Events

La Vuelta

**The National Day of Spain - What is it?**

The National Day of Spain (Fiesta Nacional de España) takes place each year on 12th October. It's a day when Spain celebrates its unique history, culture and achievements. Symbolically chosen for the day when Christopher Columbus first set foot in the Americas in 1492, it is an opportunity for Spain to celebrate its important legacy at home and around the world. It is a celebration of global unity and community.

And it's a great excuse to have a party. Because everyone loves a party right?

 

**Why we Want to Celebrate**

In this spirit, ROUVY is running a [virtual 5 day fiesta](https://rouvy.com/series/national-day-of-spain?_ga=2.266778894.1612673440.1675088313-1863005696.1636630121&_gac=1.86538730.1671526006.Cj0KCQiA14WdBhD8ARIsANao07jOofwnynx4j_Pi7n_QvnDF6TZhtrDnfe1tw5JjtMWwmAIAj5Jt-VcaAmFfEALw_wcB) of cycling using [routes from La Vuelta](https://rouvy.com/routes/la-vuelta?_ga=2.266778894.1612673440.1675088313-1863005696.1636630121&_gac=1.86538730.1671526006.Cj0KCQiA14WdBhD8ARIsANao07jOofwnynx4j_Pi7n_QvnDF6TZhtrDnfe1tw5JjtMWwmAIAj5Jt-VcaAmFfEALw_wcB). It's a chance for you to compete on some of the most famous cycling routes in the world. ROUVY ambassadors José Hermida and Lauren Wolff will be leading the group rides. At the same time we are giving away goodies and prizes that all entrants who finish a route can win. 
It's also a chance for you to experience a taste of the Spanish landscape in all its beauty. 
How can you say no to an opportunity like that?



**Spain's Passion for Cycling**

Like much of the rest of the world, Spain has seen a big boom in cycling in recent years (especially amongst women!) as people discover the multiple benefits of indoor and outdoor riding. 
 
But Spain's connection to cycling is a deep one. Many Spanish cyclists have won the Tour de France over the years and in Miguel Indurain, they have a national hero who won the Tour 5 consecutive times between '91 and '95 as well as many other honours. This has inspired a whole new generation of cyclists to get on their bikes.
 
![Photo credit:Unipublic_Charly_Lopez](https://cdn.rouvy.com/blog/495/20212208VUE032-Unipublic-Charly-Lopezy8mj1aap8.jpeg)
 Photo credit:Unipublic_Charly_Lopez


**La Vuelta a España**

This national passion has helped [La Vuelta](https://rouvy.com/series/la-vuelta-virtual?_ga=2.35623969.1612673440.1675088313-1863005696.1636630121&_gac=1.254696698.1671526006.Cj0KCQiA14WdBhD8ARIsANao07jOofwnynx4j_Pi7n_QvnDF6TZhtrDnfe1tw5JjtMWwmAIAj5Jt-VcaAmFfEALw_wcB) to become one of the most prestigious events in the cycling calendar and is now firmly established as a Grand Tour in Europe along with the Tour de France and Giro d'Italia.

The first event took place in 1935 and over the years, the race has reinvented itself to find its own special character. Initially the race struggled to find popular appeal as the routes were through flat, uninspiring urban areas. But then the organisers decided to move the routes into the rural areas of the Spanish heartland and suddenly it became more attractive to riders and audiences - both at home and around the world. Now the race also ventures into mountain areas with the infamous [Angliru](https://my.rouvy.com/virtual-routes/detail/57622?_ga=2.35623969.1612673440.1675088313-1863005696.1636630121&_gac=1.254696698.1671526006.Cj0KCQiA14WdBhD8ARIsANao07jOofwnynx4j_Pi7n_QvnDF6TZhtrDnfe1tw5JjtMWwmAIAj5Jt-VcaAmFfEALw_wcB) (a.k.a. The Mount Olympus of Cycling) rivalling anything the Alps can offer in terms of formidable challenges.

For many years it was mainly Spanish riders who competed but as the reputation and appeal of the race grew, more and more riders from around the world were drawn to take part. Today it has a truly international attraction, drawing the best riders around the globe. That's why it connects so well with the spirit of the [National Day of Spain](https://rouvy.com/series/national-day-of-spain?_ga=2.35623969.1612673440.1675088313-1863005696.1636630121&_gac=1.254696698.1671526006.Cj0KCQiA14WdBhD8ARIsANao07jOofwnynx4j_Pi7n_QvnDF6TZhtrDnfe1tw5JjtMWwmAIAj5Jt-VcaAmFfEALw_wcB).


**Meet your Ambassadors**

One of the many wonders of the ROUVY indoor cycling experience is the ability to let you ride and connect with some of the best cyclists in the world. 
 
For the [Group Ride](https://rouvy.com/events/groupRide/95884?_ga=2.35623969.1612673440.1675088313-1863005696.1636630121&_gac=1.254696698.1671526006.Cj0KCQiA14WdBhD8ARIsANao07jOofwnynx4j_Pi7n_QvnDF6TZhtrDnfe1tw5JjtMWwmAIAj5Jt-VcaAmFfEALw_wcB) on October 13th at 18.00 CEST, we are super-excited to be joined by ROUVY ambassador **José Hermida**, a native of the Spanish city of Girona and a living legend who specialises in competitive mountain biking.
Jose won the silver medal at the 2004 Olympics after a 4th place in the 2000 Olympics. He has multiple gold medals under his belt for 4 World Cups, 4 EU Championships and 6 World Cups.
But even with all these accomplishments, he's always down to earth and friendly. José led a Group Ride with us on La Vuelta Virtual and he was [buckets of fun](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lFLej68X9C8&feature=youtu.be&ab_channel=ROUVY) so expect more of the same. 
 
 
![Alt](https://cdn.rouvy.com/blog/495/joseHujh41tk9v.jpeg)

 
 
[Lauren Wolff](https://rouvy.com/ambassador/lauren-wolff?_ga=2.238018048.1612673440.1675088313-1863005696.1636630121&_gac=1.60192479.1671526006.Cj0KCQiA14WdBhD8ARIsANao07jOofwnynx4j_Pi7n_QvnDF6TZhtrDnfe1tw5JjtMWwmAIAj5Jt-VcaAmFfEALw_wcB) will lead the closing [Group Ride](https://rouvy.com/events/groupRide/95885?_ga=2.238018048.1612673440.1675088313-1863005696.1636630121&_gac=1.60192479.1671526006.Cj0KCQiA14WdBhD8ARIsANao07jOofwnynx4j_Pi7n_QvnDF6TZhtrDnfe1tw5JjtMWwmAIAj5Jt-VcaAmFfEALw_wcB) on October 16th. Born and raised in South Africa, Lauren is now based in Belgium. She's been a passionate cyclist and triathlete all her life with several podium positions in real life and on ROUVY.

You probably also know her as one of the key contributors on ROUVY's social media and web pages. Her inspiring posts on Rouvy routes and challenges have opened up the world of indoor cycling to many. We're proud to have her as an Ambassador and now's your chance to ride with her and say hello.
 

 ![Alt](https://cdn.rouvy.com/blog/495/Lauren-Piedmont6v8jcgqa15dm8.jpeg)


**Prizes Galore!**

Some people ride to win, some people ride for enjoyment and some people ride to stay fit. Whatever your motivation, these rides aim to combine fun, fitness and a competitive edge. 
And if you need a little extra push, as an additional bonus we'll be handing out free giveaways on each ride of a genuine Santini La Vuelta jersey as well as a bunch of free subscriptions. Everyone who finishes a route has a chance of winning so don't miss out. 

Everyone's a winner with ROUVY so we'll also give out free virtual La Vuelta jerseys to all finishing entrants.
 
![Alt](https://cdn.rouvy.com/blog/495/c3624002-3688-4f1e-a93c-b48b21a2b7b003eb1yfct.jpeg)
 
**The Schedule**

La Vuelta is famed for its challenging climbs and its wild unpredictability. So we've created five brand new classic routes for you to really get a feel of the race and the rugged contrasts and beauty of the Spanish landscape.
We've got 2 group rides and 3 races in 4 time zones so there's something for everyone and here's the schedule.
 

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**RACE  - Wednesday 12.10.22 @ [04:00](https://my.rouvy.com/online-zavody/detail/95785), [13:00](https://my.rouvy.com/online-zavody/detail/95786), [18:00](https://my.rouvy.com/online-zavody/detail/95787), [0:00](https://my.rouvy.com/online-zavody/detail/95788) CEST**

**La Vuelta 2022 | Stage 14 - Jaén**

https://my.rouvy.com/virtual-routes/detail/93332 

The mountain goats will enjoy this course profile in the south of Spain, where we head to Jaén on a rolling course where you’ll wind your way through rugged terrain and vast stretches of olive groves. The provincial capital of Jaén has the most significant number of protected spaces, castles and fortresses in Spain. There are three rolling climbs, the last being the longest, passing the ancient and Renaissance-style Cathedral de Jaén and ending at the Mirador Los Villares in the green jersey.

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**GROUP RIDE - Thursday 13.10.22  @ [18.00](https://my.rouvy.com/group-ride/detail/95884) CEST  (with José Hermida)**

**La Vuelta 2022 | Stage 11 - Cabo de Gata**

https://my.rouvy.com/virtual-routes/detail/93790
 
Our race journey on this 24,7km segment in the deep south of Spain is on a slightly rolling but primarily flat profile, starting and ending on the coast. You'll make your way through the natural park of Cabo de Gata or Cape Cat near Almería. The naturally arid landscape creates a desert-like lunar landscape in contrast with the tropical coastline, seen briefly around the 3km mark. Grab a wheel and draft on this fast and flat course, and finish with a well earned white jersey for your avatar. 

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**RACE - Friday 14.10.22 @ [04:00](https://my.rouvy.com/online-zavody/detail/95789), [13:00](https://my.rouvy.com/online-zavody/detail/95790), [18:00](https://my.rouvy.com/onlinerace/live/95791?_ga=2.6658354.1612673440.1675088313-1863005696.1636630121&_gac=1.15767236.1671526006.Cj0KCQiA14WdBhD8ARIsANao07jOofwnynx4j_Pi7n_QvnDF6TZhtrDnfe1tw5JjtMWwmAIAj5Jt-VcaAmFfEALw_wcB), [00:00](https://my.rouvy.com/online-zavody/detail/95792) CEST**

**La Vuelta 2022 | Stage 18 - Alto de Piornal**

https://my.rouvy.com/virtual-routes/detail/93411 
 
Puerto del Piornal is a manageable and gradual climb in the region of Extremadura, in the municipality located in the province of Cáceres in the west and central part of Spain. After a scenic and flat initial 6km, the climb begins and continues in beautiful surroundings with spectacular panoramic views until the summit. Over the 20km route, you ascend just over 800m, climb several switchbacks, and summit in the blue polka-dot jersey.

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**RACE  - Saturday 15.10.22 @ [03:00](https://my.rouvy.com/online-zavody/detail/95793), [10:00](https://my.rouvy.com/onlinerace/live/95794?_ga=2.6656050.1612673440.1675088313-1863005696.1636630121&_gac=1.19823690.1671526006.Cj0KCQiA14WdBhD8ARIsANao07jOofwnynx4j_Pi7n_QvnDF6TZhtrDnfe1tw5JjtMWwmAIAj5Jt-VcaAmFfEALw_wcB), [15:00](https://my.rouvy.com/online-zavody/detail/95795), [19:00](https://my.rouvy.com/online-zavody/detail/95796) CEST**

**La Vuelta 2022 | Stage 18 - Plasencia**

https://my.rouvy.com/virtual-routes/detail/93683
 
Ride over a lumpy course crossing the Jerte river and then make your way through the ancient city of Plasencia, known for its medieval walls and old quarter. You'll step back in time as you ride past the stone remnants of the 13th-century Romanesque fortress wall and 15th-century renaissance-style cathedral that once surrounded the city. Explore the rocky and oak-covered Spanish province of Extremadura along the Ruta de la Plata, and finish the route in the red leader’s jersey.
 

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**GROUP RIDE - Sunday 16.10.22   @ [18.00](https://my.rouvy.com/group-ride/live/95885?_ga=2.6282291.1612673440.1675088313-1863005696.1636630121&_gac=1.25063880.1671526006.Cj0KCQiA14WdBhD8ARIsANao07jOofwnynx4j_Pi7n_QvnDF6TZhtrDnfe1tw5JjtMWwmAIAj5Jt-VcaAmFfEALw_wcB) CEST (with Lauren Wolff)**

**La Vuelta 2022 | Stage 13 - Montilla**

https://my.rouvy.com/virtual-routes/detail/93678 
 
Explore this flat route with very short bumps along the way, starting and ending near the town of Montilla in the rural region of Andalusia situated in the Province of Córdoba. The historic and centuries-old area is famous for its wines and olive oil, so you will see vast stretches of vineyards and olive groves as you ride along this fast course finishing in the white jersey.

 ![Alt](https://cdn.rouvy.com/blog/495/Screenshot-2022-10-07-at-14.10.30oadi1d5e0.png)


**So choose your route, pack some snacks and liquids and we hope you'll join us for this very special event!**

### VENGA!

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La vuelta national day of Spain join the 5 day fiesta with ROUVY

Community

### The first La Vuelta Virtual in 2022 was an incredible success. So many people were involved and so many friendships and memories were created that will last forever. 
### But for one person, it was more memorable than most. Ward Simons was one of 10 qualifying competitors on the podium in Madrid competing in the Grand Final of La Vuelta Virtual 2022, which included 300 other riders riding remotely from around the world. Ward Simons describes himself as an 'ordinary guy', but after winning the in-person Grand Final of La Vuelta Virtual 2022, he's a little less ordinary. We spoke to the humble pharmacist after the event to ask him about his life, his passion for cycling and his experience in Madrid.
 
 
**Hello Ward and first of all, huge congratulations on your success in Madrid! Could you tell us a little about yourself and your background?**

I'm 36 years old and live in Sint-Katelijne-Waver in Flanders, Belgium. I grew up in a traditional Flemish family and today, together with my partner Ina, we have 3 little children. I work as a pharmacist in my own pharmacy.

 

How did you get into cycling? What is it about the sport that you love the most?
 

When I was growing up, cycling was always very popular in our family. We always watched the big races together on television like the [Flemish spring classics](https://blog.rouvy.com/en/490/464-Tour-of-Flanders---a-Belgian-day-of-pride-on-the-pav%C3%A9) - Paris-Roubaix, the World Championships. Although I loved watching cycling, I never did it myself when I was young and that's something I regret now. Like most of the kids I played football in the local football club.
But I started riding my bike from time to time when I started working and slowly got more into it.

A lot of things attract me in this sport, which for me is the most beautiful sport in the world. I enjoy the physical battle, man to man, in the final of the race on famous climbs like the Kwaremont, the Muur van Geraardsbergen, the Cauberg, the Kemmelberg or the cobbles from Carrefour de l’arbre or le Bois de Wallers-Arenberg. The scenery is also beautiful to watch, especially mountain stages. In recent years, since I started cycling myself, the scientific part of training is also very interesting.

Cycling, for me, goes back to the origin of sports: competing physically against each other. But in a public environment with innovative, modern tools (the bikes), surrounded by scientific data like wattage and aerodynamics.

 
**How did you start using Rouvy? What have your experiences been with it so far?**

In 2014 I achieved a big cycling goal by finishing La Marmotte Gran fondo, But in the following years I started my own pharmacy, and we had kids and started to build our house. Because of this, I had little time left for cycling. But I was really missing it and I felt like I was getting out of shape so I started using ROUVY in October 2020.

I really liked using ROUVY from the beginning. I raced all the famous courses that I knew from watching professional cycling. After a working day, I enjoyed riding a course like this in my pain cave. It is easy, you just choose a course and you start pedalling for 45 minutes to 1 hour. The first months I did this a couple of times a week and I felt I was getting stronger daily. By the end of 2020, I did my first races as well. The more I did it, the more I liked it. In 2021 I participated in more races, started to listen to podcasts about training and started to build workouts. Every 3 to 4 months I do a FTP test. I always set a new goal and try to keep improving my FTP. ROUVY is a perfect partner for achieving this.

 
![Photo Credit: Ward Simons](https://cdn.rouvy.com/blog/490/photo-W-Simons5bbu1tw20.jpeg)

Photo Credit: Ward Simons


**So you ride indoors more than outdoors? Even in the summer?**
 

As I am really time-crunched, I practically only ride indoors. I get home from work after 7 PM. Then I try to eat as quickly as possible and help to get the kids in bed. During the weekends, I spent my time during the day with my family. Cycling happens in the morning or evening, inside. Sometimes when we go on a weekend trip I take my bike and then during our summer vacation in Austria and Italy this year I finally found some time to ride properly outdoors.


**What were your expectations going into the La Vuelta Virtual Grand Final and how did you prepare for it?**

I qualified for the podium race back in July. I didn’t have specific expectations for the final and thought I would just let it come to me, though of course I really wanted to do my best for it. But the timing of the race was fortunate as we had our summer vacation the last 2 weeks of August and I did a lot of cycling around [Lake Garda](https://my.rouvy.com/virtual-routes/detail/79442?_ga=2.35494177.1612673440.1675088313-1863005696.1636630121&_gac=1.49126868.1671526006.Cj0KCQiA14WdBhD8ARIsANao07jOofwnynx4j_Pi7n_QvnDF6TZhtrDnfe1tw5JjtMWwmAIAj5Jt-VcaAmFfEALw_wcB). The week we got back, I did my intervals every evening and on Sunday a last long ride, the [Mt. Ventoux Circle II](https://my.rouvy.com/virtual-routes/detail/36772?_ga=2.35494177.1612673440.1675088313-1863005696.1636630121&_gac=1.49126868.1671526006.Cj0KCQiA14WdBhD8ARIsANao07jOofwnynx4j_Pi7n_QvnDF6TZhtrDnfe1tw5JjtMWwmAIAj5Jt-VcaAmFfEALw_wcB) on ROUVY. I think the training volume of the last 2 weeks made the difference that made it possible for me to deliver the best values I have ever had during the Grand Finale.



**Tell us a little about your thoughts while you were racing. When did you start to believe you might win?**

My plan was to just race without looking at my direct opponents. I know in an e race you have to start as fast as possible, so from the beginning I had to give almost everything I had. The eventual remote winner of the race Carlo Calcagni went hard from the beginning. But with two other riders that I know, (Anton Sommer and Jean Carlotti - two of the best ROUVY riders who are stronger than me) we could make a small group. I knew the longer I could stay with these two, the harder it would be for some of the other podium riders to catch me. I saw my lead was increasing, so I knew without a real breakdown the win would be possible. In the last kilometre, Sommer and I dropped Carlotti. I had to sprint with Sommer but my legs were nearly empty. Nevertheless I was very happy because it was the first time I could compete with them until the end.

 
![Photo Credit - Sergi Colome](https://cdn.rouvy.com/blog/490/3-LV-Virtual-on-Rouvy-C-SergiColome-SCC6306-1iexk5n4s.jpeg)


Photo Credit - Sergi Colome



**And what were your feelings when you finally won?**

I was very satisfied with my performance. Especially because I delivered my best values. As I said, I always set new goals in improving, so my main opponent is myself. In a race I always start like it's possible to win. Because that is what makes the races the most fun. But it depends a lot on the quality of the opponents. But that is very relative, because everybody doesn’t have the opportunity to train as much as others. That's why I always look at my own values first.

My satisfaction was really boosted because of the atmosphere. It was a fantastic set up, with the big stage, the live presenter, the fellow riders all wearing the ROUVY shirt and the presence of my girlfriend and youngest son. I felt a little bit like a professional cyclist. We had to bring our own pedals and shoes. It was the first time I travelled with pedals in my hand luggage! 1,5 hour before the race we had to prepare our bike, the paddles were mounted and we logged into the Rouvy platform. Everybody was wearing the official ROUVY shirt and you could start to feel the tension building.

 ![Photo Credit - Sergi Colome](https://cdn.rouvy.com/blog/490/C-SergiColome-SCC6451-1jiv7199h4.jpeg)

Photo Credit - Sergi Colome

 
**Did you have any idea you'd share a stage with Remco Evenepoel? That must have been surreal, especially as you are both Belgian. What did he say to you?**

Some minutes before the race, we were told the winner would have a picture together with Remco Evenepoel, later in the evening. But there were no details as to the circumstances. The funny thing is, in the morning we had a call with my two other children and the first thing my oldest son asked was,  ”do you have a picture with Evenepoel”. That was something that was going through my mind when I realised I was going to win.

During the big podium ceremony, I was waiting, together with somebody from Rouvy in the VIP area. Suddenly people of the Vuelta organisation called me to go to the stage. 10 seconds later I was standing on the big stage next to Remco. On the stage, there was no time to have a chat. He was in his winning podium haze and all the cameras were fixed on us. I only asked if he wanted a dry red shirt because his was soaking wet with champagne. I noticed he was surprised I asked it in Dutch. And of course I congratulated him with his historic victory.


![Ward with Remco Evenepoel.          Photo Credit: Unipublic _ Sprint Cycling Agency](https://cdn.rouvy.com/blog/490/2-LV-Virtual-Winner-Credit-Unipublic-Sprint-Cycling-Agency-xhme1qhw6.jpeg)

Ward with Remco Evenepoel.          Photo Credit: Unipublic _ Sprint Cycling Agency
 
 
**What was the most special memory for you from the whole experience?**

I have two. First of all, the weekend in its totality. On Saturday my girlfriend and I, together with our youngest son, had a city trip day enjoying the beautiful city of Madrid. On Sunday we had the amazing La Vuelta experience with the Grand Final and afterwards the VIP Area with drinks and food in the middle of the Paseo del Prado. We also had some drinks with fellow ROUVY riders. I remember one of them saying “I wish this day would never end”. This makes it clear what an extraordinary experience it was.

The second special memory is a more symbolic one. Belgium, and especially Flanders, is the most cycling crazy country. We’ve had the biggest cycling champions and the most popular races, like the Tour of Flanders, [Gent – Wevelgem](https://my.rouvy.com/virtual-routes/detail/71421?_ga=2.267744654.1612673440.1675088313-1863005696.1636630121&_gac=1.85297899.1671526006.Cj0KCQiA14WdBhD8ARIsANao07jOofwnynx4j_Pi7n_QvnDF6TZhtrDnfe1tw5JjtMWwmAIAj5Jt-VcaAmFfEALw_wcB), Liege-Bastogne-Liege,...  Strangely enough it took us 44 years to have another grand tour winner. We even had a special talk show on television about it, that it was finally going to happen again. It is absolutely incredible that I was on that stage with that Belgian champion.


**For the future, Ward plans to simply carry on enjoying his cycling, both indoor and outdoor. We hope to see him at La Vuelta Virtual in 2023!**

![Ward Simons - A Real Rider](https://cdn.rouvy.com/blog/490/1-LV-Virtual-Winner-Ward-Simons0pha1m4je.jpeg)
Ward Simons - A Real Rider

 

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Ward Simons: an ordinary guy who had an extraordinary experience at La Vuelta virtual

*La Vuelta Virtual just entered its second half with its third race (Stage 6 of La Vuelta); and as you may have noticed, there are two new great challenges. Let’s take a deeper look at how Conor Dunne and Manon Lloyd did during their rides on Rouvy and see if you can beat them!*

**Can you challenge Conor?**

*‘I managed to complete the route in 52 minutes and 14 seconds, which I’m pretty happy about, but I’m challenging you to give it a go’*, said Conor after he finished Stage 2 of La Vuelta on his Wahoo Kickr. With this result, the former pro stands about in the middle of the leaderboard; so it is difficult but not unrealistic to beat him. And if you do beat him, it’s simply awesome, and if you don’t, you would have still completed the GCN & LA VUELTA #1 challenge!

[Conor's Strava Profile](https://www.strava.com/athletes/759393)

[Conor's Rouvy Profile](https://my.rouvy.com/cs)

 
![Conor Dunne](https://cdn.rouvy.com/blog/393/2021-08-16-GCN-Carrousel-2j6f2.jpg)


 Conor Dunne

If you study the 2021 La Vuelta Stage 2 leaderboard, a bit more in detail, you may notice that some of the top times are actually faster than the pro’s time in real races. For a quick overview of Stage 2, you can check this highlights video:

 

![Alt](https://youtu.be/iwY6l-sZbBc)

 

Let’s pick the time of Sepp Kuss of WorldTeam Jumbo – Visma, whose time on La Vuelta Virtual segment was 43:51. Compare this result to that of the ROUVY Legend and employee, Karel Sousek whose time was 43:24. Wondering how a hobby rider beats a pro?

 
![Karel's effort on Stage 2](https://cdn.rouvy.com/blog/393/Karel-Stage-20l1c.png)

Karel's effort on Stage 2

 ![Conor's effort on Stage 2](https://cdn.rouvy.com/blog/393/Conor-Stage-247hj.png)


Conor's effort on Stage 2

 

Karel is an avid cyclist with an annual mileage of over 20,000 kms, both indoors and outdoors. Considering the fact that Sepp had to cover more than 160 km in race mode whilst Karel only needed to ride 30,2 km to finish #2 La Vuelta Virtual, it is obvious that Karel could produce higher power and thus is able to get such a good time on the said stage.

Anyways, Karel is a very interesting guy and you can often see him highly ranked in our leaderboards. We will be interviewing him in the coming days so that you can get to know him better!

[Karel's Strava Profile](https://www.strava.com/athletes/7309083)

[Karel's Rouvy Profile](https://my.rouvy.com/cs)



**New challenge just kicked off**

Manon Lloyd, the Welsh athlete is another former pro and also the most successful and by far, the coolest GCN presenter. You will see Manon presenting a GCN show this coming Tuesday, 24th of August. For this purpose, Manon completed Stage 6 of La Vuelta in 34:45 on her Wahoo KICKR. And similar to her colleague Conor in the previous stage, she is also about in the middle of the leaderboard. Manon was riding with an average speed of 36,2 km/h with an average power over 3 W/kg.


[Manon's Strava Profile](https://www.strava.com/pros/1495923)

[Manon's Rouvy Profile](https://my.rouvy.com/cs)

 


![AStage 6 Highlightslt](https://youtu.be/aQ-oDrIjFBE)
Stage 6 Highlights

 


![AManon's effort on Stage 6lt](https://cdn.rouvy.com/blog/393/manon-stage-6bt8r.png)
Manon's effort on Stage 6

 

To compare against one of the fastest results on ROUVY, again, you can check the results of the ROUVY Legend, Karel Sousek who completed the race in 28:23 with an average power of 4,45 W/kg and an impressive average speed of 43,7 km/h.


![Karel's effort on Stage 6](https://cdn.rouvy.com/blog/393/karel-stage-6thew.png)
Karel's effort on Stage 6

 

Are you up for the big challenge to beat Conor and Manon; or you think you might be able to beat the IT project manager, Karel?

 

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**Happy riding!**

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