OPINION: Has the Vuelta Been More Exciting Without Tadej Pogačar and Jonas Vingegaard?
The Vuelta a España, one of cycling’s Grand Tours, has always been known for its unpredictable nature, grueling mountain stages, and the opportunity it provides for rising stars and seasoned veterans alike to shine. This year’s edition, however, has been notably different, with two of the sport’s biggest stars—Tadej Pogačar and Jonas Vingegaard—opting out of the race. This raises an interesting question: has the Vuelta been more exciting in their absence?
A More Open Race
Without the dominant presence of Pogačar and Vingegaard, the Vuelta has seen a more open and competitive field. The absence of these two Grand Tour heavyweights has allowed for a wider array of contenders to emerge, making the general classification (GC) battle more dynamic and less predictable.
In past races, Pogačar and Vingegaard have often dictated the tempo, with other riders forced into a supporting role or left scrambling for podium positions. Their absence this year has given other teams and riders the confidence to take risks, knowing that the race is far more wide-open. This has resulted in more aggressive racing, with GC hopefuls attacking earlier and more frequently, adding a layer of unpredictability that has kept fans on the edge of their seats.
Spotlight on New Faces
The absence of Pogačar and Vingegaard has also allowed for the spotlight to shine on riders who might otherwise have been overshadowed. Younger riders and those who typically play second fiddle have had the chance to step up and lead their teams. This has brought a refreshing change to the race narrative, with fans getting to witness the emergence of new talents and the resurgence of seasoned pros who have seized the opportunity to shine.
Riders like Remco Evenepoel, Primož Roglič, and Enric Mas have taken center stage, delivering thrilling performances and battling it out for the red jersey. Their fierce competition has brought a new level of excitement to the race, proving that even without the sport’s biggest stars, the Vuelta can still deliver drama and suspense.
The Thrill of Uncertainty
One of the most compelling aspects of this year’s Vuelta has been the uncertainty of the outcome. In a race without clear favorites like Pogačar or Vingegaard, each stage has felt like it could dramatically alter the GC standings. This has kept the race intriguing from start to finish, with no single rider dominating the narrative.
The unpredictability has also extended to stage victories, with breakaways more likely to succeed and underdog riders claiming glory on the toughest days. This has made for a more diverse and engaging race, where every stage offers a new storyline and the potential for a shake-up in the standings.
Is Something Missing?
While the excitement of an open race is undeniable, some fans may feel that the absence of Pogačar and Vingegaard has taken away a certain level of prestige from the Vuelta. These riders, both Tour de France champions, bring a level of competition that elevates any race they enter. Their head-to-head battles have produced some of the most memorable moments in recent cycling history, and their absence leaves a void that is hard to fill.
Additionally, the presence of such dominant figures often brings out the best in other riders, forcing them to raise their game in an attempt to topple the favorites. Without that pressure, some may argue that the race lacks the same intensity and epic duels that have defined recent Grand Tours.
A Balanced Perspective
In the end, whether the Vuelta has been more exciting without Pogačar and Vingegaard largely depends on what you seek in a race. If you enjoy watching the sport’s top names clash in a battle of titans, their absence might feel like a loss. However, if you relish the unpredictability and the chance to see new faces rise to the occasion, this year’s Vuelta has offered plenty of thrills.
What’s clear is that cycling, as a sport, thrives on variety and the unexpected. The 2024 Vuelta a España has delivered a different kind of excitement—one where the storylines are less predictable, the contenders more varied, and the race more open to surprise. While Pogačar and Vingegaard will undoubtedly return to dominate future races, the Vuelta’s unpredictable nature this year has shown that Grand Tours don’t always need the biggest names to produce the biggest thrills.
