Skjelmose’s Strong Climb Helps Set Up Vacek for Another Podium Finish at La Vuelta
Lidl-Trek once again made its presence felt at La Vuelta a España, with Mathias Vacek delivering a strong performance to secure his second runner-up finish of this year’s race. The Czech rider showed his resilience and sprinting ability after a grueling day in the Spanish heat, finishing just behind Wout van Aert. Stage 7, featuring a tough 14% climb late in the race, was another demanding day for the peloton, made even more difficult by the sweltering conditions. Vacek, in his debut Grand Tour, has continued to impress with his versatility and ability to suffer.
Reflecting on the race, Vacek said, “It was super hard, the climb. I was fighting, I knew if I could survive it, I could do a good sprint with a small group coming to the finish.” And survive he did. Positioned perfectly for the finale, thanks to the support of his teammate Mattias Skjelmose, Vacek put in a valiant effort in the sprint to take second place.
Second place behind a guy like Van Aert is pretty nice for me, and I’m really satisfied.
Skjelmose, our general classification contender, played a crucial role in helping Vacek prepare for the final sprint. The Danish rider has has managed the first seven stages well and was feeling particularly strong during today’s stage. “For sure, it’s the best legs I’ve had all Vuelta, so I’m happy,” Skjelmose said, reflecting on his own performance on the punishing climb. His effort to position Vacek perfectly in the lead-up to the sprint was a testament to his character. “After all the work Mathias did the other days, it’s a small thing to give back.”
As the peloton crested the climb, Vacek managed to hold the peloton at a small gap over the top. “We came back just after the downhill and I relaxed a bit. Then Mattias Skjelmose brought me in the perfect position behind Van Aert.”
Vacek’s two podium results in the first week of his debut Grand Tour, combined with Skjelmose’s solid form, bodes well for us as we look ahead to the coming stages. “It’s been a long preparation for the Vuelta, and so far so good. There are a lot more stages coming up,” Vacek said, remaining optimistic and focused on the remainder of the race.
With two podium finishes in the bag, we turn our attention to the next two hilly stages, which are prime opportunities to hunt for a stage win and make gains in the general classification.
