2024 Vuelta a Espana Stage 12 | Highlights

Report

Pablo Castrillo delivered a historic win for Equipo Kern Pharma in the Vuelta a España, securing the team’s first-ever stage victory in a Grand Tour. The triumph came on a poignant day, marked by the memory of Manolo Azcona, the team’s founder and long-time supporter, who passed away earlier.

Castrillo’s victory at the Estación de Montaña de Manzaneda was the result of a determined solo attack in the final kilometers. Despite the emotional weight of the day, the team was motivated to honor Azcona’s legacy with their performance.

From the start, Equipo Kern Pharma riders, including Pablo Castrillo and Pau Miquel, were active in trying to join the breakaway. Castrillo eventually made it into a high-caliber group of ten riders. On the final climb, he launched a decisive attack with ten kilometers to go, maintaining a half-minute lead to the finish.

Reflecting on his win, Castrillo said, “After the announcement of Manolo’s passing, we had that sadness but also the motivation to be in the breakaway and try to win. Achieving this victory has been incredible and very emotional, and we were able to dedicate it to him.”

Juanjo Oroz, manager of Equipo Kern Pharma, expressed pride in the team’s unity and dedication, saying, “If life and Manolo have taught us anything, it’s to be good people and to constantly fight, believe, and strive for what we want. We are very proud of the work we have done and continue to do. We are a team that feels, trusts, is very united and focused. That’s how we came to La Vuelta, that’s how we showed ourselves today, and that’s how we dedicated this victory to Manolo.”

This victory marks a significant milestone for Equipo Kern Pharma, and they look forward to many more successes together.

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