The 2024 Vuelta a España is shaping up to be a unique and exciting race, especially given the absence of some of the sport’s biggest names like Tadej Pogačar, Jonas Vingegaard, and Remco Evenepoel. This opens the door for other riders and teams to step up and claim glory in the final Grand Tour of the season.

Here’s a breakdown of some of the top teams and their chances:

1. Team Visma | Lease a Bike
– Key Rider: Sepp Kuss
– Analysis:With Primož Roglič potentially out due to injuries, Sepp Kuss could be the team’s primary leader. Kuss has shown his capability as a strong climber and domestique, and this could be his chance to shine as a team leader.

2. Movistar Team
– Key Rider: Enric Mas
– Analysis:Enric Mas has consistently performed well in Grand Tours, particularly at La Vuelta. As a strong climber with solid experience, Mas could be one of the top contenders if he manages to maintain form throughout the race.

3. UAE Team Emirates
– Key Rider: João Almeida
– Analysis:João Almeida is known for his consistency and resilience in stage races. If he can maintain his time-trialling ability and perform well in the mountains, he could be a serious contender for the overall victory.

4. INEOS Grenadiers
– Key Riders: Adam Yates and Tao Geoghegan Hart
– Analysis: Both Yates and Geoghegan Hart have Grand Tour-winning potential. With strong support from one of the best teams in the peloton, either of these riders could lead INEOS to victory. Yates, in particular, has shown great form in the past, while Geoghegan Hart’s Giro d’Italia win proves his capability.

5. Soudal – Quick-Step
– Key Rider:Daniel Martínez
– Analysis:Martínez is a strong all-rounder with a good record in the mountains. His ability to ride well across different terrains makes him a dark horse for the overall title, especially if he can stay close to the leaders in the early stages.

6. Lidl-Trek
– Key Rider: Mikel Landa
– Analysis: Mikel Landa is another rider who has been close to Grand Tour success in the past. He’s a pure climber who could take advantage of the Vuelta’s mountainous routes, but his chances depend on whether he can avoid time losses in the time trials.

7. Red Bull – BORA – hansgrohe
– Key Rider: TBA
– Analysis: This team has a strong lineup of riders who can perform well in various stages. While they may not have a clear leader like some other teams, their depth could play to their advantage in the general classification (GC).

This year’s Vuelta could be one of the most unpredictable editions in recent history. With several strong riders from different teams, it’s difficult to pick a clear favorite, which should make for an exciting three weeks of racing.