Spanish cycling is short of references. Since Alejandro Valverde nobody has been able to snatch notable victories from the cyclists who set the pace in recent times. There have been attempts, like those of the always-awaited Mikel Landa, although his best result since 2015 is limited to the podium achieved this year at the Giro. Or those of Enric Mas, with two second places in the Vuelta (2018 and 2021), caressing victory.
In the absence of deeds to enter the grand tour history books, one might try to seek solace in small-scale joys, but they will not be found. Spain is also thirsty for stage wins in the Giro, the Tour and the Vuelta. The numbers don’t lie. If none of the nine representatives of the country in the Tour -a very low record that has not been seen for half a century- does not remedy it, today in the fourth stage with the end in Calais the round figure of the hundred afternoons without Spanish glory in the most emblematic tests.
The successful escape in Aramón Formigal that allowed Ion Izagirre to cross the finish line first in the sixth stage of the 2020 Vuelta is the last pleasant memory. That same edition, in the second stage, Marc Soler triumphed. Since then there is only desert. 2021 was the first year in memory without a Spanish victory in any of the three races, the worst figure since 1996, when there was only one. So far this year, the queen stage conquered by Carlos Verona in the always prestigious Dauphiné is one of the few things to hold on to.
Is there a crisis in Spanish cycling or is it a mere circumstantial issue? The debate has been reopened these days after knowing the low presence of runners in the Grande Boucle, less than, for example, some countries with less population such as Denmark (10) or a historically equal level such as Italy (14). Far are the 43 participants in the centenary Tour, in 2003. Of those present, only Enric Mas, Movistar’s leader, starts as a contender for the podium, although more out of illusion than sensation.
Some experts point out that the loss of prominence in the peloton has a lot to do with the fact that the telephone team is the only Spanish in the UCI World Tour, the highest category that gives access to the big races. The lack of powerful sponsors like before (ONCE, Kelme, Euskaltel…) translates into fewer teams and, therefore, fewer opportunities for cyclists in the country. Luis León Sánchez (Bahrain), Marc Soler (UAE Emirates), Jonathan Castroviejo (Ineos) and the aforementioned Ion Izagirre (Cofidis) are the only ones who see life beyond Movistar, although none with a relevant role.
While success blossoms in more unexpected places like Slovenia, Spain is still waiting for someone to take over from the Delgado, Indurain or Contador families. Hope is pinned on promises such as the Spanish road champion, Carlos Rodríguez, the time trial champion, Raúl García Pierna, or two other youngsters such as Juan Ayuso or Roger Adrià. In August the Vuelta awaits them.
