{"id":2107971,"date":"2026-08-23T09:00:27","date_gmt":"2026-08-23T06:00:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2107971"},"modified":"2026-08-23T09:00:27","modified_gmt":"2026-08-23T06:00:27","slug":"as-it-happened-british-sensation-steals-the-show-in-first-road-stage-at-la-vuelta-a-espana-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2107971","title":{"rendered":"As it happened: British sensation steals the show in first road stage at La Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CPxWbXXnNwNbQkNsPJbekJ-2560-80.jpg&#8221;]<\/p>\n<article class=\"m-0 box-border flex flex-row items-center pr-2.5 gap-[15px] w-[278px] h-20 flex-none upnext-article-divider\" role=\"listitem\" aria-label=\"Recommended article 1 of 3\">\n<div class=\"relative flex-none w-20 h-20\">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MiEh4b2a5tADEABr9Yp6w7.jpg\" alt=\"MONACO, MONACO - AUGUST 22: Joao Almeida of Portugal and UAE Team Emirates XRG competes during the La Vuelta - 81st Tour of Spain 2026, Stage 1 a 9.4km individual time trial stage from Monaco to Monaco \/ #UCIWT \/ on August 22, 2026 in Monaco, Monaco. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] w-20 h-20 object-cover flex-none rounded-lg\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex items-center justify-center absolute w-4 h-6 left-0 top-0 bg-white\/90 flex-none z-[1]\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n                                    <span class=\"font-normal text-base leading-[17px] tracking-[1.3px] uppercase text-black flex-none\">1<\/span>\n                                <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"flex flex-col items-center justify-center gap-1.5 w-[173px] h-20 flex-none\">\n<p class=\"font-article-heading font-medium text-base leading-[21px] text-gray-800 w-[173px] line-clamp-3 group-hover:underline\">\n                                    As it happened: Time trial goes down to the wire at stage 1 of the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a\n                                <\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"m-0 box-border flex flex-row items-center pr-2.5 gap-[15px] w-[278px] h-20 flex-none upnext-article-divider\" role=\"listitem\" aria-label=\"Recommended article 2 of 3\">\n<div class=\"relative flex-none w-20 h-20\">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xgNzaGgQEQpA8BkDmvBByi.jpg\" alt=\"Tadej Pogacar of Slovenia and UAE Team Emirates XRG - Red Leader Jersey competes during the La Vuelta - 81st Tour of Spain 2026\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] w-20 h-20 object-cover flex-none rounded-lg\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex items-center justify-center absolute w-[18px] h-6 left-0 top-0 bg-white\/90 flex-none z-[1]\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n                                    <span class=\"font-normal text-base leading-[17px] tracking-[1.3px] uppercase text-black flex-none\">2<\/span>\n                                <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"flex flex-col items-center justify-center gap-1.5 w-[173px] h-20 flex-none\">\n<p class=\"font-article-heading font-medium text-base leading-[21px] text-gray-800 w-[173px] line-clamp-3 group-hover:underline\">\n                                    Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a GC standings &#8211; Tadej Poga\u010dar keeps leader&#8217;s jersey after stage 2\n                                <\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"m-0 box-border flex flex-row items-center pr-2.5 gap-[15px] w-[278px] h-20 flex-none\" role=\"listitem\" aria-label=\"Recommended article 3 of 3\">\n<div class=\"relative flex-none w-20 h-20\">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qNaVetYgQPFWvp3Ne8irMU.jpg\" alt=\"Matthew Brennan celebrates winning the second stage of the Vuelta a Espana 2026\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] w-20 h-20 object-cover flex-none rounded-lg\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex items-center justify-center absolute w-[18px] h-6 left-0 top-0 bg-white\/90 flex-none z-[1]\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n                                    <span class=\"font-normal text-base leading-[17px] tracking-[1.3px] uppercase text-black flex-none\">3<\/span>\n                                <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"flex flex-col items-center justify-center gap-1.5 w-[173px] h-20 flex-none\">\n<p class=\"font-article-heading font-medium text-base leading-[21px] text-gray-800 w-[173px] line-clamp-3 group-hover:underline\">\n                                    Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a: Powerful sprint nets Matthew Brennan stage 2 victory as Tadej Poga\u010dar fends off attacks to keep leader&#8217;s jersey\n                                <\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"page-content-onecol flex-1\nlive-article\n\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"widget-area-group widget-area-group-2col flex flex-wrap box-border\">\n<div id=\"widgetArea16\" class=\"widget-area basis-full md:basis-2\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-2-3 page-widget-area-16\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"hero\" id=\"hero\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-hero widget-hero widget-hero-hero hero-live news-article widget-hero widget-hero-fter-review\">\n<div class=\"clear-both widget-header\">\n<\/div>\n<div data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\" class=\"news-article\">\n<div class=\"header-container\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRacing\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRoad\n<\/li>\n<li>\nVuelta a Espa\u00f1a\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<header>\n<div class=\"header-sub-container\">\n<h1 class=\"review-title-long live-report\">As it happened: British sensation steals the show in first road stage at La Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a 2026<\/h1>\n<h2>The race leaves Monaco and heads to Provence and Manosque with a 214.3 km stage that takes on well over 3000 metres of climbing<br \/>\n<\/h2>\n<div class=\"vds-byline-block flex flex-row flex-nowrap my-1.5 gap-2 text-left items-start justify-start\" data-component-name=\"Article:BylineBlock\">\n<p>Live-reports<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-auto vds-simple-byline\">\n<span class=\"inline-block vds-author\"><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nTim Bonville-Ginn <\/span><br \/>\n<span class=\"inline-block h-3 my-auto border-l border-solid vds-simple-byline__divider max-sm:hidden\"><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex gap-1 vds-byline-with-avatar__meta\">\n<span class=\"vds-date block font-normal tracking-normal normal-case text-xs\"><br \/>\nLast updated<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T16:25:49Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n23 August 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><br \/>\n<\/span>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<nav class=\"socialite-widget box less-space \" data-contexturl=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/live\/vuelta-a-espana-stage-2-live-a-difficult-first-road-stage-to-call-with-likely-sprint-into-manosque-on-the-cards\/\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"socialite\">\n<ul class=\"socialite-widget-ul\">\n<li class=\"socialite-widget-item social-facebook\">\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"socialite-widget-item social-twitter\">\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"socialite-widget-item social-pinterest\">\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"socialite-widget-item social-email\">\n<p><i class=\"icon icon-envelope-solid\"><\/i><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>    <span class=\"text-[color:var(--comment-count-text-color,inherit)]\"><span>1<\/span> <span class=\"visible hidden sm:inline-block\">Comment<\/span><\/span><br \/>\n    <span class=\"text-[color:var(--comment-count-text-color,inherit)] hidden visible sm:inline-block\">Join the conversation<\/span><\/p>\n<\/nav>\n<aside class=\"text-gray-700 flex items-center mx-0 my-5 p-0 justify-start text-left\" id=\"affiliate-disclaimer\" data-component-name=\"AffiliateDisclaimer\" data-hawk-message=\"Affiliate disclaimer removed because hawk deemed there are no affiliate links on this page\">\n<p class=\"text-[color:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--text-color,inherit)] mb-2 text-[length:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--font-size,0.75rem)] leading-[18px] md:text-[13px] [&amp;&gt;a]:text-inherit [&amp;&gt;a]:underline\">\nWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here\u2019s how it works.\n<\/p>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<\/header>\n<figure>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CPxWbXXnNwNbQkNsPJbekJ.jpg\" alt=\"MANOSQUE, MONACO - AUGUST 23: A general view of Matthew Brennan of Great Britain and Team Visma | Lease a Bike, Mads Pedersen of Denmark and Team Lidl - Trek sprint at finish line during the La Vuelta - 81st Tour of Spain 2026, Stage 2 a 214.3km from Monaco to Manosque 408m \/ #UCIWT \/ on August 23, 2026 in Manosque, Monaco. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein\/Getty Images)\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] block-image-ads hero-image w-full\" data-component-name=\"Image\"><figcaption class=\"font-article-copy text-(--image--text--color) font-article-copy mt-2\"> <span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: \u00a9 Getty Images)<\/span><br \/>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo\" class=\"contents\" data-only-inline=\"1\">\n<div class=\"visible flex flex-row flex-nowrap sticky max-lg:-ml-5 top-[var(--site-header-height,60px)] sm:top-0 z-[9994] w-screen lg:w-full h-[50px] bg-white p-0 mb-5 border-neutral-200 border border-solid\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Variants:Inline\" data-analytics-id=\"sticky-nav\" id=\"sticky-nav--inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"sticky-nav\">\n<div class=\"flex flex-row w-full h-full overflow-x-scroll overflow-y-hidden tracking-normal overscroll-x-contain\" id=\"sticky-nav__scroll-container\">\n<span class=\"pl-4 my-auto text-base font-semibold font-article-heading lg:pl-3 lg:text-sm whitespace-nowrap uppercase\">Jump To:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-row w-auto border-y-0\">\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\nborder-b-[3px] border-b-(--jumpto-underline-color) border-solid font-semibold \" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>Race Situation<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>Have your say!<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>Neutral start<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>214.3km to go<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>200km to go<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>180km to go<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>KOM (Alto Ch\u00e2teauneuf-Grasse)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>170km to go<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>160km to go<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>Crash<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>150km to go<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>KOM (Col de Saint Andrieu)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>100km to go<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>90km to go<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>70km to go<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>60km to go<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>Crash<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>50km to go<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>40km to go<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>30km to go<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>20km to go<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>10km to go<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>Attack!<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>Flamme Rouge<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-widget-type=\"contentparsed\" id=\"pinned-content\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-contentparsed widget-pinned-content widget-contentparsed-pinned-content widget-pinned news-article widget-content-parsed widget-content-parsed-default widget-content-parsed-live-feed \">\n<div class=\" article-body \">\n<div class>\n<a id=\"elk-08349fa8-98c7-11f1-a5db-3f156af0c8af\"><\/a><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-0834a00c-98c7-11f1-8a0b-4142f9029b54\"><strong>Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a 2026 &#8211; Everything you need to know<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a 2026 &#8211; Route<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\"><\/a><\/p>\n<aside data-article-category=\"pro-cycling\" data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\" class=\"ecom-root\"><\/aside>\n<p id=\"elk-0834a00c-98c7-11f1-8a0b-4142f9029b54-2\"><strong>Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a 2026 &#8211; Contenders<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a 2026 &#8211; stage 2 preview<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>How to watch the 2026 Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a<\/strong><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-0834a070-98c7-11f1-a98c-eb63378214ed\"><strong>For unbeatable coverage across road, gravel and tech, subscribe to Cyclingnews. You&#8217;ll get comprehensive race coverage of La Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a, subscriber-exclusive analysis from our expert columnists, in-depth features and industry-leading tech insight. Plus, the Cyclingnews app lets you follow the action wherever you go! <\/strong><u><strong>Join today.<\/strong><\/u><\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-race-situation\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-race-situation\"><span>Race Situation<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><a id=\"elk-0834a16a-98c7-11f1-a480-9727582d3000\"><\/a><a id=\"elk-have-your-say\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-have-your-say\"><span>Have your say!<\/span><\/h3>\n<div id=\"elk-5513a63c-9bda-11f1-aaed-f3cd61def5c4\">\n<div class=\"kwizly-quiz kwizly-ev1omX\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-widget-type=\"contentparsed\" id=\"live-feed-multipage\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-contentparsed widget-live-feed-multipage widget-contentparsed-live-feed-multipage news-article widget-content-parsed widget-content-parsed-default multipage widget-content-parsed-live-feed \">\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\" article-body \">\n<div id=\"ad-unit-1\" class=\"ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div data-component-name=\"Article:LiveReportUpdater\">\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T16:25:49+00:00\">2026-08-23T16:25:49.770Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-4f0bfaae-9f0f-11f1-9665-19c367bcc679\">Stage 3 starts in Gruissan-Aude and has the first summit finish of the race in the Pyrenees on the Font Romeu with bonus seconds coming on the Col de Mont-Louis just a few KMs beforehand.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-4f0bfb08-9f0f-11f1-8419-c5b68d4a8a80\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MWVbci883HY5XJdRnTLau7.webp\" alt=\"Profile for stage 3\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: ASO)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T16:23:41+00:00\">2026-08-23T16:23:41.431Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-02bf3710-9f0f-11f1-9a06-fb3fc3c015d4\">And, of course, Poga\u010dar keeps hold of green with Hayter continuing to wear it on his behalf.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-02bf3774-9f0f-11f1-85f3-e1db3b54bbae\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Q6yXKYa7kV3PeyzYeYcNgi.jpg\" alt=\"MANOSQUE, MONACO - AUGUST 23: Tadej Pogacar of Slovenia and UAE Team Emirates XRG celebrates at podium as Green points jersey winner during the La Vuelta - 81st Tour of Spain 2026, Stage 2 a 214.3km from Monaco to Manosque 408m \/ #UCIWT \/ on August 23, 2026 in Manosque, Monaco. (Photo by Tim de Waele\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T16:17:42+00:00\">2026-08-23T16:17:42.535Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-2c88492a-9f0e-11f1-8fb9-5f97b8465d60\">Brennan goes into white after fellow Brit, Tarling, lost 1&#8217;41&#8221; at the finish.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-2c884984-9f0e-11f1-963c-d79ec389acaf\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kQmA9NgW72UCSD9Nsqmar4.jpg\" alt=\"MANOSQUE, MONACO - AUGUST 23: Matthew Brennan of Great Britain and Team Visma | Lease a Bike celebrates at podium as White Most Combative Rider Jersey winner during the La Vuelta - 81st Tour of Spain 2026, Stage 2 a 214.3km from Monaco to Manosque 408m \/ #UCIWT \/ on August 23, 2026 in Manosque, Monaco. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T16:14:23+00:00\">2026-08-23T16:14:23.490Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-b6089fa2-9f0d-11f1-9b89-35c614126a71\">Koen Bouwman took both KOMs today for Jayco-AlUla and sets his stall out for the jersey.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-b6089ffc-9f0d-11f1-8764-09fc44efbc1c\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/A2HerRSHdwYNVwQJeDUEEW.jpg\" alt=\"MANOSQUE, MONACO - AUGUST 23: Koen Bouwman of Netherlands and Team Jayco AlUla celebrates at podium as Polka dot Mountain Jersey winner during the La Vuelta - 81st Tour of Spain 2026, Stage 2 a 214.3km from Monaco to Manosque 408m \/ #UCIWT \/ on August 23, 2026 in Manosque, Monaco. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T16:09:27+00:00\">2026-08-23T16:09:27.827Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-05c48c5a-9f0d-11f1-98ea-f3158bbdb449\">Poga\u010dar keeps red after a valiant effort by Hayter in the break. He was caught behind a near crash at the bottom of the climb and didn&#8217;t have the legs to move up beforehand. He didn&#8217;t know he missed out on the jersey at the finish and was on his own. Clearly disappointed.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-05c48cb4-9f0d-11f1-9517-cbe9f8247d34\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/P6fKVXthAsARpj4iht8HSe.jpg\" alt=\"MANOSQUE, MONACO - AUGUST 23: Tadej Pogacar of Slovenia and UAE Team Emirates XRG celebrates at podium as Red Leader Jersey winner during the La Vuelta - 81st Tour of Spain 2026, Stage 2 a 214.3km from Monaco to Manosque 408m \/ #UCIWT \/ on August 23, 2026 in Manosque, Monaco. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T16:02:04+00:00\">2026-08-23T16:02:04.152Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-fd58fc78-9f0b-11f1-b6ab-87c401d1e68c\">The first of many Grand Tour wins for Matthew Brennan?<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-fd58fcd2-9f0b-11f1-beca-cd173d775e5d\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PVrfqpEyNDYyfVjanrrxtk.jpg\" alt=\"MANOSQUE, MONACO - AUGUST 23: Matthew Brennan of Great Britain and Team Visma | Lease a Bike celebrates at podium as stage winner during the La Vuelta - 81st Tour of Spain 2026, Stage 2 a 214.3km from Monaco to Manosque 408m \/ #UCIWT \/ on August 23, 2026 in Manosque, Monaco. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T16:00:59+00:00\">2026-08-23T16:00:59.519Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-d7227b88-9f0b-11f1-bcf7-7b5b1431fb84\">A perfect way to make your debut as Visma-Lease a Bike pull off a near perfect tactical display in the finale of stage 2 at La Vuelta&#8230;<\/p>\n<p>&gt;&gt;&gt; <strong>Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a: Powerful sprint nets Matthew Brennan stage 2 victory as Tadej Poga\u010dar fends off attacks to keep leader&#8217;s jersey<\/strong><\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-d7227be2-9f0b-11f1-ad9c-0dddd7695923\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ok6ZV3UozoFpKe65NRRCJa.jpg\" alt=\"MANOSQUE, MONACO - AUGUST 23: (L-R) Stage winner Matthew Brennan of Great Britain celebrates the victory of with his team-mate Sepp Kuss of United States and Team Visma | Lease a Bike after the La Vuelta - 81st Tour of Spain 2026, Stage 2 a 214.3km from Monaco to Manosque 408m \/ #UCIWT \/ on August 23, 2026 in Manosque, Monaco. (Photo by Tim de Waele\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\"><\/a><\/p>\n<aside data-article-category=\"pro-cycling\" data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\" class=\"ecom-root\"><\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T15:57:04+00:00\">2026-08-23T15:57:04.737Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-4afbc786-9f0b-11f1-b22f-6f465baf294e\">Hayter, in the end, lost 31&#8243; to the lead group. He gave it his best shot to go for red and did what he needed to do with the intermediate sprint but wasn&#8217;t able to follow on the climb to the finish.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T15:49:31+00:00\">2026-08-23T15:49:31.358Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-3c8eb3f8-9f0a-11f1-9c33-3f2f57a5067a\">Poga\u010dar does indeed keep red with Van Aert 2nd at 9&#8243; with Brennan jumping up to 3rd and into the white jersey.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T15:46:30+00:00\">2026-08-23T15:46:30.227Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-d09e1cf6-9f09-11f1-a182-8580b8e09fa4\">That is quite a way to make you Grand Tour road stage debut.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-d09e1d5a-9f09-11f1-9288-ef1820954132\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QhBvL6xY7EeVJ87bFWyZWZ.jpg\" alt=\"MANOSQUE, MONACO - AUGUST 23: Matthew Brennan of Great Britain and Team Visma | Lease a Bike celebrates at finish line as stage winner during the La Vuelta - 81st Tour of Spain 2026, Stage 2 a 214.3km from Monaco to Manosque 408m \/ #UCIWT \/ on August 23, 2026 in Manosque, Monaco. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T15:44:46+00:00\">2026-08-23T15:44:46.830Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-930fc70e-9f09-11f1-938b-415913c565f7\">What a performance from Brennan.<\/p>\n<div class=\"slice-container table-wrapper slice-container-table\" data-component-name=\"Slice:Table\" id=\"elk-930fc772-9f09-11f1-9950-fbdb2e25bf14\">\n<div class=\"table__instruction\">\nSwipe to scroll horizontally<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"table__container\">\n<table class=\"table__wrapper table__wrapper--inbodyContent table__wrapper--sticky table__wrapper--divider\">\n<caption class=\"table__caption table__caption--top table__caption--left\">\nLa Vuelta stage 2 top 10<br \/>\n<\/caption>\n<thead class=\"table__head\">\n<tr class=\"table__head__row\">\n<th class=\"table__head__heading table__head__heading--left\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Position<\/p>\n<\/th>\n<th class=\"table__head__heading table__head__heading--left\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Rider (country title case abbreviated) Team (remove spaces that are on either side of hyphens)<\/p>\n<\/th>\n<th class=\"table__head__heading table__head__heading--left\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Time (format h:mm:ss and relative to the winner)<\/p>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody class=\"table__body\">\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>1<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Brennan Matthew (Gbr) Team Visma | Lease a Bike<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>4:47:47<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>2<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Miquel Pau (Esp) Bahrain-Victorious<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>+0:00:00<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>3<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Poga\u010dar Tadej (Slo) UAE Team Emirates-XRG<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>+0:00:00<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>4<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Pedersen Mads (Den) Lidl-Trek<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>+0:00:00<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>5<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Hofstetter Hugo (Fra) NSN Cycling Team<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>+0:00:00<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>6<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Johannessen Tobias Halland (Nor) Uno-X Mobility<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>+0:00:00<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>7<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Fisher-Black Finn (Nzl) Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>+0:00:00<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>8<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Laurance Axel (Fra) Netcompany INEOS<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>+0:00:00<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>9<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Onley Oscar (Gbr) Netcompany INEOS<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>+0:00:00<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>10<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Aular Orluis (Ven) Movistar Team<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>+0:00:00<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T15:40:12+00:00\">2026-08-23T15:40:12.632Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-efa75fd2-9f08-11f1-b1b2-07d7757b7c80\">Hayter was dropped and does not take red. It looks like Poga\u010dar will keep red.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T15:39:18+00:00\">2026-08-23T15:39:18.966Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-cf9a6892-9f08-11f1-a3c8-cf5c6dd9e928\">Matthew Brennan of Visma-Lease a Bike wins stage 2 of La Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a on his second Grand Tour stage ever!<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-03c3feca-9f0a-11f1-8f64-dbd03d6e2b72\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qNaVetYgQPFWvp3Ne8irMU.jpg\" alt=\"Team Visma-Lease a bike&amp;#039;s British rider Matthew Brennan celebrates winning the second stage of the Vuelta a Espana 2026, a 214.3 km race between Monaco and Manosque on August 23, 2026. (Photo by Miguel MEDINA \/ AFP)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T15:37:58+00:00\">2026-08-23T15:37:58.341Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-9f7aae42-9f08-11f1-a1d6-5f98662ca4fc\">Jayco try an attack but now Visma take over for Brennan to go for the sprint. 500m to go.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T15:37:31+00:00\">2026-08-23T15:37:31.931Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-flamme-rouge\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-flamme-rouge\"><span>Flamme Rouge<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-8fb74560-9f08-11f1-9896-610b1aeb684e\">Alessandro Romele joins Poga\u010dar and Van Aert but they&#8217;re caught!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T15:36:45+00:00\">2026-08-23T15:36:45.889Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-747372ec-9f08-11f1-9d2d-d76cf212eafd\">A rider from XDS-Astana coming across as well with the peloton not far away.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T15:36:26+00:00\">2026-08-23T15:36:26.744Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-attack\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-attack\"><span>Attack!<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-69084734-9f08-11f1-8af7-654ccdd1b827\">Wout Van Aert (TVL)<\/p>\n<p>Tadej Poga\u010dar goes after him and all that work from Hayter may be for nothing. 1.5km to go.<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\"><\/a><\/p>\n<aside data-article-category=\"pro-cycling\" data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\" class=\"ecom-root\"><\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T15:35:47+00:00\">2026-08-23T15:35:47.818Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-51b783ce-9f08-11f1-9d24-439132662fa8\">NSN comes to the front working for Hugo Hofstetter. They have control for the moment but Visma are waiting in the wins with Laporte, Van Aert and Brennan.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T15:34:55+00:00\">2026-08-23T15:34:55.855Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-32ba673e-9f08-11f1-911d-e3eefdb4a443\">Visma clearly working for Brennan in the sprint as Van Aert moves towards the front with Laporte.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T15:34:29+00:00\">2026-08-23T15:34:29.735Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-23d531c2-9f08-11f1-a836-dbed2dcac654\">Asian champion Yevgeniy Fedorov (XDS-Astana) could put in a good sprint as he moves to the front as well. 3km to go.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T15:33:38+00:00\">2026-08-23T15:33:38.749Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-04b85698-9f08-11f1-a080-8bdcdf6f8995\">4km to go and the road narrows briefly before opening up again with NSN and Bahrain Victorious on the front. They&#8217;re getting swamped, though. Some of the bigger sprint teams start to bring up their numbers.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T15:32:47+00:00\">2026-08-23T15:32:47.763Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-e6655164-9f07-11f1-96b6-3fbe00602c6a\">5km to go and now there&#8217;s a huge battle for positioning. So many teams try to hold the top positions but two quick fire roundabouts string it out again with UAE and Kern Pharma leading the way.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T15:31:49+00:00\">2026-08-23T15:31:49.715Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-c3db46bc-9f07-11f1-aee3-35b96af2b7af\">Visma get a bit lost for a moment with a few riders all over the place as Kern Pharma come to the front with numbers for Marc Brustenga.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T15:30:38+00:00\">2026-08-23T15:30:38.066Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-99833154-9f07-11f1-943c-336999c386a1\">Groupama-FDJ come back to the front as well as they work for Bastien Tronchon. 6km to go.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T15:29:41+00:00\">2026-08-23T15:29:41.255Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-77355b04-9f07-11f1-bf3f-674393a72c77\">Visma, UAE, Lidl-Trek, Movistar and Ineos spread across the road as there are splits starting to appear with a very long line. Hayter, if still near the back, is in big trouble.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T15:28:54+00:00\">2026-08-23T15:28:54.935Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-5bdabdae-9f07-11f1-84eb-2961a4b5d291\">Suddenly, the pace explodes! Visma, UAE, Movistar and Ineos take the front through a roundabout with Ineos and Visma taking the most control for now with 7km to go.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T15:27:04+00:00\">2026-08-23T15:27:04.004Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-10km-to-go\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-10km-to-go\"><span>10km to go<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-1993f4c4-9f07-11f1-995b-09e96fab11d7\">It is mostly headwind to the finish with the wind around 20kph. Movistar joins the list of teams on the front of the bunch.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T15:13:51+00:00\">2026-08-23T15:13:51.815Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-20km-to-go\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-20km-to-go\"><span>20km to go<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-41416846-9f05-11f1-803b-ad8aa0843ac4\">The pace is still pretty tame on the front of the peloton.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T15:13:10+00:00\">2026-08-23T15:13:10.870Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-28f88e4a-9f05-11f1-9010-bf9a3b558992\">UAE Team Emirates-XRG now come up to the front as well with Novak leading their train. Poga\u010dar well placed and possibly thinking about going for the stage.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T15:12:28+00:00\">2026-08-23T15:12:28.806Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-0fd10276-9f05-11f1-9efb-65764153ddd5\">Since the route was announced the talk of the lavender fields in this area was talked up. Sadly, we have had yet another brutal summer and the lavender season is done already. Sobering stuff. Fortunately, it is more the temperatures you&#8217;d expect in the area today.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T15:09:54+00:00\">2026-08-23T15:09:54.289Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-b406e05a-9f04-11f1-ae99-b1c8ceca4ca3\">Into Valensole they go by the Durance river. The main river for Provence that looks much much lower than it should.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T15:09:10+00:00\">2026-08-23T15:09:10.690Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-99b07a72-9f04-11f1-b1a5-2f5376a4f4f8\">Samitier back at the doctors car. He has clearly come down with some road rash on his right arm.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T15:08:38+00:00\">2026-08-23T15:08:38.161Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-86598eaa-9f04-11f1-be4a-ed9b99d1e5b4\">Hayter has done his usual thing and gone to sit right at the back of the peloton. May cause issues later on.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T15:07:46+00:00\">2026-08-23T15:07:46.990Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-67d0496a-9f04-11f1-be3d-971dd5a4d3d8\">With no breakaway and no exposed roads of tricky terrain at the moment the pace has dropped right out of the bunch.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T15:04:41+00:00\">2026-08-23T15:04:41.115Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-f921f8a6-9f03-11f1-8db2-bfdea53ff36f\">Netcompany-Ineos, Groupama-FDJ, Lidl-Trek and Visma-Lease a Bike lead the peloton with 25km to go until the finish in Manosque.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T15:01:14+00:00\">2026-08-23T15:01:14.035Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-7dc67be6-9f03-11f1-8317-21524c10ebf9\">Looks like Pedersen has an issue as he waits for his team car. Now pouring water over his head and taking a bidon. Maybe he&#8217;s just taking one more chance to chat with his DS.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T14:56:06+00:00\">2026-08-23T14:56:06.083Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-30km-to-go\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-30km-to-go\"><span>30km to go<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-c633e7ca-9f02-11f1-8043-35b0ab987ac3\">This is all about the climb to Manosque now. Previously used in the Tour de la Provence where Coquard and Pedersen have both won.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T14:54:54+00:00\">2026-08-23T14:54:54.859Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-9ba125cc-9f02-11f1-a768-d7e952639489\">Hayter now caught after Poga\u010dar briefly terrified everyone by hitting the front. But now all the teams are getting into colour order with 31km to go. Time for a feed zone, though.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T14:54:08+00:00\">2026-08-23T14:54:08.410Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-7fe60d7a-9f02-11f1-84f9-711bb547deb6\">Van Aert taking 4&#8243; bonus does complicate it. Van Aert started 9&#8243; down on Poga\u010dar and Hayter. With Hayter taking 6&#8243; and Van Aert taking 4&#8243; puts Van Aert at 11&#8243;, so the Belgian can&#8217;t take red without a gap.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T14:50:17+00:00\">2026-08-23T14:50:17.180Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-f63fa39c-9f01-11f1-8742-dfc8a1ee5056\">Behind it was Wout Van Aert taking 4&#8243; bonus and 17 points then Bryan Coquard (Cofidis) taking 2&#8243; and 15 points then Christophe Laporte taking 13 points.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T14:48:39+00:00\">2026-08-23T14:48:39.834Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-bc145802-9f01-11f1-9f4b-539c9a457d19\">Hayter takes the intermediate sprint, 20 points but, most importantly, 6&#8243; bonus.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T14:48:12+00:00\">2026-08-23T14:48:12.273Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-aba9b7aa-9f01-11f1-91fe-b9f50ffed3fe\">Hayter is going to take the 6&#8243; bonus! He will go into the virtual lead and take red from Poga\u010dar. But, he will have to finish with the leaders at the end of the day.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T14:43:44+00:00\">2026-08-23T14:43:44.585Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-40km-to-go\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-40km-to-go\"><span>40km to go<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-0c132410-9f01-11f1-8093-f7cef6195590\">Hayter has 4km to the intermediate sprint and he has 30&#8243; of a gap. I think he has this. But then he has to stay in the peloton to the finish.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T14:42:10+00:00\">2026-08-23T14:42:10.161Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-d3df1fa4-9f00-11f1-bff3-fd62047ee04a\">Sergio Samitier (Cofidis) now at the doctors car. A few issues in the peloton today.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T14:38:40+00:00\">2026-08-23T14:38:40.499Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-56cf0bf0-9f00-11f1-abe8-e3363d706e56\">Hayter is pushing very hard but the pace behind skyrockets again as riders are being dropped from the peloton.<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"bluesky-embed\" data-bluesky-uri=\"at:\/\/did:plc:2z2cxvddx3gcrcqterdm3v4v\/app.bsky.feed.post\/3mtqzahp26s2k\" data-bluesky-cid=\"bafyreiglbl6z5f65cjpriz7w7bi24u3ja3jhlspwwr4uxdhdjemh3sdwdi\" cite=\"https:\/\/bsky.app\/profile\/did:plc:2z2cxvddx3gcrcqterdm3v4v\/post\/3mtqzahp26s2k?ref_src=embed\" id=\"elk-at:\/\/did:plc:2z2cxvddx3gcrcqterdm3v4v\/app.bsky.feed.post\/3mtqzahp26s2k\">\n<p lang=\"en\">Stage 2\ufe0f\u20e3 | Etapa 2\ufe0f\u20e3<br \/>\n\u2764\ufe0f Hayter goes solo in pursuit of the points (and bonus seconds \ud83d\udc40) as his fellow escapees get caught<br \/>\n\ud83d\udd25 \u00a1Ethan Hayter quiere La Roja y es cabeza de carrera en solitario!<br \/>\n#LaVuelta26<\/p>\n<p>\u2014 @lavuelta.bsky.social (@lavuelta.bsky.social.bsky.social) 2026-08-23T14:38:12.120Z<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T14:35:32+00:00\">2026-08-23T14:35:32.646Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-e6e070c2-9eff-11f1-9bf9-2f34b4c5b83c\">11km to the intermediate sprint now for Hayter. This is going to be very tight as he pulls out the gap to 30&#8243; over a breaking down peloton.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T14:33:49+00:00\">2026-08-23T14:33:49.267Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-a936a8e0-9eff-11f1-9880-57002e47a491\"><strong>Abandon<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Sergio Chumil (Burgos-Burpellet-BH)<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\"><\/a><\/p>\n<aside data-article-category=\"pro-cycling\" data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\" class=\"ecom-root\"><\/aside>\n<p id=\"elk-a936a8e0-9eff-11f1-9880-57002e47a491-2\">The Guatemalan champion sadly was unable to continue after his crash.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T14:33:04+00:00\">2026-08-23T14:33:04.313Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-8ea6fb24-9eff-11f1-b8c9-eda36b590f51\">Van Aert and Brennan are waiting in the wings but Hayter leaves Fernandez and Uriarte behind and has extended his advantage on the peloton to 28&#8243;.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-8ea6fb7e-9eff-11f1-9cc6-357763d89760\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XKJKDHbNdTHw9MFoQfF2DL.jpg\" alt=\"MANOSQUE, MONACO - AUGUST 23: (L-R) Matthew Brennan of Great Britain and Wout Van Aert of Belgium and Team Visma | Lease a Bike compete during the La Vuelta - 81st Tour of Spain 2026, Stage 2 a 214.3km from Monaco to Manosque 408m \/ #UCIWT \/ on August 23, 2026 in Manosque, Monaco. (Photo by Tim de Waele\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T14:30:01+00:00\">2026-08-23T14:30:01.758Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-50km-to-go\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-50km-to-go\"><span>50km to go<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-219c8c60-9eff-11f1-a8b4-c1624f1d885d\">Just 12&#8243; gap for Hayter, Fernandez and Uriarte out front. This isn&#8217;t going to happen for the British rider.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T14:29:22+00:00\">2026-08-23T14:29:22.549Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-crash\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-crash\"><span>Crash<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-0a44abce-9eff-11f1-9d92-359ee95a7e7b\">Sergio Chumil (Burgos-Burpellet-BH)<\/p>\n<p>The Guatemalan road race champion is down and stays down while still clipped into the pedals.<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\"><\/a><\/p>\n<aside data-article-category=\"pro-cycling\" data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\" class=\"ecom-root\"><\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T14:27:36+00:00\">2026-08-23T14:27:36.618Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-cb2957e6-9efe-11f1-93c8-592a12364eaa\">There&#8217;s 20, 17, 15, 13 and 10 points available at the intermediate sprint as well as the 6, 4 and 2 bonus seconds.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T14:27:01+00:00\">2026-08-23T14:27:01.466Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-b628e410-9efe-11f1-9bf9-7b2f9e423c6b\">As they get closer to the intermediate sprint Lidl-Trek and Alpecin-Premier Tech start moving up towards the front of the peloton with just 14&#8243; up to the break with Bruno Arimirail (Visma-Lease a Bike) joining Kruijswijk on the front.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T14:23:44+00:00\">2026-08-23T14:23:44.700Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-410dd2b2-9efe-11f1-b8ad-a9bba29b5eb3\">Magnus Cort (Uno-X Mobility) looks to be struggling a the back of the peloton. The Danish champion would&#8217;ve been a name to watch a couple of years ago for a stage like today. Maybe he will move up and challenge but we shall see.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T14:20:59+00:00\">2026-08-23T14:20:59.472Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-de7627f8-9efd-11f1-8db3-69c816e80725\">Bouwman sits up from the break and is caught by the peloton after confirming that he will wear the mountains jersey tomorrow. Big blow to the break as Hayter is pushing hard in the break.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T14:19:53+00:00\">2026-08-23T14:19:53.519Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-b72ac00a-9efd-11f1-96e0-c1fc27e9ecfd\">Visma want Hayter back and soon. The gap drops to 28&#8243; as Kruijswijk is joined by more teammates on the front to push the pace.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T14:16:53+00:00\">2026-08-23T14:16:53.369Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-4be37260-9efd-11f1-86d4-2939a5f9bed1\">Visma-Lease a Bike have suddenly ramped the pace right up and the gap is back to 45&#8243; again with around 20km to the intermediate sprint. Maybe a big of panic setting in for Visma as they need to pull Hayter back.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T14:13:33+00:00\">2026-08-23T14:13:33.340Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-60km-to-go\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-60km-to-go\"><span>60km to go<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-d47466e4-9efc-11f1-88dd-674c44ce3258\">Hayter asking the camera bike for the time gap. Well, Ethan, it is 1&#8217;08&#8221;!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T14:11:40+00:00\">2026-08-23T14:11:40.988Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-9181e3d4-9efc-11f1-ba10-b91703af130b\">25km to the intermediate sprint now. The break have pulled out their gap to 1&#8217;14&#8221;. This is looking a bit better for the break and going for the bonus seconds. Hayter won&#8217;t have it his own way though at the sprint as Uriarte and Fernandez will be very keen to get as many points as possible.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T14:07:58+00:00\">2026-08-23T14:07:58.995Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-0d2d4b46-9efc-11f1-a121-fd9ac2a93c42\">For the first time in a while the gap goes above a minute as the break try and stay away.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T14:00:15+00:00\">2026-08-23T14:00:15.696Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-70km-to-go\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-70km-to-go\"><span>70km to go<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-f90766c0-9efa-11f1-bf22-d5dcbc1cc04d\">35km to the intermediate sprint with the gap at 52&#8243;. Kruijswijk and Mosca continue to set a strong tempo in the peloton with Netcompany-Ineos sat on their wheels as they have been all day to protect Tarling in white as well as Oscar Onley of the GC and Ben Turner for the stage.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T13:55:47+00:00\">2026-08-23T13:55:47.754Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-5956fd98-9efa-11f1-aba7-592cf8a87003\">Mechanical for Finn Fisher-Black (Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe). The New Zealand time trial champion finished in a solid 9th place at 10&#8243; down.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T13:54:42+00:00\">2026-08-23T13:54:42.888Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-32a527b0-9efa-11f1-a85e-19691f61a7ab\">Gap now plummiting again at 44&#8243;. Hayter&#8217;s bonus second chances looking less and less likely.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T13:54:14+00:00\">2026-08-23T13:54:14.830Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-21ec5f42-9efa-11f1-af87-552b21976ea0\">Sepp Kuss (Visma-Lease a Bike) will decide whether he goes for a good GC placing at this race or not at the end of week one as the 2023 winner gages his form&#8230;<\/p>\n<p>&gt;&gt;&gt; <strong>&#8216;A top 10 on GC isn&#8217;t as important as a stage win&#8217; \u2013 2023 Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a champion Sepp Kuss to make definitive decision on overall bid at end of first week<\/strong><\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-21ec5fa6-9efa-11f1-b57c-6102eb2e3247\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ijb7UgPtDfhSTZMd4BQ4KW.jpg\" alt=\"American Sepp Kuss of Team Visma-Lease a Bike pictured in action during stage 20 of the 2026 Tour de France cycling race, a stage of 171km Le Bourg d&amp;#039;Oisans to Alpe d&amp;#039;Huez, on Saturday 25 July 2026. The 113th edition of the Tour de France starts on Saturday 4 July in Barcelona, Spain, and will finish in Paris, France on the 26th of July. BELGA PHOTO JASPER JACOBS (Photo by JASPER JACOBS \/ BELGA MAG \/ Belga \/ AFP via Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\"><\/a><\/p>\n<aside data-article-category=\"pro-cycling\" data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\" class=\"ecom-root\"><\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T13:52:03+00:00\">2026-08-23T13:52:03.395Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-d3975e6e-9ef9-11f1-ad39-11d1554dbb50\">It has been a very very easy first day in red for Poga\u010dar so far.<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"bluesky-embed\" data-bluesky-uri=\"at:\/\/did:plc:2z2cxvddx3gcrcqterdm3v4v\/app.bsky.feed.post\/3mtqwoj5fys2k\" data-bluesky-cid=\"bafyreifrrzqbbb5whxdqtms5bd64hjrtzlidugvuch32a4jwxlmg6lyw6i\" cite=\"https:\/\/bsky.app\/profile\/did:plc:2z2cxvddx3gcrcqterdm3v4v\/post\/3mtqwoj5fys2k?ref_src=embed\" id=\"elk-at:\/\/did:plc:2z2cxvddx3gcrcqterdm3v4v\/app.bsky.feed.post\/3mtqwoj5fys2k\">\n<p lang=\"en\">\u2764\ufe0f TaRED Pogacar \u2764\ufe0f<br \/>\n#LaVuelta26<\/p>\n<p>\u2014 @lavuelta.bsky.social (@lavuelta.bsky.social.bsky.social) 2026-08-23T13:51:43.836Z<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T13:46:25+00:00\">2026-08-23T13:46:25.700Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-0a7dde7c-9ef9-11f1-8aad-5d77516b6b80\">The bunch don&#8217;t seem to want to catch the break just yet with the gap stabilised at 1&#8217;00&#8221; with 80km to go.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T13:38:28+00:00\">2026-08-23T13:38:28.511Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-ee00c300-9ef7-11f1-a1c2-1db3d22c39ca\">Alpecin-Premier Tech&#8217;s Kaden Groves targets green but has very tough competition to get it by the finish in Granada&#8230;<\/p>\n<p>&gt;&gt;&gt; <strong>&#8216;We&#8217;re looking for the green jersey, but it&#8217;ll be difficult&#8217; &#8211; Kaden Groves tips Tadej Poga\u010dar as potential rival in hunt for Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a points classification<\/strong><\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-ee00c364-9ef7-11f1-93c7-33629b00e3d0\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5iGxHFxptE7DhftoYvHbsT.jpg\" alt=\"MONACO, MONACO - AUGUST 20: Kaden Groves of Australia and Team Alpecin-Premier Tech during the La Vuelta - 81st Tour of Spain 2026, Team Presentation \/ #UCIWT \/ on August 20, 2026 in Monaco, Monaco. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\"><\/a><\/p>\n<aside data-article-category=\"pro-cycling\" data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\" class=\"ecom-root\"><\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T13:35:03+00:00\">2026-08-23T13:35:03.769Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-90km-to-go\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-90km-to-go\"><span>90km to go<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-73fa752e-9ef7-11f1-a508-8f977f83169c\">The gap now at 57&#8243;.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T13:32:09+00:00\">2026-08-23T13:32:09.327Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-0be022fe-9ef7-11f1-bc70-47d31f5c66ef\">About 60km to go to the intermediate sprint where 6, 4 and 2 bonus seconds are available. Hayter will be very keen to get some of those. Any would put him into red if he is able to finish with the front runners at the end of the day. But, Visma and Lidl-Trek are pushing hard behind to try and not let that happen.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T13:25:47+00:00\">2026-08-23T13:25:47.044Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-28034750-9ef6-11f1-b09f-d7041ce84cb1\">The riders cross the halfway point on the stage.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T13:22:54+00:00\">2026-08-23T13:22:54.663Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-c14925fc-9ef5-11f1-81f8-e3867a085624\">A huge amount of time has been hacked off the break&#8217;s lead and they are now 1&#8217;00&#8221; from the peloton.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T13:17:36+00:00\">2026-08-23T13:17:36.183Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-100km-to-go\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-100km-to-go\"><span>100km to go<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-036fe976-9ef5-11f1-b229-f568e4d8b99e\">The peloton continue to close with the gap at 1&#8217;22&#8221; and falling.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T13:16:34+00:00\">2026-08-23T13:16:34.589Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-ded4df9a-9ef4-11f1-84f2-7f19b6e87594\">The Belgian is now at the doctors car almost a minute out of the back of the peloton.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T13:15:44+00:00\">2026-08-23T13:15:44.804Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-c10eb062-9ef4-11f1-943d-afccc5b410b0\">For unbeatable coverage across road, gravel and tech, subscribe to Cyclingnews. You&#8217;ll get comprehensive race coverage of La Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a, subscriber-exclusive analysis from our expert columnists, in-depth features and industry-leading tech insight. Plus, the Cyclingnews app lets you follow the action wherever you go! <strong>Join today<\/strong><strong>.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T13:12:27+00:00\">2026-08-23T13:12:27.743Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-4b95c924-9ef4-11f1-b645-a935340c7a47\">He did get back on but as soon as the road starts to climb again Uijtdebroeks is out of the back again.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T13:04:26+00:00\">2026-08-23T13:04:26.419Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-2cb5313a-9ef3-11f1-9a44-0dbdb3e3fd28\">Uijtdebroeks has been dropped off the back after his crash. Feeling the crash he had earlier.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T13:03:49+00:00\">2026-08-23T13:03:49.522Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-kom-col-de-saint-andrieu\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-kom-col-de-saint-andrieu\"><span>KOM (Col de Saint Andrieu)<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-16d1ebb0-9ef3-11f1-b79f-9f61d3cdcbe0\">1. Bouwman (JAY) 3pts<br \/>2. Uriate (EKP) 2pts<br \/>3. Fernandez (BBH) 1pt<\/p>\n<p>Bouwman will wear the polka dots tomorrow.<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\"><\/a><\/p>\n<aside data-article-category=\"pro-cycling\" data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\" class=\"ecom-root\"><\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T13:00:29+00:00\">2026-08-23T13:00:29.693Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-9f92b228-9ef2-11f1-a7ff-9ddc44d707ce\">After 2 hours of racing the average speed has been 42.6kph.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T12:57:43+00:00\">2026-08-23T12:57:43.328Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-3c6a62c2-9ef2-11f1-b32e-09b11473293a\">111km to go, 1&#8217;29&#8221; to the peloton. They are on the climb of Col de Saint Andrieu.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T12:54:42+00:00\">2026-08-23T12:54:42.293Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-d08319e6-9ef1-11f1-ad3b-452c9a886011\">The peloton aren&#8217;t allowing the break any good gap at all.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T12:49:58+00:00\">2026-08-23T12:49:58.501Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-2764e54c-9ef1-11f1-b2c9-0d2a47e829f2\">The climb is the Col de Saint Andrieu. It is 5km long with an average gradient of 4.8%. 3, 2 and 1 points on offer yet again.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T12:49:11+00:00\">2026-08-23T12:49:11.284Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-0b4c476a-9ef1-11f1-ac53-935324db5466\">The gap is down to 1&#8217;27&#8221; as they start the final categorised climb of the day.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"elk-DcYeNRgoI1X\">\n<div class=\"instagram-embed\">\n<blockquote class=\"instagram-media\" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-version=\"6\">\n<p>A post shared by La Vuelta (@lavuelta)<\/p><figcaption><cite><\/p>\n<p>A photo posted by on <\/p>\n<p><\/cite><\/figcaption><\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T12:32:13+00:00\">2026-08-23T12:32:13.578Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-acbd2c20-9eee-11f1-a741-334aae9f2604\">Poga\u010dar gets his first day in the red jersey today. The first of likely many over the next three weeks. He adds it to the 71 days in yellow at the Tour de France and the 20 days in pink at the Giro d&#8217;Italia. Yes, the year he won the Giro he wore pink from stage 2 after being beaten on stage one by now teammate Jhonatan Narv\u00e1ez.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-acbd2c7a-9eee-11f1-958c-73cda311b009\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tLjJEmQ3z9yq9ehEaqMmiX.jpg\" alt=\"MANOSQUE, MONACO - AUGUST 23: Tadej Pogacar of Slovenia and UAE Team Emirates XRG - Red Leader Jersey competes during the La Vuelta - 81st Tour of Spain 2026, Stage 2 a 214.3km from Monaco to Manosque 408m \/ #UCIWT \/ on August 23, 2026 in Manosque, Monaco. (Photo by Tim de Waele\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T12:28:46+00:00\">2026-08-23T12:28:46.733Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-3166bc4e-9eee-11f1-9129-419932203891\">The gap is reduced again to 1&#8217;42&#8221;.<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"bluesky-embed\" data-bluesky-uri=\"at:\/\/did:plc:2z2cxvddx3gcrcqterdm3v4v\/app.bsky.feed.post\/3mtqr66ojac2k\" data-bluesky-cid=\"bafyreiecyzbg4ds45andty2gizsmoocartbtwowsij3f5xtcvqi6rqps6u\" cite=\"https:\/\/bsky.app\/profile\/did:plc:2z2cxvddx3gcrcqterdm3v4v\/post\/3mtqr66ojac2k?ref_src=embed\" id=\"elk-at:\/\/did:plc:2z2cxvddx3gcrcqterdm3v4v\/app.bsky.feed.post\/3mtqr66ojac2k\">\n<p lang=\"en\">\ud83c\udfc1 155 km | Stage 2\ufe0f\u20e3 &#8211; Etapa 2\ufe0f\u20e3 | #LaVuelta26<br \/>\n\ud83d\udcaa Two strong teams working together to bring back the breakaway for their sprinters<br \/>\n\ud83d\udc4a @teamvismaleaseabike.com y @lidltrek.bsky.social trabajan en el pelot\u00f3n para reducir la ventaja de la fuga<br \/>\n\u23f1\ufe0f1&#8217;30&#8221; Pelot\u00f3n<\/p>\n<p>\u2014 @lavuelta.bsky.social (@lavuelta.bsky.social.bsky.social) 2026-08-23T12:28:27.972Z<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T12:19:24+00:00\">2026-08-23T12:19:24.159Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-150km-to-go\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-150km-to-go\"><span>150km to go<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-e21cc1ca-9eec-11f1-84fd-574178f6c258\">The gap grows to 1&#8217;55&#8221; between the peloton and the four man break of Hayter, Bouwman, Uriate and Fernandez.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T12:11:05+00:00\">2026-08-23T12:11:05.731Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-b8ea7352-9eeb-11f1-908a-d5ee78f926ed\">Jacopo Mosca (Lidl-Trek) and Steven Kruijswijk (Visma-Lease a Bike) are leading the way in the peloton.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-b8ea73ca-9eeb-11f1-ace9-e90ee62c494e\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AC8ZHaJ8xMG68W5L2ekjyX.jpg\" alt=\"MANOSQUE, MONACO - AUGUST 23: Jacopo Mosca of Italy and Team Lidl - Trek leads the peloton during the La Vuelta - 81st Tour of Spain 2026, Stage 2 a 214.3km from Monaco to Manosque 408m \/ #UCIWT \/ on August 23, 2026 in Manosque, Monaco. (Photo by Tim de Waele\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T12:07:05+00:00\">2026-08-23T12:07:05.885Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-crash\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-crash\"><span>Crash<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-29f527be-9eeb-11f1-9902-e902e32c004f\">Cian Uijtdebroeks (MOV)<\/p>\n<p>The Belgian GC hope went down. No idea when as no information around but he appears to be back riding. Yet more bad luck for him, though.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-29f52818-9eeb-11f1-abda-516aa501159b\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YT23xiVRcLevu8mNMovrn8.jpg\" alt=\"MANOSQUE, MONACO - AUGUST 23: Cian Uijtdebroeks of Belgium and Movistar Team reacts after crash during the La Vuelta - 81st Tour of Spain 2026, Stage 2 a 214.3km from Monaco to Manosque 408m \/ #UCIWT \/ on August 23, 2026 in Manosque, Monaco. (Photo by Tim de Waele\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\"><\/a><\/p>\n<aside data-article-category=\"pro-cycling\" data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\" class=\"ecom-root\"><\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T12:04:27+00:00\">2026-08-23T12:04:27.960Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-160km-to-go\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-160km-to-go\"><span>160km to go<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-cbd1acb6-9eea-11f1-af5e-ad12312923bf\">Into the final 100 miles of the stage and the gap is now stable at around 1&#8217;30&#8221;. The peloton are within striking distance for the intermediate sprint so Visma can deny Hayter a chance of taking red and keeping Van Aert&#8217;s dreams alive.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T12:02:42+00:00\">2026-08-23T12:02:42.126Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-8cbe52c2-9eea-11f1-9dee-69104048fe65\">Van Aert missed out on his goal of red yesterday but can take red today if everything goes to plan&#8230;<\/p>\n<p>&gt;&gt;&gt; <strong>&#8216;I know I lost time in the corners&#8217; &#8211; Wout van Aert&#8217;s dream of returning to red in the opening Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a TT falls short<\/strong><\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-8cbe5326-9eea-11f1-aa02-3960ef5c5e55\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CFRvGZ853QbVrc4JAa6myR.jpg\" alt=\"MANOSQUE, MONACO - AUGUST 23: (L-R) Wout Van Aert of Belgium and Team Visma | Lease a Bike and Martin Tjotta of Norway and Team Uno-X Mobility compete during the La Vuelta - 81st Tour of Spain 2026, Stage 2 a 214.3km from Monaco to Manosque 408m \/ #UCIWT \/ on August 23, 2026 in Manosque, Monaco. (Photo by Tim de Waele\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\"><\/a><\/p>\n<aside data-article-category=\"pro-cycling\" data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\" class=\"ecom-root\"><\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T11:55:31+00:00\">2026-08-23T11:55:31.229Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-8c08b97c-9ee9-11f1-8ecb-775ac0358660\">43kph average speed in the first hour.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T11:51:09+00:00\">2026-08-23T11:51:09.839Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-170km-to-go\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-170km-to-go\"><span>170km to go<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-f043583a-9ee8-11f1-83c7-efb6b21a8a84\">The gap is steady for now at 1&#8217;30&#8221;.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T11:47:16+00:00\">2026-08-23T11:47:16.264Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-64e46f5e-9ee8-11f1-ac01-01c70edc008b\">The gap continues to fall with the peloton now at just 1&#8217;32&#8221; from the leaders as Fernandez finally makes it a group of four out front.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T11:46:08+00:00\">2026-08-23T11:46:08.439Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-3c77cbf6-9ee8-11f1-8bfb-95af2e03afe2\">In the break, Bouwman has experience of going for the mountains jersey in a Grand Tour. He won it at the Giro as well as two stages back in 2022.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T11:45:06+00:00\">2026-08-23T11:45:06.381Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-17b5bdf0-9ee8-11f1-930a-47920a9e4edf\">Lidl-Trek join Visma-Lease a Bike on the front of the peloton. Pedersen would have to win the intermediate sprint and the stage to go level on time with Poga\u010dar and Hayter.<\/p>\n<p>I don&#8217;t know if that will give him red. Depends if Poga\u010dar or Hayter finish below 15th in the stage or not as that is the Danes finishing position yesterday.<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\"><\/a><\/p>\n<aside data-article-category=\"pro-cycling\" data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\" class=\"ecom-root\"><\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T11:43:25+00:00\">2026-08-23T11:43:25.106Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-kom-alto-chateauneuf-grasse\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-kom-alto-chateauneuf-grasse\"><span>KOM (Alto Ch\u00e2teauneuf-Grasse)<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-db58ac64-9ee7-11f1-9ccd-33a1145647d9\">1. Bouwman (JAY) 3pts<br \/>2. Uriate (EKP) 2pts<br \/>3. Hayter (SOQ) 1pt<\/p>\n<p>First points in the KOM standings handed out.<\/p>\n<div class=\"see-more see-more--clipped\" id=\"elk-2091492012465795121\">\n<figure>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet hawk-ignore\" data-lang=\"en\" cite=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/cantworkitout\/status\/2091492012465795121\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">\u26a1\ufe0f First proper climb of this year\u2019s Vuelta! But don\u2019t worry, there is much more to come \ud83d\ude1c\ud83d\udc99 \u00a1Primer puerto de #LaVuelta26 para Bouwman en la lucha por el maillot azul!\u26f0 3\ufe0f\u20e3 \ud835\udc00\ud835\udc0b\ud835\udc13\ud835\udc0e \ud835\udc02\ud835\udc07\ud835\udc00\u0302\ud835\udc13\ud835\udc04\ud835\udc00\ud835\udc14\ud835\udc0d\ud835\udc04\ud835\udc14\ud835\udc05-\ud835\udc06\ud835\udc11\ud835\udc00\ud835\udc12\ud835\udc12\ud835\udc041\ufe0f\u20e3 \ud83c\uddf3\ud83c\uddf1 Koen Bouwman &#8211; @GreenEDGEteam &#8211; 3p.2\ufe0f\u20e3 \ud83c\uddea\ud83c\uddf8 Diego\u2026 pic.twitter.com\/iLgpIkCKfyAugust 23, 2026<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/figure>\n<div class=\"see-more__filter\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\"><\/a><\/p>\n<aside data-article-category=\"pro-cycling\" data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\" class=\"ecom-root\"><\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T11:37:38+00:00\">2026-08-23T11:37:38.001Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-180km-to-go\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-180km-to-go\"><span>180km to go<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-0c58c354-9ee7-11f1-af90-47857dc34f0f\">Hayter, Bouwman and Uriate have 20&#8243; on Fernandez but just 2&#8217;00&#8221; on the peloton led by Visma-Lease a Bike who want to give Wout Van Aert a chance to go into red at the end of the day. Van Aert starts today 9&#8243; down in GC on Poga\u010dar and Hayter. If Hayter gets any bonuses at the intermediate sprint, it will not be possible for Van Aert to go into red.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T11:28:10+00:00\">2026-08-23T11:28:10.603Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-ba06a7e8-9ee5-11f1-ab6c-6d5831b081df\">Fernandez is still pushing and is 55&#8243; away from the front of the race, but the gap to the peloton is shrinking with the leaders now only holding 2&#8217;30&#8221; on the peloton with Fernandez now 1&#8217;35&#8221; ahead of the pack.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-ba06a860-9ee5-11f1-a2c6-d1352bd0cf2c\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Roy2rMUFqC5j5Havz8vwDa.jpg\" alt=\"MANOSQUE, MONACO - AUGUST 23: Sinuhe Fernandez of Spain and Team Burgos Burpellet BH competes in the chase group during the La Vuelta - 81st Tour of Spain 2026, Stage 2 a 214.3km from Monaco to Manosque 408m \/ #UCIWT \/ on August 23, 2026 in Manosque, Monaco. (Photo by Tim de Waele\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T11:26:07+00:00\">2026-08-23T11:26:07.223Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-707de776-9ee5-11f1-9916-9107883d8ddb\">It is a long day out front for Hayter but the intermediate sprint, with 48km to go, has 6, 4 and 2 bonus seconds available. Any would see him take virtual red. But, there&#8217;s about 140km between him and that point in the race.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T11:24:38+00:00\">2026-08-23T11:24:38.982Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-3bf23764-9ee5-11f1-a6c6-334bc03154c6\">And Hayter joins the leaders Bouwman and Uriate with around 5km to the top of the climb.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T11:23:27+00:00\">2026-08-23T11:23:27.267Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-1124eea0-9ee5-11f1-b256-41a0f7215fbe\">It looks like the leaders are waiting for Hayter as the gap is shrinking rapidly to him but they have also lost 30&#8243; to the peloton.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T11:22:51+00:00\">2026-08-23T11:22:51.299Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-fbb38b30-9ee4-11f1-a926-c76271612c03\">Bouwman and Uriate still have 33&#8243; on Hayter despite having a big lead on the peloton with Fernandez still at 1&#8217;25&#8221;.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-fbb38ba8-9ee4-11f1-92be-33da229f6f49\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4tp5SYiwoTCg9Zi5CPLB5n.jpg\" alt=\"MANOSQUE, MONACO - AUGUST 23: (L-R) Diego Uriarte of Spain and Team Equipo Kern Pharma and Koen Bouwman of Netherlands and Team Jayco AlUla compete in the breakaway during the La Vuelta - 81st Tour of Spain 2026, Stage 2 a 214.3km from Monaco to Manosque 408m \/ #UCIWT \/ on August 23, 2026 in Manosque, Monaco. (Photo by Tim de Waele\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T11:18:50+00:00\">2026-08-23T11:18:50.181Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-6c029530-9ee4-11f1-a2a7-5d8c65408fed\">The riders are on the first climb of the day, the Alto Ch\u00e2teauneuf-Grasse. All the climbs have a little bit of Spanish to them as it is La Vuelta, that is why the Alto is there. Cat 3 climb at 13km with a gentle average gradient of 2.9%. There are 3, 2 and 1 points available at the top.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T11:14:49+00:00\">2026-08-23T11:14:49.487Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-dca0e324-9ee3-11f1-b03b-c5dfc16925d3\">The leaders are being reported as Koen Bouwman (Jayco-AlUla) and Diego Uriarte (Kern Pharma). They have a gap of 3&#8217;28&#8221; on the peloton.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T11:13:57+00:00\">2026-08-23T11:13:57.638Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-bda22924-9ee3-11f1-8300-8f351d297302\">Hayter is 35&#8243; off the back of the leaders. He is not joined by Paret-Peintre as previously reported. Fernandez is now at 1&#8217;28&#8221; from the leaders but 2&#8217;00&#8221; ahead of the peloton. They have let Hayter go!<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-159acb04-9ee4-11f1-a2e9-d3b394109520\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MBGngv7bHSKMQ6vgqFAyF3.jpg\" alt=\"MANOSQUE, MONACO - AUGUST 23: Ethan Hayter of Great Britain and Team Soudal Quick-Step - Green points jersey competes during the La Vuelta - 81st Tour of Spain 2026, Stage 2 a 214.3km from Monaco to Manosque 408m \/ #UCIWT \/ on August 23, 2026 in Manosque, Monaco. (Photo by Tim de Waele\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T11:08:02+00:00\">2026-08-23T11:08:02.548Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-e9f8602a-9ee2-11f1-bcc2-e1ee480d00cb\">Valentin Paret-Peintre (Soudal-Quickstep) is said to be in the second chase group along with teammate and second overall, Ethan Hayter!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T11:07:03+00:00\">2026-08-23T11:07:03.266Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-200km-to-go\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-200km-to-go\"><span>200km to go<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-c6a14f74-9ee2-11f1-ab03-a79eea6edbe9\">It has been a very aggressive start to racing on the roads of south eastern France.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T11:06:13+00:00\">2026-08-23T11:06:13.897Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-a97a3258-9ee2-11f1-abe7-75fb92e58e77\">Sinuh\u00e9 Fern\u00e1ndez (Burgos-Burpellet-BH) is in the third group on the road as he tries to bridge the 45&#8243; gap to the leaders.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T11:02:18+00:00\">2026-08-23T11:02:18.867Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-1d4b7436-9ee2-11f1-8b3f-fd2a212c7286\">Suddenly, there&#8217;s groups strewn across the road with the two leaders out front with 1&#8217;10&#8221; gap on the peloton with two chase groups in the gap.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T11:00:10+00:00\">2026-08-23T11:00:10.272Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-d088356c-9ee1-11f1-b3ce-3731b166c2f2\">Its Slovenia central at La Vuelta this year! Primo\u017e Rogli\u010d (Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe), Domen Novak (UAE Team Emirates-XRG) and Roman Ermakov (Bahrain Victorious) having a chat in the bunch.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-d08835d0-9ee1-11f1-8151-5db3122b7a19\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nMzSPv58jpErAmjDbSczNe.jpg\" alt=\"MANOSQUE, MONACO - AUGUST 23: Primoz Roglic of Slovenia and Team Red Bull - BORA - hansgrohe competes during the La Vuelta - 81st Tour of Spain 2026, Stage 2 a 214.3km from Monaco to Manosque 408m \/ #UCIWT \/ on August 23, 2026 in Manosque, Monaco. (Photo by Tim de Waele\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T10:57:31+00:00\">2026-08-23T10:57:31.820Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-72215aee-9ee1-11f1-9eeb-c12de1ce5b07\">Two riders are clear of the bunch by 17&#8243; but will surely want company.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T10:53:03+00:00\">2026-08-23T10:53:03.693Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-d2921946-9ee0-11f1-a851-5f82fe8136cb\">But the first moves are swiftly caught.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T10:52:29+00:00\">2026-08-23T10:52:29.564Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-bde68ac2-9ee0-11f1-84c4-01edeac9fc20\">Attacks firing off the front immediately to try and form the early breakaway.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T10:51:31+00:00\">2026-08-23T10:51:31.492Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-214-3km-to-go\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-214-3km-to-go\"><span>214.3km to go<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-9b413bd4-9ee0-11f1-9001-6dda38f88cbe\">Racing gets underway in France now that the riders have left Monaco. The long race to Manosque begins.<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"bluesky-embed\" data-bluesky-uri=\"at:\/\/did:plc:2z2cxvddx3gcrcqterdm3v4v\/app.bsky.feed.post\/3mtqna7vxes2k\" data-bluesky-cid=\"bafyreidq2guoi36u5wutmrap6saolirdt7z5znozcmyg2dmt4hcbfoyvxa\" cite=\"https:\/\/bsky.app\/profile\/did:plc:2z2cxvddx3gcrcqterdm3v4v\/post\/3mtqna7vxes2k?ref_src=embed\" id=\"elk-at:\/\/did:plc:2z2cxvddx3gcrcqterdm3v4v\/app.bsky.feed.post\/3mtqna7vxes2k\">\n<p lang=\"en\">\ud83d\udcaa Here is the real start of the first classical road stage! Let&#8217;s gooo<br \/>\n\ud83d\ude0d \u00a1Salida lanzada para la primera etapa en l\u00ednea! \u00a1Vamos!<br \/>\n#LaVuelta26<\/p>\n<p>\u2014 @lavuelta.bsky.social (@lavuelta.bsky.social.bsky.social) 2026-08-23T11:02:56.570Z<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T10:50:41+00:00\">2026-08-23T10:50:41.386Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-7d607b52-9ee0-11f1-94d5-01be1cb8d40e\">Ethan Hayter is going to try and take red on today&#8217;s stage with tiny gap splitting him and Poga\u010dar.<\/p>\n<p>&gt;&gt;&gt; <strong>&#8216;It&#8217;s not completely under my control but I&#8217;m going to try&#8217; &#8211; After ultra-narrow TT defeat to Poga\u010dar, Ethan Hayter throws hat in ring for red in Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a<\/strong><\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-7d607bca-9ee0-11f1-97df-393a670783e1\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7ETiiEL6UNptbN5ybNHAiP.jpg\" alt=\"MONACO - AUGUST 23: Ethan Hayter of Great Britain and Team Soudal Quick-Step - Green points jersey prior to the La Vuelta - 81st Tour of Spain 2026, Stage 2 a 214.3km from Monaco to Manosque 408m \/ #UCIWT \/ on August 23, 2026 in Monaco, Monaco. (Photo by Tim de Waele\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\"><\/a><\/p>\n<aside data-article-category=\"pro-cycling\" data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\" class=\"ecom-root\"><\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T10:48:14+00:00\">2026-08-23T10:48:14.046Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-2590d598-9ee0-11f1-adf6-2f1a469767e6\">The racing hasn&#8217;t got underway just yet as riders return to the peloton after various issues.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T10:45:20+00:00\">2026-08-23T10:45:20.579Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-be34bbda-9edf-11f1-a7cd-f970b7ce8786\">Mechanical for Cl\u00e9ment Berthet (Groupama-FDJ) may delay things slightly.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T10:41:44+00:00\">2026-08-23T10:41:44.492Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-3d903aa4-9edf-11f1-a721-5d171ebb4868\">The racing is due to start any moment now.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T10:31:56+00:00\">2026-08-23T10:31:56.749Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-df1d9832-9edd-11f1-9947-6d16910dd7c0\">Jerseys:<\/p>\n<p>Red &#8211; Tadej Poga\u010dar (UAX)<br \/>Green &#8211; Tadej Poga\u010dar (UAX)*<br \/>Polka dots &#8211; Technically not owned but worn by Callum Thornley (RBH)<br \/>White &#8211; Josh Tarling (NCI)<\/p>\n<p>*Worn by &#8211; Ethan Hayter (SOQ)<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-df1d98a0-9edd-11f1-a608-55ac05ffc9f0\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ocas76kW7ti4PV6ipvdvdR.jpg\" alt=\"MONACO - AUGUST 23: Tadej Pogacar of Slovenia and UAE Team Emirates XRG - Red Leader Jersey prior to the La Vuelta - 81st Tour of Spain 2026, Stage 2 a 214.3km from Monaco to Manosque 408m \/ #UCIWT \/ on August 23, 2026 in Monaco, Monaco. (Photo by Tim de Waele\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\"><\/a><\/p>\n<aside data-article-category=\"pro-cycling\" data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\" class=\"ecom-root\"><\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T10:25:01+00:00\">2026-08-23T10:25:01.204Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-e76f4090-9edc-11f1-8c35-d51fca865895\">The riders rolled out almost half an hour ago in Monaco.<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"bluesky-embed\" data-bluesky-uri=\"at:\/\/did:plc:2z2cxvddx3gcrcqterdm3v4v\/app.bsky.feed.post\/3mtqkvviu622k\" data-bluesky-cid=\"bafyreidq6pvrsj4kv72667xj5bqzap4zxgnwk3koys5jpmx3imeea5q55q\" cite=\"https:\/\/bsky.app\/profile\/did:plc:2z2cxvddx3gcrcqterdm3v4v\/post\/3mtqkvviu622k?ref_src=embed\" id=\"elk-at:\/\/did:plc:2z2cxvddx3gcrcqterdm3v4v\/app.bsky.feed.post\/3mtqkvviu622k\">\n<p lang=\"en\">\ud83d\udccd\ud835\udc0c\ud835\udc0e\ud835\udc0d\ud835\udc00\ud835\udc02\ud835\udc0e<br \/>\n\ud83d\udcaa Stage 2\ufe0f\u20e3 neutral start!<br \/>\n\ud83d\ude4c \u00a1Salida neutralizada de la etapa 2\ufe0f\u20e3!<br \/>\n#LaVuelta26<\/p>\n<p>\u2014 @lavuelta.bsky.social (@lavuelta.bsky.social.bsky.social) 2026-08-23T10:24:43.335Z<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T10:23:43+00:00\">2026-08-23T10:23:43.202Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-b8e2565e-9edc-11f1-9f21-694e7aac4443\">Just around 20 minutes left of the neutralised section of today&#8217;s stage. All in all, with the neutral included, the riders are riding 235.3km today. A huge distance so early in the race.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T10:22:11+00:00\">2026-08-23T10:22:11.142Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-820bf644-9edc-11f1-9ff4-3f0a3dbb9f92\">It is another sunny day on the Mediterranean coast.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-820bf69e-9edc-11f1-be93-c3131738e478\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pSCYCaD36Uv2Wn2iNeEe3j.jpg\" alt=\"MONACO - AUGUST 23: A general view of the peloton competing during the La Vuelta - 81st Tour of Spain 2026, Stage 2 a 214.3km from Monaco to Manosque 408m \/ #UCIWT \/ on August 23, 2026 in Monaco, Monaco. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T10:06:02+00:00\">2026-08-23T10:06:02.087Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-40692b46-9eda-11f1-813b-4b3959e6e9b6\">The neutralised section of today&#8217;s stage is a massive 21km long as they leave Monaco and head into France. Through \u00c8ze, top of the famous Col d\u00c8ze that recently saw the end of the Tour de France Femmes and into Nice before starting the race at the other side of the frequently visited city.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T10:03:25+00:00\">2026-08-23T10:03:25.690Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-e3331914-9ed9-11f1-ac86-2b521d66ff37\">Its a happy birthday to Tobias Halland Johannessen (Uno-X Mobility). The former Tour de l&#8217;Avenir winner turns 27 today.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T10:01:46+00:00\">2026-08-23T10:01:46.368Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-neutral-start\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-neutral-start\"><span>Neutral start<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-a80789ce-9ed9-11f1-b6a3-6f3412b2f713\">The riders have rolled out of the start in Monaco. Hayter starts the race in the green skinsuit but on the same time as Poga\u010dar. Could the British rider maybe take bonus seconds at the intermediate sprint?<\/p>\n<p>There are 6, 4 and 2 bonus seconds available in Gr\u00e9oux-les-Bains with just under 50km of the stage remaining. It would take a lot of managing by his Soudal-Quickstep team.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-a8078a3c-9ed9-11f1-bab4-fb69932d00e1\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XL6gKkbf5ZXxMESZWqJVyK.jpg\" alt=\"MONACO - AUGUST 23: Ethan Hayter of Great Britain and Team Soudal Quick-Step - Green points jersey prior to the La Vuelta - 81st Tour of Spain 2026, Stage 2 a 214.3km from Monaco to Manosque 408m \/ #UCIWT \/ on August 23, 2026 in Monaco, Monaco. (Photo by Tim de Waele\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\"><\/a><\/p>\n<aside data-article-category=\"pro-cycling\" data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\" class=\"ecom-root\"><\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T09:53:03+00:00\">2026-08-23T09:53:03.098Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-7020bf5e-9ed8-11f1-8555-8509f12d7acd\">Full red but no custom bike just yet as he continues to ride the super lightweight Colnago that has almost no paint on the frame.<\/p>\n<div class=\"see-more see-more--clipped\" id=\"elk-2091462296090312968\">\n<figure>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet hawk-ignore\" data-lang=\"en\" cite=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/cantworkitout\/status\/2091462296090312968\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">Red-hot \u2764\ufe0f Al Rojo vivo\ud83d\udcf8 @cxcling | #LaVuelta26 | @TeamEmiratesUAE pic.twitter.com\/BXojfh1kcWAugust 23, 2026<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/figure>\n<div class=\"see-more__filter\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T09:51:19+00:00\">2026-08-23T09:51:19.096Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-32709fb2-9ed8-11f1-bcd0-7378d6630d0e\">It feels like it is wrong but this is Tadej Poga\u010dar&#8217;s first time in the red jersey at La Vuelta and he has gone full red, as you would. The last rider to lead a Grand Tour from stage 1 all the way through to the end was Gianni Bugno in 1990 at the Giro d&#8217;Italia. Can Poga\u010dar pull off the achievement? Or will he try and give it away early to save his team?<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-3270a00c-9ed8-11f1-80ba-dd0ce2b674cf\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Wb6yxvX9Z2mYfHq4QjivML.jpg\" alt=\"MONACO - AUGUST 23: A general view of Tadej Pogacar of Slovenia - Red Leader Jersey, Joao Almeida of Portugal, Domen Novak of Slovenia, Ivo Oliveira of Portugal, Pavel Sivakov of France, Pablo Torres of Spain, Kevin Vermaerke of United States, Jay Vine of Australia and UAE Team Emirates XRG prior to the La Vuelta - 81st Tour of Spain 2026, Stage 2 a 214.3km from Monaco to Manosque 408m \/ #UCIWT \/ on August 23, 2026 in Monaco, Monaco. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T09:32:58+00:00\">2026-08-23T09:32:58.476Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-a21bd38e-9ed5-11f1-a7b1-a9f6832a6689\">The neutral start comes at midday local time, so the riders will be rolling out of Monaco in around 30 minutes time.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T09:31:46+00:00\">2026-08-23T09:31:46.610Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-7761e782-9ed5-11f1-865c-55fef357e373\">The riders are busy signing on and being presented to the crowd with local hero and Mon\u00e9gasque national champion, Victory Langellotti (XDS-Astana) after his switch from Netcompany-Ineos at the start of the month.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-7761e7e6-9ed5-11f1-9cd1-b734ac1025c5\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2XGD8HRYRRxUF26pPPJB9L.jpg\" alt=\"MONACO - AUGUST 23: A general view of Harold Tejada of Colombia, Yevgeniy Fedorov of Kazakhstan, Lorenzo Fortunato of Italy, Victor Langellotti of Monaco, Henok Mulubrhan of Eritrea, Cristian Rodriguez of Spain, Alessandro Romele of Italy, Darren Van Bekkum of Netherlands and Team XDS Astana prior to the La Vuelta - 81st Tour of Spain 2026, Stage 2 a 214.3km from Monaco to Manosque 408m \/ #UCIWT \/ on August 23, 2026 in Monaco, Monaco. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T09:27:50+00:00\">2026-08-23T09:27:50.885Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-eac72bb6-9ed4-11f1-8b32-15a3e8226868\">The opening road stage of this year&#8217;s Vuelta is an intriguing one. Over 3000 metres of climbing on the menu but only two categorised climbs, it is a tricky one to call. Likely suiting the likes of Mads Pedersen (Lidl-Trek), Wout Van Aert (Visma-Lease a Bike) and Kaden groves (Alpecin-Premier Tech) but also brings in riders like Tadej Poga\u010dar himself into the mix and a possible second stage win in as many days.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-eac72c24-9ed4-11f1-9bf5-d715b81176d3\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7ewxrqzPWd9iXfpiRK5xEU.webp\" alt=\"Profile of stage 2\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: ASO)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T09:12:30+00:00\">2026-08-23T09:12:30.638Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-c646255a-9ed2-11f1-9e62-5b0d1b7df859\">Josh Tarling (Netcompany-Ineos) put in a superb ride after eight horrendous days for him and his family.<\/p>\n<p>&gt;&gt;&gt; <strong>&#8216;I gave it everything I had&#8217; \u2013 Eight days after brother Finlay&#8217;s death, Josh Tarling takes third in opening Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a time trial<\/strong><\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-c64625be-9ed2-11f1-8f8e-6736a44c5b3f\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oJYLvWCepfQ8zP3KDUHEtE.jpg\" alt=\"Team Netcompany Ineos&amp;#039; Welsh rider Joshua Tarling competes during the first stage of the Vuelta a Espana 2026, a 9,4 km time-trial between Monaco and Monaco on August 22, 2026. (Photo by Miguel MEDINA \/ AFP)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\"><\/a><\/p>\n<aside data-article-category=\"pro-cycling\" data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\" class=\"ecom-root\"><\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T09:02:56+00:00\">2026-08-23T09:02:56.681Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-7025bd26-9ed1-11f1-961a-17c15f8150a7\">It wasn&#8217;t a huge surprise to anyone last night that Tadej Poga\u010dar (UAE Team Emirates-XRG) took the win, but the margin of victory was incredible. Just 0.09 of a second split the five time Tour de France victor and the British TT champion Ethan Hayter (Soudal-Quickstep) on the line in the principality famed for tight margins in Formula 1.<\/p>\n<p>&gt;&gt;&gt; <strong>Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a: Tadej Poga\u010dar claims stage 1 time trial and takes the first leader&#8217;s jersey in Monaco<\/strong><\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-7025bd8a-9ed1-11f1-bf85-c7d1530f42be\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PpEhHGvv8AgcUn5LNYNkvU.jpg\" alt=\"UAE Team Emirates - XRG team&amp;#039;s Slovenian rider Tadej Pogacar competes during the first stage of the Vuelta a Espana 2026, a 9,4 km time-trial between Monaco and Monaco on August 22, 2026. (Photo by Miguel MEDINA \/ AFP)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\"><\/a><\/p>\n<aside data-article-category=\"pro-cycling\" data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\" class=\"ecom-root\"><\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<p id=\"elk-083c4cd0-98c7-11f1-a85a-673b0607a756\">Hola! Welcome to live updates on stage 2 of La Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a here on <em>Cyclingnews<\/em>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"viafoura-comments\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative max-w-[1070px] viafoura-twig-component mt-6\" data-component-name=\"Viafoura:Comments\" data-nosnippet data-community-guidelines-text=\"&lt;p class=&apos;vfcustom-community-guidelines&apos;&gt;Please follow our &lt;a href=&quot;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/about\/#section-community-guidelines&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;community guidelines&lt;\/a&gt;.&lt;\/p&gt;\" data-join-the-conversation-text=\"Join the Conversation\">\n<div class=\"relative h-(--truncate-height) sm:h-(--truncate-desktop-height) overflow-hidden transition-[height] duration-150\" data-test-id=\"container\" data-component-name=\"Util:Truncate\" id=\"viafoura-comments-container\">\n<div class=\"relative z-10 viafoura rounded-[var(--comment-widget-border-radius,0)]\" id=\"viafoura-comment-wrapper\" 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2026, Stage 2\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] popular-box__article-list__image image__image\"><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">1<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>&#8216;When Wout goes, you have to react&#8217; &#8211; Tadej Poga\u010dar retains Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a lead after sizzling finale duel with Van Aert<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">2<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>Kim Le Court-Pienaar comes full circle at Tour of Britain Women to take her first-ever GC victory<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">3<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>&#8216;I didn&#8217;t really have much left for such a hard finish&#8217; \u2013 Ethan Hayter misses out on red jersey again at Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a despite gutsy breakaway ride in ripped shorts<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">4<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a: Powerful sprint nets Matthew Brennan stage 2 victory as Tadej Poga\u010dar fends off attacks to keep leader&#8217;s jersey<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">5<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>Deutschland Tour: Isaac del Toro seals overall title as Paul Magnier wins finale stage 4 in Heilbronn<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-widget-type=\"empty\" id=\"sidebar-popular-bottom\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-empty widget-sidebar-popular-bottom widget-empty-sidebar-popular-bottom ad-unit widget-no-data widget-empty\">\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<div data-widget-type=\"hero\" id=\"hero\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-hero widget-hero widget-hero-hero hero-live news-article widget-hero widget-hero-fter-review\">\n<div class=\"clear-both widget-header\">\n<\/div>\n<div data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\" class=\"news-article\">\n<div class=\"header-container\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRacing\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRoad\n<\/li>\n<li>\nVuelta a Espa\u00f1a\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<header>\n<div class=\"header-sub-container\">\n<h1 class=\"review-title-long live-report\">As it happened: British sensation steals the show in first road stage at La Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a 2026<\/h1>\n<h2>The race leaves Monaco and heads to Provence and Manosque with a 214.3 km stage that takes on well over 3000 metres of climbing<br \/>\n<\/h2>\n<div class=\"vds-byline-block flex flex-row flex-nowrap my-1.5 gap-2 text-left items-start justify-start\" data-component-name=\"Article:BylineBlock\">\n<p>Live-reports<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-auto vds-simple-byline\">\n<span class=\"inline-block vds-author\"><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nTim Bonville-Ginn <\/span><br \/>\n<span class=\"inline-block h-3 my-auto border-l border-solid vds-simple-byline__divider max-sm:hidden\"><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex gap-1 vds-byline-with-avatar__meta\">\n<span class=\"vds-date block font-normal tracking-normal normal-case text-xs\"><br \/>\nLast updated<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T16:25:49Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n23 August 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><br \/>\n<\/span>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<nav class=\"socialite-widget box less-space \" data-contexturl=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/live\/vuelta-a-espana-stage-2-live-a-difficult-first-road-stage-to-call-with-likely-sprint-into-manosque-on-the-cards\/\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"socialite\">\n<ul class=\"socialite-widget-ul\">\n<li class=\"socialite-widget-item social-facebook\">\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"socialite-widget-item social-twitter\">\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"socialite-widget-item social-pinterest\">\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"socialite-widget-item social-email\">\n<p><i class=\"icon icon-envelope-solid\"><\/i><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>    <span class=\"text-[color:var(--comment-count-text-color,inherit)]\"><span>1<\/span> <span class=\"visible hidden sm:inline-block\">Comment<\/span><\/span><br \/>\n    <span class=\"text-[color:var(--comment-count-text-color,inherit)] hidden visible sm:inline-block\">Join the conversation<\/span><\/p>\n<\/nav>\n<aside class=\"text-gray-700 flex items-center mx-0 my-5 p-0 justify-start text-left\" id=\"affiliate-disclaimer\" data-component-name=\"AffiliateDisclaimer\" data-hawk-message=\"Affiliate disclaimer removed because hawk deemed there are no affiliate links on this page\">\n<p class=\"text-[color:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--text-color,inherit)] mb-2 text-[length:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--font-size,0.75rem)] leading-[18px] md:text-[13px] [&amp;&gt;a]:text-inherit [&amp;&gt;a]:underline\">\nWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here\u2019s how it works.\n<\/p>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<\/header>\n<figure>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CPxWbXXnNwNbQkNsPJbekJ.jpg\" alt=\"MANOSQUE, MONACO - AUGUST 23: A general view of Matthew Brennan of Great Britain and Team Visma | Lease a Bike, Mads Pedersen of Denmark and Team Lidl - Trek sprint at finish line during the La Vuelta - 81st Tour of Spain 2026, Stage 2 a 214.3km from Monaco to Manosque 408m \/ #UCIWT \/ on August 23, 2026 in Manosque, Monaco. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein\/Getty Images)\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] block-image-ads hero-image w-full\" data-component-name=\"Image\"><figcaption class=\"font-article-copy text-(--image--text--color) font-article-copy mt-2\"> <span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: \u00a9 Getty Images)<\/span><br \/>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\" class=\"news-article\">\n<div class=\"header-container\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRacing\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRoad\n<\/li>\n<li>\nVuelta a Espa\u00f1a\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<header>\n<div class=\"header-sub-container\">\n<h1 class=\"review-title-long live-report\">As it happened: British sensation steals the show in first road stage at La Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a 2026<\/h1>\n<h2>The race leaves Monaco and heads to Provence and Manosque with a 214.3 km stage that takes on well over 3000 metres of climbing<br \/>\n<\/h2>\n<div class=\"vds-byline-block flex flex-row flex-nowrap my-1.5 gap-2 text-left items-start justify-start\" data-component-name=\"Article:BylineBlock\">\n<p>Live-reports<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-auto vds-simple-byline\">\n<span class=\"inline-block vds-author\"><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nTim Bonville-Ginn <\/span><br \/>\n<span class=\"inline-block h-3 my-auto border-l border-solid vds-simple-byline__divider max-sm:hidden\"><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex gap-1 vds-byline-with-avatar__meta\">\n<span class=\"vds-date block font-normal tracking-normal normal-case text-xs\"><br \/>\nLast updated<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T16:25:49Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n23 August 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><br \/>\n<\/span>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<nav class=\"socialite-widget box less-space \" data-contexturl=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/live\/vuelta-a-espana-stage-2-live-a-difficult-first-road-stage-to-call-with-likely-sprint-into-manosque-on-the-cards\/\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"socialite\">\n<ul class=\"socialite-widget-ul\">\n<li class=\"socialite-widget-item social-facebook\">\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"socialite-widget-item social-twitter\">\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"socialite-widget-item social-pinterest\">\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"socialite-widget-item social-email\">\n<p><i class=\"icon icon-envelope-solid\"><\/i><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>    <span class=\"text-[color:var(--comment-count-text-color,inherit)]\"><span>1<\/span> <span class=\"visible hidden sm:inline-block\">Comment<\/span><\/span><br \/>\n    <span class=\"text-[color:var(--comment-count-text-color,inherit)] hidden visible sm:inline-block\">Join the conversation<\/span><\/p>\n<\/nav>\n<aside class=\"text-gray-700 flex items-center mx-0 my-5 p-0 justify-start text-left\" id=\"affiliate-disclaimer\" data-component-name=\"AffiliateDisclaimer\" data-hawk-message=\"Affiliate disclaimer removed because hawk deemed there are no affiliate links on this page\">\n<p class=\"text-[color:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--text-color,inherit)] mb-2 text-[length:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--font-size,0.75rem)] leading-[18px] md:text-[13px] [&amp;&gt;a]:text-inherit [&amp;&gt;a]:underline\">\nWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here\u2019s how it works.\n<\/p>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<\/header>\n<figure>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CPxWbXXnNwNbQkNsPJbekJ.jpg\" alt=\"MANOSQUE, MONACO - AUGUST 23: A general view of Matthew Brennan of Great Britain and Team Visma | Lease a Bike, Mads Pedersen of Denmark and Team Lidl - Trek sprint at finish line during the La Vuelta - 81st Tour of Spain 2026, Stage 2 a 214.3km from Monaco to Manosque 408m \/ #UCIWT \/ on August 23, 2026 in Manosque, Monaco. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein\/Getty Images)\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] block-image-ads hero-image w-full\" data-component-name=\"Image\"><figcaption class=\"font-article-copy text-(--image--text--color) font-article-copy mt-2\"> <span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: \u00a9 Getty Images)<\/span><br \/>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-widget-type=\"contentparsed\" id=\"pinned-content\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-contentparsed widget-pinned-content widget-contentparsed-pinned-content widget-pinned news-article widget-content-parsed widget-content-parsed-default widget-content-parsed-live-feed \">\n<div class=\" article-body \">\n<div class>\n<a id=\"elk-08349fa8-98c7-11f1-a5db-3f156af0c8af\"><\/a><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-0834a00c-98c7-11f1-8a0b-4142f9029b54\"><strong>Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a 2026 &#8211; Everything you need to know<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a 2026 &#8211; Route<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\"><\/a><\/p>\n<aside data-article-category=\"pro-cycling\" data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\" class=\"ecom-root\"><\/aside>\n<p id=\"elk-0834a00c-98c7-11f1-8a0b-4142f9029b54-2\"><strong>Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a 2026 &#8211; Contenders<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a 2026 &#8211; stage 2 preview<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>How to watch the 2026 Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a<\/strong><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-0834a070-98c7-11f1-a98c-eb63378214ed\"><strong>For unbeatable coverage across road, gravel and tech, subscribe to Cyclingnews. You&#8217;ll get comprehensive race coverage of La Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a, subscriber-exclusive analysis from our expert columnists, in-depth features and industry-leading tech insight. Plus, the Cyclingnews app lets you follow the action wherever you go! <\/strong><u><strong>Join today.<\/strong><\/u><\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-race-situation\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-race-situation\"><span>Race Situation<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><a id=\"elk-0834a16a-98c7-11f1-a480-9727582d3000\"><\/a><a id=\"elk-have-your-say\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-have-your-say\"><span>Have your say!<\/span><\/h3>\n<div id=\"elk-5513a63c-9bda-11f1-aaed-f3cd61def5c4\">\n<div class=\"kwizly-quiz kwizly-ev1omX\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-widget-type=\"contentparsed\" id=\"live-feed-multipage\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-contentparsed widget-live-feed-multipage widget-contentparsed-live-feed-multipage news-article widget-content-parsed widget-content-parsed-default multipage widget-content-parsed-live-feed \">\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\" article-body \">\n<div id=\"ad-unit-1\" class=\"ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div data-component-name=\"Article:LiveReportUpdater\">\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T16:25:49+00:00\">2026-08-23T16:25:49.770Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-4f0bfaae-9f0f-11f1-9665-19c367bcc679\">Stage 3 starts in Gruissan-Aude and has the first summit finish of the race in the Pyrenees on the Font Romeu with bonus seconds coming on the Col de Mont-Louis just a few KMs beforehand.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-4f0bfb08-9f0f-11f1-8419-c5b68d4a8a80\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MWVbci883HY5XJdRnTLau7.webp\" alt=\"Profile for stage 3\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: ASO)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T16:23:41+00:00\">2026-08-23T16:23:41.431Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-02bf3710-9f0f-11f1-9a06-fb3fc3c015d4\">And, of course, Poga\u010dar keeps hold of green with Hayter continuing to wear it on his behalf.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-02bf3774-9f0f-11f1-85f3-e1db3b54bbae\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Q6yXKYa7kV3PeyzYeYcNgi.jpg\" alt=\"MANOSQUE, MONACO - AUGUST 23: Tadej Pogacar of Slovenia and UAE Team Emirates XRG celebrates at podium as Green points jersey winner during the La Vuelta - 81st Tour of Spain 2026, Stage 2 a 214.3km from Monaco to Manosque 408m \/ #UCIWT \/ on August 23, 2026 in Manosque, Monaco. (Photo by Tim de Waele\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T16:17:42+00:00\">2026-08-23T16:17:42.535Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-2c88492a-9f0e-11f1-8fb9-5f97b8465d60\">Brennan goes into white after fellow Brit, Tarling, lost 1&#8217;41&#8221; at the finish.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-2c884984-9f0e-11f1-963c-d79ec389acaf\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kQmA9NgW72UCSD9Nsqmar4.jpg\" alt=\"MANOSQUE, MONACO - AUGUST 23: Matthew Brennan of Great Britain and Team Visma | Lease a Bike celebrates at podium as White Most Combative Rider Jersey winner during the La Vuelta - 81st Tour of Spain 2026, Stage 2 a 214.3km from Monaco to Manosque 408m \/ #UCIWT \/ on August 23, 2026 in Manosque, Monaco. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T16:14:23+00:00\">2026-08-23T16:14:23.490Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-b6089fa2-9f0d-11f1-9b89-35c614126a71\">Koen Bouwman took both KOMs today for Jayco-AlUla and sets his stall out for the jersey.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-b6089ffc-9f0d-11f1-8764-09fc44efbc1c\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/A2HerRSHdwYNVwQJeDUEEW.jpg\" alt=\"MANOSQUE, MONACO - AUGUST 23: Koen Bouwman of Netherlands and Team Jayco AlUla celebrates at podium as Polka dot Mountain Jersey winner during the La Vuelta - 81st Tour of Spain 2026, Stage 2 a 214.3km from Monaco to Manosque 408m \/ #UCIWT \/ on August 23, 2026 in Manosque, Monaco. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T16:09:27+00:00\">2026-08-23T16:09:27.827Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-05c48c5a-9f0d-11f1-98ea-f3158bbdb449\">Poga\u010dar keeps red after a valiant effort by Hayter in the break. He was caught behind a near crash at the bottom of the climb and didn&#8217;t have the legs to move up beforehand. He didn&#8217;t know he missed out on the jersey at the finish and was on his own. Clearly disappointed.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-05c48cb4-9f0d-11f1-9517-cbe9f8247d34\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/P6fKVXthAsARpj4iht8HSe.jpg\" alt=\"MANOSQUE, MONACO - AUGUST 23: Tadej Pogacar of Slovenia and UAE Team Emirates XRG celebrates at podium as Red Leader Jersey winner during the La Vuelta - 81st Tour of Spain 2026, Stage 2 a 214.3km from Monaco to Manosque 408m \/ #UCIWT \/ on August 23, 2026 in Manosque, Monaco. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T16:02:04+00:00\">2026-08-23T16:02:04.152Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-fd58fc78-9f0b-11f1-b6ab-87c401d1e68c\">The first of many Grand Tour wins for Matthew Brennan?<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-fd58fcd2-9f0b-11f1-beca-cd173d775e5d\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PVrfqpEyNDYyfVjanrrxtk.jpg\" alt=\"MANOSQUE, MONACO - AUGUST 23: Matthew Brennan of Great Britain and Team Visma | Lease a Bike celebrates at podium as stage winner during the La Vuelta - 81st Tour of Spain 2026, Stage 2 a 214.3km from Monaco to Manosque 408m \/ #UCIWT \/ on August 23, 2026 in Manosque, Monaco. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T16:00:59+00:00\">2026-08-23T16:00:59.519Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-d7227b88-9f0b-11f1-bcf7-7b5b1431fb84\">A perfect way to make your debut as Visma-Lease a Bike pull off a near perfect tactical display in the finale of stage 2 at La Vuelta&#8230;<\/p>\n<p>&gt;&gt;&gt; <strong>Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a: Powerful sprint nets Matthew Brennan stage 2 victory as Tadej Poga\u010dar fends off attacks to keep leader&#8217;s jersey<\/strong><\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-d7227be2-9f0b-11f1-ad9c-0dddd7695923\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ok6ZV3UozoFpKe65NRRCJa.jpg\" alt=\"MANOSQUE, MONACO - AUGUST 23: (L-R) Stage winner Matthew Brennan of Great Britain celebrates the victory of with his team-mate Sepp Kuss of United States and Team Visma | Lease a Bike after the La Vuelta - 81st Tour of Spain 2026, Stage 2 a 214.3km from Monaco to Manosque 408m \/ #UCIWT \/ on August 23, 2026 in Manosque, Monaco. (Photo by Tim de Waele\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\"><\/a><\/p>\n<aside data-article-category=\"pro-cycling\" data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\" class=\"ecom-root\"><\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T15:57:04+00:00\">2026-08-23T15:57:04.737Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-4afbc786-9f0b-11f1-b22f-6f465baf294e\">Hayter, in the end, lost 31&#8243; to the lead group. He gave it his best shot to go for red and did what he needed to do with the intermediate sprint but wasn&#8217;t able to follow on the climb to the finish.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T15:49:31+00:00\">2026-08-23T15:49:31.358Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-3c8eb3f8-9f0a-11f1-9c33-3f2f57a5067a\">Poga\u010dar does indeed keep red with Van Aert 2nd at 9&#8243; with Brennan jumping up to 3rd and into the white jersey.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T15:46:30+00:00\">2026-08-23T15:46:30.227Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-d09e1cf6-9f09-11f1-a182-8580b8e09fa4\">That is quite a way to make you Grand Tour road stage debut.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-d09e1d5a-9f09-11f1-9288-ef1820954132\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QhBvL6xY7EeVJ87bFWyZWZ.jpg\" alt=\"MANOSQUE, MONACO - AUGUST 23: Matthew Brennan of Great Britain and Team Visma | Lease a Bike celebrates at finish line as stage winner during the La Vuelta - 81st Tour of Spain 2026, Stage 2 a 214.3km from Monaco to Manosque 408m \/ #UCIWT \/ on August 23, 2026 in Manosque, Monaco. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T15:44:46+00:00\">2026-08-23T15:44:46.830Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-930fc70e-9f09-11f1-938b-415913c565f7\">What a performance from Brennan.<\/p>\n<div class=\"slice-container table-wrapper slice-container-table\" data-component-name=\"Slice:Table\" id=\"elk-930fc772-9f09-11f1-9950-fbdb2e25bf14\">\n<div class=\"table__instruction\">\nSwipe to scroll horizontally<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"table__container\">\n<table class=\"table__wrapper table__wrapper--inbodyContent table__wrapper--sticky table__wrapper--divider\">\n<caption class=\"table__caption table__caption--top table__caption--left\">\nLa Vuelta stage 2 top 10<br \/>\n<\/caption>\n<thead class=\"table__head\">\n<tr class=\"table__head__row\">\n<th class=\"table__head__heading table__head__heading--left\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Position<\/p>\n<\/th>\n<th class=\"table__head__heading table__head__heading--left\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Rider (country title case abbreviated) Team (remove spaces that are on either side of hyphens)<\/p>\n<\/th>\n<th class=\"table__head__heading table__head__heading--left\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Time (format h:mm:ss and relative to the winner)<\/p>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody class=\"table__body\">\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>1<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Brennan Matthew (Gbr) Team Visma | Lease a Bike<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>4:47:47<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>2<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Miquel Pau (Esp) Bahrain-Victorious<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>+0:00:00<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>3<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Poga\u010dar Tadej (Slo) UAE Team Emirates-XRG<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>+0:00:00<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>4<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Pedersen Mads (Den) Lidl-Trek<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>+0:00:00<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>5<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Hofstetter Hugo (Fra) NSN Cycling Team<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>+0:00:00<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>6<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Johannessen Tobias Halland (Nor) Uno-X Mobility<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>+0:00:00<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>7<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Fisher-Black Finn (Nzl) Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>+0:00:00<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>8<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Laurance Axel (Fra) Netcompany INEOS<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>+0:00:00<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>9<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Onley Oscar (Gbr) Netcompany INEOS<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>+0:00:00<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>10<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Aular Orluis (Ven) Movistar Team<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>+0:00:00<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T15:40:12+00:00\">2026-08-23T15:40:12.632Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-efa75fd2-9f08-11f1-b1b2-07d7757b7c80\">Hayter was dropped and does not take red. It looks like Poga\u010dar will keep red.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T15:39:18+00:00\">2026-08-23T15:39:18.966Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-cf9a6892-9f08-11f1-a3c8-cf5c6dd9e928\">Matthew Brennan of Visma-Lease a Bike wins stage 2 of La Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a on his second Grand Tour stage ever!<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-03c3feca-9f0a-11f1-8f64-dbd03d6e2b72\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qNaVetYgQPFWvp3Ne8irMU.jpg\" alt=\"Team Visma-Lease a bike&amp;#039;s British rider Matthew Brennan celebrates winning the second stage of the Vuelta a Espana 2026, a 214.3 km race between Monaco and Manosque on August 23, 2026. (Photo by Miguel MEDINA \/ AFP)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T15:37:58+00:00\">2026-08-23T15:37:58.341Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-9f7aae42-9f08-11f1-a1d6-5f98662ca4fc\">Jayco try an attack but now Visma take over for Brennan to go for the sprint. 500m to go.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T15:37:31+00:00\">2026-08-23T15:37:31.931Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-flamme-rouge\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-flamme-rouge\"><span>Flamme Rouge<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-8fb74560-9f08-11f1-9896-610b1aeb684e\">Alessandro Romele joins Poga\u010dar and Van Aert but they&#8217;re caught!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T15:36:45+00:00\">2026-08-23T15:36:45.889Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-747372ec-9f08-11f1-9d2d-d76cf212eafd\">A rider from XDS-Astana coming across as well with the peloton not far away.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T15:36:26+00:00\">2026-08-23T15:36:26.744Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-attack\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-attack\"><span>Attack!<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-69084734-9f08-11f1-8af7-654ccdd1b827\">Wout Van Aert (TVL)<\/p>\n<p>Tadej Poga\u010dar goes after him and all that work from Hayter may be for nothing. 1.5km to go.<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\"><\/a><\/p>\n<aside data-article-category=\"pro-cycling\" data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\" class=\"ecom-root\"><\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T15:35:47+00:00\">2026-08-23T15:35:47.818Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-51b783ce-9f08-11f1-9d24-439132662fa8\">NSN comes to the front working for Hugo Hofstetter. They have control for the moment but Visma are waiting in the wins with Laporte, Van Aert and Brennan.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T15:34:55+00:00\">2026-08-23T15:34:55.855Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-32ba673e-9f08-11f1-911d-e3eefdb4a443\">Visma clearly working for Brennan in the sprint as Van Aert moves towards the front with Laporte.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T15:34:29+00:00\">2026-08-23T15:34:29.735Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-23d531c2-9f08-11f1-a836-dbed2dcac654\">Asian champion Yevgeniy Fedorov (XDS-Astana) could put in a good sprint as he moves to the front as well. 3km to go.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T15:33:38+00:00\">2026-08-23T15:33:38.749Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-04b85698-9f08-11f1-a080-8bdcdf6f8995\">4km to go and the road narrows briefly before opening up again with NSN and Bahrain Victorious on the front. They&#8217;re getting swamped, though. Some of the bigger sprint teams start to bring up their numbers.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T15:32:47+00:00\">2026-08-23T15:32:47.763Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-e6655164-9f07-11f1-96b6-3fbe00602c6a\">5km to go and now there&#8217;s a huge battle for positioning. So many teams try to hold the top positions but two quick fire roundabouts string it out again with UAE and Kern Pharma leading the way.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T15:31:49+00:00\">2026-08-23T15:31:49.715Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-c3db46bc-9f07-11f1-aee3-35b96af2b7af\">Visma get a bit lost for a moment with a few riders all over the place as Kern Pharma come to the front with numbers for Marc Brustenga.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T15:30:38+00:00\">2026-08-23T15:30:38.066Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-99833154-9f07-11f1-943c-336999c386a1\">Groupama-FDJ come back to the front as well as they work for Bastien Tronchon. 6km to go.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T15:29:41+00:00\">2026-08-23T15:29:41.255Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-77355b04-9f07-11f1-bf3f-674393a72c77\">Visma, UAE, Lidl-Trek, Movistar and Ineos spread across the road as there are splits starting to appear with a very long line. Hayter, if still near the back, is in big trouble.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T15:28:54+00:00\">2026-08-23T15:28:54.935Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-5bdabdae-9f07-11f1-84eb-2961a4b5d291\">Suddenly, the pace explodes! Visma, UAE, Movistar and Ineos take the front through a roundabout with Ineos and Visma taking the most control for now with 7km to go.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T15:27:04+00:00\">2026-08-23T15:27:04.004Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-10km-to-go\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-10km-to-go\"><span>10km to go<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-1993f4c4-9f07-11f1-995b-09e96fab11d7\">It is mostly headwind to the finish with the wind around 20kph. Movistar joins the list of teams on the front of the bunch.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T15:13:51+00:00\">2026-08-23T15:13:51.815Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-20km-to-go\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-20km-to-go\"><span>20km to go<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-41416846-9f05-11f1-803b-ad8aa0843ac4\">The pace is still pretty tame on the front of the peloton.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T15:13:10+00:00\">2026-08-23T15:13:10.870Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-28f88e4a-9f05-11f1-9010-bf9a3b558992\">UAE Team Emirates-XRG now come up to the front as well with Novak leading their train. Poga\u010dar well placed and possibly thinking about going for the stage.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T15:12:28+00:00\">2026-08-23T15:12:28.806Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-0fd10276-9f05-11f1-9efb-65764153ddd5\">Since the route was announced the talk of the lavender fields in this area was talked up. Sadly, we have had yet another brutal summer and the lavender season is done already. Sobering stuff. Fortunately, it is more the temperatures you&#8217;d expect in the area today.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T15:09:54+00:00\">2026-08-23T15:09:54.289Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-b406e05a-9f04-11f1-ae99-b1c8ceca4ca3\">Into Valensole they go by the Durance river. The main river for Provence that looks much much lower than it should.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T15:09:10+00:00\">2026-08-23T15:09:10.690Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-99b07a72-9f04-11f1-b1a5-2f5376a4f4f8\">Samitier back at the doctors car. He has clearly come down with some road rash on his right arm.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T15:08:38+00:00\">2026-08-23T15:08:38.161Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-86598eaa-9f04-11f1-be4a-ed9b99d1e5b4\">Hayter has done his usual thing and gone to sit right at the back of the peloton. May cause issues later on.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T15:07:46+00:00\">2026-08-23T15:07:46.990Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-67d0496a-9f04-11f1-be3d-971dd5a4d3d8\">With no breakaway and no exposed roads of tricky terrain at the moment the pace has dropped right out of the bunch.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T15:04:41+00:00\">2026-08-23T15:04:41.115Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-f921f8a6-9f03-11f1-8db2-bfdea53ff36f\">Netcompany-Ineos, Groupama-FDJ, Lidl-Trek and Visma-Lease a Bike lead the peloton with 25km to go until the finish in Manosque.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T15:01:14+00:00\">2026-08-23T15:01:14.035Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-7dc67be6-9f03-11f1-8317-21524c10ebf9\">Looks like Pedersen has an issue as he waits for his team car. Now pouring water over his head and taking a bidon. Maybe he&#8217;s just taking one more chance to chat with his DS.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T14:56:06+00:00\">2026-08-23T14:56:06.083Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-30km-to-go\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-30km-to-go\"><span>30km to go<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-c633e7ca-9f02-11f1-8043-35b0ab987ac3\">This is all about the climb to Manosque now. Previously used in the Tour de la Provence where Coquard and Pedersen have both won.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T14:54:54+00:00\">2026-08-23T14:54:54.859Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-9ba125cc-9f02-11f1-a768-d7e952639489\">Hayter now caught after Poga\u010dar briefly terrified everyone by hitting the front. But now all the teams are getting into colour order with 31km to go. Time for a feed zone, though.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T14:54:08+00:00\">2026-08-23T14:54:08.410Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-7fe60d7a-9f02-11f1-84f9-711bb547deb6\">Van Aert taking 4&#8243; bonus does complicate it. Van Aert started 9&#8243; down on Poga\u010dar and Hayter. With Hayter taking 6&#8243; and Van Aert taking 4&#8243; puts Van Aert at 11&#8243;, so the Belgian can&#8217;t take red without a gap.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T14:50:17+00:00\">2026-08-23T14:50:17.180Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-f63fa39c-9f01-11f1-8742-dfc8a1ee5056\">Behind it was Wout Van Aert taking 4&#8243; bonus and 17 points then Bryan Coquard (Cofidis) taking 2&#8243; and 15 points then Christophe Laporte taking 13 points.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T14:48:39+00:00\">2026-08-23T14:48:39.834Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-bc145802-9f01-11f1-9f4b-539c9a457d19\">Hayter takes the intermediate sprint, 20 points but, most importantly, 6&#8243; bonus.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T14:48:12+00:00\">2026-08-23T14:48:12.273Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-aba9b7aa-9f01-11f1-91fe-b9f50ffed3fe\">Hayter is going to take the 6&#8243; bonus! He will go into the virtual lead and take red from Poga\u010dar. But, he will have to finish with the leaders at the end of the day.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T14:43:44+00:00\">2026-08-23T14:43:44.585Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-40km-to-go\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-40km-to-go\"><span>40km to go<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-0c132410-9f01-11f1-8093-f7cef6195590\">Hayter has 4km to the intermediate sprint and he has 30&#8243; of a gap. I think he has this. But then he has to stay in the peloton to the finish.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T14:42:10+00:00\">2026-08-23T14:42:10.161Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-d3df1fa4-9f00-11f1-bff3-fd62047ee04a\">Sergio Samitier (Cofidis) now at the doctors car. A few issues in the peloton today.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T14:38:40+00:00\">2026-08-23T14:38:40.499Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-56cf0bf0-9f00-11f1-abe8-e3363d706e56\">Hayter is pushing very hard but the pace behind skyrockets again as riders are being dropped from the peloton.<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"bluesky-embed\" data-bluesky-uri=\"at:\/\/did:plc:2z2cxvddx3gcrcqterdm3v4v\/app.bsky.feed.post\/3mtqzahp26s2k\" data-bluesky-cid=\"bafyreiglbl6z5f65cjpriz7w7bi24u3ja3jhlspwwr4uxdhdjemh3sdwdi\" cite=\"https:\/\/bsky.app\/profile\/did:plc:2z2cxvddx3gcrcqterdm3v4v\/post\/3mtqzahp26s2k?ref_src=embed\" id=\"elk-at:\/\/did:plc:2z2cxvddx3gcrcqterdm3v4v\/app.bsky.feed.post\/3mtqzahp26s2k\">\n<p lang=\"en\">Stage 2\ufe0f\u20e3 | Etapa 2\ufe0f\u20e3<br \/>\n\u2764\ufe0f Hayter goes solo in pursuit of the points (and bonus seconds \ud83d\udc40) as his fellow escapees get caught<br \/>\n\ud83d\udd25 \u00a1Ethan Hayter quiere La Roja y es cabeza de carrera en solitario!<br \/>\n#LaVuelta26<\/p>\n<p>\u2014 @lavuelta.bsky.social (@lavuelta.bsky.social.bsky.social) 2026-08-23T14:38:12.120Z<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T14:35:32+00:00\">2026-08-23T14:35:32.646Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-e6e070c2-9eff-11f1-9bf9-2f34b4c5b83c\">11km to the intermediate sprint now for Hayter. This is going to be very tight as he pulls out the gap to 30&#8243; over a breaking down peloton.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T14:33:49+00:00\">2026-08-23T14:33:49.267Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-a936a8e0-9eff-11f1-9880-57002e47a491\"><strong>Abandon<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Sergio Chumil (Burgos-Burpellet-BH)<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\"><\/a><\/p>\n<aside data-article-category=\"pro-cycling\" data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\" class=\"ecom-root\"><\/aside>\n<p id=\"elk-a936a8e0-9eff-11f1-9880-57002e47a491-2\">The Guatemalan champion sadly was unable to continue after his crash.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T14:33:04+00:00\">2026-08-23T14:33:04.313Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-8ea6fb24-9eff-11f1-b8c9-eda36b590f51\">Van Aert and Brennan are waiting in the wings but Hayter leaves Fernandez and Uriarte behind and has extended his advantage on the peloton to 28&#8243;.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-8ea6fb7e-9eff-11f1-9cc6-357763d89760\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XKJKDHbNdTHw9MFoQfF2DL.jpg\" alt=\"MANOSQUE, MONACO - AUGUST 23: (L-R) Matthew Brennan of Great Britain and Wout Van Aert of Belgium and Team Visma | Lease a Bike compete during the La Vuelta - 81st Tour of Spain 2026, Stage 2 a 214.3km from Monaco to Manosque 408m \/ #UCIWT \/ on August 23, 2026 in Manosque, Monaco. (Photo by Tim de Waele\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T14:30:01+00:00\">2026-08-23T14:30:01.758Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-50km-to-go\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-50km-to-go\"><span>50km to go<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-219c8c60-9eff-11f1-a8b4-c1624f1d885d\">Just 12&#8243; gap for Hayter, Fernandez and Uriarte out front. This isn&#8217;t going to happen for the British rider.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T14:29:22+00:00\">2026-08-23T14:29:22.549Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-crash\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-crash\"><span>Crash<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-0a44abce-9eff-11f1-9d92-359ee95a7e7b\">Sergio Chumil (Burgos-Burpellet-BH)<\/p>\n<p>The Guatemalan road race champion is down and stays down while still clipped into the pedals.<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\"><\/a><\/p>\n<aside data-article-category=\"pro-cycling\" data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\" class=\"ecom-root\"><\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T14:27:36+00:00\">2026-08-23T14:27:36.618Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-cb2957e6-9efe-11f1-93c8-592a12364eaa\">There&#8217;s 20, 17, 15, 13 and 10 points available at the intermediate sprint as well as the 6, 4 and 2 bonus seconds.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T14:27:01+00:00\">2026-08-23T14:27:01.466Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-b628e410-9efe-11f1-9bf9-7b2f9e423c6b\">As they get closer to the intermediate sprint Lidl-Trek and Alpecin-Premier Tech start moving up towards the front of the peloton with just 14&#8243; up to the break with Bruno Arimirail (Visma-Lease a Bike) joining Kruijswijk on the front.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T14:23:44+00:00\">2026-08-23T14:23:44.700Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-410dd2b2-9efe-11f1-b8ad-a9bba29b5eb3\">Magnus Cort (Uno-X Mobility) looks to be struggling a the back of the peloton. The Danish champion would&#8217;ve been a name to watch a couple of years ago for a stage like today. Maybe he will move up and challenge but we shall see.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T14:20:59+00:00\">2026-08-23T14:20:59.472Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-de7627f8-9efd-11f1-8db3-69c816e80725\">Bouwman sits up from the break and is caught by the peloton after confirming that he will wear the mountains jersey tomorrow. Big blow to the break as Hayter is pushing hard in the break.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T14:19:53+00:00\">2026-08-23T14:19:53.519Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-b72ac00a-9efd-11f1-96e0-c1fc27e9ecfd\">Visma want Hayter back and soon. The gap drops to 28&#8243; as Kruijswijk is joined by more teammates on the front to push the pace.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T14:16:53+00:00\">2026-08-23T14:16:53.369Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-4be37260-9efd-11f1-86d4-2939a5f9bed1\">Visma-Lease a Bike have suddenly ramped the pace right up and the gap is back to 45&#8243; again with around 20km to the intermediate sprint. Maybe a big of panic setting in for Visma as they need to pull Hayter back.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T14:13:33+00:00\">2026-08-23T14:13:33.340Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-60km-to-go\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-60km-to-go\"><span>60km to go<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-d47466e4-9efc-11f1-88dd-674c44ce3258\">Hayter asking the camera bike for the time gap. Well, Ethan, it is 1&#8217;08&#8221;!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T14:11:40+00:00\">2026-08-23T14:11:40.988Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-9181e3d4-9efc-11f1-ba10-b91703af130b\">25km to the intermediate sprint now. The break have pulled out their gap to 1&#8217;14&#8221;. This is looking a bit better for the break and going for the bonus seconds. Hayter won&#8217;t have it his own way though at the sprint as Uriarte and Fernandez will be very keen to get as many points as possible.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T14:07:58+00:00\">2026-08-23T14:07:58.995Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-0d2d4b46-9efc-11f1-a121-fd9ac2a93c42\">For the first time in a while the gap goes above a minute as the break try and stay away.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T14:00:15+00:00\">2026-08-23T14:00:15.696Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-70km-to-go\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-70km-to-go\"><span>70km to go<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-f90766c0-9efa-11f1-bf22-d5dcbc1cc04d\">35km to the intermediate sprint with the gap at 52&#8243;. Kruijswijk and Mosca continue to set a strong tempo in the peloton with Netcompany-Ineos sat on their wheels as they have been all day to protect Tarling in white as well as Oscar Onley of the GC and Ben Turner for the stage.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T13:55:47+00:00\">2026-08-23T13:55:47.754Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-5956fd98-9efa-11f1-aba7-592cf8a87003\">Mechanical for Finn Fisher-Black (Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe). The New Zealand time trial champion finished in a solid 9th place at 10&#8243; down.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T13:54:42+00:00\">2026-08-23T13:54:42.888Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-32a527b0-9efa-11f1-a85e-19691f61a7ab\">Gap now plummiting again at 44&#8243;. Hayter&#8217;s bonus second chances looking less and less likely.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T13:54:14+00:00\">2026-08-23T13:54:14.830Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-21ec5f42-9efa-11f1-af87-552b21976ea0\">Sepp Kuss (Visma-Lease a Bike) will decide whether he goes for a good GC placing at this race or not at the end of week one as the 2023 winner gages his form&#8230;<\/p>\n<p>&gt;&gt;&gt; <strong>&#8216;A top 10 on GC isn&#8217;t as important as a stage win&#8217; \u2013 2023 Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a champion Sepp Kuss to make definitive decision on overall bid at end of first week<\/strong><\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-21ec5fa6-9efa-11f1-b57c-6102eb2e3247\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ijb7UgPtDfhSTZMd4BQ4KW.jpg\" alt=\"American Sepp Kuss of Team Visma-Lease a Bike pictured in action during stage 20 of the 2026 Tour de France cycling race, a stage of 171km Le Bourg d&amp;#039;Oisans to Alpe d&amp;#039;Huez, on Saturday 25 July 2026. The 113th edition of the Tour de France starts on Saturday 4 July in Barcelona, Spain, and will finish in Paris, France on the 26th of July. BELGA PHOTO JASPER JACOBS (Photo by JASPER JACOBS \/ BELGA MAG \/ Belga \/ AFP via Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\"><\/a><\/p>\n<aside data-article-category=\"pro-cycling\" data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\" class=\"ecom-root\"><\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T13:52:03+00:00\">2026-08-23T13:52:03.395Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-d3975e6e-9ef9-11f1-ad39-11d1554dbb50\">It has been a very very easy first day in red for Poga\u010dar so far.<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"bluesky-embed\" data-bluesky-uri=\"at:\/\/did:plc:2z2cxvddx3gcrcqterdm3v4v\/app.bsky.feed.post\/3mtqwoj5fys2k\" data-bluesky-cid=\"bafyreifrrzqbbb5whxdqtms5bd64hjrtzlidugvuch32a4jwxlmg6lyw6i\" cite=\"https:\/\/bsky.app\/profile\/did:plc:2z2cxvddx3gcrcqterdm3v4v\/post\/3mtqwoj5fys2k?ref_src=embed\" id=\"elk-at:\/\/did:plc:2z2cxvddx3gcrcqterdm3v4v\/app.bsky.feed.post\/3mtqwoj5fys2k\">\n<p lang=\"en\">\u2764\ufe0f TaRED Pogacar \u2764\ufe0f<br \/>\n#LaVuelta26<\/p>\n<p>\u2014 @lavuelta.bsky.social (@lavuelta.bsky.social.bsky.social) 2026-08-23T13:51:43.836Z<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T13:46:25+00:00\">2026-08-23T13:46:25.700Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-0a7dde7c-9ef9-11f1-8aad-5d77516b6b80\">The bunch don&#8217;t seem to want to catch the break just yet with the gap stabilised at 1&#8217;00&#8221; with 80km to go.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T13:38:28+00:00\">2026-08-23T13:38:28.511Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-ee00c300-9ef7-11f1-a1c2-1db3d22c39ca\">Alpecin-Premier Tech&#8217;s Kaden Groves targets green but has very tough competition to get it by the finish in Granada&#8230;<\/p>\n<p>&gt;&gt;&gt; <strong>&#8216;We&#8217;re looking for the green jersey, but it&#8217;ll be difficult&#8217; &#8211; Kaden Groves tips Tadej Poga\u010dar as potential rival in hunt for Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a points classification<\/strong><\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-ee00c364-9ef7-11f1-93c7-33629b00e3d0\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5iGxHFxptE7DhftoYvHbsT.jpg\" alt=\"MONACO, MONACO - AUGUST 20: Kaden Groves of Australia and Team Alpecin-Premier Tech during the La Vuelta - 81st Tour of Spain 2026, Team Presentation \/ #UCIWT \/ on August 20, 2026 in Monaco, Monaco. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\"><\/a><\/p>\n<aside data-article-category=\"pro-cycling\" data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\" class=\"ecom-root\"><\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T13:35:03+00:00\">2026-08-23T13:35:03.769Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-90km-to-go\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-90km-to-go\"><span>90km to go<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-73fa752e-9ef7-11f1-a508-8f977f83169c\">The gap now at 57&#8243;.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T13:32:09+00:00\">2026-08-23T13:32:09.327Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-0be022fe-9ef7-11f1-bc70-47d31f5c66ef\">About 60km to go to the intermediate sprint where 6, 4 and 2 bonus seconds are available. Hayter will be very keen to get some of those. Any would put him into red if he is able to finish with the front runners at the end of the day. But, Visma and Lidl-Trek are pushing hard behind to try and not let that happen.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T13:25:47+00:00\">2026-08-23T13:25:47.044Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-28034750-9ef6-11f1-b09f-d7041ce84cb1\">The riders cross the halfway point on the stage.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T13:22:54+00:00\">2026-08-23T13:22:54.663Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-c14925fc-9ef5-11f1-81f8-e3867a085624\">A huge amount of time has been hacked off the break&#8217;s lead and they are now 1&#8217;00&#8221; from the peloton.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T13:17:36+00:00\">2026-08-23T13:17:36.183Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-100km-to-go\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-100km-to-go\"><span>100km to go<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-036fe976-9ef5-11f1-b229-f568e4d8b99e\">The peloton continue to close with the gap at 1&#8217;22&#8221; and falling.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T13:16:34+00:00\">2026-08-23T13:16:34.589Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-ded4df9a-9ef4-11f1-84f2-7f19b6e87594\">The Belgian is now at the doctors car almost a minute out of the back of the peloton.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T13:15:44+00:00\">2026-08-23T13:15:44.804Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-c10eb062-9ef4-11f1-943d-afccc5b410b0\">For unbeatable coverage across road, gravel and tech, subscribe to Cyclingnews. You&#8217;ll get comprehensive race coverage of La Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a, subscriber-exclusive analysis from our expert columnists, in-depth features and industry-leading tech insight. Plus, the Cyclingnews app lets you follow the action wherever you go! <strong>Join today<\/strong><strong>.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T13:12:27+00:00\">2026-08-23T13:12:27.743Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-4b95c924-9ef4-11f1-b645-a935340c7a47\">He did get back on but as soon as the road starts to climb again Uijtdebroeks is out of the back again.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T13:04:26+00:00\">2026-08-23T13:04:26.419Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-2cb5313a-9ef3-11f1-9a44-0dbdb3e3fd28\">Uijtdebroeks has been dropped off the back after his crash. Feeling the crash he had earlier.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T13:03:49+00:00\">2026-08-23T13:03:49.522Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-kom-col-de-saint-andrieu\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-kom-col-de-saint-andrieu\"><span>KOM (Col de Saint Andrieu)<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-16d1ebb0-9ef3-11f1-b79f-9f61d3cdcbe0\">1. Bouwman (JAY) 3pts<br \/>2. Uriate (EKP) 2pts<br \/>3. Fernandez (BBH) 1pt<\/p>\n<p>Bouwman will wear the polka dots tomorrow.<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\"><\/a><\/p>\n<aside data-article-category=\"pro-cycling\" data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\" class=\"ecom-root\"><\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T13:00:29+00:00\">2026-08-23T13:00:29.693Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-9f92b228-9ef2-11f1-a7ff-9ddc44d707ce\">After 2 hours of racing the average speed has been 42.6kph.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T12:57:43+00:00\">2026-08-23T12:57:43.328Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-3c6a62c2-9ef2-11f1-b32e-09b11473293a\">111km to go, 1&#8217;29&#8221; to the peloton. They are on the climb of Col de Saint Andrieu.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T12:54:42+00:00\">2026-08-23T12:54:42.293Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-d08319e6-9ef1-11f1-ad3b-452c9a886011\">The peloton aren&#8217;t allowing the break any good gap at all.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T12:49:58+00:00\">2026-08-23T12:49:58.501Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-2764e54c-9ef1-11f1-b2c9-0d2a47e829f2\">The climb is the Col de Saint Andrieu. It is 5km long with an average gradient of 4.8%. 3, 2 and 1 points on offer yet again.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T12:49:11+00:00\">2026-08-23T12:49:11.284Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-0b4c476a-9ef1-11f1-ac53-935324db5466\">The gap is down to 1&#8217;27&#8221; as they start the final categorised climb of the day.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"elk-DcYeNRgoI1X\">\n<div class=\"instagram-embed\">\n<blockquote class=\"instagram-media\" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-version=\"6\">\n<p>A post shared by La Vuelta (@lavuelta)<\/p><figcaption><cite><\/p>\n<p>A photo posted by on <\/p>\n<p><\/cite><\/figcaption><\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T12:32:13+00:00\">2026-08-23T12:32:13.578Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-acbd2c20-9eee-11f1-a741-334aae9f2604\">Poga\u010dar gets his first day in the red jersey today. The first of likely many over the next three weeks. He adds it to the 71 days in yellow at the Tour de France and the 20 days in pink at the Giro d&#8217;Italia. Yes, the year he won the Giro he wore pink from stage 2 after being beaten on stage one by now teammate Jhonatan Narv\u00e1ez.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-acbd2c7a-9eee-11f1-958c-73cda311b009\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tLjJEmQ3z9yq9ehEaqMmiX.jpg\" alt=\"MANOSQUE, MONACO - AUGUST 23: Tadej Pogacar of Slovenia and UAE Team Emirates XRG - Red Leader Jersey competes during the La Vuelta - 81st Tour of Spain 2026, Stage 2 a 214.3km from Monaco to Manosque 408m \/ #UCIWT \/ on August 23, 2026 in Manosque, Monaco. (Photo by Tim de Waele\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T12:28:46+00:00\">2026-08-23T12:28:46.733Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-3166bc4e-9eee-11f1-9129-419932203891\">The gap is reduced again to 1&#8217;42&#8221;.<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"bluesky-embed\" data-bluesky-uri=\"at:\/\/did:plc:2z2cxvddx3gcrcqterdm3v4v\/app.bsky.feed.post\/3mtqr66ojac2k\" data-bluesky-cid=\"bafyreiecyzbg4ds45andty2gizsmoocartbtwowsij3f5xtcvqi6rqps6u\" cite=\"https:\/\/bsky.app\/profile\/did:plc:2z2cxvddx3gcrcqterdm3v4v\/post\/3mtqr66ojac2k?ref_src=embed\" id=\"elk-at:\/\/did:plc:2z2cxvddx3gcrcqterdm3v4v\/app.bsky.feed.post\/3mtqr66ojac2k\">\n<p lang=\"en\">\ud83c\udfc1 155 km | Stage 2\ufe0f\u20e3 &#8211; Etapa 2\ufe0f\u20e3 | #LaVuelta26<br \/>\n\ud83d\udcaa Two strong teams working together to bring back the breakaway for their sprinters<br \/>\n\ud83d\udc4a @teamvismaleaseabike.com y @lidltrek.bsky.social trabajan en el pelot\u00f3n para reducir la ventaja de la fuga<br \/>\n\u23f1\ufe0f1&#8217;30&#8221; Pelot\u00f3n<\/p>\n<p>\u2014 @lavuelta.bsky.social (@lavuelta.bsky.social.bsky.social) 2026-08-23T12:28:27.972Z<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T12:19:24+00:00\">2026-08-23T12:19:24.159Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-150km-to-go\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-150km-to-go\"><span>150km to go<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-e21cc1ca-9eec-11f1-84fd-574178f6c258\">The gap grows to 1&#8217;55&#8221; between the peloton and the four man break of Hayter, Bouwman, Uriate and Fernandez.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T12:11:05+00:00\">2026-08-23T12:11:05.731Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-b8ea7352-9eeb-11f1-908a-d5ee78f926ed\">Jacopo Mosca (Lidl-Trek) and Steven Kruijswijk (Visma-Lease a Bike) are leading the way in the peloton.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-b8ea73ca-9eeb-11f1-ace9-e90ee62c494e\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AC8ZHaJ8xMG68W5L2ekjyX.jpg\" alt=\"MANOSQUE, MONACO - AUGUST 23: Jacopo Mosca of Italy and Team Lidl - Trek leads the peloton during the La Vuelta - 81st Tour of Spain 2026, Stage 2 a 214.3km from Monaco to Manosque 408m \/ #UCIWT \/ on August 23, 2026 in Manosque, Monaco. (Photo by Tim de Waele\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T12:07:05+00:00\">2026-08-23T12:07:05.885Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-crash\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-crash\"><span>Crash<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-29f527be-9eeb-11f1-9902-e902e32c004f\">Cian Uijtdebroeks (MOV)<\/p>\n<p>The Belgian GC hope went down. No idea when as no information around but he appears to be back riding. Yet more bad luck for him, though.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-29f52818-9eeb-11f1-abda-516aa501159b\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YT23xiVRcLevu8mNMovrn8.jpg\" alt=\"MANOSQUE, MONACO - AUGUST 23: Cian Uijtdebroeks of Belgium and Movistar Team reacts after crash during the La Vuelta - 81st Tour of Spain 2026, Stage 2 a 214.3km from Monaco to Manosque 408m \/ #UCIWT \/ on August 23, 2026 in Manosque, Monaco. (Photo by Tim de Waele\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\"><\/a><\/p>\n<aside data-article-category=\"pro-cycling\" data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\" class=\"ecom-root\"><\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T12:04:27+00:00\">2026-08-23T12:04:27.960Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-160km-to-go\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-160km-to-go\"><span>160km to go<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-cbd1acb6-9eea-11f1-af5e-ad12312923bf\">Into the final 100 miles of the stage and the gap is now stable at around 1&#8217;30&#8221;. The peloton are within striking distance for the intermediate sprint so Visma can deny Hayter a chance of taking red and keeping Van Aert&#8217;s dreams alive.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T12:02:42+00:00\">2026-08-23T12:02:42.126Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-8cbe52c2-9eea-11f1-9dee-69104048fe65\">Van Aert missed out on his goal of red yesterday but can take red today if everything goes to plan&#8230;<\/p>\n<p>&gt;&gt;&gt; <strong>&#8216;I know I lost time in the corners&#8217; &#8211; Wout van Aert&#8217;s dream of returning to red in the opening Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a TT falls short<\/strong><\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-8cbe5326-9eea-11f1-aa02-3960ef5c5e55\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CFRvGZ853QbVrc4JAa6myR.jpg\" alt=\"MANOSQUE, MONACO - AUGUST 23: (L-R) Wout Van Aert of Belgium and Team Visma | Lease a Bike and Martin Tjotta of Norway and Team Uno-X Mobility compete during the La Vuelta - 81st Tour of Spain 2026, Stage 2 a 214.3km from Monaco to Manosque 408m \/ #UCIWT \/ on August 23, 2026 in Manosque, Monaco. (Photo by Tim de Waele\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\"><\/a><\/p>\n<aside data-article-category=\"pro-cycling\" data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\" class=\"ecom-root\"><\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T11:55:31+00:00\">2026-08-23T11:55:31.229Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-8c08b97c-9ee9-11f1-8ecb-775ac0358660\">43kph average speed in the first hour.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T11:51:09+00:00\">2026-08-23T11:51:09.839Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-170km-to-go\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-170km-to-go\"><span>170km to go<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-f043583a-9ee8-11f1-83c7-efb6b21a8a84\">The gap is steady for now at 1&#8217;30&#8221;.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T11:47:16+00:00\">2026-08-23T11:47:16.264Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-64e46f5e-9ee8-11f1-ac01-01c70edc008b\">The gap continues to fall with the peloton now at just 1&#8217;32&#8221; from the leaders as Fernandez finally makes it a group of four out front.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T11:46:08+00:00\">2026-08-23T11:46:08.439Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-3c77cbf6-9ee8-11f1-8bfb-95af2e03afe2\">In the break, Bouwman has experience of going for the mountains jersey in a Grand Tour. He won it at the Giro as well as two stages back in 2022.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T11:45:06+00:00\">2026-08-23T11:45:06.381Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-17b5bdf0-9ee8-11f1-930a-47920a9e4edf\">Lidl-Trek join Visma-Lease a Bike on the front of the peloton. Pedersen would have to win the intermediate sprint and the stage to go level on time with Poga\u010dar and Hayter.<\/p>\n<p>I don&#8217;t know if that will give him red. Depends if Poga\u010dar or Hayter finish below 15th in the stage or not as that is the Danes finishing position yesterday.<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\"><\/a><\/p>\n<aside data-article-category=\"pro-cycling\" data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\" class=\"ecom-root\"><\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T11:43:25+00:00\">2026-08-23T11:43:25.106Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-kom-alto-chateauneuf-grasse\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-kom-alto-chateauneuf-grasse\"><span>KOM (Alto Ch\u00e2teauneuf-Grasse)<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-db58ac64-9ee7-11f1-9ccd-33a1145647d9\">1. Bouwman (JAY) 3pts<br \/>2. Uriate (EKP) 2pts<br \/>3. Hayter (SOQ) 1pt<\/p>\n<p>First points in the KOM standings handed out.<\/p>\n<div class=\"see-more see-more--clipped\" id=\"elk-2091492012465795121\">\n<figure>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet hawk-ignore\" data-lang=\"en\" cite=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/cantworkitout\/status\/2091492012465795121\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">\u26a1\ufe0f First proper climb of this year\u2019s Vuelta! But don\u2019t worry, there is much more to come \ud83d\ude1c\ud83d\udc99 \u00a1Primer puerto de #LaVuelta26 para Bouwman en la lucha por el maillot azul!\u26f0 3\ufe0f\u20e3 \ud835\udc00\ud835\udc0b\ud835\udc13\ud835\udc0e \ud835\udc02\ud835\udc07\ud835\udc00\u0302\ud835\udc13\ud835\udc04\ud835\udc00\ud835\udc14\ud835\udc0d\ud835\udc04\ud835\udc14\ud835\udc05-\ud835\udc06\ud835\udc11\ud835\udc00\ud835\udc12\ud835\udc12\ud835\udc041\ufe0f\u20e3 \ud83c\uddf3\ud83c\uddf1 Koen Bouwman &#8211; @GreenEDGEteam &#8211; 3p.2\ufe0f\u20e3 \ud83c\uddea\ud83c\uddf8 Diego\u2026 pic.twitter.com\/iLgpIkCKfyAugust 23, 2026<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/figure>\n<div class=\"see-more__filter\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\"><\/a><\/p>\n<aside data-article-category=\"pro-cycling\" data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\" class=\"ecom-root\"><\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T11:37:38+00:00\">2026-08-23T11:37:38.001Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-180km-to-go\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-180km-to-go\"><span>180km to go<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-0c58c354-9ee7-11f1-af90-47857dc34f0f\">Hayter, Bouwman and Uriate have 20&#8243; on Fernandez but just 2&#8217;00&#8221; on the peloton led by Visma-Lease a Bike who want to give Wout Van Aert a chance to go into red at the end of the day. Van Aert starts today 9&#8243; down in GC on Poga\u010dar and Hayter. If Hayter gets any bonuses at the intermediate sprint, it will not be possible for Van Aert to go into red.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T11:28:10+00:00\">2026-08-23T11:28:10.603Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-ba06a7e8-9ee5-11f1-ab6c-6d5831b081df\">Fernandez is still pushing and is 55&#8243; away from the front of the race, but the gap to the peloton is shrinking with the leaders now only holding 2&#8217;30&#8221; on the peloton with Fernandez now 1&#8217;35&#8221; ahead of the pack.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-ba06a860-9ee5-11f1-a2c6-d1352bd0cf2c\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Roy2rMUFqC5j5Havz8vwDa.jpg\" alt=\"MANOSQUE, MONACO - AUGUST 23: Sinuhe Fernandez of Spain and Team Burgos Burpellet BH competes in the chase group during the La Vuelta - 81st Tour of Spain 2026, Stage 2 a 214.3km from Monaco to Manosque 408m \/ #UCIWT \/ on August 23, 2026 in Manosque, Monaco. (Photo by Tim de Waele\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T11:26:07+00:00\">2026-08-23T11:26:07.223Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-707de776-9ee5-11f1-9916-9107883d8ddb\">It is a long day out front for Hayter but the intermediate sprint, with 48km to go, has 6, 4 and 2 bonus seconds available. Any would see him take virtual red. But, there&#8217;s about 140km between him and that point in the race.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T11:24:38+00:00\">2026-08-23T11:24:38.982Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-3bf23764-9ee5-11f1-a6c6-334bc03154c6\">And Hayter joins the leaders Bouwman and Uriate with around 5km to the top of the climb.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T11:23:27+00:00\">2026-08-23T11:23:27.267Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-1124eea0-9ee5-11f1-b256-41a0f7215fbe\">It looks like the leaders are waiting for Hayter as the gap is shrinking rapidly to him but they have also lost 30&#8243; to the peloton.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T11:22:51+00:00\">2026-08-23T11:22:51.299Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-fbb38b30-9ee4-11f1-a926-c76271612c03\">Bouwman and Uriate still have 33&#8243; on Hayter despite having a big lead on the peloton with Fernandez still at 1&#8217;25&#8221;.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-fbb38ba8-9ee4-11f1-92be-33da229f6f49\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4tp5SYiwoTCg9Zi5CPLB5n.jpg\" alt=\"MANOSQUE, MONACO - AUGUST 23: (L-R) Diego Uriarte of Spain and Team Equipo Kern Pharma and Koen Bouwman of Netherlands and Team Jayco AlUla compete in the breakaway during the La Vuelta - 81st Tour of Spain 2026, Stage 2 a 214.3km from Monaco to Manosque 408m \/ #UCIWT \/ on August 23, 2026 in Manosque, Monaco. (Photo by Tim de Waele\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T11:18:50+00:00\">2026-08-23T11:18:50.181Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-6c029530-9ee4-11f1-a2a7-5d8c65408fed\">The riders are on the first climb of the day, the Alto Ch\u00e2teauneuf-Grasse. All the climbs have a little bit of Spanish to them as it is La Vuelta, that is why the Alto is there. Cat 3 climb at 13km with a gentle average gradient of 2.9%. There are 3, 2 and 1 points available at the top.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T11:14:49+00:00\">2026-08-23T11:14:49.487Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-dca0e324-9ee3-11f1-b03b-c5dfc16925d3\">The leaders are being reported as Koen Bouwman (Jayco-AlUla) and Diego Uriarte (Kern Pharma). They have a gap of 3&#8217;28&#8221; on the peloton.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T11:13:57+00:00\">2026-08-23T11:13:57.638Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-bda22924-9ee3-11f1-8300-8f351d297302\">Hayter is 35&#8243; off the back of the leaders. He is not joined by Paret-Peintre as previously reported. Fernandez is now at 1&#8217;28&#8221; from the leaders but 2&#8217;00&#8221; ahead of the peloton. They have let Hayter go!<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-159acb04-9ee4-11f1-a2e9-d3b394109520\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MBGngv7bHSKMQ6vgqFAyF3.jpg\" alt=\"MANOSQUE, MONACO - AUGUST 23: Ethan Hayter of Great Britain and Team Soudal Quick-Step - Green points jersey competes during the La Vuelta - 81st Tour of Spain 2026, Stage 2 a 214.3km from Monaco to Manosque 408m \/ #UCIWT \/ on August 23, 2026 in Manosque, Monaco. (Photo by Tim de Waele\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T11:08:02+00:00\">2026-08-23T11:08:02.548Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-e9f8602a-9ee2-11f1-bcc2-e1ee480d00cb\">Valentin Paret-Peintre (Soudal-Quickstep) is said to be in the second chase group along with teammate and second overall, Ethan Hayter!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T11:07:03+00:00\">2026-08-23T11:07:03.266Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-200km-to-go\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-200km-to-go\"><span>200km to go<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-c6a14f74-9ee2-11f1-ab03-a79eea6edbe9\">It has been a very aggressive start to racing on the roads of south eastern France.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T11:06:13+00:00\">2026-08-23T11:06:13.897Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-a97a3258-9ee2-11f1-abe7-75fb92e58e77\">Sinuh\u00e9 Fern\u00e1ndez (Burgos-Burpellet-BH) is in the third group on the road as he tries to bridge the 45&#8243; gap to the leaders.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T11:02:18+00:00\">2026-08-23T11:02:18.867Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-1d4b7436-9ee2-11f1-8b3f-fd2a212c7286\">Suddenly, there&#8217;s groups strewn across the road with the two leaders out front with 1&#8217;10&#8221; gap on the peloton with two chase groups in the gap.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T11:00:10+00:00\">2026-08-23T11:00:10.272Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-d088356c-9ee1-11f1-b3ce-3731b166c2f2\">Its Slovenia central at La Vuelta this year! Primo\u017e Rogli\u010d (Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe), Domen Novak (UAE Team Emirates-XRG) and Roman Ermakov (Bahrain Victorious) having a chat in the bunch.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-d08835d0-9ee1-11f1-8151-5db3122b7a19\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nMzSPv58jpErAmjDbSczNe.jpg\" alt=\"MANOSQUE, MONACO - AUGUST 23: Primoz Roglic of Slovenia and Team Red Bull - BORA - hansgrohe competes during the La Vuelta - 81st Tour of Spain 2026, Stage 2 a 214.3km from Monaco to Manosque 408m \/ #UCIWT \/ on August 23, 2026 in Manosque, Monaco. (Photo by Tim de Waele\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T10:57:31+00:00\">2026-08-23T10:57:31.820Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-72215aee-9ee1-11f1-9eeb-c12de1ce5b07\">Two riders are clear of the bunch by 17&#8243; but will surely want company.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T10:53:03+00:00\">2026-08-23T10:53:03.693Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-d2921946-9ee0-11f1-a851-5f82fe8136cb\">But the first moves are swiftly caught.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T10:52:29+00:00\">2026-08-23T10:52:29.564Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-bde68ac2-9ee0-11f1-84c4-01edeac9fc20\">Attacks firing off the front immediately to try and form the early breakaway.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T10:51:31+00:00\">2026-08-23T10:51:31.492Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-214-3km-to-go\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-214-3km-to-go\"><span>214.3km to go<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-9b413bd4-9ee0-11f1-9001-6dda38f88cbe\">Racing gets underway in France now that the riders have left Monaco. The long race to Manosque begins.<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"bluesky-embed\" data-bluesky-uri=\"at:\/\/did:plc:2z2cxvddx3gcrcqterdm3v4v\/app.bsky.feed.post\/3mtqna7vxes2k\" data-bluesky-cid=\"bafyreidq2guoi36u5wutmrap6saolirdt7z5znozcmyg2dmt4hcbfoyvxa\" cite=\"https:\/\/bsky.app\/profile\/did:plc:2z2cxvddx3gcrcqterdm3v4v\/post\/3mtqna7vxes2k?ref_src=embed\" id=\"elk-at:\/\/did:plc:2z2cxvddx3gcrcqterdm3v4v\/app.bsky.feed.post\/3mtqna7vxes2k\">\n<p lang=\"en\">\ud83d\udcaa Here is the real start of the first classical road stage! Let&#8217;s gooo<br \/>\n\ud83d\ude0d \u00a1Salida lanzada para la primera etapa en l\u00ednea! \u00a1Vamos!<br \/>\n#LaVuelta26<\/p>\n<p>\u2014 @lavuelta.bsky.social (@lavuelta.bsky.social.bsky.social) 2026-08-23T11:02:56.570Z<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T10:50:41+00:00\">2026-08-23T10:50:41.386Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-7d607b52-9ee0-11f1-94d5-01be1cb8d40e\">Ethan Hayter is going to try and take red on today&#8217;s stage with tiny gap splitting him and Poga\u010dar.<\/p>\n<p>&gt;&gt;&gt; <strong>&#8216;It&#8217;s not completely under my control but I&#8217;m going to try&#8217; &#8211; After ultra-narrow TT defeat to Poga\u010dar, Ethan Hayter throws hat in ring for red in Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a<\/strong><\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-7d607bca-9ee0-11f1-97df-393a670783e1\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7ETiiEL6UNptbN5ybNHAiP.jpg\" alt=\"MONACO - AUGUST 23: Ethan Hayter of Great Britain and Team Soudal Quick-Step - Green points jersey prior to the La Vuelta - 81st Tour of Spain 2026, Stage 2 a 214.3km from Monaco to Manosque 408m \/ #UCIWT \/ on August 23, 2026 in Monaco, Monaco. (Photo by Tim de Waele\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\"><\/a><\/p>\n<aside data-article-category=\"pro-cycling\" data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\" class=\"ecom-root\"><\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T10:48:14+00:00\">2026-08-23T10:48:14.046Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-2590d598-9ee0-11f1-adf6-2f1a469767e6\">The racing hasn&#8217;t got underway just yet as riders return to the peloton after various issues.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T10:45:20+00:00\">2026-08-23T10:45:20.579Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-be34bbda-9edf-11f1-a7cd-f970b7ce8786\">Mechanical for Cl\u00e9ment Berthet (Groupama-FDJ) may delay things slightly.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T10:41:44+00:00\">2026-08-23T10:41:44.492Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-3d903aa4-9edf-11f1-a721-5d171ebb4868\">The racing is due to start any moment now.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T10:31:56+00:00\">2026-08-23T10:31:56.749Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-df1d9832-9edd-11f1-9947-6d16910dd7c0\">Jerseys:<\/p>\n<p>Red &#8211; Tadej Poga\u010dar (UAX)<br \/>Green &#8211; Tadej Poga\u010dar (UAX)*<br \/>Polka dots &#8211; Technically not owned but worn by Callum Thornley (RBH)<br \/>White &#8211; Josh Tarling (NCI)<\/p>\n<p>*Worn by &#8211; Ethan Hayter (SOQ)<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-df1d98a0-9edd-11f1-a608-55ac05ffc9f0\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ocas76kW7ti4PV6ipvdvdR.jpg\" alt=\"MONACO - AUGUST 23: Tadej Pogacar of Slovenia and UAE Team Emirates XRG - Red Leader Jersey prior to the La Vuelta - 81st Tour of Spain 2026, Stage 2 a 214.3km from Monaco to Manosque 408m \/ #UCIWT \/ on August 23, 2026 in Monaco, Monaco. (Photo by Tim de Waele\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\"><\/a><\/p>\n<aside data-article-category=\"pro-cycling\" data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\" class=\"ecom-root\"><\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T10:25:01+00:00\">2026-08-23T10:25:01.204Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-e76f4090-9edc-11f1-8c35-d51fca865895\">The riders rolled out almost half an hour ago in Monaco.<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"bluesky-embed\" data-bluesky-uri=\"at:\/\/did:plc:2z2cxvddx3gcrcqterdm3v4v\/app.bsky.feed.post\/3mtqkvviu622k\" data-bluesky-cid=\"bafyreidq6pvrsj4kv72667xj5bqzap4zxgnwk3koys5jpmx3imeea5q55q\" cite=\"https:\/\/bsky.app\/profile\/did:plc:2z2cxvddx3gcrcqterdm3v4v\/post\/3mtqkvviu622k?ref_src=embed\" id=\"elk-at:\/\/did:plc:2z2cxvddx3gcrcqterdm3v4v\/app.bsky.feed.post\/3mtqkvviu622k\">\n<p lang=\"en\">\ud83d\udccd\ud835\udc0c\ud835\udc0e\ud835\udc0d\ud835\udc00\ud835\udc02\ud835\udc0e<br \/>\n\ud83d\udcaa Stage 2\ufe0f\u20e3 neutral start!<br \/>\n\ud83d\ude4c \u00a1Salida neutralizada de la etapa 2\ufe0f\u20e3!<br \/>\n#LaVuelta26<\/p>\n<p>\u2014 @lavuelta.bsky.social (@lavuelta.bsky.social.bsky.social) 2026-08-23T10:24:43.335Z<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T10:23:43+00:00\">2026-08-23T10:23:43.202Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-b8e2565e-9edc-11f1-9f21-694e7aac4443\">Just around 20 minutes left of the neutralised section of today&#8217;s stage. All in all, with the neutral included, the riders are riding 235.3km today. A huge distance so early in the race.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T10:22:11+00:00\">2026-08-23T10:22:11.142Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-820bf644-9edc-11f1-9ff4-3f0a3dbb9f92\">It is another sunny day on the Mediterranean coast.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-820bf69e-9edc-11f1-be93-c3131738e478\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pSCYCaD36Uv2Wn2iNeEe3j.jpg\" alt=\"MONACO - AUGUST 23: A general view of the peloton competing during the La Vuelta - 81st Tour of Spain 2026, Stage 2 a 214.3km from Monaco to Manosque 408m \/ #UCIWT \/ on August 23, 2026 in Monaco, Monaco. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T10:06:02+00:00\">2026-08-23T10:06:02.087Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-40692b46-9eda-11f1-813b-4b3959e6e9b6\">The neutralised section of today&#8217;s stage is a massive 21km long as they leave Monaco and head into France. Through \u00c8ze, top of the famous Col d\u00c8ze that recently saw the end of the Tour de France Femmes and into Nice before starting the race at the other side of the frequently visited city.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T10:03:25+00:00\">2026-08-23T10:03:25.690Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-e3331914-9ed9-11f1-ac86-2b521d66ff37\">Its a happy birthday to Tobias Halland Johannessen (Uno-X Mobility). The former Tour de l&#8217;Avenir winner turns 27 today.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T10:01:46+00:00\">2026-08-23T10:01:46.368Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-neutral-start\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-neutral-start\"><span>Neutral start<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-a80789ce-9ed9-11f1-b6a3-6f3412b2f713\">The riders have rolled out of the start in Monaco. Hayter starts the race in the green skinsuit but on the same time as Poga\u010dar. Could the British rider maybe take bonus seconds at the intermediate sprint?<\/p>\n<p>There are 6, 4 and 2 bonus seconds available in Gr\u00e9oux-les-Bains with just under 50km of the stage remaining. It would take a lot of managing by his Soudal-Quickstep team.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-a8078a3c-9ed9-11f1-bab4-fb69932d00e1\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XL6gKkbf5ZXxMESZWqJVyK.jpg\" alt=\"MONACO - AUGUST 23: Ethan Hayter of Great Britain and Team Soudal Quick-Step - Green points jersey prior to the La Vuelta - 81st Tour of Spain 2026, Stage 2 a 214.3km from Monaco to Manosque 408m \/ #UCIWT \/ on August 23, 2026 in Monaco, Monaco. (Photo by Tim de Waele\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\"><\/a><\/p>\n<aside data-article-category=\"pro-cycling\" data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\" class=\"ecom-root\"><\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T09:53:03+00:00\">2026-08-23T09:53:03.098Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-7020bf5e-9ed8-11f1-8555-8509f12d7acd\">Full red but no custom bike just yet as he continues to ride the super lightweight Colnago that has almost no paint on the frame.<\/p>\n<div class=\"see-more see-more--clipped\" id=\"elk-2091462296090312968\">\n<figure>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet hawk-ignore\" data-lang=\"en\" cite=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/cantworkitout\/status\/2091462296090312968\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">Red-hot \u2764\ufe0f Al Rojo vivo\ud83d\udcf8 @cxcling | #LaVuelta26 | @TeamEmiratesUAE pic.twitter.com\/BXojfh1kcWAugust 23, 2026<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/figure>\n<div class=\"see-more__filter\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T09:51:19+00:00\">2026-08-23T09:51:19.096Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-32709fb2-9ed8-11f1-bcd0-7378d6630d0e\">It feels like it is wrong but this is Tadej Poga\u010dar&#8217;s first time in the red jersey at La Vuelta and he has gone full red, as you would. The last rider to lead a Grand Tour from stage 1 all the way through to the end was Gianni Bugno in 1990 at the Giro d&#8217;Italia. Can Poga\u010dar pull off the achievement? Or will he try and give it away early to save his team?<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-3270a00c-9ed8-11f1-80ba-dd0ce2b674cf\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Wb6yxvX9Z2mYfHq4QjivML.jpg\" alt=\"MONACO - AUGUST 23: A general view of Tadej Pogacar of Slovenia - Red Leader Jersey, Joao Almeida of Portugal, Domen Novak of Slovenia, Ivo Oliveira of Portugal, Pavel Sivakov of France, Pablo Torres of Spain, Kevin Vermaerke of United States, Jay Vine of Australia and UAE Team Emirates XRG prior to the La Vuelta - 81st Tour of Spain 2026, Stage 2 a 214.3km from Monaco to Manosque 408m \/ #UCIWT \/ on August 23, 2026 in Monaco, Monaco. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T09:32:58+00:00\">2026-08-23T09:32:58.476Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-a21bd38e-9ed5-11f1-a7b1-a9f6832a6689\">The neutral start comes at midday local time, so the riders will be rolling out of Monaco in around 30 minutes time.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T09:31:46+00:00\">2026-08-23T09:31:46.610Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-7761e782-9ed5-11f1-865c-55fef357e373\">The riders are busy signing on and being presented to the crowd with local hero and Mon\u00e9gasque national champion, Victory Langellotti (XDS-Astana) after his switch from Netcompany-Ineos at the start of the month.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-7761e7e6-9ed5-11f1-9cd1-b734ac1025c5\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2XGD8HRYRRxUF26pPPJB9L.jpg\" alt=\"MONACO - AUGUST 23: A general view of Harold Tejada of Colombia, Yevgeniy Fedorov of Kazakhstan, Lorenzo Fortunato of Italy, Victor Langellotti of Monaco, Henok Mulubrhan of Eritrea, Cristian Rodriguez of Spain, Alessandro Romele of Italy, Darren Van Bekkum of Netherlands and Team XDS Astana prior to the La Vuelta - 81st Tour of Spain 2026, Stage 2 a 214.3km from Monaco to Manosque 408m \/ #UCIWT \/ on August 23, 2026 in Monaco, Monaco. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T09:27:50+00:00\">2026-08-23T09:27:50.885Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-eac72bb6-9ed4-11f1-8b32-15a3e8226868\">The opening road stage of this year&#8217;s Vuelta is an intriguing one. Over 3000 metres of climbing on the menu but only two categorised climbs, it is a tricky one to call. Likely suiting the likes of Mads Pedersen (Lidl-Trek), Wout Van Aert (Visma-Lease a Bike) and Kaden groves (Alpecin-Premier Tech) but also brings in riders like Tadej Poga\u010dar himself into the mix and a possible second stage win in as many days.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-eac72c24-9ed4-11f1-9bf5-d715b81176d3\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7ewxrqzPWd9iXfpiRK5xEU.webp\" alt=\"Profile of stage 2\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: ASO)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T09:12:30+00:00\">2026-08-23T09:12:30.638Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-c646255a-9ed2-11f1-9e62-5b0d1b7df859\">Josh Tarling (Netcompany-Ineos) put in a superb ride after eight horrendous days for him and his family.<\/p>\n<p>&gt;&gt;&gt; <strong>&#8216;I gave it everything I had&#8217; \u2013 Eight days after brother Finlay&#8217;s death, Josh Tarling takes third in opening Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a time trial<\/strong><\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-c64625be-9ed2-11f1-8f8e-6736a44c5b3f\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oJYLvWCepfQ8zP3KDUHEtE.jpg\" alt=\"Team Netcompany Ineos&amp;#039; Welsh rider Joshua Tarling competes during the first stage of the Vuelta a Espana 2026, a 9,4 km time-trial between Monaco and Monaco on August 22, 2026. (Photo by Miguel MEDINA \/ AFP)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\"><\/a><\/p>\n<aside data-article-category=\"pro-cycling\" data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\" class=\"ecom-root\"><\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T09:02:56+00:00\">2026-08-23T09:02:56.681Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-7025bd26-9ed1-11f1-961a-17c15f8150a7\">It wasn&#8217;t a huge surprise to anyone last night that Tadej Poga\u010dar (UAE Team Emirates-XRG) took the win, but the margin of victory was incredible. Just 0.09 of a second split the five time Tour de France victor and the British TT champion Ethan Hayter (Soudal-Quickstep) on the line in the principality famed for tight margins in Formula 1.<\/p>\n<p>&gt;&gt;&gt; <strong>Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a: Tadej Poga\u010dar claims stage 1 time trial and takes the first leader&#8217;s jersey in Monaco<\/strong><\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-7025bd8a-9ed1-11f1-bf85-c7d1530f42be\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PpEhHGvv8AgcUn5LNYNkvU.jpg\" alt=\"UAE Team Emirates - XRG team&amp;#039;s Slovenian rider Tadej Pogacar competes during the first stage of the Vuelta a Espana 2026, a 9,4 km time-trial between Monaco and Monaco on August 22, 2026. (Photo by Miguel MEDINA \/ AFP)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\"><\/a><\/p>\n<aside data-article-category=\"pro-cycling\" data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\" class=\"ecom-root\"><\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<p id=\"elk-083c4cd0-98c7-11f1-a85a-673b0607a756\">Hola! Welcome to live updates on stage 2 of La Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a here on <em>Cyclingnews<\/em>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"viafoura-comments\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative max-w-[1070px] viafoura-twig-component mt-6\" data-component-name=\"Viafoura:Comments\" data-nosnippet data-community-guidelines-text=\"&lt;p class=&apos;vfcustom-community-guidelines&apos;&gt;Please follow our &lt;a href=&quot;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/about\/#section-community-guidelines&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;community guidelines&lt;\/a&gt;.&lt;\/p&gt;\" data-join-the-conversation-text=\"Join the Conversation\">\n<div class=\"relative h-(--truncate-height) sm:h-(--truncate-desktop-height) overflow-hidden transition-[height] duration-150\" data-test-id=\"container\" data-component-name=\"Util:Truncate\" id=\"viafoura-comments-container\">\n<div class=\"relative z-10 viafoura rounded-[var(--comment-widget-border-radius,0)]\" id=\"viafoura-comment-wrapper\" data-test-id=\"content\">\n<div class=\"viafoura\">\n<div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"absolute bg-gradient-to-t from-[var(--truncate-gradient-color,white)] from-50% h-28 z-20 w-full bottom-0 flex items-end justify-center px-0 rounded-none\">\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"absolute top-0 left-0 w-full h-full flex items-center justify-center z-50 bg-white\/90 border-1 rounded-b-[var(--comment-widget-border-radius,0)]\">\n<div class=\"p-2 text-center\">\n<p class=\"mb-3 text-lg!\">You must confirm your public display name before commenting<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-3 text-sm!\">Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"related-articles-block\">\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\" article-body \">\n<div id=\"ad-unit-1\" class=\"ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div data-component-name=\"Article:LiveReportUpdater\">\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T16:25:49+00:00\">2026-08-23T16:25:49.770Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-4f0bfaae-9f0f-11f1-9665-19c367bcc679\">Stage 3 starts in Gruissan-Aude and has the first summit finish of the race in the Pyrenees on the Font Romeu with bonus seconds coming on the Col de Mont-Louis just a few KMs beforehand.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-4f0bfb08-9f0f-11f1-8419-c5b68d4a8a80\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MWVbci883HY5XJdRnTLau7.webp\" alt=\"Profile for stage 3\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: ASO)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T16:23:41+00:00\">2026-08-23T16:23:41.431Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-02bf3710-9f0f-11f1-9a06-fb3fc3c015d4\">And, of course, Poga\u010dar keeps hold of green with Hayter continuing to wear it on his behalf.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-02bf3774-9f0f-11f1-85f3-e1db3b54bbae\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Q6yXKYa7kV3PeyzYeYcNgi.jpg\" alt=\"MANOSQUE, MONACO - AUGUST 23: Tadej Pogacar of Slovenia and UAE Team Emirates XRG celebrates at podium as Green points jersey winner during the La Vuelta - 81st Tour of Spain 2026, Stage 2 a 214.3km from Monaco to Manosque 408m \/ #UCIWT \/ on August 23, 2026 in Manosque, Monaco. (Photo by Tim de Waele\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T16:17:42+00:00\">2026-08-23T16:17:42.535Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-2c88492a-9f0e-11f1-8fb9-5f97b8465d60\">Brennan goes into white after fellow Brit, Tarling, lost 1&#8217;41&#8221; at the finish.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-2c884984-9f0e-11f1-963c-d79ec389acaf\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kQmA9NgW72UCSD9Nsqmar4.jpg\" alt=\"MANOSQUE, MONACO - AUGUST 23: Matthew Brennan of Great Britain and Team Visma | Lease a Bike celebrates at podium as White Most Combative Rider Jersey winner during the La Vuelta - 81st Tour of Spain 2026, Stage 2 a 214.3km from Monaco to Manosque 408m \/ #UCIWT \/ on August 23, 2026 in Manosque, Monaco. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T16:14:23+00:00\">2026-08-23T16:14:23.490Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-b6089fa2-9f0d-11f1-9b89-35c614126a71\">Koen Bouwman took both KOMs today for Jayco-AlUla and sets his stall out for the jersey.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-b6089ffc-9f0d-11f1-8764-09fc44efbc1c\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/A2HerRSHdwYNVwQJeDUEEW.jpg\" alt=\"MANOSQUE, MONACO - AUGUST 23: Koen Bouwman of Netherlands and Team Jayco AlUla celebrates at podium as Polka dot Mountain Jersey winner during the La Vuelta - 81st Tour of Spain 2026, Stage 2 a 214.3km from Monaco to Manosque 408m \/ #UCIWT \/ on August 23, 2026 in Manosque, Monaco. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T16:09:27+00:00\">2026-08-23T16:09:27.827Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-05c48c5a-9f0d-11f1-98ea-f3158bbdb449\">Poga\u010dar keeps red after a valiant effort by Hayter in the break. He was caught behind a near crash at the bottom of the climb and didn&#8217;t have the legs to move up beforehand. He didn&#8217;t know he missed out on the jersey at the finish and was on his own. Clearly disappointed.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-05c48cb4-9f0d-11f1-9517-cbe9f8247d34\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/P6fKVXthAsARpj4iht8HSe.jpg\" alt=\"MANOSQUE, MONACO - AUGUST 23: Tadej Pogacar of Slovenia and UAE Team Emirates XRG celebrates at podium as Red Leader Jersey winner during the La Vuelta - 81st Tour of Spain 2026, Stage 2 a 214.3km from Monaco to Manosque 408m \/ #UCIWT \/ on August 23, 2026 in Manosque, Monaco. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T16:02:04+00:00\">2026-08-23T16:02:04.152Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-fd58fc78-9f0b-11f1-b6ab-87c401d1e68c\">The first of many Grand Tour wins for Matthew Brennan?<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-fd58fcd2-9f0b-11f1-beca-cd173d775e5d\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PVrfqpEyNDYyfVjanrrxtk.jpg\" alt=\"MANOSQUE, MONACO - AUGUST 23: Matthew Brennan of Great Britain and Team Visma | Lease a Bike celebrates at podium as stage winner during the La Vuelta - 81st Tour of Spain 2026, Stage 2 a 214.3km from Monaco to Manosque 408m \/ #UCIWT \/ on August 23, 2026 in Manosque, Monaco. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T16:00:59+00:00\">2026-08-23T16:00:59.519Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-d7227b88-9f0b-11f1-bcf7-7b5b1431fb84\">A perfect way to make your debut as Visma-Lease a Bike pull off a near perfect tactical display in the finale of stage 2 at La Vuelta&#8230;<\/p>\n<p>&gt;&gt;&gt; <strong>Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a: Powerful sprint nets Matthew Brennan stage 2 victory as Tadej Poga\u010dar fends off attacks to keep leader&#8217;s jersey<\/strong><\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-d7227be2-9f0b-11f1-ad9c-0dddd7695923\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ok6ZV3UozoFpKe65NRRCJa.jpg\" alt=\"MANOSQUE, MONACO - AUGUST 23: (L-R) Stage winner Matthew Brennan of Great Britain celebrates the victory of with his team-mate Sepp Kuss of United States and Team Visma | Lease a Bike after the La Vuelta - 81st Tour of Spain 2026, Stage 2 a 214.3km from Monaco to Manosque 408m \/ #UCIWT \/ on August 23, 2026 in Manosque, Monaco. (Photo by Tim de Waele\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\"><\/a><\/p>\n<aside data-article-category=\"pro-cycling\" data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\" class=\"ecom-root\"><\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T15:57:04+00:00\">2026-08-23T15:57:04.737Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-4afbc786-9f0b-11f1-b22f-6f465baf294e\">Hayter, in the end, lost 31&#8243; to the lead group. He gave it his best shot to go for red and did what he needed to do with the intermediate sprint but wasn&#8217;t able to follow on the climb to the finish.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T15:49:31+00:00\">2026-08-23T15:49:31.358Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-3c8eb3f8-9f0a-11f1-9c33-3f2f57a5067a\">Poga\u010dar does indeed keep red with Van Aert 2nd at 9&#8243; with Brennan jumping up to 3rd and into the white jersey.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T15:46:30+00:00\">2026-08-23T15:46:30.227Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-d09e1cf6-9f09-11f1-a182-8580b8e09fa4\">That is quite a way to make you Grand Tour road stage debut.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-d09e1d5a-9f09-11f1-9288-ef1820954132\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QhBvL6xY7EeVJ87bFWyZWZ.jpg\" alt=\"MANOSQUE, MONACO - AUGUST 23: Matthew Brennan of Great Britain and Team Visma | Lease a Bike celebrates at finish line as stage winner during the La Vuelta - 81st Tour of Spain 2026, Stage 2 a 214.3km from Monaco to Manosque 408m \/ #UCIWT \/ on August 23, 2026 in Manosque, Monaco. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T15:44:46+00:00\">2026-08-23T15:44:46.830Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-930fc70e-9f09-11f1-938b-415913c565f7\">What a performance from Brennan.<\/p>\n<div class=\"slice-container table-wrapper slice-container-table\" data-component-name=\"Slice:Table\" id=\"elk-930fc772-9f09-11f1-9950-fbdb2e25bf14\">\n<div class=\"table__instruction\">\nSwipe to scroll horizontally<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"table__container\">\n<table class=\"table__wrapper table__wrapper--inbodyContent table__wrapper--sticky table__wrapper--divider\">\n<caption class=\"table__caption table__caption--top table__caption--left\">\nLa Vuelta stage 2 top 10<br \/>\n<\/caption>\n<thead class=\"table__head\">\n<tr class=\"table__head__row\">\n<th class=\"table__head__heading table__head__heading--left\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Position<\/p>\n<\/th>\n<th class=\"table__head__heading table__head__heading--left\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Rider (country title case abbreviated) Team (remove spaces that are on either side of hyphens)<\/p>\n<\/th>\n<th class=\"table__head__heading table__head__heading--left\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Time (format h:mm:ss and relative to the winner)<\/p>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody class=\"table__body\">\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>1<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Brennan Matthew (Gbr) Team Visma | Lease a Bike<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>4:47:47<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>2<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Miquel Pau (Esp) Bahrain-Victorious<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>+0:00:00<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>3<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Poga\u010dar Tadej (Slo) UAE Team Emirates-XRG<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>+0:00:00<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>4<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Pedersen Mads (Den) Lidl-Trek<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>+0:00:00<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>5<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Hofstetter Hugo (Fra) NSN Cycling Team<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>+0:00:00<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>6<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Johannessen Tobias Halland (Nor) Uno-X Mobility<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>+0:00:00<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>7<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Fisher-Black Finn (Nzl) Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>+0:00:00<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>8<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Laurance Axel (Fra) Netcompany INEOS<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>+0:00:00<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>9<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Onley Oscar (Gbr) Netcompany INEOS<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>+0:00:00<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>10<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Aular Orluis (Ven) Movistar Team<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>+0:00:00<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T15:40:12+00:00\">2026-08-23T15:40:12.632Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-efa75fd2-9f08-11f1-b1b2-07d7757b7c80\">Hayter was dropped and does not take red. It looks like Poga\u010dar will keep red.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T15:39:18+00:00\">2026-08-23T15:39:18.966Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-cf9a6892-9f08-11f1-a3c8-cf5c6dd9e928\">Matthew Brennan of Visma-Lease a Bike wins stage 2 of La Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a on his second Grand Tour stage ever!<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-03c3feca-9f0a-11f1-8f64-dbd03d6e2b72\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qNaVetYgQPFWvp3Ne8irMU.jpg\" alt=\"Team Visma-Lease a bike&amp;#039;s British rider Matthew Brennan celebrates winning the second stage of the Vuelta a Espana 2026, a 214.3 km race between Monaco and Manosque on August 23, 2026. (Photo by Miguel MEDINA \/ AFP)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T15:37:58+00:00\">2026-08-23T15:37:58.341Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-9f7aae42-9f08-11f1-a1d6-5f98662ca4fc\">Jayco try an attack but now Visma take over for Brennan to go for the sprint. 500m to go.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T15:37:31+00:00\">2026-08-23T15:37:31.931Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-flamme-rouge\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-flamme-rouge\"><span>Flamme Rouge<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-8fb74560-9f08-11f1-9896-610b1aeb684e\">Alessandro Romele joins Poga\u010dar and Van Aert but they&#8217;re caught!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T15:36:45+00:00\">2026-08-23T15:36:45.889Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-747372ec-9f08-11f1-9d2d-d76cf212eafd\">A rider from XDS-Astana coming across as well with the peloton not far away.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T15:36:26+00:00\">2026-08-23T15:36:26.744Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-attack\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-attack\"><span>Attack!<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-69084734-9f08-11f1-8af7-654ccdd1b827\">Wout Van Aert (TVL)<\/p>\n<p>Tadej Poga\u010dar goes after him and all that work from Hayter may be for nothing. 1.5km to go.<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\"><\/a><\/p>\n<aside data-article-category=\"pro-cycling\" data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\" class=\"ecom-root\"><\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T15:35:47+00:00\">2026-08-23T15:35:47.818Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-51b783ce-9f08-11f1-9d24-439132662fa8\">NSN comes to the front working for Hugo Hofstetter. They have control for the moment but Visma are waiting in the wins with Laporte, Van Aert and Brennan.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T15:34:55+00:00\">2026-08-23T15:34:55.855Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-32ba673e-9f08-11f1-911d-e3eefdb4a443\">Visma clearly working for Brennan in the sprint as Van Aert moves towards the front with Laporte.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T15:34:29+00:00\">2026-08-23T15:34:29.735Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-23d531c2-9f08-11f1-a836-dbed2dcac654\">Asian champion Yevgeniy Fedorov (XDS-Astana) could put in a good sprint as he moves to the front as well. 3km to go.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T15:33:38+00:00\">2026-08-23T15:33:38.749Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-04b85698-9f08-11f1-a080-8bdcdf6f8995\">4km to go and the road narrows briefly before opening up again with NSN and Bahrain Victorious on the front. They&#8217;re getting swamped, though. Some of the bigger sprint teams start to bring up their numbers.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T15:32:47+00:00\">2026-08-23T15:32:47.763Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-e6655164-9f07-11f1-96b6-3fbe00602c6a\">5km to go and now there&#8217;s a huge battle for positioning. So many teams try to hold the top positions but two quick fire roundabouts string it out again with UAE and Kern Pharma leading the way.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T15:31:49+00:00\">2026-08-23T15:31:49.715Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-c3db46bc-9f07-11f1-aee3-35b96af2b7af\">Visma get a bit lost for a moment with a few riders all over the place as Kern Pharma come to the front with numbers for Marc Brustenga.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T15:30:38+00:00\">2026-08-23T15:30:38.066Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-99833154-9f07-11f1-943c-336999c386a1\">Groupama-FDJ come back to the front as well as they work for Bastien Tronchon. 6km to go.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T15:29:41+00:00\">2026-08-23T15:29:41.255Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-77355b04-9f07-11f1-bf3f-674393a72c77\">Visma, UAE, Lidl-Trek, Movistar and Ineos spread across the road as there are splits starting to appear with a very long line. Hayter, if still near the back, is in big trouble.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T15:28:54+00:00\">2026-08-23T15:28:54.935Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-5bdabdae-9f07-11f1-84eb-2961a4b5d291\">Suddenly, the pace explodes! Visma, UAE, Movistar and Ineos take the front through a roundabout with Ineos and Visma taking the most control for now with 7km to go.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T15:27:04+00:00\">2026-08-23T15:27:04.004Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-10km-to-go\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-10km-to-go\"><span>10km to go<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-1993f4c4-9f07-11f1-995b-09e96fab11d7\">It is mostly headwind to the finish with the wind around 20kph. Movistar joins the list of teams on the front of the bunch.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T15:13:51+00:00\">2026-08-23T15:13:51.815Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-20km-to-go\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-20km-to-go\"><span>20km to go<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-41416846-9f05-11f1-803b-ad8aa0843ac4\">The pace is still pretty tame on the front of the peloton.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T15:13:10+00:00\">2026-08-23T15:13:10.870Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-28f88e4a-9f05-11f1-9010-bf9a3b558992\">UAE Team Emirates-XRG now come up to the front as well with Novak leading their train. Poga\u010dar well placed and possibly thinking about going for the stage.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T15:12:28+00:00\">2026-08-23T15:12:28.806Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-0fd10276-9f05-11f1-9efb-65764153ddd5\">Since the route was announced the talk of the lavender fields in this area was talked up. Sadly, we have had yet another brutal summer and the lavender season is done already. Sobering stuff. Fortunately, it is more the temperatures you&#8217;d expect in the area today.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T15:09:54+00:00\">2026-08-23T15:09:54.289Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-b406e05a-9f04-11f1-ae99-b1c8ceca4ca3\">Into Valensole they go by the Durance river. The main river for Provence that looks much much lower than it should.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T15:09:10+00:00\">2026-08-23T15:09:10.690Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-99b07a72-9f04-11f1-b1a5-2f5376a4f4f8\">Samitier back at the doctors car. He has clearly come down with some road rash on his right arm.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T15:08:38+00:00\">2026-08-23T15:08:38.161Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-86598eaa-9f04-11f1-be4a-ed9b99d1e5b4\">Hayter has done his usual thing and gone to sit right at the back of the peloton. May cause issues later on.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T15:07:46+00:00\">2026-08-23T15:07:46.990Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-67d0496a-9f04-11f1-be3d-971dd5a4d3d8\">With no breakaway and no exposed roads of tricky terrain at the moment the pace has dropped right out of the bunch.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T15:04:41+00:00\">2026-08-23T15:04:41.115Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-f921f8a6-9f03-11f1-8db2-bfdea53ff36f\">Netcompany-Ineos, Groupama-FDJ, Lidl-Trek and Visma-Lease a Bike lead the peloton with 25km to go until the finish in Manosque.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T15:01:14+00:00\">2026-08-23T15:01:14.035Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-7dc67be6-9f03-11f1-8317-21524c10ebf9\">Looks like Pedersen has an issue as he waits for his team car. Now pouring water over his head and taking a bidon. Maybe he&#8217;s just taking one more chance to chat with his DS.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T14:56:06+00:00\">2026-08-23T14:56:06.083Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-30km-to-go\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-30km-to-go\"><span>30km to go<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-c633e7ca-9f02-11f1-8043-35b0ab987ac3\">This is all about the climb to Manosque now. Previously used in the Tour de la Provence where Coquard and Pedersen have both won.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T14:54:54+00:00\">2026-08-23T14:54:54.859Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-9ba125cc-9f02-11f1-a768-d7e952639489\">Hayter now caught after Poga\u010dar briefly terrified everyone by hitting the front. But now all the teams are getting into colour order with 31km to go. Time for a feed zone, though.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T14:54:08+00:00\">2026-08-23T14:54:08.410Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-7fe60d7a-9f02-11f1-84f9-711bb547deb6\">Van Aert taking 4&#8243; bonus does complicate it. Van Aert started 9&#8243; down on Poga\u010dar and Hayter. With Hayter taking 6&#8243; and Van Aert taking 4&#8243; puts Van Aert at 11&#8243;, so the Belgian can&#8217;t take red without a gap.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T14:50:17+00:00\">2026-08-23T14:50:17.180Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-f63fa39c-9f01-11f1-8742-dfc8a1ee5056\">Behind it was Wout Van Aert taking 4&#8243; bonus and 17 points then Bryan Coquard (Cofidis) taking 2&#8243; and 15 points then Christophe Laporte taking 13 points.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T14:48:39+00:00\">2026-08-23T14:48:39.834Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-bc145802-9f01-11f1-9f4b-539c9a457d19\">Hayter takes the intermediate sprint, 20 points but, most importantly, 6&#8243; bonus.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T14:48:12+00:00\">2026-08-23T14:48:12.273Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-aba9b7aa-9f01-11f1-91fe-b9f50ffed3fe\">Hayter is going to take the 6&#8243; bonus! He will go into the virtual lead and take red from Poga\u010dar. But, he will have to finish with the leaders at the end of the day.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T14:43:44+00:00\">2026-08-23T14:43:44.585Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-40km-to-go\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-40km-to-go\"><span>40km to go<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-0c132410-9f01-11f1-8093-f7cef6195590\">Hayter has 4km to the intermediate sprint and he has 30&#8243; of a gap. I think he has this. But then he has to stay in the peloton to the finish.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T14:42:10+00:00\">2026-08-23T14:42:10.161Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-d3df1fa4-9f00-11f1-bff3-fd62047ee04a\">Sergio Samitier (Cofidis) now at the doctors car. A few issues in the peloton today.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T14:38:40+00:00\">2026-08-23T14:38:40.499Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-56cf0bf0-9f00-11f1-abe8-e3363d706e56\">Hayter is pushing very hard but the pace behind skyrockets again as riders are being dropped from the peloton.<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"bluesky-embed\" data-bluesky-uri=\"at:\/\/did:plc:2z2cxvddx3gcrcqterdm3v4v\/app.bsky.feed.post\/3mtqzahp26s2k\" data-bluesky-cid=\"bafyreiglbl6z5f65cjpriz7w7bi24u3ja3jhlspwwr4uxdhdjemh3sdwdi\" cite=\"https:\/\/bsky.app\/profile\/did:plc:2z2cxvddx3gcrcqterdm3v4v\/post\/3mtqzahp26s2k?ref_src=embed\" id=\"elk-at:\/\/did:plc:2z2cxvddx3gcrcqterdm3v4v\/app.bsky.feed.post\/3mtqzahp26s2k\">\n<p lang=\"en\">Stage 2\ufe0f\u20e3 | Etapa 2\ufe0f\u20e3<br \/>\n\u2764\ufe0f Hayter goes solo in pursuit of the points (and bonus seconds \ud83d\udc40) as his fellow escapees get caught<br \/>\n\ud83d\udd25 \u00a1Ethan Hayter quiere La Roja y es cabeza de carrera en solitario!<br \/>\n#LaVuelta26<\/p>\n<p>\u2014 @lavuelta.bsky.social (@lavuelta.bsky.social.bsky.social) 2026-08-23T14:38:12.120Z<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T14:35:32+00:00\">2026-08-23T14:35:32.646Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-e6e070c2-9eff-11f1-9bf9-2f34b4c5b83c\">11km to the intermediate sprint now for Hayter. This is going to be very tight as he pulls out the gap to 30&#8243; over a breaking down peloton.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T14:33:49+00:00\">2026-08-23T14:33:49.267Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-a936a8e0-9eff-11f1-9880-57002e47a491\"><strong>Abandon<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Sergio Chumil (Burgos-Burpellet-BH)<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\"><\/a><\/p>\n<aside data-article-category=\"pro-cycling\" data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\" class=\"ecom-root\"><\/aside>\n<p id=\"elk-a936a8e0-9eff-11f1-9880-57002e47a491-2\">The Guatemalan champion sadly was unable to continue after his crash.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T14:33:04+00:00\">2026-08-23T14:33:04.313Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-8ea6fb24-9eff-11f1-b8c9-eda36b590f51\">Van Aert and Brennan are waiting in the wings but Hayter leaves Fernandez and Uriarte behind and has extended his advantage on the peloton to 28&#8243;.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-8ea6fb7e-9eff-11f1-9cc6-357763d89760\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XKJKDHbNdTHw9MFoQfF2DL.jpg\" alt=\"MANOSQUE, MONACO - AUGUST 23: (L-R) Matthew Brennan of Great Britain and Wout Van Aert of Belgium and Team Visma | Lease a Bike compete during the La Vuelta - 81st Tour of Spain 2026, Stage 2 a 214.3km from Monaco to Manosque 408m \/ #UCIWT \/ on August 23, 2026 in Manosque, Monaco. (Photo by Tim de Waele\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T14:30:01+00:00\">2026-08-23T14:30:01.758Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-50km-to-go\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-50km-to-go\"><span>50km to go<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-219c8c60-9eff-11f1-a8b4-c1624f1d885d\">Just 12&#8243; gap for Hayter, Fernandez and Uriarte out front. This isn&#8217;t going to happen for the British rider.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T14:29:22+00:00\">2026-08-23T14:29:22.549Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-crash\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-crash\"><span>Crash<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-0a44abce-9eff-11f1-9d92-359ee95a7e7b\">Sergio Chumil (Burgos-Burpellet-BH)<\/p>\n<p>The Guatemalan road race champion is down and stays down while still clipped into the pedals.<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\"><\/a><\/p>\n<aside data-article-category=\"pro-cycling\" data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\" class=\"ecom-root\"><\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T14:27:36+00:00\">2026-08-23T14:27:36.618Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-cb2957e6-9efe-11f1-93c8-592a12364eaa\">There&#8217;s 20, 17, 15, 13 and 10 points available at the intermediate sprint as well as the 6, 4 and 2 bonus seconds.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T14:27:01+00:00\">2026-08-23T14:27:01.466Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-b628e410-9efe-11f1-9bf9-7b2f9e423c6b\">As they get closer to the intermediate sprint Lidl-Trek and Alpecin-Premier Tech start moving up towards the front of the peloton with just 14&#8243; up to the break with Bruno Arimirail (Visma-Lease a Bike) joining Kruijswijk on the front.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T14:23:44+00:00\">2026-08-23T14:23:44.700Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-410dd2b2-9efe-11f1-b8ad-a9bba29b5eb3\">Magnus Cort (Uno-X Mobility) looks to be struggling a the back of the peloton. The Danish champion would&#8217;ve been a name to watch a couple of years ago for a stage like today. Maybe he will move up and challenge but we shall see.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T14:20:59+00:00\">2026-08-23T14:20:59.472Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-de7627f8-9efd-11f1-8db3-69c816e80725\">Bouwman sits up from the break and is caught by the peloton after confirming that he will wear the mountains jersey tomorrow. Big blow to the break as Hayter is pushing hard in the break.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T14:19:53+00:00\">2026-08-23T14:19:53.519Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-b72ac00a-9efd-11f1-96e0-c1fc27e9ecfd\">Visma want Hayter back and soon. The gap drops to 28&#8243; as Kruijswijk is joined by more teammates on the front to push the pace.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T14:16:53+00:00\">2026-08-23T14:16:53.369Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-4be37260-9efd-11f1-86d4-2939a5f9bed1\">Visma-Lease a Bike have suddenly ramped the pace right up and the gap is back to 45&#8243; again with around 20km to the intermediate sprint. Maybe a big of panic setting in for Visma as they need to pull Hayter back.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T14:13:33+00:00\">2026-08-23T14:13:33.340Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-60km-to-go\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-60km-to-go\"><span>60km to go<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-d47466e4-9efc-11f1-88dd-674c44ce3258\">Hayter asking the camera bike for the time gap. Well, Ethan, it is 1&#8217;08&#8221;!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T14:11:40+00:00\">2026-08-23T14:11:40.988Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-9181e3d4-9efc-11f1-ba10-b91703af130b\">25km to the intermediate sprint now. The break have pulled out their gap to 1&#8217;14&#8221;. This is looking a bit better for the break and going for the bonus seconds. Hayter won&#8217;t have it his own way though at the sprint as Uriarte and Fernandez will be very keen to get as many points as possible.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T14:07:58+00:00\">2026-08-23T14:07:58.995Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-0d2d4b46-9efc-11f1-a121-fd9ac2a93c42\">For the first time in a while the gap goes above a minute as the break try and stay away.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T14:00:15+00:00\">2026-08-23T14:00:15.696Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-70km-to-go\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-70km-to-go\"><span>70km to go<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-f90766c0-9efa-11f1-bf22-d5dcbc1cc04d\">35km to the intermediate sprint with the gap at 52&#8243;. Kruijswijk and Mosca continue to set a strong tempo in the peloton with Netcompany-Ineos sat on their wheels as they have been all day to protect Tarling in white as well as Oscar Onley of the GC and Ben Turner for the stage.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T13:55:47+00:00\">2026-08-23T13:55:47.754Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-5956fd98-9efa-11f1-aba7-592cf8a87003\">Mechanical for Finn Fisher-Black (Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe). The New Zealand time trial champion finished in a solid 9th place at 10&#8243; down.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T13:54:42+00:00\">2026-08-23T13:54:42.888Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-32a527b0-9efa-11f1-a85e-19691f61a7ab\">Gap now plummiting again at 44&#8243;. Hayter&#8217;s bonus second chances looking less and less likely.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T13:54:14+00:00\">2026-08-23T13:54:14.830Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-21ec5f42-9efa-11f1-af87-552b21976ea0\">Sepp Kuss (Visma-Lease a Bike) will decide whether he goes for a good GC placing at this race or not at the end of week one as the 2023 winner gages his form&#8230;<\/p>\n<p>&gt;&gt;&gt; <strong>&#8216;A top 10 on GC isn&#8217;t as important as a stage win&#8217; \u2013 2023 Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a champion Sepp Kuss to make definitive decision on overall bid at end of first week<\/strong><\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-21ec5fa6-9efa-11f1-b57c-6102eb2e3247\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ijb7UgPtDfhSTZMd4BQ4KW.jpg\" alt=\"American Sepp Kuss of Team Visma-Lease a Bike pictured in action during stage 20 of the 2026 Tour de France cycling race, a stage of 171km Le Bourg d&amp;#039;Oisans to Alpe d&amp;#039;Huez, on Saturday 25 July 2026. The 113th edition of the Tour de France starts on Saturday 4 July in Barcelona, Spain, and will finish in Paris, France on the 26th of July. BELGA PHOTO JASPER JACOBS (Photo by JASPER JACOBS \/ BELGA MAG \/ Belga \/ AFP via Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\"><\/a><\/p>\n<aside data-article-category=\"pro-cycling\" data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\" class=\"ecom-root\"><\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T13:52:03+00:00\">2026-08-23T13:52:03.395Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-d3975e6e-9ef9-11f1-ad39-11d1554dbb50\">It has been a very very easy first day in red for Poga\u010dar so far.<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"bluesky-embed\" data-bluesky-uri=\"at:\/\/did:plc:2z2cxvddx3gcrcqterdm3v4v\/app.bsky.feed.post\/3mtqwoj5fys2k\" data-bluesky-cid=\"bafyreifrrzqbbb5whxdqtms5bd64hjrtzlidugvuch32a4jwxlmg6lyw6i\" cite=\"https:\/\/bsky.app\/profile\/did:plc:2z2cxvddx3gcrcqterdm3v4v\/post\/3mtqwoj5fys2k?ref_src=embed\" id=\"elk-at:\/\/did:plc:2z2cxvddx3gcrcqterdm3v4v\/app.bsky.feed.post\/3mtqwoj5fys2k\">\n<p lang=\"en\">\u2764\ufe0f TaRED Pogacar \u2764\ufe0f<br \/>\n#LaVuelta26<\/p>\n<p>\u2014 @lavuelta.bsky.social (@lavuelta.bsky.social.bsky.social) 2026-08-23T13:51:43.836Z<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T13:46:25+00:00\">2026-08-23T13:46:25.700Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-0a7dde7c-9ef9-11f1-8aad-5d77516b6b80\">The bunch don&#8217;t seem to want to catch the break just yet with the gap stabilised at 1&#8217;00&#8221; with 80km to go.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T13:38:28+00:00\">2026-08-23T13:38:28.511Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-ee00c300-9ef7-11f1-a1c2-1db3d22c39ca\">Alpecin-Premier Tech&#8217;s Kaden Groves targets green but has very tough competition to get it by the finish in Granada&#8230;<\/p>\n<p>&gt;&gt;&gt; <strong>&#8216;We&#8217;re looking for the green jersey, but it&#8217;ll be difficult&#8217; &#8211; Kaden Groves tips Tadej Poga\u010dar as potential rival in hunt for Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a points classification<\/strong><\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-ee00c364-9ef7-11f1-93c7-33629b00e3d0\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5iGxHFxptE7DhftoYvHbsT.jpg\" alt=\"MONACO, MONACO - AUGUST 20: Kaden Groves of Australia and Team Alpecin-Premier Tech during the La Vuelta - 81st Tour of Spain 2026, Team Presentation \/ #UCIWT \/ on August 20, 2026 in Monaco, Monaco. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\"><\/a><\/p>\n<aside data-article-category=\"pro-cycling\" data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\" class=\"ecom-root\"><\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T13:35:03+00:00\">2026-08-23T13:35:03.769Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-90km-to-go\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-90km-to-go\"><span>90km to go<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-73fa752e-9ef7-11f1-a508-8f977f83169c\">The gap now at 57&#8243;.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T13:32:09+00:00\">2026-08-23T13:32:09.327Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-0be022fe-9ef7-11f1-bc70-47d31f5c66ef\">About 60km to go to the intermediate sprint where 6, 4 and 2 bonus seconds are available. Hayter will be very keen to get some of those. Any would put him into red if he is able to finish with the front runners at the end of the day. But, Visma and Lidl-Trek are pushing hard behind to try and not let that happen.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T13:25:47+00:00\">2026-08-23T13:25:47.044Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-28034750-9ef6-11f1-b09f-d7041ce84cb1\">The riders cross the halfway point on the stage.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T13:22:54+00:00\">2026-08-23T13:22:54.663Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-c14925fc-9ef5-11f1-81f8-e3867a085624\">A huge amount of time has been hacked off the break&#8217;s lead and they are now 1&#8217;00&#8221; from the peloton.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T13:17:36+00:00\">2026-08-23T13:17:36.183Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-100km-to-go\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-100km-to-go\"><span>100km to go<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-036fe976-9ef5-11f1-b229-f568e4d8b99e\">The peloton continue to close with the gap at 1&#8217;22&#8221; and falling.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T13:16:34+00:00\">2026-08-23T13:16:34.589Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-ded4df9a-9ef4-11f1-84f2-7f19b6e87594\">The Belgian is now at the doctors car almost a minute out of the back of the peloton.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T13:15:44+00:00\">2026-08-23T13:15:44.804Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-c10eb062-9ef4-11f1-943d-afccc5b410b0\">For unbeatable coverage across road, gravel and tech, subscribe to Cyclingnews. You&#8217;ll get comprehensive race coverage of La Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a, subscriber-exclusive analysis from our expert columnists, in-depth features and industry-leading tech insight. Plus, the Cyclingnews app lets you follow the action wherever you go! <strong>Join today<\/strong><strong>.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T13:12:27+00:00\">2026-08-23T13:12:27.743Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-4b95c924-9ef4-11f1-b645-a935340c7a47\">He did get back on but as soon as the road starts to climb again Uijtdebroeks is out of the back again.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T13:04:26+00:00\">2026-08-23T13:04:26.419Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-2cb5313a-9ef3-11f1-9a44-0dbdb3e3fd28\">Uijtdebroeks has been dropped off the back after his crash. Feeling the crash he had earlier.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T13:03:49+00:00\">2026-08-23T13:03:49.522Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-kom-col-de-saint-andrieu\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-kom-col-de-saint-andrieu\"><span>KOM (Col de Saint Andrieu)<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-16d1ebb0-9ef3-11f1-b79f-9f61d3cdcbe0\">1. Bouwman (JAY) 3pts<br \/>2. Uriate (EKP) 2pts<br \/>3. Fernandez (BBH) 1pt<\/p>\n<p>Bouwman will wear the polka dots tomorrow.<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\"><\/a><\/p>\n<aside data-article-category=\"pro-cycling\" data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\" class=\"ecom-root\"><\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T13:00:29+00:00\">2026-08-23T13:00:29.693Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-9f92b228-9ef2-11f1-a7ff-9ddc44d707ce\">After 2 hours of racing the average speed has been 42.6kph.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T12:57:43+00:00\">2026-08-23T12:57:43.328Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-3c6a62c2-9ef2-11f1-b32e-09b11473293a\">111km to go, 1&#8217;29&#8221; to the peloton. They are on the climb of Col de Saint Andrieu.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T12:54:42+00:00\">2026-08-23T12:54:42.293Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-d08319e6-9ef1-11f1-ad3b-452c9a886011\">The peloton aren&#8217;t allowing the break any good gap at all.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T12:49:58+00:00\">2026-08-23T12:49:58.501Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-2764e54c-9ef1-11f1-b2c9-0d2a47e829f2\">The climb is the Col de Saint Andrieu. It is 5km long with an average gradient of 4.8%. 3, 2 and 1 points on offer yet again.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T12:49:11+00:00\">2026-08-23T12:49:11.284Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-0b4c476a-9ef1-11f1-ac53-935324db5466\">The gap is down to 1&#8217;27&#8221; as they start the final categorised climb of the day.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"elk-DcYeNRgoI1X\">\n<div class=\"instagram-embed\">\n<blockquote class=\"instagram-media\" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-version=\"6\">\n<p>A post shared by La Vuelta (@lavuelta)<\/p><figcaption><cite><\/p>\n<p>A photo posted by on <\/p>\n<p><\/cite><\/figcaption><\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T12:32:13+00:00\">2026-08-23T12:32:13.578Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-acbd2c20-9eee-11f1-a741-334aae9f2604\">Poga\u010dar gets his first day in the red jersey today. The first of likely many over the next three weeks. He adds it to the 71 days in yellow at the Tour de France and the 20 days in pink at the Giro d&#8217;Italia. Yes, the year he won the Giro he wore pink from stage 2 after being beaten on stage one by now teammate Jhonatan Narv\u00e1ez.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-acbd2c7a-9eee-11f1-958c-73cda311b009\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tLjJEmQ3z9yq9ehEaqMmiX.jpg\" alt=\"MANOSQUE, MONACO - AUGUST 23: Tadej Pogacar of Slovenia and UAE Team Emirates XRG - Red Leader Jersey competes during the La Vuelta - 81st Tour of Spain 2026, Stage 2 a 214.3km from Monaco to Manosque 408m \/ #UCIWT \/ on August 23, 2026 in Manosque, Monaco. (Photo by Tim de Waele\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T12:28:46+00:00\">2026-08-23T12:28:46.733Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-3166bc4e-9eee-11f1-9129-419932203891\">The gap is reduced again to 1&#8217;42&#8221;.<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"bluesky-embed\" data-bluesky-uri=\"at:\/\/did:plc:2z2cxvddx3gcrcqterdm3v4v\/app.bsky.feed.post\/3mtqr66ojac2k\" data-bluesky-cid=\"bafyreiecyzbg4ds45andty2gizsmoocartbtwowsij3f5xtcvqi6rqps6u\" cite=\"https:\/\/bsky.app\/profile\/did:plc:2z2cxvddx3gcrcqterdm3v4v\/post\/3mtqr66ojac2k?ref_src=embed\" id=\"elk-at:\/\/did:plc:2z2cxvddx3gcrcqterdm3v4v\/app.bsky.feed.post\/3mtqr66ojac2k\">\n<p lang=\"en\">\ud83c\udfc1 155 km | Stage 2\ufe0f\u20e3 &#8211; Etapa 2\ufe0f\u20e3 | #LaVuelta26<br \/>\n\ud83d\udcaa Two strong teams working together to bring back the breakaway for their sprinters<br \/>\n\ud83d\udc4a @teamvismaleaseabike.com y @lidltrek.bsky.social trabajan en el pelot\u00f3n para reducir la ventaja de la fuga<br \/>\n\u23f1\ufe0f1&#8217;30&#8221; Pelot\u00f3n<\/p>\n<p>\u2014 @lavuelta.bsky.social (@lavuelta.bsky.social.bsky.social) 2026-08-23T12:28:27.972Z<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T12:19:24+00:00\">2026-08-23T12:19:24.159Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-150km-to-go\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-150km-to-go\"><span>150km to go<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-e21cc1ca-9eec-11f1-84fd-574178f6c258\">The gap grows to 1&#8217;55&#8221; between the peloton and the four man break of Hayter, Bouwman, Uriate and Fernandez.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T12:11:05+00:00\">2026-08-23T12:11:05.731Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-b8ea7352-9eeb-11f1-908a-d5ee78f926ed\">Jacopo Mosca (Lidl-Trek) and Steven Kruijswijk (Visma-Lease a Bike) are leading the way in the peloton.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-b8ea73ca-9eeb-11f1-ace9-e90ee62c494e\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AC8ZHaJ8xMG68W5L2ekjyX.jpg\" alt=\"MANOSQUE, MONACO - AUGUST 23: Jacopo Mosca of Italy and Team Lidl - Trek leads the peloton during the La Vuelta - 81st Tour of Spain 2026, Stage 2 a 214.3km from Monaco to Manosque 408m \/ #UCIWT \/ on August 23, 2026 in Manosque, Monaco. (Photo by Tim de Waele\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T12:07:05+00:00\">2026-08-23T12:07:05.885Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-crash\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-crash\"><span>Crash<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-29f527be-9eeb-11f1-9902-e902e32c004f\">Cian Uijtdebroeks (MOV)<\/p>\n<p>The Belgian GC hope went down. No idea when as no information around but he appears to be back riding. Yet more bad luck for him, though.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-29f52818-9eeb-11f1-abda-516aa501159b\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YT23xiVRcLevu8mNMovrn8.jpg\" alt=\"MANOSQUE, MONACO - AUGUST 23: Cian Uijtdebroeks of Belgium and Movistar Team reacts after crash during the La Vuelta - 81st Tour of Spain 2026, Stage 2 a 214.3km from Monaco to Manosque 408m \/ #UCIWT \/ on August 23, 2026 in Manosque, Monaco. (Photo by Tim de Waele\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\"><\/a><\/p>\n<aside data-article-category=\"pro-cycling\" data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\" class=\"ecom-root\"><\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T12:04:27+00:00\">2026-08-23T12:04:27.960Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-160km-to-go\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-160km-to-go\"><span>160km to go<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-cbd1acb6-9eea-11f1-af5e-ad12312923bf\">Into the final 100 miles of the stage and the gap is now stable at around 1&#8217;30&#8221;. The peloton are within striking distance for the intermediate sprint so Visma can deny Hayter a chance of taking red and keeping Van Aert&#8217;s dreams alive.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T12:02:42+00:00\">2026-08-23T12:02:42.126Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-8cbe52c2-9eea-11f1-9dee-69104048fe65\">Van Aert missed out on his goal of red yesterday but can take red today if everything goes to plan&#8230;<\/p>\n<p>&gt;&gt;&gt; <strong>&#8216;I know I lost time in the corners&#8217; &#8211; Wout van Aert&#8217;s dream of returning to red in the opening Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a TT falls short<\/strong><\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-8cbe5326-9eea-11f1-aa02-3960ef5c5e55\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CFRvGZ853QbVrc4JAa6myR.jpg\" alt=\"MANOSQUE, MONACO - AUGUST 23: (L-R) Wout Van Aert of Belgium and Team Visma | Lease a Bike and Martin Tjotta of Norway and Team Uno-X Mobility compete during the La Vuelta - 81st Tour of Spain 2026, Stage 2 a 214.3km from Monaco to Manosque 408m \/ #UCIWT \/ on August 23, 2026 in Manosque, Monaco. (Photo by Tim de Waele\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\"><\/a><\/p>\n<aside data-article-category=\"pro-cycling\" data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\" class=\"ecom-root\"><\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T11:55:31+00:00\">2026-08-23T11:55:31.229Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-8c08b97c-9ee9-11f1-8ecb-775ac0358660\">43kph average speed in the first hour.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T11:51:09+00:00\">2026-08-23T11:51:09.839Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-170km-to-go\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-170km-to-go\"><span>170km to go<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-f043583a-9ee8-11f1-83c7-efb6b21a8a84\">The gap is steady for now at 1&#8217;30&#8221;.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T11:47:16+00:00\">2026-08-23T11:47:16.264Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-64e46f5e-9ee8-11f1-ac01-01c70edc008b\">The gap continues to fall with the peloton now at just 1&#8217;32&#8221; from the leaders as Fernandez finally makes it a group of four out front.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T11:46:08+00:00\">2026-08-23T11:46:08.439Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-3c77cbf6-9ee8-11f1-8bfb-95af2e03afe2\">In the break, Bouwman has experience of going for the mountains jersey in a Grand Tour. He won it at the Giro as well as two stages back in 2022.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T11:45:06+00:00\">2026-08-23T11:45:06.381Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-17b5bdf0-9ee8-11f1-930a-47920a9e4edf\">Lidl-Trek join Visma-Lease a Bike on the front of the peloton. Pedersen would have to win the intermediate sprint and the stage to go level on time with Poga\u010dar and Hayter.<\/p>\n<p>I don&#8217;t know if that will give him red. Depends if Poga\u010dar or Hayter finish below 15th in the stage or not as that is the Danes finishing position yesterday.<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\"><\/a><\/p>\n<aside data-article-category=\"pro-cycling\" data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\" class=\"ecom-root\"><\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T11:43:25+00:00\">2026-08-23T11:43:25.106Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-kom-alto-chateauneuf-grasse\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-kom-alto-chateauneuf-grasse\"><span>KOM (Alto Ch\u00e2teauneuf-Grasse)<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-db58ac64-9ee7-11f1-9ccd-33a1145647d9\">1. Bouwman (JAY) 3pts<br \/>2. Uriate (EKP) 2pts<br \/>3. Hayter (SOQ) 1pt<\/p>\n<p>First points in the KOM standings handed out.<\/p>\n<div class=\"see-more see-more--clipped\" id=\"elk-2091492012465795121\">\n<figure>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet hawk-ignore\" data-lang=\"en\" cite=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/cantworkitout\/status\/2091492012465795121\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">\u26a1\ufe0f First proper climb of this year\u2019s Vuelta! But don\u2019t worry, there is much more to come \ud83d\ude1c\ud83d\udc99 \u00a1Primer puerto de #LaVuelta26 para Bouwman en la lucha por el maillot azul!\u26f0 3\ufe0f\u20e3 \ud835\udc00\ud835\udc0b\ud835\udc13\ud835\udc0e \ud835\udc02\ud835\udc07\ud835\udc00\u0302\ud835\udc13\ud835\udc04\ud835\udc00\ud835\udc14\ud835\udc0d\ud835\udc04\ud835\udc14\ud835\udc05-\ud835\udc06\ud835\udc11\ud835\udc00\ud835\udc12\ud835\udc12\ud835\udc041\ufe0f\u20e3 \ud83c\uddf3\ud83c\uddf1 Koen Bouwman &#8211; @GreenEDGEteam &#8211; 3p.2\ufe0f\u20e3 \ud83c\uddea\ud83c\uddf8 Diego\u2026 pic.twitter.com\/iLgpIkCKfyAugust 23, 2026<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/figure>\n<div class=\"see-more__filter\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\"><\/a><\/p>\n<aside data-article-category=\"pro-cycling\" data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\" class=\"ecom-root\"><\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T11:37:38+00:00\">2026-08-23T11:37:38.001Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-180km-to-go\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-180km-to-go\"><span>180km to go<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-0c58c354-9ee7-11f1-af90-47857dc34f0f\">Hayter, Bouwman and Uriate have 20&#8243; on Fernandez but just 2&#8217;00&#8221; on the peloton led by Visma-Lease a Bike who want to give Wout Van Aert a chance to go into red at the end of the day. Van Aert starts today 9&#8243; down in GC on Poga\u010dar and Hayter. If Hayter gets any bonuses at the intermediate sprint, it will not be possible for Van Aert to go into red.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T11:28:10+00:00\">2026-08-23T11:28:10.603Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-ba06a7e8-9ee5-11f1-ab6c-6d5831b081df\">Fernandez is still pushing and is 55&#8243; away from the front of the race, but the gap to the peloton is shrinking with the leaders now only holding 2&#8217;30&#8221; on the peloton with Fernandez now 1&#8217;35&#8221; ahead of the pack.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-ba06a860-9ee5-11f1-a2c6-d1352bd0cf2c\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Roy2rMUFqC5j5Havz8vwDa.jpg\" alt=\"MANOSQUE, MONACO - AUGUST 23: Sinuhe Fernandez of Spain and Team Burgos Burpellet BH competes in the chase group during the La Vuelta - 81st Tour of Spain 2026, Stage 2 a 214.3km from Monaco to Manosque 408m \/ #UCIWT \/ on August 23, 2026 in Manosque, Monaco. (Photo by Tim de Waele\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T11:26:07+00:00\">2026-08-23T11:26:07.223Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-707de776-9ee5-11f1-9916-9107883d8ddb\">It is a long day out front for Hayter but the intermediate sprint, with 48km to go, has 6, 4 and 2 bonus seconds available. Any would see him take virtual red. But, there&#8217;s about 140km between him and that point in the race.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T11:24:38+00:00\">2026-08-23T11:24:38.982Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-3bf23764-9ee5-11f1-a6c6-334bc03154c6\">And Hayter joins the leaders Bouwman and Uriate with around 5km to the top of the climb.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T11:23:27+00:00\">2026-08-23T11:23:27.267Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-1124eea0-9ee5-11f1-b256-41a0f7215fbe\">It looks like the leaders are waiting for Hayter as the gap is shrinking rapidly to him but they have also lost 30&#8243; to the peloton.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T11:22:51+00:00\">2026-08-23T11:22:51.299Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-fbb38b30-9ee4-11f1-a926-c76271612c03\">Bouwman and Uriate still have 33&#8243; on Hayter despite having a big lead on the peloton with Fernandez still at 1&#8217;25&#8221;.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-fbb38ba8-9ee4-11f1-92be-33da229f6f49\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4tp5SYiwoTCg9Zi5CPLB5n.jpg\" alt=\"MANOSQUE, MONACO - AUGUST 23: (L-R) Diego Uriarte of Spain and Team Equipo Kern Pharma and Koen Bouwman of Netherlands and Team Jayco AlUla compete in the breakaway during the La Vuelta - 81st Tour of Spain 2026, Stage 2 a 214.3km from Monaco to Manosque 408m \/ #UCIWT \/ on August 23, 2026 in Manosque, Monaco. (Photo by Tim de Waele\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T11:18:50+00:00\">2026-08-23T11:18:50.181Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-6c029530-9ee4-11f1-a2a7-5d8c65408fed\">The riders are on the first climb of the day, the Alto Ch\u00e2teauneuf-Grasse. All the climbs have a little bit of Spanish to them as it is La Vuelta, that is why the Alto is there. Cat 3 climb at 13km with a gentle average gradient of 2.9%. There are 3, 2 and 1 points available at the top.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T11:14:49+00:00\">2026-08-23T11:14:49.487Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-dca0e324-9ee3-11f1-b03b-c5dfc16925d3\">The leaders are being reported as Koen Bouwman (Jayco-AlUla) and Diego Uriarte (Kern Pharma). They have a gap of 3&#8217;28&#8221; on the peloton.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T11:13:57+00:00\">2026-08-23T11:13:57.638Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-bda22924-9ee3-11f1-8300-8f351d297302\">Hayter is 35&#8243; off the back of the leaders. He is not joined by Paret-Peintre as previously reported. Fernandez is now at 1&#8217;28&#8221; from the leaders but 2&#8217;00&#8221; ahead of the peloton. They have let Hayter go!<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-159acb04-9ee4-11f1-a2e9-d3b394109520\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MBGngv7bHSKMQ6vgqFAyF3.jpg\" alt=\"MANOSQUE, MONACO - AUGUST 23: Ethan Hayter of Great Britain and Team Soudal Quick-Step - Green points jersey competes during the La Vuelta - 81st Tour of Spain 2026, Stage 2 a 214.3km from Monaco to Manosque 408m \/ #UCIWT \/ on August 23, 2026 in Manosque, Monaco. (Photo by Tim de Waele\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T11:08:02+00:00\">2026-08-23T11:08:02.548Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-e9f8602a-9ee2-11f1-bcc2-e1ee480d00cb\">Valentin Paret-Peintre (Soudal-Quickstep) is said to be in the second chase group along with teammate and second overall, Ethan Hayter!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T11:07:03+00:00\">2026-08-23T11:07:03.266Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-200km-to-go\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-200km-to-go\"><span>200km to go<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-c6a14f74-9ee2-11f1-ab03-a79eea6edbe9\">It has been a very aggressive start to racing on the roads of south eastern France.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T11:06:13+00:00\">2026-08-23T11:06:13.897Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-a97a3258-9ee2-11f1-abe7-75fb92e58e77\">Sinuh\u00e9 Fern\u00e1ndez (Burgos-Burpellet-BH) is in the third group on the road as he tries to bridge the 45&#8243; gap to the leaders.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T11:02:18+00:00\">2026-08-23T11:02:18.867Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-1d4b7436-9ee2-11f1-8b3f-fd2a212c7286\">Suddenly, there&#8217;s groups strewn across the road with the two leaders out front with 1&#8217;10&#8221; gap on the peloton with two chase groups in the gap.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T11:00:10+00:00\">2026-08-23T11:00:10.272Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-d088356c-9ee1-11f1-b3ce-3731b166c2f2\">Its Slovenia central at La Vuelta this year! Primo\u017e Rogli\u010d (Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe), Domen Novak (UAE Team Emirates-XRG) and Roman Ermakov (Bahrain Victorious) having a chat in the bunch.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-d08835d0-9ee1-11f1-8151-5db3122b7a19\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nMzSPv58jpErAmjDbSczNe.jpg\" alt=\"MANOSQUE, MONACO - AUGUST 23: Primoz Roglic of Slovenia and Team Red Bull - BORA - hansgrohe competes during the La Vuelta - 81st Tour of Spain 2026, Stage 2 a 214.3km from Monaco to Manosque 408m \/ #UCIWT \/ on August 23, 2026 in Manosque, Monaco. (Photo by Tim de Waele\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T10:57:31+00:00\">2026-08-23T10:57:31.820Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-72215aee-9ee1-11f1-9eeb-c12de1ce5b07\">Two riders are clear of the bunch by 17&#8243; but will surely want company.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T10:53:03+00:00\">2026-08-23T10:53:03.693Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-d2921946-9ee0-11f1-a851-5f82fe8136cb\">But the first moves are swiftly caught.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T10:52:29+00:00\">2026-08-23T10:52:29.564Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-bde68ac2-9ee0-11f1-84c4-01edeac9fc20\">Attacks firing off the front immediately to try and form the early breakaway.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T10:51:31+00:00\">2026-08-23T10:51:31.492Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-214-3km-to-go\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-214-3km-to-go\"><span>214.3km to go<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-9b413bd4-9ee0-11f1-9001-6dda38f88cbe\">Racing gets underway in France now that the riders have left Monaco. The long race to Manosque begins.<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"bluesky-embed\" data-bluesky-uri=\"at:\/\/did:plc:2z2cxvddx3gcrcqterdm3v4v\/app.bsky.feed.post\/3mtqna7vxes2k\" data-bluesky-cid=\"bafyreidq2guoi36u5wutmrap6saolirdt7z5znozcmyg2dmt4hcbfoyvxa\" cite=\"https:\/\/bsky.app\/profile\/did:plc:2z2cxvddx3gcrcqterdm3v4v\/post\/3mtqna7vxes2k?ref_src=embed\" id=\"elk-at:\/\/did:plc:2z2cxvddx3gcrcqterdm3v4v\/app.bsky.feed.post\/3mtqna7vxes2k\">\n<p lang=\"en\">\ud83d\udcaa Here is the real start of the first classical road stage! Let&#8217;s gooo<br \/>\n\ud83d\ude0d \u00a1Salida lanzada para la primera etapa en l\u00ednea! \u00a1Vamos!<br \/>\n#LaVuelta26<\/p>\n<p>\u2014 @lavuelta.bsky.social (@lavuelta.bsky.social.bsky.social) 2026-08-23T11:02:56.570Z<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T10:50:41+00:00\">2026-08-23T10:50:41.386Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-7d607b52-9ee0-11f1-94d5-01be1cb8d40e\">Ethan Hayter is going to try and take red on today&#8217;s stage with tiny gap splitting him and Poga\u010dar.<\/p>\n<p>&gt;&gt;&gt; <strong>&#8216;It&#8217;s not completely under my control but I&#8217;m going to try&#8217; &#8211; After ultra-narrow TT defeat to Poga\u010dar, Ethan Hayter throws hat in ring for red in Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a<\/strong><\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-7d607bca-9ee0-11f1-97df-393a670783e1\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7ETiiEL6UNptbN5ybNHAiP.jpg\" alt=\"MONACO - AUGUST 23: Ethan Hayter of Great Britain and Team Soudal Quick-Step - Green points jersey prior to the La Vuelta - 81st Tour of Spain 2026, Stage 2 a 214.3km from Monaco to Manosque 408m \/ #UCIWT \/ on August 23, 2026 in Monaco, Monaco. (Photo by Tim de Waele\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\"><\/a><\/p>\n<aside data-article-category=\"pro-cycling\" data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\" class=\"ecom-root\"><\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T10:48:14+00:00\">2026-08-23T10:48:14.046Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-2590d598-9ee0-11f1-adf6-2f1a469767e6\">The racing hasn&#8217;t got underway just yet as riders return to the peloton after various issues.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T10:45:20+00:00\">2026-08-23T10:45:20.579Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-be34bbda-9edf-11f1-a7cd-f970b7ce8786\">Mechanical for Cl\u00e9ment Berthet (Groupama-FDJ) may delay things slightly.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T10:41:44+00:00\">2026-08-23T10:41:44.492Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-3d903aa4-9edf-11f1-a721-5d171ebb4868\">The racing is due to start any moment now.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T10:31:56+00:00\">2026-08-23T10:31:56.749Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-df1d9832-9edd-11f1-9947-6d16910dd7c0\">Jerseys:<\/p>\n<p>Red &#8211; Tadej Poga\u010dar (UAX)<br \/>Green &#8211; Tadej Poga\u010dar (UAX)*<br \/>Polka dots &#8211; Technically not owned but worn by Callum Thornley (RBH)<br \/>White &#8211; Josh Tarling (NCI)<\/p>\n<p>*Worn by &#8211; Ethan Hayter (SOQ)<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-df1d98a0-9edd-11f1-a608-55ac05ffc9f0\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ocas76kW7ti4PV6ipvdvdR.jpg\" alt=\"MONACO - AUGUST 23: Tadej Pogacar of Slovenia and UAE Team Emirates XRG - Red Leader Jersey prior to the La Vuelta - 81st Tour of Spain 2026, Stage 2 a 214.3km from Monaco to Manosque 408m \/ #UCIWT \/ on August 23, 2026 in Monaco, Monaco. (Photo by Tim de Waele\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\"><\/a><\/p>\n<aside data-article-category=\"pro-cycling\" data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\" class=\"ecom-root\"><\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T10:25:01+00:00\">2026-08-23T10:25:01.204Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-e76f4090-9edc-11f1-8c35-d51fca865895\">The riders rolled out almost half an hour ago in Monaco.<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"bluesky-embed\" data-bluesky-uri=\"at:\/\/did:plc:2z2cxvddx3gcrcqterdm3v4v\/app.bsky.feed.post\/3mtqkvviu622k\" data-bluesky-cid=\"bafyreidq6pvrsj4kv72667xj5bqzap4zxgnwk3koys5jpmx3imeea5q55q\" cite=\"https:\/\/bsky.app\/profile\/did:plc:2z2cxvddx3gcrcqterdm3v4v\/post\/3mtqkvviu622k?ref_src=embed\" id=\"elk-at:\/\/did:plc:2z2cxvddx3gcrcqterdm3v4v\/app.bsky.feed.post\/3mtqkvviu622k\">\n<p lang=\"en\">\ud83d\udccd\ud835\udc0c\ud835\udc0e\ud835\udc0d\ud835\udc00\ud835\udc02\ud835\udc0e<br \/>\n\ud83d\udcaa Stage 2\ufe0f\u20e3 neutral start!<br \/>\n\ud83d\ude4c \u00a1Salida neutralizada de la etapa 2\ufe0f\u20e3!<br \/>\n#LaVuelta26<\/p>\n<p>\u2014 @lavuelta.bsky.social (@lavuelta.bsky.social.bsky.social) 2026-08-23T10:24:43.335Z<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T10:23:43+00:00\">2026-08-23T10:23:43.202Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-b8e2565e-9edc-11f1-9f21-694e7aac4443\">Just around 20 minutes left of the neutralised section of today&#8217;s stage. All in all, with the neutral included, the riders are riding 235.3km today. A huge distance so early in the race.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T10:22:11+00:00\">2026-08-23T10:22:11.142Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-820bf644-9edc-11f1-9ff4-3f0a3dbb9f92\">It is another sunny day on the Mediterranean coast.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-820bf69e-9edc-11f1-be93-c3131738e478\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pSCYCaD36Uv2Wn2iNeEe3j.jpg\" alt=\"MONACO - AUGUST 23: A general view of the peloton competing during the La Vuelta - 81st Tour of Spain 2026, Stage 2 a 214.3km from Monaco to Manosque 408m \/ #UCIWT \/ on August 23, 2026 in Monaco, Monaco. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T10:06:02+00:00\">2026-08-23T10:06:02.087Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-40692b46-9eda-11f1-813b-4b3959e6e9b6\">The neutralised section of today&#8217;s stage is a massive 21km long as they leave Monaco and head into France. Through \u00c8ze, top of the famous Col d\u00c8ze that recently saw the end of the Tour de France Femmes and into Nice before starting the race at the other side of the frequently visited city.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T10:03:25+00:00\">2026-08-23T10:03:25.690Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-e3331914-9ed9-11f1-ac86-2b521d66ff37\">Its a happy birthday to Tobias Halland Johannessen (Uno-X Mobility). The former Tour de l&#8217;Avenir winner turns 27 today.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T10:01:46+00:00\">2026-08-23T10:01:46.368Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-neutral-start\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-neutral-start\"><span>Neutral start<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-a80789ce-9ed9-11f1-b6a3-6f3412b2f713\">The riders have rolled out of the start in Monaco. Hayter starts the race in the green skinsuit but on the same time as Poga\u010dar. Could the British rider maybe take bonus seconds at the intermediate sprint?<\/p>\n<p>There are 6, 4 and 2 bonus seconds available in Gr\u00e9oux-les-Bains with just under 50km of the stage remaining. It would take a lot of managing by his Soudal-Quickstep team.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-a8078a3c-9ed9-11f1-bab4-fb69932d00e1\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XL6gKkbf5ZXxMESZWqJVyK.jpg\" alt=\"MONACO - AUGUST 23: Ethan Hayter of Great Britain and Team Soudal Quick-Step - Green points jersey prior to the La Vuelta - 81st Tour of Spain 2026, Stage 2 a 214.3km from Monaco to Manosque 408m \/ #UCIWT \/ on August 23, 2026 in Monaco, Monaco. (Photo by Tim de Waele\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\"><\/a><\/p>\n<aside data-article-category=\"pro-cycling\" data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\" class=\"ecom-root\"><\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T09:53:03+00:00\">2026-08-23T09:53:03.098Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-7020bf5e-9ed8-11f1-8555-8509f12d7acd\">Full red but no custom bike just yet as he continues to ride the super lightweight Colnago that has almost no paint on the frame.<\/p>\n<div class=\"see-more see-more--clipped\" id=\"elk-2091462296090312968\">\n<figure>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet hawk-ignore\" data-lang=\"en\" cite=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/cantworkitout\/status\/2091462296090312968\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">Red-hot \u2764\ufe0f Al Rojo vivo\ud83d\udcf8 @cxcling | #LaVuelta26 | @TeamEmiratesUAE pic.twitter.com\/BXojfh1kcWAugust 23, 2026<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/figure>\n<div class=\"see-more__filter\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T09:51:19+00:00\">2026-08-23T09:51:19.096Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-32709fb2-9ed8-11f1-bcd0-7378d6630d0e\">It feels like it is wrong but this is Tadej Poga\u010dar&#8217;s first time in the red jersey at La Vuelta and he has gone full red, as you would. The last rider to lead a Grand Tour from stage 1 all the way through to the end was Gianni Bugno in 1990 at the Giro d&#8217;Italia. Can Poga\u010dar pull off the achievement? Or will he try and give it away early to save his team?<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-3270a00c-9ed8-11f1-80ba-dd0ce2b674cf\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Wb6yxvX9Z2mYfHq4QjivML.jpg\" alt=\"MONACO - AUGUST 23: A general view of Tadej Pogacar of Slovenia - Red Leader Jersey, Joao Almeida of Portugal, Domen Novak of Slovenia, Ivo Oliveira of Portugal, Pavel Sivakov of France, Pablo Torres of Spain, Kevin Vermaerke of United States, Jay Vine of Australia and UAE Team Emirates XRG prior to the La Vuelta - 81st Tour of Spain 2026, Stage 2 a 214.3km from Monaco to Manosque 408m \/ #UCIWT \/ on August 23, 2026 in Monaco, Monaco. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T09:32:58+00:00\">2026-08-23T09:32:58.476Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-a21bd38e-9ed5-11f1-a7b1-a9f6832a6689\">The neutral start comes at midday local time, so the riders will be rolling out of Monaco in around 30 minutes time.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T09:31:46+00:00\">2026-08-23T09:31:46.610Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-7761e782-9ed5-11f1-865c-55fef357e373\">The riders are busy signing on and being presented to the crowd with local hero and Mon\u00e9gasque national champion, Victory Langellotti (XDS-Astana) after his switch from Netcompany-Ineos at the start of the month.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-7761e7e6-9ed5-11f1-9cd1-b734ac1025c5\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2XGD8HRYRRxUF26pPPJB9L.jpg\" alt=\"MONACO - AUGUST 23: A general view of Harold Tejada of Colombia, Yevgeniy Fedorov of Kazakhstan, Lorenzo Fortunato of Italy, Victor Langellotti of Monaco, Henok Mulubrhan of Eritrea, Cristian Rodriguez of Spain, Alessandro Romele of Italy, Darren Van Bekkum of Netherlands and Team XDS Astana prior to the La Vuelta - 81st Tour of Spain 2026, Stage 2 a 214.3km from Monaco to Manosque 408m \/ #UCIWT \/ on August 23, 2026 in Monaco, Monaco. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T09:27:50+00:00\">2026-08-23T09:27:50.885Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-eac72bb6-9ed4-11f1-8b32-15a3e8226868\">The opening road stage of this year&#8217;s Vuelta is an intriguing one. Over 3000 metres of climbing on the menu but only two categorised climbs, it is a tricky one to call. Likely suiting the likes of Mads Pedersen (Lidl-Trek), Wout Van Aert (Visma-Lease a Bike) and Kaden groves (Alpecin-Premier Tech) but also brings in riders like Tadej Poga\u010dar himself into the mix and a possible second stage win in as many days.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-eac72c24-9ed4-11f1-9bf5-d715b81176d3\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7ewxrqzPWd9iXfpiRK5xEU.webp\" alt=\"Profile of stage 2\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: ASO)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T09:12:30+00:00\">2026-08-23T09:12:30.638Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-c646255a-9ed2-11f1-9e62-5b0d1b7df859\">Josh Tarling (Netcompany-Ineos) put in a superb ride after eight horrendous days for him and his family.<\/p>\n<p>&gt;&gt;&gt; <strong>&#8216;I gave it everything I had&#8217; \u2013 Eight days after brother Finlay&#8217;s death, Josh Tarling takes third in opening Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a time trial<\/strong><\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-c64625be-9ed2-11f1-8f8e-6736a44c5b3f\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oJYLvWCepfQ8zP3KDUHEtE.jpg\" alt=\"Team Netcompany Ineos&amp;#039; Welsh rider Joshua Tarling competes during the first stage of the Vuelta a Espana 2026, a 9,4 km time-trial between Monaco and Monaco on August 22, 2026. (Photo by Miguel MEDINA \/ AFP)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\"><\/a><\/p>\n<aside data-article-category=\"pro-cycling\" data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\" class=\"ecom-root\"><\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-23T09:02:56+00:00\">2026-08-23T09:02:56.681Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-7025bd26-9ed1-11f1-961a-17c15f8150a7\">It wasn&#8217;t a huge surprise to anyone last night that Tadej Poga\u010dar (UAE Team Emirates-XRG) took the win, but the margin of victory was incredible. Just 0.09 of a second split the five time Tour de France victor and the British TT champion Ethan Hayter (Soudal-Quickstep) on the line in the principality famed for tight margins in Formula 1.<\/p>\n<p>&gt;&gt;&gt; <strong>Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a: Tadej Poga\u010dar claims stage 1 time trial and takes the first leader&#8217;s jersey in Monaco<\/strong><\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-7025bd8a-9ed1-11f1-bf85-c7d1530f42be\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PpEhHGvv8AgcUn5LNYNkvU.jpg\" alt=\"UAE Team Emirates - XRG team&amp;#039;s Slovenian rider Tadej Pogacar competes during the first stage of the Vuelta a Espana 2026, a 9,4 km time-trial between Monaco and Monaco on August 22, 2026. (Photo by Miguel MEDINA \/ AFP)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\"><\/a><\/p>\n<aside data-article-category=\"pro-cycling\" data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\" class=\"ecom-root\"><\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<p id=\"elk-083c4cd0-98c7-11f1-a85a-673b0607a756\">Hola! Welcome to live updates on stage 2 of La Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a here on <em>Cyclingnews<\/em>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"viafoura-comments\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative max-w-[1070px] viafoura-twig-component mt-6\" data-component-name=\"Viafoura:Comments\" data-nosnippet data-community-guidelines-text=\"&lt;p class=&apos;vfcustom-community-guidelines&apos;&gt;Please follow our &lt;a href=&quot;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/about\/#section-community-guidelines&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;community guidelines&lt;\/a&gt;.&lt;\/p&gt;\" data-join-the-conversation-text=\"Join the Conversation\">\n<div class=\"relative h-(--truncate-height) sm:h-(--truncate-desktop-height) overflow-hidden transition-[height] duration-150\" data-test-id=\"container\" data-component-name=\"Util:Truncate\" id=\"viafoura-comments-container\">\n<div class=\"relative z-10 viafoura rounded-[var(--comment-widget-border-radius,0)]\" id=\"viafoura-comment-wrapper\" data-test-id=\"content\">\n<div class=\"viafoura\">\n<div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"absolute bg-gradient-to-t from-[var(--truncate-gradient-color,white)] from-50% h-28 z-20 w-full bottom-0 flex items-end justify-center px-0 rounded-none\">\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"absolute top-0 left-0 w-full h-full flex items-center justify-center z-50 bg-white\/90 border-1 rounded-b-[var(--comment-widget-border-radius,0)]\">\n<div class=\"p-2 text-center\">\n<p class=\"mb-3 text-lg!\">You must confirm your public display name before commenting<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-3 text-sm!\">Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"related-articles-block\">\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/live\/vuelta-a-espana-stage-2-live-a-difficult-first-road-stage-to-call-with-likely-sprint-into-manosque-on-the-cards\/&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CPxWbXXnNwNbQkNsPJbekJ-2560-80.jpg&#8221;] 1 As it happened: Time trial goes down to the wire at stage 1 of the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a 2 Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a GC standings &#8211; Tadej Poga\u010dar keeps leader&#8217;s jersey after stage 2 3 Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a: Powerful sprint nets Matthew Brennan stage 2 victory as Tadej Poga\u010dar fends off attacks [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[226,68],"class_list":["post-2107971","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-politics","tag-crawlmanager","tag-cyclingnews-com"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2107971","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=2107971"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2107971\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2107971"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=2107971"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=2107971"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}