Remco Evenepoel, beware! Primoz Roglic will 'only settle for first' in La Vuelta red jersey battle

Primoz Roglic (Jumbo-Visma) has no interest in settling for second place at La Vuelta and will risk everything to unravel Remco Evenepoel (Quick-Step Alpha Vinyl) in the final week, according to Eurosport expert Dan Lloyd. Roglic clawed back time on leader Evenepoel on a blistering weekend of action, which saw the Slovenian close to within 1’34” of his rival in the general classification. Ad The Vuelta appeared to be turning into a procession when Evenepoel blew apart the individual time trial on Stage 10 to open up a gap approaching three minutes, but the Belgian’s crash on Stage 12 and a sub-par showing in the mountains at the weekend have injected fresh life into the red jersey battle.

Vuelta a EspañaLa Vuelta: How to watch Stage 16 as race enters final week10 HOURS AGO The setbacks have fuelled further questions about his ability to last the full three weeks at a Grand Tour. “He’s never been in this situation before in a race of this level,” said Lloyd. “He’ll be well aware that Roglic will only settle for first, he won’t settle in second place and be happy with it.

He’ll also be well aware that Roglic’s team is still pretty strong here.” Who’s up and who’s down after the second week of La Vuelta Opinion: Why Roglic may have missed his chance to take control of La Vuelta Just one week stands between Evenepoel and a maiden Grand Tour title, with the fate of the red jersey likely resting on Thursday’s Stage 18 and Saturday’s Stage 20. “This is getting closer and closer, the more this race goes on. So hopefully with a couple of days to go the top three will be within 10 seconds.

Fingers crossed,” said Adam Blythe on The Breakaway ahead of Stage 16. “It’s so evenly matched at the minute. Mas is taking time, Roglic is