Cycling returns

The most anticipated moment will come this Tuesday. Professional cycling returns to Spain with the dispute of the Vuelta a Burgos (July 28-August 1). The race has raised much expectation this season because it is the return to the roads of great figures of the international bunch, among them Alejandro Valverde. The rider from Murcia heads a powerful Movistar Team that also includes Marc Soler and Enric Mas, the other two leaders of the telephone squad.

Along with the three spearheads of the World Tour team, Movistar has arranged a powerful Spanish block with Imanol Erviti, Carlos Verona, Lluís Mas and Antonio Pedrero. A line-up with guarantees for fighting for the first great victory after the confinement.

The organizers have prepared a well-balanced course with opportunities for various kind of riders. The quick men will have their winning option on Wednesday at Villadiego and on Friday at Roa; while the finishers with climbing skills will have to be very attentive at the end of the first day at the Castillo de Burgos. In theory, the general will be defined in the other two mountain finishes: Picón Blanco on Thursday and the traditional climb to the Lagunas de Neila as the culmination of the race on Saturday.

It is the first race for the world champion in 2018 since the suspension of the UAE Tour in late February due to the appearance of several positives cases for coronavirus. Valverde has not competed in this race since 2009 … when he claimed the victory in the general classification.

Photo: fotobagan.com