Disaster for Mikel Landa: Vuelta Podium Hopes Unravel as Soudal Quick-Step Crosses Wires

Landa's Vuelta Hopes Dashed by Soudal Quick-Step's Miscommunication

Disaster struck for Mikel Landa in the ninth stage of the Vuelta a Espana, as his podium hopes were dashed by a costly error from his Soudal Quick-Step team.

In the closing kilometres of the stage, Landa found himself in a small group of favourites when Soudal Quick-Step attempted to lead out the sprint for Fabio Jakobsen. However, a miscommunication within the team resulted in Landa being left behind as Jakobsen launched his attack.

Soudal Quick-Step Apologises for Blunder

Soudal Quick-Step has since apologised for the error, with team manager Patrick Lefevere admitting that they "crossed wires" in the final moments of the stage.

Lefevere said: "We take full responsibility for what happened today. We crossed wires in the final and it cost Mikel Landa a chance to fight for the podium."

"We are very sorry to Mikel and we will learn from this mistake," Lefevere added.

Landa's Disappointment

Landa was understandably disappointed after the stage, admitting that he had been feeling good and was targeting a podium finish in Madrid.

Landa said: "I'm very disappointed. I felt good today and I was hoping to fight for the podium. But it wasn't to be."

"It's a shame that it ended this way, but I'll keep fighting and try to finish the Vuelta as high as possible," Landa added.