There's something oddly brilliant about professional cyclists sitting on a donkey

Sit back and enjoy a bizarre selection of photos from the Vuelta a España by Yuzuru Sunada

LANDA Mikel001pp
Mikel Landa on a donkey Photo : Yuzuru SUNADA
(Image credit: Yuzuru SUNADA)
By Cycling Weekly, Richard Windsor
published

ARASHIRO Yukiya036p

Yukiya Arashiro takes his polka-dot dog for a ride.
(Image credit: Yuzuru SUNADA)

We've all been thinking it, waiting, wondering, longing. When, oh when were we finally going to get the opportunity to see professional cyclists posing on a decorated (and decidedly miserable) donkey?

Well the wait is finally over, as the Vuelta a España organisers set about rectifying this at the start of stage three in Mijas on Monday. Ever wanted to see Sammy Sanchez sit on a glammed up equine while simultaneously being hugged by a man dressed up in an orange donkey suit? Here's your chance.

>>> Twitter reacts to Vincenzo Nibali’s Vuelta a España disqualification

Imagine if the Premier League made Wayne Rooney pose with a overly decorated cow outside Old Trafford before the start of a game. It just wouldn't happen. Which pretty much sums-up the eccentric brilliance you definitely should love about this sport.

SANCHEZ Samuel001p

Sammy's enjoying it. But not as much as that guy in the orange suit.
(Image credit: Yuzuru SUNADA)

VERONA Carlos001p

Carlos Verona goes side saddle
(Image credit: Yuzuru SUNADA)

MONTAGUTI Matteo001pp

Matteo Montaguti takes his chance in the spotlight. The rider behind looks less than impressed.
(Image credit: Yuzuru SUNADA)

LOSADA Alberto002p

There's even a queue forming behind Alberto Losada...
(Image credit: Yuzuru SUNADA)

LANDA Mikel001pp

Mikel Landa gets aero on his ass
(Image credit: Yuzuru SUNADA)

KING-HOWES002p

Ben King and Alex Howes take their donkey riding seriously.
(Image credit: Yuzuru SUNADA)

DUQUE Leonardo Fabio001p

Leonardo Duque says he's just doing it for the kid, but we really know it's for him
(Image credit: Yuzuru SUNADA)

And finally...

ARU Fabio004p

Fabio Aru takes his turn, as Vincenzo Nibali curses his luck that he got disqualified before the donkey day
(Image credit: Yuzuru SUNADA)

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Founded in 1891, Cycling Weekly and its team of expert journalists brings cyclists in-depth reviews, extensive coverage of both professional and domestic racing, as well as fitness advice and 'brew a cuppa and put your feet up' features. Cycling Weekly serves its audience across a range of platforms, from good old-fashioned print to online journalism, and video.

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