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
![](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/eRfUkNqREYCRZPf3pWun9W-415-80.jpg)
David de la Cruz wins stage eight of Paris-Nice (AFP/Getty Images)
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).
-
How to watch the Olympic cycling time trial at Paris 2024
Get all the information you need to watch the action of the men's and women's Olympic cycling time trial at Paris 2024
By Cat Glowinski Published
-
Ribble Cycles looking to capitalise on 'big summer of sport' with 30% off highly-rated models
Direct-to-consumer Ribble Cycles has always been rated highly among the Cycling Weekly tech team. This is our pick of the best Road, Gravel and E-bikes from their 'Summer Sale'
By Matt Ischt-Barnard Published
-
It's time to stop expecting so much of Ineos Grenadiers at the Tour de France
The British team are always under pressure to match their past best, but it’s not going to happen anytime soon
By Adam Becket Published
-
Tom Pidcock says Ineos Grenadiers will be 'better' at the Tour de France without Steve Cummings
Netflix series depicted tension between the DS and rider, dynamic sources told Cycling Weekly carries a degree of accuracy
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
Tom Pidcock 'dreaming' of taking yellow jersey on opening weekend of Tour de France
British rider hopes to play starring role in Italian Grand Départ
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
'I think I'll get the opportunity to go for a stage' - Geraint Thomas relishing support role at Tour de France
Former yellow jersey winner says this year's race "could be my last"
By Tom Davidson Published
-
Carlos Rodríguez to lead Ineos Grenadiers at Tour de France, supported by Geraint Thomas and Tom Pidcock
British squad will aim to "race aggressively and disrupt" at the French Grand Tour
By Adam Becket Published
-
21 things you didn't know about Tom Pidcock
According to the man himself, he's never had a hangover. It's alright for some.
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
Tom Pidcock adds extra mountain bike race to schedule, one week before Tour de France
Pidcock confirms he will race World Cup event in Crans Montana, Switzerland ahead of Olympic title defence
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
5 things we learned from the first week of the 2024 Giro d’Italia
The Italian Grand Tour is firmly underway and Tadej Pogačar is in the pink jersey. Here are our takeaways from the first week of action
By Tom Thewlis Published