Roglič seals his fourth Vuelta title, Küng takes first Grand Tour stage win time trial

Mathew Mitchell

Published on September 8, 2024
in Men's Cycling

The final stage of the 2024 Vuelta a España was a 24.6-kilometre individual time trial through the streets of Madrid, marking the end of a gruelling three-week race. Riders faced a fast and technical course, starting with some tricky corners before transitioning to rolling roads, ideal for time trial specialists.

Swiss rider Stefan Küng set a blistering pace early on, quickly establishing the fastest time at both intermediate checkpoints. Küng’s power on the flat sections allowed him to hold his lead, and he crossed the finish line in 26 minutes and 28 seconds, securing his first-ever Grand Tour stage victory. “It’s always nice if you win with more than half a minute. It shows that you were absolutely the best, there was no coincidence today,” Küng remarked after his win.

Meanwhile, Primož Roglič, starting the day with a comfortable lead in the general classification, rode cautiously yet swiftly. The Slovenian posted the second-fastest time at the first checkpoint, just 13 seconds behind Küng. His priority was maintaining his overall lead, and he did just that, finishing 31 seconds behind the Swiss rider but comfortably ahead of his closest rivals.

Ben O’Connor, who had led the Vuelta for nearly two weeks before losing the red jersey to Roglič, rode a solid time trial. Although he couldn’t challenge Küng’s time, O’Connor’s 11th place on the day was enough to secure his second place overall. “It’s a bit of a dream,” O’Connor said. “I’ve been close before, but to get it now is such an amazing thing.”

Enric Mas, sitting in third place in the general classification, managed to hold off Richard Carapaz to claim the final podium spot. Mas’s consistent riding throughout the three-week race ensured he finished more than three minutes behind Roglič but safely in third overall.

With Roglič’s final ride, he claimed his fourth Vuelta title, equalling Roberto Heras’s record. “I’m incredibly happy to take home this title again. It was a tough three weeks, but the team did an amazing job. This victory means a lot to me,” Roglič said after the race.

The day concluded with Roglič celebrating his overall win, while Küng revelled in his long-awaited stage victory, bringing the 2024 Vuelta a España to a thrilling close.