"That's still the same goal" - Felix Gall won't risk it all as searing Vuelta heat and his pre-race ambitions take hold
CyclingSunday, 06 September 2026 at 13:15
Felix Gall came to the Vuelta a Espana with a podium finish on his mind, and so far, he's on track to achieve just that. In second place and 2:06 off the red jersey, the Decathlon rider is within striking distance of the lead with seven stages to go. The only unexpected thing about the situation is that he's not looking up towards Tadej Pogacar.
The Slovenian's exit from the race served up a golden opportunity for several GC contenders, offering up a chance of overall glory that previously looked unattainable. Although Mas inherited the jersey from the outset of Pogacar's crash, the Spanish rider has made it his own and reinforced his hold of it this week.
For Gall, re-thinking his goals now that a red jersey is in play is not quite as simple as going all out. Holding on to their pre-race podium bid, the team are trying to strike a balance between consolidating a podium while also pouncing on a rare opportunity to win a Grand Tour.
Reaching the end of week two as the heat turns up in both the race and weather conditions, Gall explained his attacks that saw him and Mas distance the others on stage 14, but the Austrian unable to shake off an in-form and consistent Mas.
"I guess in a Grand Tour, end of week two, you never really know how good you are; you don't feel so good, and then when it counts, the legs are there. That's the most important," Gall said after stage 14.
Enric Mas leads the Vuelta a Espana
Gall tries to make a difference
"Movistar made it pretty hard in the final. I think I didn't want to take too much risk with the heat of the last days and also today again, so I wanted to wait and see how I would feel and wait until the end, and I'm super happy I could gain a few seconds in the final and that the shape is there."
What's going through Gall's head in the heat of action? the rest of the podium contenders still carry weight and he knows that next week's stage 18 time trial is not his strong-suit.
"I mean it's hard to say; fatigue is for sure building up, also with the heat it's just really exhausting. Yeah, obviously it's going well, and I'm happy.
Gall still focusing on podium battle
"[The podium] is what we came here for, and that's still the same goal. Today was important to gain a few seconds ahead of the TT, which is the next GC day. After that, we only have two – well, not only – it's still a super hard week to go, but then two hard mountain stages to go, so it was important today to still gain some time."
Sunday's stage 15 is not expected to offer a major opportunity for general classification hostilities. Previously boasting over 180 kilometers, the stage has been shortened to 110 kilometers due to extreme heat.
The breakaway or versatile sprinters could enjoy another opportunity to shine on Sunday evening, but will contend with temperatures expecting to rise as high as 40 degrees in Andalusia in trying conditions.
Gavin QuinnCycling Journalist
Gavin Quinn is a cycling journalist and ultra-distance cyclist with a BA in Journalism from Dublin City University. Formerly the Press & Communications Officer for Cycling Ireland, Gavin has worked inside the national team at the World Championships and has reported for the Irish Mirror, Mirror UK, and The42.
His expertise is backed by elite-level access, having interviewed stars like Sam Bennett and Ben Healy, as well as immense personal endurance. In 2025, he completed a 12,000km solo cycle from Ireland to Vietnam, following a 4,600km tour across Europe. From the cobbles of Paris-Roubaix to the gradients of the Tourmalet, Gavin’s writing focuses on the "romance and brutality" of the sport. Having visited 50+ countries, he brings a global, cultural perspective to his coverage of the pro peloton for CyclingUpToDate.
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- Greater depth to a race means that surprises (from the breakaway) are more possible. The favourites have to react more, so even if one of them still wins, the nature of the race could be different and more exciting
Rafionain-Glas06-09-2026 - Must be very disappointing. Here in Britain no-one gives a hoot about the Tour of Britain coming round.Rafionain-Glas06-09-2026
- Chasing points is very smart - given Pogacar is mostly the culprit that no 1 else can win any race
leedorney06-09-2026 - For someone who announced their grand exit, you’re putting up quite a valiant fight against the clock.anonymouscyclist06-09-2026
- Unbelievably annoying! We in Villaviciosa de Córdoba were looking forward for some time, to the first Vuelta to go through our village (twice). Every business were setting up early, people parking first and settling into prime watching spots for the day. 3,000 locals alone. The temperature is no higher today than normal, so why bother having the tour this time of year. The new route eliminates the two Villaviciosa climbs, leaving the new route going down narrow country lanes. No room for a good pelaton and definitely no room for fans. Was already upset Tadej wasn't going to be here, now nothing! Fans don't matter!RolandDekker06-09-2026
- Where were you yesterday? I live in Villaviciosa de Córdoba, it was only 36°C and I was in Córdoba centre at 5pm was 38°CRolandDekker06-09-2026
- Not sure what he says adds up. No one on Astana is keeping up with Pog, MVDP, Wout, Remco, etc., so we are not missing any big showdown because they are chasing UCI points. One could just as easily argue that we are getting a better product across more of the calendar by providing incentives for smaller teams to compete at non-marquee races.MidnightRider06-09-2026
- it might be very easy if the majority of riders had the same agenda. just refuse to ride. but that's not the case, and many have good reasons for it because they depend on contract negotiations, etc. ...Ketterechts06-09-2026
- Vermeersch's AUSTRALIAN teammate Tuckwell words describing stage 13 were "One of the worst experiences of my life. Inhumane heat." Stage 14 was "Legs said ciao after 3 hrs. Not my finest work." Although Orange isn't a hot placeRafionain-Glas06-09-2026
- Matthew's is right !!captmike06-09-2026
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