Volta Ciclista a Catalunya

Mikel Landa was again the best of the rest at the seven-day race, for the second stage in a row going on the attack and showcasing his solid form that ended up netting him another top three finish. This impressive result saw Soudal Quick-Step’s 34-year-old retain his spot on the podium while widening his gap on the other riders ahead of what should be the easiest stage of the week.

A mammoth 18.5km climb averaging 6.8%, which returned at the race after three years, Port Ainé was the main attraction of a day that included two other classified climbs. As soon as the depleted peloton tackled its first ramps, Soudal Quick-Step over the reins and set a painful pace with neo-pro William Junior Lecerf. When the AlUla Tour runner-up peeled off the front, Jan Hirt moved to the front and put in a huge amount of work, driving the tempo for about five kilometers with Mikel Landa glued to his wheel.

The Basque made his move in the final seven kilometers, opening a gap before race leader Tadej Pogacar (UAE Team Emirates) counterattacked and rode clear. Landa rode his own tempo and was joined by two other men, together with whom we tried to reduce the margin. Then, two kilometers from home, on the steepest part of the ascent, he kicked again and dropped the others, riding to second atop Port Ainé and clocking up the team’s 30th podium of the season.

“The goal was to gain some more time on the riders behind me in the general classification. The boys did a great job for me and I attacked to see what would happen. I knew getting the victory would be difficult, but I felt good and gave my best, and at the end of the day, I am content with the shape and the team effort. I enjoy the race and we hope for some more good results in the next days”, a confident Mikel said.

Photo credit: ©David Ramos / Getty Images