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There were no major surprises Tuesday as the Vuelta a España confirmed four wildcards for the 2016 Spanish grand tour. Direct Energie, Cofidis, Bora – Argon 18, and Caja Rural – Seguros RGA received invitations to join 18 WorldTour teams for the Vuelta, August 20-September 11.
Caja Rural is Spain’s lone Pro Continental squad, and its return to the Vuelta comes following a strong 2015 edition, with Omar Fraile (now on Orica – GreenEdge) winning the best climber’s jersey. The team’s had a strong run in May, with Hugh Carthy winning the Vuelta a Asturias and two stages plus the overall at the Tour of Turkey. Caja Rural will be going on the attack as it tries to win its first Vuelta stage in franchise history.
Bora – Argon 18 is also set to start the Tour de France this summer. The German-based team is seeing big support from Vuelta owner ASO, especially with the Tour starting in Germany in 2017. Sprinter Sam Bennett and Jan Barta will give the team chances for stage wins.
Cofidis and Direct Energie, two French teams, also got the nod from the Paris-based ASO. Cofidis is a co-sponsor of the Vuelta, so it’s no surprise to see both of the French Pro Continental teams invited.
Once again, there are no Italian teams invited to the Spanish grand tour. Also locked out of the grand tour sweepstakes this season are such teams as Roompot – Oranje, Stölting Service Group, and CCC – Sprandi, which raced the Giro last year.