Primoz Roglic "thrilled" after putting on stronger performance on second summit finish at Vuelta a Espana

Despite his complicated run-up to the race, after taking the win on the fourth stage, Primoz Roglic returned to a position of man to beat at the Vuelta a Espana. However, he's found tough competition, but reports improvements in form over the last few days.

"The legs felt better than they had a few days ago. The level in this Vuelta is very high, involving high-paced riding," Roglic said after completing the eighth stage of the race. "My form is good. I was in a good group today with this Tour’s strongest riders".

With Jumbo-Visma riding behind the Quick-Step team, less work has been demanded of Roglic's teammates. In the final ascent however, the Slovenian had to prove his form as Remco Evenepoel went on the attack once again, but this time the defending champion managed to follow the incredibly high rhythm up the final climb to finish on the same time as the race leader and Enric Mas.

"I am thrilled with how it went today. We are on the right track. I am getting better every day on this tour. A lot can still happen in the next two weeks," he concluded. Roglic has taken motivation from today, and tomorrow at Les Praeres he will find a suiting climb where the anaerobic effort and steep gradients will suit him well. He's won time on the rest of the competition including the likes of Jai Hindley and Richard Carapaz today, making for a positive net.