Gall targets Vuelta podium in final week
Monday 7th September 2026 on 18:15 in
Austria
Felix Gall is aiming to secure another Grand Tour podium as the Vuelta enters its final week, ORF reported. The Austrian is second overall, 2 minutes and 6 seconds behind leader Enric Mas, with several difficult stages remaining in Andalusia.
Gall moved ahead of Primoz Roglic last week, but the four time Vuelta winner is only four seconds behind him. Gall expects to lose significant time to Roglic and Mas in the flat 32 kilometre time trial.
“The second place is nice, but I expect to lose it to Primoz in the time trial,” Gall said during the last rest day. “Then the question is what happens on the final two hard stages.”
Richard Carapaz and Oscar Onley are already further behind and are not considered immediate threats. Gall said he had focused on building a buffer over the riders behind him.
Gall expects to be third after the time trial and believes the standings may not change much during the following mountain stages. He described Saturday’s stage as extremely difficult, but said it remained uncertain how willing the riders would be to attack and take risks.
The absence of teammate Gregor Mühlberger, who withdrew before the weekend, has affected Gall’s ambitions. “Gregor cannot really be replaced,” Gall said, adding that the loss had reduced his confidence in taking the offensive.
Temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius have also tested the field. Gall said 34 riders had already abandoned the race and described the conditions as extreme. Temperatures are expected to ease in the coming days, with readings above 30 degrees forecast only in some places.
Mas has been stronger than Gall since race favourite Tadej Pogacar crashed out. Gall said Mas was riding better than ever, but added that he would continue to focus on getting the most from his own performances.
A podium finish would be a major success for Gall, although victory appears unlikely. Mas is also seeking his first Grand Tour title after finishing second three times at the Vuelta and third in 2024. If the race remains close after the final mountain stage, Gall expects a tense final circuit in Granada on Sunday.