Luke Plapp struggling with "a different level" at debut Vuelta a Espana

Luke Plapp has shown incredible talent in the first part of the season, and has made his Grand Tour debut at the Vuelta a Espana where he is finding an unexpected level and some difficulty to get through.

“In the last two years I’ve had about 40 race days and 30 of them have come from this year, so I’m almost doubling that in the next three weeks. I can definitely feel it, it’s a different level," Plapp told Velonews on the first rest day of the Vuelta, one that the Australian had been looking forward to quite a lot. This comes as preparation for his long-term future, for the 21-year old that is signed with INEOS Grenadiers until 2024. “Being able to do this now is just going to set me up so well for the next few years. It’s shocked me what the level has been like but at least I know what to expect next year and can prepare it a little bit better,” he added.

“It’s a difficult one because usually it’s one that I’d like to target and I did have my eye on it for quite a while but being my first grand tour it’s taken a toll on my body and I’m pretty cooked," he admits. "I’m soaking up today’s rest day as much as possible and I think I’ll be doing the same tomorrow and just trying to get through it so I can help the boys in the second and third weeks".

With the abandon of Ethan Hayter before the 10th stage's time-trial, Plapp's support role for Carlos Rodríguez will be increasing. He hasn't been able to chase results for himself in the opening week, and is focused more on team duty despite INEOS loosing several GC aspirations, mainly with Richard Carapaz loosing serious time.

“It’s been about building up the fatigue in the body and then being able to push through that. I wouldn’t say that the level or power is any different to Romandie or Catalunya but it’s just about doing that after a week in the legs," Plapp said. “It’s almost a different sport compared to the last 10 years of my life, comparing cycling to a grand tour. I’m just going to try and get through it and then try and help the guys as much as I can later on in the race. I don’t have the climbing legs that I would have liked but I can do what I can for them".

“I’m just taking it one day at a time and if I can make it to Madrid that would feel like an awesome achievement. I think I’ll come out of it a much better rider if I do but it’s just one day at a time because by the time I get to the hotel each night I’m pretty shattered just lying down in bed," the Australian concluded.