UAE Team Emirates duo keep their cool after Vingegaard's opening move

“It was a bit of a chaotic day,” Almeida admitted. “The rain came in the final, there was a crash, people were nervous, but we managed to stay safe and in a good position. Me and Juan went full gas, and in the end also Marc [Soler]. I think we did quite well, the others were just stronger. The first uphill finish is always a weird feeling, but we’ll keep pushing. Tomorrow’s another tricky final. I think it’s all about the legs, and it’s going to be hectic.”

Ayuso, racing his third Vuelta at just 22, struck a similar note of patience. “It’s a tricky day because it’s such a fast climb, so it’s hard to see where everybody’s at,” he said. “It was the first small test and I think I passed it. Each day I hope to keep improving towards Andorra and Ceuta, which will be the first real tests of the race.” 

Asked whether Vingegaard’s victory was already a sign of dominance, Ayuso was quick to resist that notion. “I hope not,” he said with a smile. “He was the favorite today and he proved it. But our stages for me and João are still to come, the race hasn’t really started. There’s a lot still to play for.” 

The Spaniard also pointed to Vingegaard’s proven versatility. “You saw at the Tour how he can react to Tadej [Pogačar], who is the best rider in the world. He has it in him. I was a bit doubtful after his crash, because you never know if it affects you, but he showed it didn’t.” 

For UAE Emirates, stage 2 was less about conclusions and more about rhythm. "I think it's too early to, to take out any conclusions,” Ayuso said. “But, it's good to get the race rhythm back and keep training for the coming days."

With Andorra looming later in the week, both Almeida and Ayuso appear content to let Vingegaard strike first, convinced their own chances will come once the Vuelta turns to its harder terrain.