David de la Cruz not feeling pressure of leading Team Sky GC challenge at the Vuelta a España
The Spaniard says it's "not a pressure, it's an opportunity" for him to perform in the overall at the Vuelta with Sky
David de la Cruz says he's ready to lead Team Sky into the third Grand Tour of the season, the Vuelta a España, calling the upcoming race an opportunity and not a pressure to fill the void left by Chris Froome and Geraint Thomas.
The Spaniard rode in support of Froome at his Giro d'Italia victory in May, but now says he'll lead the overall challenge for Sky in a team that will contain the likes of Michal Kwiatkowski and Britain's Tao Geoghegan Hart.
"It's not a pressure, it's an opportunity... pressure is something you put on yourself, but this is a challenge and I really look forward to starting the race," he told Spanish national daily, Marca.
"I have prepared for the Vuelta with many ambitions," said the Sky rider, who won stage eight of Paris-Nice earlier in the season before taking on the role of domestique for Froome in Italy.
Both Froome and Geraint Thomas will start the Tour of Britain on September 2 whilst De la Cruz will face the likes of Fabio Aru (UAE Emirates), Richie Porte (BMC) and Vincenzo Nibali (Bahrain-Merida) in Spain.
"There are riders who have to carry more pressure - but I trust my chances, in the work I've done, and that's what counts."
Staying cagey about his expectations, he added: "I do not know exactly where I will finish - but I have trained and sacrificed to do well in the general classification. I have many ambitions, and we will see how far we can go."
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
Looking ahead to the Spanish race, the 29-year-old said he expected the second half of the race to be pivotal.
"The key will be in the last eight stages, as they are incredibly tough and I think the organisers have achieved a lot with the course," he said.
The Vuelta a España kicks off on Saturday August 25, with an 8km time trial in Málaga.
Thank you for reading 20 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access
Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription
Join now for unlimited access
Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
Follow on Twitter: @richwindy
Richard is digital editor of Cycling Weekly. Joining the team in 2013, Richard became editor of the website in 2014 and coordinates site content and strategy, leading the news team in coverage of the world's biggest races and working with the tech editor to deliver comprehensive buying guides, reviews, and the latest product news.
An occasional racer, Richard spends most of his time preparing for long-distance touring rides these days, or getting out to the Surrey Hills on the weekend on his Specialized Tarmac SL6 (with an obligatory pub stop of course).
-
Trek USCX will host 4 consecutive UCI cyclocross race weekends on US soil
Trek becomes American UCI Cyclocross series title sponsor, adding a fourth race to the series in October at its headquarters in Waterloo, Wisconsin.
By Kristin Jenny Published
-
Lip service isn't good enough: here's what needs to change for cycling events to actually be inclusive
These are the key actions that make an event actually inclusive and do more than just lip service.
By Marley Blonsky Published
-
Giro d'Italia 2024 start list: Geraint Thomas to lead 'aggressive' Ineos Grenadiers
All the teams and riders for the 107th Giro d'Italia
By Adam Becket Published
-
'It was time to change': No regrets for Rod Ellingworth after leaving Ineos Grenadiers
New Tour of Britain race director says he is still on good terms with Dave Brailsford after resigning from team last year
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
'I’m just here to enjoy it': Tom Pidcock on his surprise Paris-Roubaix appearance
British rider was a late addition to the Ineos Grenadiers team for the race across the pavé
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
The art of peaking with Geraint Thomas: 'It’s easy to take for granted that 9 times out of 10 I hit my goals'
The Welshman also calls for better governance in the sport to help it grow further
By Chris Marshall-Bell Published
-
Ineos Grenadiers’ 500th victory was claimed by a woman; why do they still not have a team?
The British squad is one of the richest in cycling - but Ineos still won’t stump up for a women’s team
By Adam Becket Published
-
'This is so much more than a number': Six of the best Ineos Grenadiers wins as team claims 500th race victory
Pauline Ferrand-Prévot took the 500th team win at the weekend
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
Tom Pidcock 'wouldn’t be surprised' to see attacks before the Poggio at Milan-San Remo
British rider will lead the line for Ineos Grenadiers alongside Filippo Ganna
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
Ineos Grenadiers delighted with Egan Bernal’s late cameo on stage one of Paris-Nice
Colombian snapped up key bonus seconds in the general classification battle on run in to Les Mureaux
By Tom Thewlis Published