Primoz Roglic of Team Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe claimed victory in the 8th stage of the 2024 Vuelta a España on August 24, showcasing his climbing prowess and tactical acumen in a thrilling finish. The 159km stage from Ubeda to Cazorla saw Roglic launch multiple attacks in the final ascent, ultimately outsprinting Enric Mas (Movistar) to secure his second stage win of this year’s Vuelta.Roglic’s victory allowed him to significantly reduce his deficit to overall leader Ben O’Connor. The Australian rider, who had held a commanding lead after stage 6, finished 46 seconds behind Roglic, seeing his advantage cut to 3 minutes and 49 seconds in the general classification. Roglic, a three-time Vuelta champion, expressed his satisfaction with the win, stating, ‘It was hard, hot, I was lucky to have the legs to support it’.The stage resulted in notable shifts in the general classification. While O’Connor maintained his lead, Enric Mas moved up to third place overall, 4 minutes and 31 seconds behind the leader. Perhaps the most dramatic change saw João Almeida plummet from third to 26th place after finishing 4 minutes and 53 seconds behind Roglic.Looking ahead, the race continues with Stage 9 on Sunday, August 25, a 178.5km mountain route from Motril to Granada. This stage could prove pivotal in the battle for the overall victory, with Roglic cautioning, ‘Today I had fun, tomorrow I might lose time again’. As the Vuelta enters its second week, the competition for the leader’s red jersey promises to intensify, with Roglic’s resurgence adding an exciting dimension to the race.
Key points
- Primoz Roglic won Stage 8 of the Vuelta a España, his second victory in this year’s race.
- Roglic reduced his deficit to overall leader Ben O’Connor to 3 minutes and 49 seconds.
- The stage saw significant changes in the general classification, with João Almeida dropping from third to 26th place.
- Stage 9, a mountain route from Motril to Granada, could further shake up the overall standings.
