Soudal Quick-Step’s Basque enjoyed a solid week of racing on Spanish soil.
Mikel Landa managed to make an impressive jump on the overall standings of the Vuelta a Burgos and conclude the five-day race in the top 20. In what was his first appearance since the Giro d’Italia crash that put him on the sidelines, the 35-year-old took it one day at a time, with just one goal: ease back into racing and build his form for the next appointments of the season.
Saturday, as the peloton tackled again the gruelling slopes of the mythical Lagunas de Neila, Landa rode his own pace once the group disintegrated with three kilometers to go and finished a remarkable 14th, just 20 seconds from the top ten of the stage won by Giulio Ciccone (Lidl-Trek) with an attack in the closing meters.
This strong ride helped the experienced Basque move up several places on the general classification, and end the week in 18th position – a result that will no doubt feed his confidence, especially as it came after three months of no racing on a hard climb known for its steep gradients that take their toll on many riders.
Photo credit: ©Tim De Waele / Getty Images
