Published on : 09/06/2026
In particularly gruelling conditions, the team made it through Stage 15. The squad initially worked towards a sprint for Bryan, but the race favoured those who managed to get up the road. Now it’s time for a rest day, which should do everyone some good.
This 2026 edition has taken us through every possible emotion. After last week’s euphoria, we experienced another feeling today, one we had already encountered on the roads of the Tour de France: the sensation of racing through scorching heat. The Córdoba region is well known as one of the hottest parts of Spain. But the organisers eventually agreed to the peloton’s request to shorten the stage, which was ultimately reduced to 110 kilometres. But make no mistake: a shorter distance does not necessarily mean a less explosive race. Quite the opposite.
The winding route offered two possible scenarios: a sprint finish or a win from the breakaway. Despite a fierce battle to make the breakaway early on, the opening kilometres seemed to favour the first scenario. The team joined forces with Visma Lease a Bike to control the gaps and work for “the Coq”. But the climb of Puerto Artafi (5.9 km at 5.4%) caused damage in the peloton. Bryan himself found himself in difficulty, fighting to hang on at the back of the bunch. That was when Wout Van Aert chose to attack rather than risk waiting for the final sprint.
Behind, the race was effectively decided. The gap quickly reached two minutes. Despite the efforts of our pocket sprinter, who had made it back to the peloton and even led the bunch on the descent towards Córdoba, the breakaway stayed clear.
Ultimately, the most important thing was achieved: all our riders made it safely to the finish and can now enjoy a well-deserved rest day.
Gorka Gerrikagoitia’s reaction:
“We had 110 kilometres on the menu, with 2,000 metres of elevation gain and temperatures above 40°C: it was always going to be a tough day. We set off with the idea of having a good stage with Bryan (Coquard). He didn’t have his best legs today and found himself in difficulty on the Puerto Artafi climb. Sergio (Samitier) did a great job bringing him back, but the riders who eventually fought for the win went clear just as Bryan was rejoining the peloton.
We didn’t get the chance to make it work today, that’s how it goes. Now it’s time for the rest day.”