Racing

Hugh Carthy to make Grand Tour debut at Vuelta a Espana

Rising British star named in Caja Rural-Seguros line-up after strong season

Hugh Carthy will make his Grand Tour debut at the Vuelta a Espana after being named in Caja Rural-Seguros’ nine-man line-up for the race.

Preston-born Carthy, 22, is stepping up to WorldTour level with Cannondale-Drapac next year, and will have a chance to impress his new bosses when he goes toe-to-toe with the WorldTour’s best riders at the season’s final Grand Tour.

Carthy’s place in the Caja Rural-Seguros’ line-up is reward for a strong season to date, which has included a stage win and overall victory at the Vuelta Asturias and the jersey of best young rider at the Volta a Catalunya.

Hugh Carthy will make his Grand Tour debut at the Vuelta a Espana (Pic: Sirotti)

Directeur Sportif Eugenio Goikoetxea says the team will be targeting a stage win to cap their season, alongside bidding for exposure in the breakaways as is typical of the UCI ProContinental teams.

He is one of three Brits confirmed for the race so far, with Tour de France champion Chris Froome and Peter Kennaugh lining up for Team Sky.

Simon Yates could also join them, having been named on Orica-BikeExchange’s long list for the race after missing the Tour de France through suspension.

Carthy will be joined in Spain by veteran former Giro d’Italia runner-up David Arroyo, 36, while Pello Bilbao and Jose Goncalves will bid to go one better than their respective second places on stages at last year’s race.

Angel Madrazo, a former Tour of Britain King of the Mountains, is another likely to spend plenty of time in the breakaway, as is Lluis Guillermo Mas who wore the spotted jersey for a big chunk of the 2014 Vuelta.

Eduard Prades and Jaime Roson join Carthy in making their Grand Tour debut, and the team is completed by Sergio Pardilla, who finished third at the Vuelta a Burgos, just one second behind winner Alberto Contador, after victory on the final stage.

Carthy will join Cannondale-Drapac next year, and has an early chance to impress his new employers (pic: Sirotti)

Caja Rural-Seguros team for 2016 Vuelta a Espana

Hugh Carthy (GBR)
David Arroyo (ESP)
Pello Bilbao (ESP)
Jose Goncalves (POR)
Angel Madrazo (ESP)
Lluis Guillermo Mas (ESP)
Sergio Pardilla (ESP)
Eduard Prades (ESP)
Jaime Roson (ESP)