Team News: Vuelta a Espana

Tao Geoghegan Hart, Owain Doull and former British RR Champion Ian Stannard the Brits in the Ineos line up for the Tour of Spain starting this Saturday (August 24)

Team News: Vuelta a Espana

Team INEOS has announced its lineup for the Vuelta a España, which starts in Torrevieja on Saturday (August 24th). Tao Geoghegan Hart and Wout Poels will be joint leaders of the Team, which is made up of a true blend of youth and experience.

After taking our youngest-ever Grand Tour lineup to the Giro d’Italia in May and one of our most experienced to the Tour de France in July, the Vuelta offers an opportunity for our next generation to learn from those around them in Spain. Where Geoghegan Hart can look to Poels as a leader and learn from the Dutchman, Grand Tour debutant Owain Doull will benefit from riding alongside the experienced trio of Vasil Kiryienka, Salvatore Puccio and Ian Stannard.

The full Team INEOS lineup is: Owain Doull, Kenny Elissonde, Tao Geoghegan Hart, Sebastian Henao, Vasil Kiryienka, Wout Poels, Salvatore Puccio and Ian Stannard.

Lead Sport Director Nicolas Portal said: “I believe we have a really talented blend of youth and experience in this Team. The opportunity for Tao to learn from Wout as they lead our Team is a special one and we have faith that both of them can leave their mark on this Vuelta.”

“We are also delighted for Owain, who is riding his first Grand Tour for the Team. He’s been building up to this moment and it’s a great opportunity for him to ride alongside the likes of Ian and Vasil over the next three weeks as he takes the next step in his career.”

Portal added: “The Vuelta is always a really tough race, but one that we always look forward to. We love racing in front of the Spanish fans and have had some fantastic success over the years. It promises to be a hard-fought edition this year with some very tough climbs as always and we are looking forward to the start on Saturday.”
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The Riders and Their Profiles

Ian Stannard – British – age 32
Lining up for his 10th Grand Tour start, Ian Stannard brings power and experience into the squad. Able to support his leaders on the flat, in the crosswinds and in the medium mountains, the Brit’s versatility makes him a key squad member. No stranger to the Vuelta, Stannard was part of Chris Froome’s successful campaign in 2017, in addition to three Tour de France victories.

Owain Doull – British – age 26
Making his Grand Tour debut in Spain, Owain Doull has enjoyed an impressive season which saw him chalk up his first professional victory at the Herald Sun Tour, followed swiftly by second place at Kuurne-Brussel-Kuurne. The Welshman has proved more than capable in a stage race support role this year, playing a role in four victorious squads. Doull is a strong lead-out man and can provide key help on the flat.

Tao Geoghegan Hart – British – age 24
Tao Geoghegan Hart has quickly forged a reputation as one of the most talented up-and-coming stage racers in the peloton. Twelve months after making his Grand Tour debut at the Vuelta, the Brit returns with added experience in a leadership role. A character-building Giro appearance this season, coupled with strong overall results at the Tour of the Alps and Tour de Pologne, should ensure Tao is motivated for another tilt at the Vuelta GC.… continued after advert

Kenny Elissonde – French – age 28
A Vuelta a Espana stage winner in 2013, Elissonde has been a regular at the Spanish Grand Tour throughout his career. On his day the Frenchman is one of the finest climbers around and supported Chris Froome to his Giro d’Italia win in 2018. Now set to race his eighth Grand Tour, he has enjoyed a consistent 2019 and is fresh off the back of an impressive ride in support of winner Ivan Sosa at Vuelta a Burgos.

Sebastian Henao – Colombian – age 26
Set for his first Vuelta start after tackling five of the last six editions of the Giro d’Italia, Henao will take another step in his career in Spain. No longer the youngster of the team, the Colombian has built a dependable reputation in stage races over the years and will provide valuable assistance in the medium to high mountains.

Vasil Kiryienka – Belarusian – age 38
Few riders enjoying riding hard on the front of the peloton as much as Vasil Kiryienka. A cornerstone in so many successful teams down the years, Kiry is all set for a milestone 20th Grand Tour appearance. The Belarusian won a Vuelta stage for the team in 2013 and two years later took the world time trial title. He is also a superb climber, able to sustain a high tempo in the medium mountains.

Wout Poels – Dutch – age 31
With 13 Grand Tours to his name, Wout Poels has made a name for himself with his heroics in the high mountains. The Dutch climber has played a vital role in six of the Team’s Grand Tour victories and Poels has pedigree in this race too, with a stage win on the iconic Angliru to his name as well as a sixth place overall finish in 2017. He enjoyed a fine win at the Criterium de Dauphine earlier this season, before helping Egan Bernal to Tour de France success in July.

Salvatore Puccio – Italian – age 29
Completing the Giro / Vuelta double for the third year in succession, Salvatore Puccio enjoys the challenge of riding two Grand Tours in a season. The Italian will turn 30 during the race and brings experience to the lineup, in addition to strong all-round attributes. Puccio knows what it takes to win the race, after helping Chris Froome to 2017 success, followed up immediately by helping Froome to his Giro victory in 2018.