Mastering Time: Stefan Küng Delivers Second Vuelta Stage Victory
Updated: 4 hours ago
Under the blazing sun of Andalusia, Stefan Küng soars to victory in stage 18 of La Vuelta, delivering a stunning ride in the race's second Individual Time Trial.
10.09.2026
Once again, Stefanproved himself a master against the clock. The Swiss powerhouse unleashed a commanding ride over the 32.1-kilometre course from El Puerto de Santa María to Jerez de la Frontera, stopping the clock at 35’22’’ to claim his second win at La Vuelta.
Stefan’s triumph is also the Team’s second stage win at this year’s La Vuelta, building on the success already achieved earlier in the race. From the start, Stefan fully committed to the effort, and perfectly paced and timed his ride towards the finish line.
After the race, Stefan reflected:
"In the end, you have to win. Doesn’t matter how big the margin is. I’m super happy to take the win here. I’m alone on the podium today, but it’s a victory from the whole team.
We stand alone on the podium, but I can assure you that there are so many people working hard behind the scenes. Actually, on the time trial side, we have an innovation team that is working hard together with our partners, so I really want to thank all of them.
Also, to all these people who got me back on track after my injury in February, so I’d like to share this victory with many people."
Fabian Cancellara shares his pride for this second Grand Tour stage win of Tudor Pro Cycling:
"Today’s win is a huge achievement for the whole Team, and also for Stefan. Since his injury in late February, the plan was to focus on time trials as part of his return — in Poland and at La Vuelta. These were three very different challenges, and all were executed to perfection. A time trial may look like an individual effort, but there is so much that goes into making a result like this possible. From innovation and the development of the BMC Timemachine Mpc. together with BMC, and all the work within the Team behind the scenes — this is truly a Team achievement. This Vuelta is a huge boost for us and gives us even more motivation for the rest of the season. We’re proud of what we’ve achieved so far and hungry for what’s still to come."
194 days ago, after a crash at Omloop Nieuwsblad, Stefan lay on the rain-soaked cobbles of Flanders with a fractured femur- a long road to recovery ahead, and his future as a professional cyclist uncertain. "The fall. The fight. The victory: Stefan Küng against the clock" - is our latest episode of "Behind The Shield" and features Stefan's combeack story.
Stefan's victory today is a testament to his resilience, dedication, and hard work. We couldn't be prouder of you, Stefan!
