Van Aert's failure to win in 2024 provided extra fuel for Brennan at the Vuelta: 'We talked about it just this morning'

And that makes it five for Brennan and seven for Visma at the Vuelta a España. The British rider was set up well by Wout van Aert and then finished the stage relatively easily in Seville. Afterward, Brennan took his place for his fifth flash interview.

The seventeenth stage of the Vuelta a España finished in Seville, not a happy place for Van Aert. The Belgian finished second there during the fifth stage of the 2024 Vuelta. Pavel Bittner beat him to the finish line that time, after the Belgian may have launched his sprint a little too early.

"Yes, we were just talking about it this morning. If I'm not mistaken, he was in second place then," said Brennan. "That actually gave me some extra motivation today. It’s also my sister’s birthday, so it’s great that she’s here. It’s really fantastic to see; I’m so grateful for all the support," said the 21-year-old Brit.

From kilometer one, Visma | Lease a Bike took control. Steven Kruijswijk and the young Jorgen Nordhagen did a lot of the early work at the front, after which Bruno Armirail and, ultimately, Van Aert ensured the team was well-positioned for the final stretch.

"Yes, fantastic. We really had control of the race. The team did a fantastic job of getting me back in the race. I’m incredibly proud of the guys. A great day,” said the 21-year-old rider from Great Britain, who crossed the finish line with all five fingers of one hand raised in the air.

"Insane, unbelievable! I can hardly believe it," said Brennan, whose chances as a sprinter are normally over at this point. On Sunday, there’s still a hilly final stage in Granada where, on a good day, he can make his move. First, there’s a time trial and two mountain stages.