The first week of the Vuelta highlighted everything that makes this race unique. Fast pace from the first kilometers, and stages with challenging climbs marked the first nine days of the race.
Each stage brought new challenges: from the intense heat to the winding roads, to the constant pressure of the peloton. It wasn't just a test of the legs, but also of concentration and the ability to adapt to ever-changing situations.
With a week now behind them, Team Picnic PostNL is looking ahead with determination, tackling the route day by day, stage by stage.
This is Behind the Race.
Stage 1 of the Vuelta, from Turin to the Reggia di Venaria , took the peloton through streets packed with fans. A wave of applause, color, and enthusiasm accompanied the riders from the first kilometers of the last Grand Tour of the year . ( Photo: CyclingImages )
Detail of the Proxima Team Edition , the wheel chosen by Team Picnin PostNL to tackle the roads of the Vuelta. Speed, reliability, and design at the service of performance. ( Photo: Popipix )
Stage 3 of the Vuelta, from San Maurizio Canavese to Ceres , saw concentration and team spirit on the roads of Piedmont. An explosive finish saw Bjorn Koerdt give it his all until the final meter, taking ninth place thanks in part to the excellent work of his teammates . ( Photo: CyclingImages )
A spectacular landscape from the fourth stage, from Susa to Voiron , with snow-capped peaks and green hills. The Col du Lautaret was the key climb of the day. ( Photo: Cyclingimages )
The sixth stage of the Vuelta takes cyclists on a 171-kilometer route through the Pyrenees, from Olot to Pal in Andorra . It's the first truly mountainous stage, and the final 9.7 kilometers have an average gradient of 6.4%. (Photo: CyclingImages)
Stage 7 of the Vuelta was the second consecutive mountain day, covering 188 kilometers between Andorra la Vella and Cerler. Kevin Vermaerke gave it his all, finishing sixth after a long and tough final climb. (Photo: CyclingImages)
