Javier Guillén, race director of the Vuelta a España, told Spanish media that completing the Spanish Grand Tour, which was changed and shortened this year amid a second wave of coronavirus in Europe, will be a great challenge, and that next year the Vuelta will return to its normal August He said he hopes the Vuelta will return to its normal August calendar slot next year.

This year's race was moved from the August 14-September 6 calendar slot to October 20-November 8, with the final day in Madrid marking the end of the interrupted and extended 2020 season.

The Vuelta was also shortened to 18 stages, eliminating the opening three stages that would have taken place in Gran Salida, the Netherlands, and two stages in Portugal, due to concerns about COVID-19.

Instead, the opening stage was moved to the Basque Country, with Irun as the starting point. The fact that the race was held almost three weeks later in Madrid was a major accomplishment, and Guillén considers it worthy of praise.

"Leaving Irun and arriving in Madrid was a very difficult challenge," he said.

"And I have to give credit to the riders and the team for the responsibility they have taken on. They really are the engine that makes it all work.

Gillen said the biggest stress was the threat of a positive COVID-19 test during the race. On the first rest day, October 26 in Vitoria-Gasteiz, all 684 tests were negative, and on the second rest day the following Monday in Mouros, 681 tests were also negative.

"For me (the most stressful) was the first rest day. 'The second day of testing gave me a sense of security that I would be able to go to Madrid.' It was a stressful day for me."

"It was a very stressful day for me.

Asked if the race could be permanently moved to a later calendar slot, Gijen admitted that his pre-race fears that early November weather might make things difficult were unfounded, but that a mid-August start for the three-week race was definitely preferable.

"Cycling is a summer sport. 'This year, the weather has been so good that we've been able to organize the race later in the year,' he said." Spain is usually beautiful in the fall, but next year's start is scheduled for August 14, and that would be the best time to start."

"We are looking forward to the start of the race next year.

Next year's Vuelta will start inside the Burgos Cathedral, and if the 2021 season goes ahead without any schedule changes, postponements, or cancellations, Guillén, and everyone involved in professional cycling, will be happy.

"I hope that next year there will be nothing that had to be implemented this year," he said.