Joaquim Rodriguez will be present at the Vuelta a Espana in order to aim the podium. Indeed, Katusha team will bet on the veteran Spanish climber. Last month, he did some great performances at the Tour de France with two stage wins. He is confident and hopes to shine in his country.

"The team is very confident about ‘Purito’ and his chances at the Vuelta. The GC at the Tour didn’t go well, but he more than made up for it with two stage wins. That only makes him more ambitious for the Vuelta", Katusha sport director José Azevedo told VeloNews. 

Rodriguez was strong in Pyrenean climbs and took an emotional summit victory at Plateau de Beille in the Pyrénées. "To win a big mountain stage like that in the Tour says a lot about Joaquim, and the quality of rider he is. That victory meant more to him than a top 10 at the Tour. Only the best riders can win an important summit finish like that."

Acevedo confirmed Rodriguez will be better at the Vuelta a Espana. "Joaquim normally does better at the Vuelta than the Tour. The types of climbs are ideal for him. We will start with ambitions of reaching the podium. And who knows? Maybe more. The Vuelta field is very competitive, but I think Joaquim can still do better at the Vuelta than he did at the Tour. The Vuelta is going to be a big battle. We are confident."