"I don't think Jonas is currently in the same shape as in the Tour de France" - Jumbo-Visma cautious with strategies ahead of Alto de Javalambre

Jumbo-Visma have a very strong team at the Vuelta a Espana, but until today - and likely including today - their depth won't likely come too handy. DS Grischa Niermann has talked about Evenepoel, team tactics and not chasing intermediate sprint seconds.

“A difficult stage, but not the only one in this Vuelta. All the very difficult stages come in the second half and we would like to have the red jersey in Madrid, not so much today or tomorrow," team DS Grischa Niermann told Wielerflits. “Whether we are going to force something on Thursday? If the boys feel good, then it's possible. We also always want to win, but there are still many difficult stages ahead. I don't think Jonas is currently in the same shape as in the Tour de France, but he will grow into it. And even if he is a little less than he was then, he still has a chance to participate."

Today's stage into Javalambre will be the second summit finish, but a tougher ascent where differences are more likely. The Jumbo-Visma duo will have to be at their best as Remco Evenepoel entered the race in flying form and is giving signs that he can repeat a performance such as last year's. Jonas Vingegaard is argued to still be in rising form whilst Primoz Roglic is recovering from a tumble earlier suffered in the race, so there is still room for improvement in the Dutch team.

Niermann also commented on the seconds that Remco Evenepoel obtained during yesterday's stage in an intermediate sprint. “He did it smart. Look, we know that we shouldn't compete with Jonas for a bonus sprint against Evenepoel and Groves also sprinted along. That is just impossible work and Primoz is still suffering from his crash, so we are not going to take too many risks for a few seconds," he responds. "We are not particularly worried, although one thing is clear: Remco is in very good shape and seems absolutely fine.”