Joaquim Rodriguez Thrilled by Vuelta a España’s Open Competition Without Pogacar, Vingegaard, and Evenepoel: ‘It’s More Fun Without a Dominant Rider’

Joaquim Rodriguez Reflects on Vuelta a España’s Open Field and Highlights Roglič as Favorite for 2024

Although Joaquim Rodriguez never secured the Red Jersey during his career, his nine stage victories ensured his place in Vuelta a España history and left a lasting impact on Spanish cycling.

As the 2024 Vuelta a España reaches its first summit finish in stage 4, Rodriguez is eager about the unpredictability of this year’s Grand Tour, especially after Tadej Pogacar’s dominant victories in the Giro d’Italia and the Tour de France earlier this year.

“The absence of Pogacar, Jonas Vingegaard, or Remco Evenepoel makes it more open,” says the 45-year-old Spaniard in an interview with Marca. While the star power may be reduced due to these absentees, Rodriguez believes the racing will be more thrilling. “It’s more entertaining without a single dominant rider.”

As for the favorites, Rodriguez naturally points to three-time Red Jersey winner Primož Roglič. “I have no doubt that he could be the main favorite for this Vuelta a España,” he predicts. “The only uncertainty is that he hasn’t raced much since his injury at the Tour de France, so we’ll see how he performs today.”

As a beloved figure in Spanish cycling, Rodriguez also shares his thoughts on the current generation of riders, particularly Carlos Rodriguez, Enric Mas, and Mikel Landa.

“There are no doubts about Carlos Rodríguez; he has prepared well for this Vuelta and is a strong contender for the podium. Enric Mas emerged from the Tour de France in excellent form, and he was frustrated by his inability to compete in the overall classification he enjoys. I believe he will rediscover his strength in this Vuelta. And as for Mikel, it’s all or nothing. I hope we see the same bold Mikel Landa we saw in the Tour de France, because he might be the bravest of the three,” Rodriguez concludes.