Young Spanish racer Carlos Rodriguez (Ineos Grenadiers) placed third overall in the 2. Pro race.

Rodriguez was the best of five Spanish racers in the top 10 of the Valenciana, including experienced racers like Enric Mas and Alejandro Valverde (Movistar), who finished 4th and 5th respectively.

The 21-year-old, who has not raced since last year's World Championships in Belgium, was expected to be one of three leaders of the Ineos Grenadiers in Valenciana, along with 2020 Giro d'Italia winners Tao Geoghegan Hart and Pavel Sivakov. [Spain's search for potential successors to the "golden generation" of Joaquim Prito Rodriguez, Alberto Contador, and Valverde, along with Joaquim Prito Rodriguez (UAE Team Emirates), will not be entirely fruitless.

"The pressure is on myself," Rodriguez told reporters after the final podium of the Valenciana, when asked about the possibility of following Contador and others who have left. If I work hard, whatever comes next will be fine."

"I can't go around saying I want to win this race or that race. [I'm trying to do at least as well as Valverde, Contador, and Purito have been in the habit of doing. But I'll take it one day at a time, do what I can, and do the best I possibly can."

As for the race itself, Rodriguez's second-place finish at the summit of Antenas del Maigmo, behind overall winner Alexandre Vlasov (Bora-Hansgrohe), probably drew the most media and fan attention. However, finishing third in the very hilly opening stage was a very memorable moment for Rodriguez on a personal level.

"At the end of the day, being in good shape is a matter of fine details and teamwork," added Rodriguez, who turned pro in 2020. It was a very high-level race, and to start third overall was very satisfying for me."

"It's the kind of result that makes you want to keep working hard and progress."

"Every stage was special. The first stage was special for me. And the second place in the Stellato stage was special. I have a lot of good memories from this race."

After finishing third in Valenciana, his biggest professional result along with last year's Tour de l'Avenir stage, Rodriguez heads to his hometown of Andalusia for the Ruta del Sol in 10 days. 2021 Ruta del Sol, where he finished fourth overall, was the best result for Rodriguez. He will not be dreaming of another podium finish this February.