Lance Armstrong Highlights Why Ben O’Connor Could Win the 2024 Vuelta a España: ‘He Can Endure the Heat.’

Lance Armstrong Analyzes First Week of 2024 Vuelta a España: Heat and Early Performances Take Center Stage

Lance Armstrong has returned to the cycling spotlight with his podcast ‘The Move’, offering analysis of the first week of the 2024 Vuelta a España. Joined by his usual contributors, George Hincapie and Johan Bruyneel, the former cycling champion assessed the dramatic start of the Spanish Grand Tour. Among the highlights of their discussion was the brutal victory of American rider Brandon McNulty in the opening time trial, where McNulty maintained an impressive and grueling pace of 47 km/h, asserting himself as a force to be reckoned with in the early stages of the race.

As Armstrong and his co-hosts delved into the specifics of the first week, the extreme heat became a recurring theme. Temperatures soared to uncomfortable levels as the peloton traversed the scorching roads of southern Spain. Armstrong took special note of race leader Ben O’Connor, the Australian rider who has been a standout figure in the Vuelta so far. The former Tour de France champion suggested that O’Connor’s upbringing in Perth, Australia—a city known for its hot, arid climate—might give him an edge in coping with the relentless heat:

“Ben O’Connor is really the story of this Vuelta a España right now, especially since he’s set to leave his team at the end of the season,” Armstrong remarked. “He’s from Perth, which is a very hot place. While growing up in such an environment doesn’t necessarily mean he’ll handle the heat better than others, it does mean he’s been exposed to extreme temperatures throughout his life. That experience could make a difference in how he rides in the challenging conditions ahead.”

O’Connor’s story has added intrigue to this year’s Vuelta. With his imminent departure from his current team, all eyes are on the Australian to see how he manages the pressure, both in terms of his physical endurance and his mental focus, especially in the unforgiving heat.

Johan Bruyneel, a seasoned strategist and former director, also weighed in on the issue of the sweltering temperatures, offering thoughts on how the race could better address this challenge in the future. According to Bruyneel, the Vuelta a España should consider scheduling the entire race in September, rather than splitting it between late August and September, as has been the case in recent years.

“The heat has been incredible,” Bruyneel commented. “Starting in Portugal and then continuing with five stages in the south of Spain at the end of August has meant that the riders are facing temperatures ranging between 37 and 40 degrees Celsius. When you combine that with cities like Seville, Córdoba, or Granada, which are known for their extreme heat during this time of year, it creates conditions that are not ideal for the riders. If the Vuelta were to be held entirely in September, it might help mitigate some of these issues.”

Bruyneel’s suggestion touches on a broader concern within the cycling world: how to balance the traditional timing and routes of grand tours with the increasingly extreme weather conditions caused by climate change. The Vuelta’s timing has long been a subject of debate, and the ongoing challenges with heat may push organizers to rethink the structure of the race in future editions.

As the Vuelta a España progresses, both Armstrong and his co-hosts will continue to keep a close eye on how the riders cope with the intense heat and what impact it will have on the overall standings. With the race only in its early stages, there is still much to unfold, and the performances in these challenging conditions will likely shape the narrative of the 2024 edition of the Spanish Grand Tour.