Four Kiwis will be involved in the last Grand Tour of the season, the Vuelta a España. The gruelling three-week race actually starts in France on Sunday morning (NZT), before shifting back to Spain.
- Kiwi cyclist Sam Bewley entering familiar territory in Spain
- Kiwi cyclist George Bennett still battling illness ahead of Vuelta a Espana
There are plenty of big names vying for the red jersey, including Tour de France champion Chris Froome, Fabio Aru and Vincenzo Nibali. This year's hilly course features multiple summit finishes, including a brutal climb up the notorious Alto de los Machucos on Stage 17.
From a New Zealand perspective, climbing star George Bennett will be joined on the start-line by Sam Bewley, Aaron Gate and Tom Scully. Here's everything you need to know about them.
Name: George Bennett
Team: LottoNL-Jumbo
Previous appearances: three (2014, 2015, 2016)
Bennett finished an impressive tenth at last year's Vuelta, but is likely to find it much tougher this time around. He's still battling the persistent illness that forced him to withdraw from the Tour de France, and his preparation has involved as much time in bed as on the bike.
He's entering the race with no expectations, and doesn't see himself as a contender in the general classification. Instead, he's focussed on getting another Grand Tour in the legs, and supporting team leader Steven Kruijswijk.
However, the Nelson rider is always one to watch in the mountains, and his different role means we could see him have a crack at getting in the breakaway and chasing a stage victory.
Name: Sam Bewley
Team: Orica-Scott
Previous appearances: three (2013, 2014, 2016)
The 30-year-old Bewley knows the Vuelta well, and his expertise will be a huge asset to his team. Bewley will one of their key 'domestiques', or support riders, tasked with getting general classification hopes Esteban Chaves and Adam Yates on the podium.
He'll be in the thick of it from day one and will play an important role in the opening team time-trial, setting the pace and trying to avoid losing any time to their rivals. He will also be a key man on the flatter stages, hammering away in the peloton and doing the hard work for his team.
Name: Aaron Gate
Team: Aqua Blue Sport
Previous appearances: zero
Gate is riding in his first Vuelta, and his first Grand Tour. It'll be a tough three weeks, but don't be surprised to see him getting amongst it on the sprint stages.
The 26-year-old's been a top performer for New Zealand on the track, at one point the world champion in the omnium, and he has the speed to impress. He's riding for new Irish team Aqua Blue Sport, who have been given a wildcard entry into the race.
Gate will be working closely with British rider Adam Blythe in the sprints, acting as one of the lead-out men. He'll also be supporting the other members of the team, and will look to have a crack at getting in the breakaway.
Name: Tom Scully
Team: Cannondale-Drapac
Previous appearances: zero
Like Gate, this is Scully's debut Vuelta and Grand Tour. The 27-year-old is a powerful rider, with two pro stage wins to his name. He's part of a youthful Cannondale-Drapac team, featuring four Grand Tour rookies.
Scully has shown off his time-trialing skills in the past, and looks set for an action-packed three weeks. His team are looking for stage wins, and that should give Scully a chance to try and get in the breakaway and shake things up.
However, it'll be interesting to see what condition he's in, as he hasn't raced for over a month.
Newshub.
