"That's more than a consolation prize" - Wout van Aert misses victory again but settles for Red Jersey at 2024 Vuelta a Espana

Wout van Aert's wait for a victory continues after another second placed finish on stage 2 of the 2024 Vuelta a Espana. Nevertheless, the Belgian isn't completely without reward, moving into the Red Jersey of race leader.

"I really hoped to take the win," the Team Visma | Lease a Bike superstar admitted honestly in his post-stage interview. "Luckily I'm the new leader, that's more than a consolation prize for me. I'm also happy with how I was able to sprint. Kaden Groves was simply stronger."

Heading into the finale, Van Aert looked to be perfectly placed, on the wheel of his leadout man Edoardo Affini. Once he launched however, Groves managed to power around at the very last to take the victory at the line.

“Affini had to do a long turn at the front and that also put me in front quickly. But it was especially important not to get boxed in and that didn't happen," assesses Van Aert of the frantic final few hundred metres of stage 2. "Everything went well and that gives confidence for the next stages. We will definitely keep trying.”