The absence of promising young cyclists Juan Ayuso and Carlos Rodríguez has left the Spanish Road Championship with fewer incentives than expected. However, the battle for the coveted champion jersey is still on, and two Movistar Team riders are dominating the spotlight: Oier Lazkano and Pelayo Sánchez.
Lazkano is defending his title and has been impressing throughout the course, particularly on the same circuit where he won last year. He has also performed well in the Dauphiné and Classic Jaén, making him a strong contender for the win.
Pelayo, on the other hand, has been consistently impressive, finishing 11th in the Swiss Championships and winning a stage in the Giro d’Italia. His bravery and ability to adapt to different terrain make him a force to be reckoned with.
Other teams are also expected to make a strong showing, including Cofidis, led by Jesús Herrada and the Izagirre brothers, as well as Mikel Landa, who will be racing in “free verse” mode. Caja Rural and Burgos-BH are also expected to have a strong presence, with riders like Prades and Barceló.
The route is particularly challenging, with 201.6 kilometers of racing and over 3,200 meters of accumulated slope. The final two hours of competition will be broadcast on Eurosport and the Federation’s YouTube channel.