Vuelta a España leader Eiking remains in red after a third tough day

Odd Christian Eiking (Intermarché-Wanty-Gobert) in the Vuelta a España's leader's jersey
Odd Christian Eiking (Intermarché-Wanty-Gobert) in the Vuelta a España's leader's jersey (Image credit: Getty Images Sport)

What is it about Cordoba, the Vuelta a España and Norwegians? 15 years ago, the Vuelta finish in the Andalucian city was already witness to sprinter Thor Hushovd becoming Norway's first leader of the Spanish Grand Tour, and in 2021, as the Vuelta reached Cordoba, another Norwegian was heading the race: Odd Christian Eiking.

"[Thor Hushovd] was at his best when I grew up and I watched him in the Tour de France and also in La Vuelta when he was there," the Vuelta's current leader told the race organisation on Thursday.

Alasdair Fotheringham

Alasdair Fotheringham has been reporting on cycling since 1991. He has covered every Tour de France since 1992 bar one, as well as numerous other bike races of all shapes and sizes, ranging from the Olympic Games in 2008 to the now sadly defunct Subida a Urkiola hill climb in Spain. As well as working for Cyclingnews, he has also written for The IndependentThe GuardianProCycling, The Express and Reuters.