Some consider this the highest level non UCI U23 stage race, the Vuelta a Madrid is one of our biggest targets of the year. The 37th edition featured five days of racing throughout the Community of Madrid. Last year marked our first time racing in Spain during the July block, and we quickly realized just how high the level of competition is — it is the toughest event we race all season. With several of Spain’s top professional development teams on the start line, there are always a lot of eyes on this race.
Owen Takes Stage Two and the Race Lead
Stage Two featured a hilly route with four categorized climbs. The race consisted of two laps on a rolling loop before a fast run-in to the finish. Our plan was to protect our sprinters, Nathan and Luke and help them enter the climbs in a good position. Last year, Luke sprinted to third on this stage, but this year’s edition included a couple of extra climbs, so we knew it would be far from a calm day on the bike.
After the first ascent of the main climb, Henry and Owen were part of a front group of about 20. The race had already exploded, and shortly after the climb, the two of them, along with one other rider, opened a small gap on the plateau. Despite their effort, the move didn’t stick and the gap wasn’t growing enough to justify the energy, so they sat up and rejoined the group.
Heading into the final climb, the race split again. Henry and Owen pushed the pace, shedding some riders and staying with the main GC contenders. On the descent into town, Owen made a decisive move. After covering an attack, he carried his momentum and pushed on — taking full advantage of his descending skills. With about 4 km to go, he had a slender gap of two seconds. The chasers hesitated, playing games, and Owen seized the opportunity. The gap grew to nearly ten seconds, and as he came around the final roundabout, he knew it was his. With the time bonus, he not only took the stage but also moved into the race leader’s red jersey.
Defending the Red Jersey
With the red jersey on Owen’s shoulders, the team took on the challenge of defending it with smiles on their faces. It’s not a situation we’ve often found ourselves in unlike many of the more experienced teams, but we embraced the pressure. Unfortunately, the stars didn’t align and we had to pass along the jersey. Still, Owen and Henry continued to fight hard for their positions in the general classification.
Despite not having time trial bikes, both riders held strong during the TT and final stages. Owen finished 5th overall, with Henry close behind in 10th. Both incredible results in a race of this caliber and a huge step up from last year’s performance.
After this, we have a week off from racing to get ready for the second edition of Vuelta Castilla Y Leon sub23.
