Michael Woods has witnessed the rise of his compatriot and teammate Derek Gee this season from a first-row seat. However he himself had a disastrous start to 2024, topped off with an early abandon at Giro d'Italia. At Vuelta a Espana, he'll try to write a story with much happier ending.
"I’m really excited to be doing the Vuelta a Espana especially given all of the health issues I’ve had this season," Woods explains his struggles early on in the season. "I went into the Giro d’Italia with a lot of uncertainty, poor fitness, and ultimately, a stomach infection I didn’t know I had."
However things seemed to have turned to better with a first Canadian title for Woods and a solid ride at San Sebastian. "I have some confidence going into this race. With that confidence, it’s made me a lot more excited and having been so sick, I’m not taking this good form for granted."
Since his 2020 Lombardia runner-up result, it hasn't been easy for Bennett in the professional peloton. Ultimately he seems to have found his place in Israel - Premier Tech with whom he has climbed onto the GC podiums of Giro d'Abruzzo and Sibiu Tour (both 2.1 and both 3rd place). General classification is probably not on Bennett's mind for Vuelta, however stage win could be.
"I’m looking forward to getting back to racing a Grand Tour," Bennett says. "I don’t love the short steep finishes but there are a few stages with longer climbs I’m looking forward to. I don’t really know how the form will be after sitting out most of the summer but I’m optimistic that with the team we have going that we can really make an impact on the race."
A rather unexpected hero have the American fans found in the 24-year-old Riley Sheehan. Without any pressure nor expectations, the American shocked the world with a victory at Paris-Tours as trainee last year and haven't stopped since. This year, he has landed on a podium of Eschborn-Frankfurt and finished 13th in his Tour of Flanders debut. Now it's time to get a taste of three-week races and we're looking forward to seeing what this powerhouse has in store for Spanish Grand Tour.
"Having the opportunity to start the Vuelta a Espana as a first-year pro is hard to believe but I couldn’t be more excited for the challenge," shares his excitement the Grand Tour debutant Sheehan. "The team that we’ll have is an awesome group and it will be a pleasure to race and learn with everyone. Personally, I have my eye on a few stages but, ultimately, I really want to get a Grand Tour in the legs and show my versatility as a rider."
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