Primoš Roglic (Jumbo-Visma) capped off a roller-coaster season in the best possible way by winning his second consecutive Vuelta a España in Madrid on Sunday evening.

Roglic was unscathed by accidents on the 139km final stage to the Spanish capital, crossing the finish line in 39th place behind stage winner Pascal Ackermann (Bora-Hansgrohe) in the main group.

The Slovenian, who turned 31 during the Vuelta, finished 24 seconds ahead of his closest rival Richard Karapas (Ineos Grenadier) and 1:15 ahead of Hugh Kersee (EF Pro Cycling).

Crossing the finish line on Madrid's Paseo de la Castellana Boulevard, Roglic celebrated his 12th win of the season with a big smile on his face, hugged his teammates gathered after the finish, and raised his bicycle above his head in triumph.

Roglic's 2020 victories began with the Slovenian domestic road race, followed by a stage win and overall victory at the Tour de Ain, a stage win at the Criterium du Dauphiné, a second place and stage win at the Tour de France, a Liege Bastogne Liege followed by four stage wins, the points jersey and overall victory at the Vuelta a España.

Roglic's victory also brought an end to a pandemic-plagued cycling season. However, while the impact of the pandemic was notable in that the Vuelta took safety precautions even on ceremonial stages such as the final stage, it could not overshadow the far greater triumph of the race being held and the success of reaching Madrid despite very difficult external conditions. could not be overshadowed.

Aside from the masks and the gut-punching between the three riders on the podium, the most notable difference from Logrich's final victory celebration in 2019 was the lack of spectators and applause at the finish, even though organizers had asked fans to stay home this year. The symbolic moment when Roglic received and wore the leader's jersey at the end was also missing.

Later, in his victory speech, Roglic thanked his family, his Jumbo-Visma teammates, and his staff for their help and support, and for his second grand win.

He also thanked the Vuelta organization for their dedication to making the race as safe as possible and concluded it all by strongly hinting at the possibility of returning to the Vuelta in 2021 for a third consecutive win.

"I'm happy to be on the podium again. 2020 was a special year for me with the coronavirus crisis. I want to thank the race organizers. Thanks to all the riders, especially my teammates, for giving their best. They are not here now, but I am here now because of them, and I am here now because of them.

"I'm happy to take the red and green jersey (overall and points) at the end of the season. Thank you so much.