"I'm going to fight for that jersey" - Bouwman vows to fight Pogacar for Vuelta a Espana classification as he takes the lead after stage 2
CyclingMonday, 24 August 2026 at 13:42
Koen Bouwman has vowed to fight Tadej Pogacar for control of one of Vuelta a Espana's classifications as he faces a key day in his bid to hold the King of the Mountains jersey at the Grand Tour.
The Jayco AlUla rider, two time stage winner at the Giro d'Italia in 2022, is hoping to re-find his winning touch that saw him win the KOM classification at that edition of the Giro.
Bouwman made his intentions clear on Sunday during stage 2, joining the breakaway to sweep up vital points - ones he will need to keep Pogacar at bay.
Despite not focusing on the mountains, his general classification bid is sure to see him take points in attacks against his competitor, and therefore make him a big rival in the battle for the jersey itself. Taking the polka dot jersey on Sunday, Bouwman had done his homework, even scouting out the climbs to best prepare to sprint for points at the top of the climbs.
Tadej Pogacar in the red jersey
Bouwman vows to do battle with Pogacar
"It was definitely a long and gruelling day. I had the polka dot jersey in mind as soon as I learned last week that I would be participating in the Vuelta," Bouwman said after the race.
"I had reconnoitered this stage and studied how the sprints for the mountains classification unfolded; so I was prepared. With Tadej [Pogacar] in the race, it's going to be a tough task, but I'm going to fight for that jersey."
Breaking down the stage, Bowman highlighted that a lot of forward planning always comes down to the moment as he raced with good legs: "Above all, you need to have the legs. I feel good at the moment. I'm going to try to hang on as long as possible, but everything will also depend on tomorrow.
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Hayter complicates Bouwman's breakaway battle
"I didn't realize that Ethan Hayter had been chasing us for 25 kilometers. Once he caught us, the Burgos rider [Sinuhé Fernandez] was there too. I wanted to keep pushing to prevent him from catching up and find myself alone against the Kern Pharma rider [Diego Uriarte] to contest the points sprint. In the end, I succeeded and was faster than him."
With 6 points already in the classification, the Col de Mont-Louis category 1 test on Monday is quickly followed by a category 2 climb to the finish at Font Romeu.
The first high-mountain test of the race, with little fatigue before the climbs begin, Bouwman is hoping to remain in contention throughout the stage.
Gavin QuinnCycling Journalist
Gavin Quinn is a cycling journalist and ultra-distance cyclist with a BA in Journalism from Dublin City University. Formerly the Press & Communications Officer for Cycling Ireland, Gavin has worked inside the national team at the World Championships and has reported for the Irish Mirror, Mirror UK, and The42.
His expertise is backed by elite-level access, having interviewed stars like Sam Bennett and Ben Healy, as well as immense personal endurance. In 2025, he completed a 12,000km solo cycle from Ireland to Vietnam, following a 4,600km tour across Europe. From the cobbles of Paris-Roubaix to the gradients of the Tourmalet, Gavin’s writing focuses on the "romance and brutality" of the sport. Having visited 50+ countries, he brings a global, cultural perspective to his coverage of the pro peloton for CyclingUpToDate.
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- he is a disaster. he had a terrible TT too. he is such a malcontent and soft rider. he is going nowhere - wasted money, wasted signing for Movistar.mij24-08-2026
- This wannabe influencer is nothing more than a female trash canine, literally.PogiSloFans24-08-2026
- Wout and Pogi are one of the nicest and honest cyclists. They are also friends, also with with MVDP. These three are all exceptional riders, each in their own field, and they respect each other.PogiSloFans24-08-2026
- Additional media and logistical obligations at the Vuelta are nothing compared to the Tour. If we just look at the first two stages, everything was relatively calm and non-hectic. So I don't think Pogi will let the red jersey out of his hands. He would have done it yesterday.PogiSloFans24-08-2026
- If he is sick, crashes or has a medical issue every time he starts a GT maybe he shouldn't be starting oneabstractengineer24-08-2026
- Not great PR from Visma, anyway any route will look suited to the best in their sportflywheeeeel24-08-2026
- Not great PR from Visma, anyway any route will look suited to the best in their sportflywheeeeel24-08-2026
- Not great PR from Visma, anyway any route will look suited to the best in their sportflywheeeeel24-08-2026
- Good one
Rafionain-Glas24-08-2026 - what an amazing rider! although i am pretty sure the starting position next week will make it unlikely for him to compete for the win ... i really would like to see him drop the tdf next year and do a proper mtb summer. imagine what should be possible with more than just a single cross country race in the legs!Ketterechts24-08-2026
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