The experienced Basque pinned on a number again after three months.
Tuesday was Happy Mikel Landa Is Back In Action Day, as the 35-year-old lined out at the start of the Vuelta a Burgos in what was his first appearance since the crash that ended his Giro d’Italia campaign on the opening day of race.
Victorious in Burgos in 2017 and 2021, Landa finished stage one as the highest-placed Soudal Quick-Step rider, after concluding just outside the top ten on Alto del Castillo. The short climb to the finish, featuring cobbles and some demanding gradients, was one for the puncheurs, but Mikel put in a really solid effort there and came home just 11 seconds behind Roger Adria (Red Bull-Bora-hansgrohe), who took the victory.
The five-day race continues on Wednesday with a stage between Cilleruelo de Abajo and Buniel. Despite the undulating roads and the presence of a couple of small, unranked climbs, it should be a day for the peloton’s fast finishers.
Photo credit: ©Antonio Baixauli / Getty Images
