"I am satisfied with finishing together with the main GC guys" - Mikel Landa battles bravely to nullify potential losses on stage 4 at the 2024 Vuelta a Espana

The first summit finish of the 2024 Vuelta a Espana saw a horrifically brutal final climb on stage 4. Although Mikel Landa was distanced initially by the attacks of his rivals, the Basque managed his efforts well to negate any potential disaster.

“I didn’t know what to expect this morning because I didn’t have the best feeling, but in the end, it was a good stage," Landa reflects afterwards in conversation with his Soudal - Quick-Step team's official website. "I gave my best and always kept the confidence, even when I got dropped."

As mentioned, battling bravely, Landa paced himself and managed to reel in the leaders, even attacking himself inside the final kilometre, although a stunning stage win eventually proved beyond him as he crossed the finish line in 7th position as Primoz Roglic took the win and the Red Jersey.

"I am happy I could return in the group and even try something in the finale," Landa concludes his assessment. "I said to myself there is a chance and went all-in. It wasn’t to be, but I am satisfied with finishing together with the main GC guys and jumping so many places in the standings.”

In terms of the general classification, Landa now sits 9th overall having risen an enormous 61 places in the GC as a result of his efforts on stage 4. Whilst Roglic and the Red Jersey are 58 seconds away, the Soudal - Quick-Step might be beginning to ride himself into the race.