01/09/2024

Pablo Castrillo, the star of the Vuelta a España 2024: "I didn't believe the first one, winning in Cuitu Negru is already incredible"

A very excited Pablo Castrillo arrived at the finish line completely empty after getting in Cuitu Negru his second stage victory in the Vuelta a España 2024. The new star of Spanish cycling, who competes for the modest Equipo Kern Pharma - whom many questioned their wildcard, raised his arms again but this time almost without strength after an almost walking-pace sprint against Aleksandr Vlasov.

After crossing the finish line first, without an ounce of strength, he confessed that he could not believe he had won again: "The second stage was incredible, if the first I could not believe it, but winning on the Cuitu Negru is incredible, impressive, I had incredible legs, with Sivakov and Vlasov, tremendous!" Castrillo had to do a lot of work before even being on stage contention however; starting with a fierce fight to get in the breakaway, the strong pace from UAE that left only seven riders in front after the penultimate climb, and then the constant high pace from Pavel Sivakov in the final ascent.

Pablo Castrillo wins in Cuitu Negru! Spanish sensation takes second Vuelta victory as Enric Mas and Primoz Roglic take time on Ben O'Connor but Australian remains in red

Castrillo first attacked with 3 kilometers to go at the start of the proper ascent to the Cuitu Negru ski station, was later caught by Vlasov, but despite his high weight he managed to storm into a brilliant victory that confirms even more the extreme talent that he has. He continued expressing his joy for the victory: "With all that fog I was feeling the fans who have been incredible, they have been pushing me a lot, also thanks to the team that has done an incredible job to get me in the breakaway. I dedicate this victory to all my family and friends. To win on this mountain pass, with these ramps.... I gambled everything on the last attack, it was incredible".

The 23-year old is set to make a move to INEOS Grenadiers next season and the British team will be licking their lips at the sight of the new climbing prospect that has now won two stages in four days at the Spanish Grand Tours. There will still be more opportunities; however he and Kern Pharma have already wildly broke through their expectations.