Primož Roglič, Finn Fisher-Black, Jordi Meeus, Gianni Moscon, Callum Thornley, Luke Tuckwell, Gianni Vermeersch and Frederik Wandahl will line up at the start in Monaco on August 22, bringing with them experience in the Grand Tours, sprint speed, climbing strength and tactical versatility.

The Red Bull Bora Hansgrohe team will support Roglič in his ambitions for the general classification, although these will need to be evaluated progressively, after his preparation for the Vuelta was compromised by his recent crash. Stage victories represent the other central objective. Meeus offers a clear opportunity on the faster days, while Fisher-Black is better suited to more selective finishes, small groups and breakaways. Beyond them, the team composition offers the squad the ability to shape the race in different ways depending on the terrain.

Sven Vanthourenhout, sporting director, states: "Our primary objective is to win a stage, and possibly more than one if the opportunity presents itself. Our second main objective is the general classification with Primož, but we must be realistic because his preparation has been very different from what we initially planned after his crash. We will evaluate the situation step by step. We will support him to achieve the best possible result in the general classification, but we also need to be ready to adapt if necessary".

A measured approach with Roglič
Few riders arrive at the Vuelta with a relationship with the race like Roglič's. His four general classification victories place him on par with Roberto Heras as the record holder, but past successes will not dictate the terms of this year's campaign. Rather, the opening days will provide a clearer indication of what is possible.

"I have an excellent relationship with the Vuelta and I always enjoy racing there", says Roglič. "Winning four times is already something I could never have imagined, so I don't want to put additional pressure on myself. We will take it one stage at a time, do everything we can as a team and try to achieve the best possible result. I can't wait."

Different paths to stage success
On the faster stages, Meeus will have the opportunity to pursue his own results while remaining an important element of the overall tactical picture.
"Jordi will have his opportunities in the sprints, but at the same time he will also be committed to the team effort", says Vanthourenhout. "We want to give him the chance to sprint, while ensuring that everything fits into our overall objectives."

Fisher-Black represents a different type of ambition. Returning to the Vuelta for the third time, the New Zealander has the characteristics to make an impact when the race becomes harder to control: from breakaways, to small groups and selective final sprints.
"We want Finn to race aggressively, create opportunities and make the most of them when they arise", says Vanthourenhout.

Fisher-Black adds: "I feel in good shape for this race and I would like to aim for stage wins. I always enjoy the Vuelta, so I'm really excited to be back".

A first Grand Tour for Tuckwell and Thornley
For Luke Tuckwell and Callum Thornley, the race represents uncharted territory. Both will make their Grand Tour debut, and the three weeks will represent as much a test of adaptation and endurance as of pure performance.

"There are so many unknowns in a first Grand Tour that I don't want to set a specific result", says Tuckwell. "My goal is to reach the finish line, learn as much as possible and be a good teammate when the team needs me".

Thornley will also follow a similar growth path, maintaining the freedom to participate in breakaways when circumstances allow. The second individual time trial also promises to be a stage that can showcase his strengths.

Experience in the group
Gianni Vermeersch and Gianni Moscon bring experience to the team. Vermeersch will assume a leadership role on the road, reading the most difficult race situations and helping to guide the group, while remaining able to attack personally. Moscon's responsibilities will be more oriented towards Roglič, especially on flat and technically demanding stages, where positioning, anticipation and control can be as important as the climbs.

Frederik Wandahl completes the lineup and adds another level of tactical versatility. His ability to read the race offers the team an option both in support and in breakaways.

"We are very pleased to have Frederik in the team", says Vanthourenhout. "He has excellent tactical race intelligence, and it's a quality we want to exploit, both for getting into breakaways and for seizing opportunities or supporting the team. Participating in a Grand Tour is also a great opportunity for him to grow further."