"It's a shame that the Vuelta has moved to this date" - Annemiek van Vleuten critical of calendar change within women's calendar

The women's racing calendar is continuously growing however not everything is positive currently within the peloton. Some calendar changes see very packed sections of the season, and Annemiek van Vleuten has not stayed silent on what she feels was a shameful decision to put the Vuelta Femenina in early May.

"We ride with a team that is not necessarily very equipped for that. The goal will be to set up a solid team time trial. I don't expect us to compete for the win, but you never know of course," she said ahead of the opening time-trial of the race. "I think it is also important that we get used to each other, to fine-tune. I think we will also use this Vuelta for that."

The Dutchman, after a brutal season last year, as had much more modest results this spring, not yet managing to take her first win on the road. With the rainbow stripes on her shoulders she hopes to make it happen this week in Spain, where despite her less good form she is still one of the favourites for the overall win. The race could be decided on the final day as the riders go up the famous Lagos de Covadonga.

"Then we cross the Lagos de Covadonga. It's a good thing they put this famous climb in the course, because it gives a bit more body to the Vuelta," she argues. "It is really a very difficult climb. I have not driven it myself yet, but I have watched YouTube videos. For example, I saw how Robert Gesink was fighting for a stage victory in the Vuelta. My friend was also able to inform me well about how the climb is going,"

The Vuelta has been moved right after the spring, with the riders just having emerged from the cobbled and Ardennes classics. The Itzulia Women and Vuelta a Burgos follow shortly after in what is now a critical block of the season, however the World Champion argues that it is perhaps a decision that is exaggerated.

"I think our calendar could be a little more balanced and it's a shame they put the three Spanish stage races that are coming up all together in May. While after the World Championships, which falls very early this year in early August, we have room on the calendar. In that respect, I personally think it's a shame that the Vuelta has moved to this date," she concluded.