"It will be a matter of isolating O'Connor as quickly as possible" - Quick-Step DS confident in Mikel Landa's hopes on stage 9 at La Vuelta

Stage 9 of the 2024 Vuelta a Espana has all the potential to be a key day in the fight for the general classification. One of those still dreaming of a place on the final podium, is Soudal - Quick-Step leader, Mikel Landa.

After his 3rd placed finish on stage 8, Landa sits strongly in 5th overall in the general classification, 5:13 down on Red Jersey Ben O'Connor, but just 42 seconds behind compatriot Enric Mas in the fight for the podium. As mentioned, with stage 9 being another day in the mountains, Landa and co are set to battle it out again this afternoon.

“A lot of riders know that stage. In the past, that last climb was also done in a time trial, so we know what to expect,” previews Soudal - Quick-Step sports director Wilfried Peeters in pre-stage quotes collected by Het Nieuwsblad. “It will be a war of attrition. It will be a matter of isolating O'Connor as quickly as possible, although that is certainly not easy. We also saw yesterday that Primoz Roglic and Mas are among the better ones, as is Landa who is just catching up. The favourites will come together on that last climb.”

"Landa is currently fifth and everything is close together. We will have to wait and see how he feels. He is certainly the rider with the most experience and everything will be put on him today. Not everyone will just go for their own chance," Peeters continues his assessment of his team leaders standing in the fight for the general classification. "We will not blame him and see where the ship runs aground. It will be a matter of supporting him well and making sure that he can drive a super classification. By that I mean grabbing a place in the top 5."