Thomas De Gendt – ‘I just need to get some freedom’ in his last Vuelta a España

Early on stage 6 of the Vuelta a España sharp-eyed fans will have noticed that a familiar figure was on the move for the breakaways, as specialist Thomas de Gendt tried his best to push clear in what will be his last ever Grand Tour.

The 37-year-old did not manage this time around. But as a rider whose ability to make breakaway succeeds now forms part of pro cycling’s urban legends, expectations remain high that the Lotto Dstny racer will at some point be off the front and battling for at least one last stage win.