The pros show at the Vuelta a España how to master steep climbs, pace yourself, and handle setbacks. Here is how you can use their strategies for your own rides.
The Vuelta a España is known for its merciless climbs and extreme conditions. On the twelfth stage of the tour in 2026, which led over 166 kilometres from Vera up to the mountain finish at Calar Alto, it was once again clear how crucial correct pacing, tactical helpers, and the mental attitude on the mountain are. In temperatures of well over 30 degrees Celsius and more than 4,400 metres of altitude, the leaders fought not only against the competition, but also against the heat and their own limits. Valuable lessons can be drawn from the different strategies of the pros for your own demanding rides.
When things kick off on the mountain, the temptation is great to follow immediately. But that can quickly backfire. When overall leader Enric Mas (Movistar) attacked around 11 to 12 kilometres before the finish at Calar Alto, his rivals reacted differently. Primož Roglič (Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe) did not go all-in straight away, but quickly found his own rhythm. According to reports from Cyclingnews, this controlled riding style helped him to keep the time loss within limits.
This was even more evident with Richard Carapaz (EF Education-EasyPost). He launched a brave attack on the penultimate climb, the Alto de Velefique. When he was caught later and the next attacks occurred on the final climb, he consciously decided against following the rhythm changes of the front group. Instead, he saved himself to the finish at his own steady pace and was even able to improve in the general classification. For your own rides, this means: Do not let faster riders throw you off your game on the mountain. If you ride your own pace and keep your heart rate in the controlled zone, you will often arrive at the top faster and more relaxed in the end.
Nobody conquers tough mountains completely alone. At the Vuelta, the importance of teamwork was particularly evident in so-called relay stations: riders who had previously been in a breakaway group dropped back to help their leaders in the slipstream. Both Mas and Roglič, as well as Felix Gall (Decathlon CMA CGM), benefited enormously from their teammates in the finale.
Oscar Onley (Netcompany-Ineos) also owed it to his teammate Jack Haig, according to a Eurosport interview, that he was able to limit the time loss after a difficult day. If you are out in a group, you should share the pacing work in the wind on flatter sections between the climbs. This saves valuable energy for the next ramp.
Setbacks are part of cycling. Oscar Onley crashed early on the stage in a roundabout. Although he still felt okay physically, he could no longer go deep enough on the mountain and lost over two minutes to Mas. Instead of giving up completely, however, he continued to ride his own pace and saved the white jersey of the best young professional.
Primož Roglič is also a prime example of mental strength: he entered the Vuelta weakened after a serious training accident in the run-up. Despite the limitations and the lack of training, he is fighting for the podium. If you notice on a ride that your legs are heavy or a minor defect throws you out of your rhythm, take the pressure off. Set yourself smaller intermediate goals, adjust your expectations to the day, and finish the ride in a controlled manner.
Your takeaway: Ride steep climbs consistently at your own, steady rhythm and do not let yourself be tempted into hectic changes of pace.
This article was generated automatically with AI from the sources listed above and has not been editorially reviewed.