Mikel Landa leads Bahrain McLaren in Vuelta a Andalucia, flu takes Ivan Cortina off roster
Feb 18 2020 05:12 am CET
Team Bahrain McLaren
Mikel Landa is set to make his debut with Bahrain McLaren at the Vuelta a Andalucía/Ruta del Sol while Ivan García Cortina had to drop from the roster due to illness.
The 66th edition of the Spanish race will kick off on the 19th of February and will run until the 23rd. The general classification of the race will likely be decided at the third stage of the competition, which will take the peloton through a 180-kilometre route that includes four climbs and at the final time trial.
"Compared to the Volta Valenciana there is not a real uphill finish, but some stages end downhill and therefore those who are left behind climbing can recover," said sports director Gorazd Stangelj. "I think the final ITT will have a lot of twist and turns that will decide the GC. We have a very competitive team with the leader Landa, but also Bilbao and Teuns who have shown that they are doing well."
Landa is looking forward to starting in the race with his new team. "I am very happy to start this new experience with the new team," the Spaniard explained. "I want to kick off the season well and to work with my new teammates. I have already participated at Ruta del Sol several times and, as usual, it’s a complete and tough race with good teams and excellent riders who have already shown that they are in good condition.
"It’s my first race, so one of the objectives is to check my preparation, and if I have the opportunity to win, I will certainly not back down."
After starting at the Volta a la Comunitat Valenciana, Cortina was set to be at the race, but he is suffering from the flu and won't be able to recover on time. Mark Padun will be taking his place.
Bahrain McLaren's line-up for the Vuelta a Andalucia/Ruta del Sol (February 19-23):
Mikel Landa
Pello Bilbao
Damiano Caruso
Sonny Colbrelli
Mark Padun
Matej Mohoric
Dylan Teuns
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