"To do it at the age of 34 gives me a lot of confidence" - Mikel Landa secures 2nd behind Tadej Pogacar at Volta a Catalunya

Signed primarily as a super domestique for Remco Evenepoel, Mikel Landa got his chance as Soudal - Quick-Step leader at the 2024 Volta a Catalunya. Finishing second overall, it's fair to say the Spaniard thrived.

“I am very happy with this performance," Landa recapped post-final stage, in conversation with Soudal - Quick-Step's official website. "I had little idea what to expect coming into the race, but I felt good from the first day and I am delighted that I could show that on the tough climbs and do a good general classification. We tried to fight for the overall and stage wins here, but it was difficult. This didn’t stop us from giving our best and I want to thank my teammates for their strong effort.”

Whilst Pogacar was a clear winner by over three minutes in the end, Landa consistently proved himself best of the rest in a quality field that included the likes of Enric Mas, Egan Bernal, Joao Almeida and Aleksandr Vlasov among others.

Next up for Landa, the Itzulia Basque Country where he'll be back in the service of Evenepoel. “Second in the standings is my best ever result here, and to do it at the age of 34 gives me a lot of confidence for the Basque Country, which is the best race in the world," he concludes. "I can’t wait to race it with the Wolfpack in just a week from now and I hope to be able to help Remco get a good result there.”