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

Mikel Landa on a donkey Photo : Yuzuru SUNADA

(Image credit: Yuzuru SUNADA)

By Richard Windsor , Cycling Weekly 2015-08-25T12:19:36Z

ARASHIRO Yukiya036p — Yukiya Arashiro takes his polka-dot dog for a ride.

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.

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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.

VERONA Carlos001p — Carlos Verona goes side saddle

MONTAGUTI Matteo001pp — Matteo Montaguti takes his chance in the spotlight. The rider behind looks less than impressed.

LOSADA Alberto002p — There's even a queue forming behind Alberto Losada...

KING-HOWES002p — Ben King and Alex Howes take their donkey riding seriously.

DUQUE Leonardo Fabio001p — Leonardo Duque says he's just doing it for the kid, but we really know it's for him

And finally...

ARU Fabio004p — Fabio Aru takes his turn, as Vincenzo Nibali curses his luck that he got disqualified before the donkey day

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

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