One Pogacar, four Austrians, a lot of money: the figures for the Vuelta

The 81st edition of the Vuelta a España begins today with a time trial in Monaco, marking the start of three weeks of intense cycling action. Slovenian superstar Tadej Pogacar enters the race as the top favorite, having already secured five victories in the Tour de France. Despite his success, a victory in the Vuelta remains elusive for the five-time champion. This year, Pogacar aims to add another title to his collection, following his third-place finish in 2019. Four Austrian riders will take part in the race, including Felix Gall, who finished second in the Giro d’Italia. Gall competes for the Decathlon team, relying on his trusted mechanic Gregor Mühlberger. Joining him are Michael Gogl of Alpecin and Patrick Konrad of Lidl-Trek. The presence of these Austrian cyclists adds a notable regional dimension to this year’s competition. Among the standout figures in cycling history, eight professional cyclists have managed to win all three grand tours, Giro d’Italia, Tour de France, and Vuelta. These include French legends Jacques Anquetil and Bernard Hinault, Italian icons Felice Gimondi and Vincenzo Nibali, and international stars such as Belgian Eddy Merckx, Spanish Alberto Contador, British Chris Froome, and Danish Jonas Vingegaard. Their achievements underscore the elite level of competition in the sport. One of the most challenging sections of the race is the steep climb up the Alto de Hazallanas, which features a 20 percent gradient. This demanding ascent must be tackled twice during the 20th stage in the Sierra Nevada region. The physical and mental endurance required to navigate such terrain highlights the grueling nature of the Vuelta. Delio Rodríguez Barros holds the record for the most stage wins in the Vuelta, with 39 victories. His achievement was made possible during his overall triumph in 1945, when he led the field by more than half an hour. This record stands as a testament to the historical significance of the race and the enduring legacy of its past champions. In terms of speed, the average pace recorded during last year's Vuelta was 43.502 kilometers per hour. Danish rider Jonas Vingegaard claimed victory in the final standings, while Austrian cyclist Felix Gall finished in eighth place. These numbers reflect the high intensity and competitive spirit that define the Vuelta. The Vuelta, now in its 81st year, is the youngest of the three major grand tours. Its inaugural edition took place in 1935, and until 1995, the race was held in April. This historical context provides insight into the evolution of the event and its growing prominence in the world of professional cycling. Over the course of three weeks, riders will cover a total distance of 3,310.6 kilometers, completing 21 stages leading to the final destination of Granada. The race demands both physical stamina and strategic planning, as athletes face numerous challenges along the route. Professional cyclists expend approximately 8,000 calories during a mountain stage, equivalent to ten pizzas, four chocolate bars, and four bottles of beer. This energy consumption is roughly three to four times greater than that of an average person daily, emphasizing the extreme physical demands placed upon participants. The cumulative elevation gained during the Vuelta totals 58,156 meters, surpassing the totals of other major races. For comparison, the Giro d’Italia saw climbers ascend 48,600 meters, while the Tour de France reached 54,450 meters. These figures illustrate the unique challenge posed by the Vuelta’s mountainous terrain. A total prize pool of €1,115,775 will be distributed among the winners. The overall winner receives €150,000, while each stage winner earns €11,000. These financial incentives highlight the economic impact of the race and the opportunities it presents for cyclists seeking to secure their livelihoods through performance.