Giro d'Italia)
The Italian team made the most of their wildcard entry with
consistently aggressive racing. Jonathan Restrepo's performances in breakaways
and Jhonatan Narváez’s stage 12 victory made them a fan favourite.
Equipo Kern Pharma’s stunning success at the Vuelta a España
2024 will undoubtedly be remembered alongside these legendary wildcard teams.
As they continue to surprise and excite fans, they are proving that even as a
wildcard, they belong on cycling’s biggest stage.
Read also
Fin MajorCycling Journalist
Fin Major is a UK-based writer at CyclingUpToDate and has been part of the team since 2024. He is the site’s main writer for FAQs and evergreen explainers and has written around 2,000 pieces for the platform. Alongside this work, he focuses on in-depth analysis and covers the biggest races on the calendar, including the Tour de France, the Giro d’Italia, and La Vuelta a España, providing clear context around performance trends, tactics, and key storylines.
In his reporting, Fin uses reputable data sources such as ProCyclingStats for results, statistics, and historical context. He places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. Outside of writing, Fin is an active cyclist, which supports his practical understanding of the sport and its demands.
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🔥 Imágenes para recordar toda la vida 🤩 💚 ¡Cómo se merecía Urko Berrade un día así! 📸 @SprintCycling
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