{"id":2109918,"date":"2026-08-24T11:02:50","date_gmt":"2026-08-24T08:02:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2109918"},"modified":"2026-08-24T11:02:50","modified_gmt":"2026-08-24T08:02:50","slug":"as-it-happened-vuelta-a-espana-stage-3-comes-to-a-premature-end","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2109918","title":{"rendered":"As it happened: Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a stage 3 comes to a premature end"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2YFiENWeo62WR9ixcZRWZS-1024-80.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\/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)\" 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: British sensation steals the show in first road stage at La Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a 2026\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\/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-[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                                    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\" 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\/gb83HzBMqhypFmjmZNAvnQ.jpg\" alt=\"Wout van Aert hikes through the hail in the parking lot amid team cars and bikes\" 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                                    Tadej Poga\u010dar pulls over peloton as hail storm cancels finale of Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a stage 3\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 \">As it happened: Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a stage 3 comes to a premature end<\/h1>\n<h2>Gruissan-Aude to Font Romeu, 174 km<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 \/>\nStephen Puddicombe <\/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=\"2026-08-24T16:17:35Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n24 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-3-live-tadej-pogacar-and-his-rivals-poised-for-the-first-uphill-finish-of-the-race\/\" 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>3<\/span> <span class=\"visible hidden sm:inline-block\">Comments<\/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\/2YFiENWeo62WR9ixcZRWZS.jpg\" alt=\"FONT-ROMEU, FRANCE - AUGUST 24: Tadej Pogacar of Slovenia and UAE Team Emirates XRG - Red Leader Jersey competes during the La Vuelta - 81st Tour of Spain 2026, Stage 3 a 174km from Gruissan - Aude to Font Romeu 1941m \/ #UCIWT \/ on August 24, 2026 in Font Romeu, France. (Photo by Tim de Waele\/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 Results<\/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>OFFICIAL 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>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>130KM 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>110KM 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>80KM 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>DNF &#8211; ALEX KIRSCH<\/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>INTERMEDIATE SPRINT<\/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>RACE NEUTRALISED<\/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>STAGE CANCELLED<\/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-8532fc48-98c7-11f1-89ec-537f35ec5505\"><\/a><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-8532fcb6-98c7-11f1-9f81-99d041ebb6be\"><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-8532fcb6-98c7-11f1-9f81-99d041ebb6be-2\"><strong>Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a 2026 &#8211; Contenders<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a 2026 &#8211; stage 3 preview<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>How to watch the 2026 Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a 2026 &#8211; stage 3 report <\/strong><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-8532fd1a-98c7-11f1-9a25-b5c6b8267658\"><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-results\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-race-results\"><span>Race Results<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><a id=\"elk-8532fdd8-98c7-11f1-8112-3d32c80e7237\"><\/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-6aa58fc4-9bda-11f1-a736-1d9e9faa7b90\">\n<div class=\"kwizly-quiz kwizly-OLqwkX\"><\/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<p id=\"elk-853aa3a8-98c7-11f1-87aa-373bd5b1765d\">Hello and welcome to stage three of the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-24T11:07:49+00:00\">2026-08-24T11:07:49.713Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-0b7e7f3a-9fac-11f1-a78c-bd3f23f8c36b\">The Vuelta wouldn\u2019t be the Vuelta without an early uphill finish, and this year the riders have only had to wait until day three for the first. This stage climaxes with a double-header of the category one Col de Mon-Louis, followed by an uphill finish to the category two summit Font Romeu.<\/p>\n<p>They\u2019re far from the hardest challenges the riders will face this race, but it should be enough to draw the GC riders into a fight and give us a clear sign of who&#8217;s going the best.<\/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-0b7e7f3a-9fac-11f1-a78c-bd3f23f8c36b-2\">Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a 2026 stage 3 preview &#8211; Peloton heads to the Pyrenees in what could see a GC reshuffle<\/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=\"2026-08-24T11:11:24+00:00\">2026-08-24T11:11:24.574Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-8b9a347a-9fac-11f1-abaf-7d921ae4cdeb\">Of course, the man we\u2019re all expecting to be going best is Tadej Poga\u010dar, especially following his victory on the stage one time trial. He\u2019s in the red jersey, and may look to extend his lead today &#8211; and possibly go for another stage win, too.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-8b9a34de-9fac-11f1-b514-bf21482af551\">\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\/7PHC8zwCPXywTQxwREwMXE.jpg\" alt=\"GRUISSAN - AUDE, FRANCE - AUGUST 24: Tadej Pogacar of Slovenia and UAE Team Emirates XRG - Red Leader Jersey prior to the La Vuelta - 81st Tour of Spain 2026, Stage 3 a 174km from Gruissan - Aude to Font Romeu 1941m \/ #UCIWT \/ on August 24, 2026 in Gruissan - Aude, France. (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=\"2026-08-24T11:20:02+00:00\">2026-08-24T11:20:02.469Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-c02d7a5c-9fad-11f1-add9-db2715de8f25\">The riders are on the move in Gruissan for the unofficial start, and are waiting for the flag to signify racing has begun.<\/p>\n<p>Yesterday, Matthew Brennan claimed a sensational sprint victory on just his second day of Grand Tour racing, suggesting that he could be one of the stars of this Vuelta. But with such a tough finale, today certainly won&#8217;t be a stage for him, as the climbers come to the fore instead.<\/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-c02d7a5c-9fad-11f1-add9-db2715de8f25-2\">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 class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-24T11:26:12+00:00\">2026-08-24T11:26:12.453Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-9cc49bb2-9fae-11f1-a41d-bba76190082d\">Here are both the stage winners so far at the start, Tadej Poga\u010dar and Matthew Brennan, sandwiching Ethan Hayter, who has been frustrated in his attempts to swap the green jersey he&#8217;s wearing for the red.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-9cc49c5c-9fae-11f1-af85-17590eec5380\">\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\/8HYiXPHABjvffCiBKNrUyH.jpg\" alt=\"GRUISSAN - AUDE, FRANCE - AUGUST 24: (L-R) Tadej Pogacar of Slovenia and UAE Team Emirates XRG - Red Leader Jersey, Ethan Hayter of Great Britain and Team Soudal Quick-Step - Green points jersey and Matthew Brennan of Great Britain and Team Visma | Lease a Bike - White Most Combative Rider Jersey prior to the La Vuelta - 81st Tour of Spain 2026, Stage 3 a 174km from Gruissan - Aude to Font Romeu 1941m \/ #UCIWT \/ on August 24, 2026 in Gruissan - Aude, France. (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=\"2026-08-24T11:28:27+00:00\">2026-08-24T11:28:27.354Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-official-start\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-official-start\"><span>OFFICIAL START<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-ed1189b8-9fae-11f1-9989-b992cf03e679\">And they&#8217;re off!<\/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=\"2026-08-24T11:35:50+00:00\">2026-08-24T11:35:50.444Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-f5347a78-9faf-11f1-b8ce-9527a0c73ab4\">Ethan Hayter is in the action again! A 6-man group has got up the road and has a lead of almost a minute. Could this be the break of the day already?<\/p>\n<p>Also with the Brit are Mats Wenzel (Equipo Kern Pharma), Timo Roosen (Picnic PostNL), Asbj\u00f8rn Hellemose (Jayco-AlUla), Olivier Le Gac (Groupama-FDJ) and Magnus Cort (Uno-X Mobility).<\/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=\"2026-08-24T11:43:24+00:00\">2026-08-24T11:43:24.521Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-03ea8a16-9fb1-11f1-8aec-5f6cdf71f521\">1:30 now for the break ahead of the peloton, which looks content to let this group go. There is one poursuivant, Milan Vader (Bahrain Victorious), who is trying to join the sextet, but he\u2019s drifting backwards and looks set to be caught.<\/p>\n<p>Although it finishes with a couple of climbs, the entire first two thirds of the stage is flat,, which explains the make-up of the break.<\/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=\"2026-08-24T11:52:09+00:00\">2026-08-24T11:52:09.584Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-3cd76f1e-9fb2-11f1-8b6c-a3a19c2945ac\">Tadej Poga\u010dar\u2019s UAE team have taken control of the peloton, in defence of his red jersey. And are keeping the gap at two minutes. This isn\u2019t the pace of a team seeking to loan out the red jersey to another rider &#8211; and regardless, none of the riders in the break are likely to be strong enough climbers to hold off the peloton even if they were given a big lead.<\/p>\n<p>Of the 6 riders in the break, Hayter is the only man with 1:40 of Poga\u010dar on GC, at 29 seconds.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-3cd76fa0-9fb2-11f1-b49b-49ae36cea380\">\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\/ucyEefkWo7JnajbJwoLVjB.jpg\" alt=\"GRUISSAN - AUDE, FRANCE - AUGUST 24: A general view of Pablo Castrillo of Spain and Movistar Team and Tadej Pogacar of Slovenia and UAE Team Emirates XRG - Red Leader Jersey and the peloton competing prior to the La Vuelta - 81st Tour of Spain 2026, Stage 3 a 174km from Gruissan - Aude to Font Romeu 1941m \/ #UCIWT \/ on August 24, 2026 in Gruissan - Aude, France. (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=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-24T12:00:31+00:00\">2026-08-24T12:00:31.767Z<\/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-68e72292-9fb3-11f1-9c49-7d80e079c65e\">The break&#8217;s lead is being kept held steady, at 2:10.<\/p>\n<p>That&#8217;s enough to make Ethan Hayter (pictured here in green at the start of the day) the virtual leader on GC, but they will need a lot more time to stand a chance of holding off the peloton on the final climbs later.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-68e7230a-9fb3-11f1-a92c-a9f8c66214d9\">\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\/fUSgArR5iSTfNqAzMryy4K.jpg\" alt=\"GRUISSAN - AUDE, FRANCE - AUGUST 24: Ethan Hayter of Great Britain and Team Soudal Quick-Step - Green points jersey prior to the La Vuelta - 81st Tour of Spain 2026, Stage 3 a 174km from Gruissan - Aude to Font Romeu 1941m \/ #UCIWT \/ on August 24, 2026 in Gruissan - Aude, France. (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=\"2026-08-24T12:09:35+00:00\">2026-08-24T12:09:35.657Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-ac6e9940-9fb4-11f1-b5b2-dbfdaa53568c\">The six riders up the road, whose lead has grown to 2:40.<\/p>\n<p>As you can see, there are no rips in Ethan Hayter\u2019s shorts, unlike yesterday. That strange sartorial choice was explained by the Brit after the stage yesterday.<\/p>\n<p>&#8216;It was cutting the blood from my legs&#8217; \u2013 Ethan Hayter takes scissors to his green skinsuit in mid-stage kit modification at Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-ac6e99b8-9fb4-11f1-b920-655d360bbcb2\">\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\/4ALLn8HUCTbCR8WHJtCGYW.jpg\" alt=\"FONT-ROMEU, FRANCE - AUGUST 24: (L-R) Olivier Le Gac of France and Team Groupama - FDJ United, Mats Wenzel of Luxembourg and Team Equipo Kern Pharma and Magnus Cort of Denmark and Team Uno-X Mobility compete in the breakaway the La Vuelta - 81st Tour of Spain 2026, Stage 3 a 174km from Gruissan - Aude to Font Romeu 1941m \/ #UCIWT \/ on August 24, 2026 in Font Romeu - Aude, France. (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=\"2026-08-24T12:18:31+00:00\">2026-08-24T12:18:31.584Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-ebd0c2ba-9fb5-11f1-b036-830e485c03e8\">Despite crashing yesterday and being in some pain, Cian Uijtdebroeks took to the start today and is still racing. The Movistar rider is a key climbing domestique for Enric Mas, and even a dark horse for GC himself, but will have to dig deep and fight through the pain to avoid losing a lot of time 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=\"2026-08-24T12:25:56+00:00\">2026-08-24T12:25:56.079Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-130km-to-go\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-130km-to-go\"><span>130KM TO GO<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-f4c7848e-9fb6-11f1-bb57-853e9922432a\">The race remains in a holding pattern, the break leading the peloton by two minutes.<\/p>\n<p>The terrain remains flat, and the weather is pleasant, without the kind of wind that might have made echelons a possibility on these roads.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-f4c784fc-9fb6-11f1-893a-d183ffa75925\">\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\/vTyGvKzMmn2XmL4CSGdG7k.jpg\" alt=\"FONT-ROMEU, FRANCE - AUGUST 24: A general view of the peloton passing through a landscape during the La Vuelta - 81st Tour of Spain 2026, Stage 3 a 174km from Gruissan - Aude to Font Romeu 1941m \/ #UCIWT \/ on August 24, 2026 in Font Romeu - Aude, France. (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=\"2026-08-24T12:32:34+00:00\">2026-08-24T12:32:34.967Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-e2bb7c54-9fb7-11f1-b5ef-576489c6990d\">This year we\u2019ve seen him in the rainbow stripes, the yellow jersey, and now the red jersey. He cuts a conspicuous figure in the peloton, and the way this stage is unfolding, with the break firmly in control, he\u2019s the favourite for the stage win again.<\/p>\n<p>With 125km to go, the gap remains at around two minutes.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-e2bb7cb8-9fb7-11f1-89f0-c77853725061\">\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\/4dPqMm7QiEjaDvB3uJ8obh.jpg\" alt=\"FONT-ROMEU, FRANCE - AUGUST 24: Tadej Pogacar of Slovenia and UAE Team Emirates XRG - Red Leader Jersey competes during the La Vuelta - 81st Tour of Spain 2026, Stage 3 a 174km from Gruissan - Aude to Font Romeu 1941m \/ #UCIWT \/ on August 24, 2026 in Font Romeu - Aude, France. (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=\"2026-08-24T12:39:06+00:00\">2026-08-24T12:39:06.664Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-cbee741c-9fb8-11f1-8aca-853447e907d3\">We&#8217;ve been racing for an hour, and they&#8217;ve covered 45.7km. Without a big fight to get into the breakaway, and with UAE riding a steady tempo, this hasn&#8217;t been to taxing a day for the riders yet, with a more subdued atmosphere than we&#8217;ve seen at other similar Grand Tour stages of recent years.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-cbee7494-9fb8-11f1-8796-ed3889e5b124\">\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\/H7FRKwUiPc7ZNEXMHE2jLd.jpg\" alt=\"FONT-ROMEU, FRANCE - AUGUST 24: Tadej Pogacar of Slovenia and UAE Team Emirates XRG - Red Leader Jersey competes during the La Vuelta - 81st Tour of Spain 2026, Stage 3 a 174km from Gruissan - Aude to Font Romeu 1941m \/ #UCIWT \/ on August 24, 2026 in Font Romeu - Aude, France. (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=\"2026-08-24T12:45:36+00:00\">2026-08-24T12:45:36.524Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-b45a601c-9fb9-11f1-b958-699df94b8844\">The Vuelta might now be the centre of the cycling world\u2019s attention, but last yesterday several major races came to an end.<\/p>\n<p>If you haven\u2019t already, be sure to catch up with what happened at the Renewi Tour, Deutschland Tour, and the Tour of Britain.<\/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=\"2026-08-24T12:55:29+00:00\">2026-08-24T12:55:29.782Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-110km-to-go\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-110km-to-go\"><span>110KM TO GO<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-15f0b528-9fbb-11f1-a5ad-c7ac4d31dff0\">The gap&#8217;s grown out a little, to 2:30, but the peloton still have matters firmly in control.<\/p>\n<p>There is still a possibility of the wind playing a role on the stage on this flat run-in to the climbs. It has varied its direction, as you can see from the break here riding in echelon formation, but isn\u2019t yet strong enough to have an effect. But the riders in the peloton will have to stay attentive.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-15f0b5a0-9fbb-11f1-8389-c72295ad2f5f\">\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\/hcUWE984f2SjZ4hvhRaK35.jpg\" alt=\"FONT-ROMEU, FRANCE - AUGUST 24: A general view of Olivier Le Gac of France and Team Groupama - FDJ United, Ethan Hayter of Great Britain and Team Soudal Quick-Step, Magnus Cort of Denmark and Team Uno-X Mobility, Asbjorn Hellemose of Denmark and Team Jayco AlUla, Timo Roosen of Netherlands and Team Picnic PostNL an Mats Wenzel of Luxembourg and Team Equipo Kern Pharma compete in the breakaway during the La Vuelta - 81st Tour of Spain 2026, Stage 3 a 174km from Gruissan - Aude to Font Romeu 1941m \/ #UCIWT \/ on August 24, 2026 in Font Romeu - Aude, France. (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=\"2026-08-24T13:05:25+00:00\">2026-08-24T13:05:25.717Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-7958efc6-9fbc-11f1-bf2c-277971923570\">Wout van Aert is in the convoy making his way back to the peloton, after a routine stop. The Belgian went big for the win today, with none other than Tadej Poga\u010dar springing onto his wheel after he attacked.<\/p>\n<p>Can he be in contention today? You sense the final climbs are right at the limit of what he can handle, and at his very best, you can picture him hanging on and then winning the sprint from a group of, say 20 or 30 riders.<\/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-7958efc6-9fbc-11f1-bf2c-277971923570-2\">&#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<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-7958f034-9fbc-11f1-ba48-d7ebedb0f57a\">\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\/p8CeCJZowpxTrSMp6VYbuN.jpg\" alt=\"GRUISSAN - AUDE, FRANCE - AUGUST 24: Wout Van Aert of Belgium and Team Visma | Lease a Bike prior to the La Vuelta - 81st Tour of Spain 2026, Stage 3 a 174km from Gruissan - Aude to Font Romeu 1941m \/ #UCIWT \/ on August 24, 2026 in Gruissan - Aude, France. (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=\"2026-08-24T13:14:31+00:00\">2026-08-24T13:14:31.314Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-be8ee356-9fbd-11f1-8b30-634388cab0ad\">Things are nervous in the peloton. These roads are very exposed, and there\u2019s a real intention by most to get as close to the front as possible, stringing the bunch out. There are even some splits towards the back of the peloton, with some struggling to hang on, with even powerful rouleurs Arthur Kluckers and Bruno Armirail.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-24T13:19:23+00:00\">2026-08-24T13:19:23.822Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-6cbe6b9a-9fbe-11f1-9f6c-d719177276e3\">We have some real splits now! Only about 50 riders remain in the peloton, with the wind causing it.<\/p>\n<p>So far there&#8217;s no sign of any major GC names caught out, although Poga\u010dar&#8217;s super-domestique Almeida is well back with his UAE team car &#8211; but this could get very interesting. And with many more flat exposed roads like this to come there&#8217;s opportunities for more splits.<\/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=\"2026-08-24T13:22:59+00:00\">2026-08-24T13:22:59.606Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-ed4daa00-9fbe-11f1-9180-c96965d9eb18\">UAE are pressing on hard at the front of the peloton! They sense an opportunity to rip the race apart here, even before the climb. They\u2019ve reduced the peloton back to 50 or so riders ,after it had come back tougher earlier, and multiple groups behind are desperately chasing in echelon formation. Still no word of any top GC contenders caught out, though.<\/p>\n<p>Meanwhile this is bad news for the break, who&#8217;s lead has plummeted to just 40 seconds.<\/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=\"2026-08-24T13:27:53+00:00\">2026-08-24T13:27:53.668Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-9cb8577e-9fbf-11f1-b428-4debccda9bfa\">Felix Gall was the biggest name not to be present in the lead group. He\u2019s managed to rejoin the front peloton, however, after a fierce chase from his Decathlon sees the groups come back together.<\/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=\"2026-08-24T13:34:12+00:00\">2026-08-24T13:34:12.941Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-80km-to-go\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-80km-to-go\"><span>80KM TO GO<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-7ea954f8-9fc0-11f1-adf6-99acf8093872\">Everything has calmed down again, and those dropped are making their way back into the peloton again. But that doesn&#8217;t mean the action is over yet, with more potentials for splits to come as the wind keeps blowing.<\/p>\n<p>The break has also managed to rebuild its lead, back up to 1:45, after it looked as though there day out in front was over.<\/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=\"2026-08-24T13:45:28+00:00\">2026-08-24T13:45:28.355Z<\/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-114382ba-9fc2-11f1-922f-218d70cd265d\">There\u2019s a regrouping in the peloton, post that crosswind action, with riders settling back into it. Wout van Aert is doing a job for his teammates, picking up bidons to distribute to them. That might suggest he isn\u2019t going for the stage today.<\/p>\n<p>All this clam is helping the break, who now lead by 1:45 again.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-1143835a-9fc2-11f1-b673-770db9a9d507\">\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\/ZUfixVXXYZuLs4637zrXF.jpg\" alt=\"FONT-ROMEU, FRANCE - AUGUST 24: (L-R) Olivier Le Gac of France and Team Groupama - FDJ United and Ethan Hayter of Great Britain and Team Soudal Quick-Step - Green points jersey compete in the breakaway during the La Vuelta - 81st Tour of Spain 2026, Stage 3 a 174km from Gruissan - Aude to Font Romeu 1941m \/ #UCIWT \/ on August 24, 2026 in Font Romeu, France. (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=\"2026-08-24T13:52:57+00:00\">2026-08-24T13:52:57.346Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-1cee22b8-9fc3-11f1-bb58-77890e7f767a\">Flat tyre for Mads Pedersen, who had to change bikes as a result. Luckily for him the pace in the peloton remains subdued, and it&#8217;s easy for him to get back into the peloton.<\/p>\n<p>Attention is going to shift now away from crosswinds and towards the final climbs. The gradient is already going very steadily uphill, as they approach the foot of the first, coming up in under 30km.<\/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=\"2026-08-24T14:00:34+00:00\">2026-08-24T14:00:34.072Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-2d2fbdca-9fc4-11f1-8ea1-7723c422edaa\">UAE Team Emirates &#8211; XRG are winding this up for Tadej Poga\u010dar ahead of the final climbs. They have control of the peloton, and are setting a steady tempo for now, but have a great group of domestiques to speed things up later, including Jay Vine, Pavel Sivakov and Jo\u00e3o Almeida, who is safely back in the peloton after being caught out earlier.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-2d2fbe42-9fc4-11f1-80a4-ebac2da24638\">\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\/r76MXJqdXvFoTjZY6DwVGn.jpg\" alt=\"FONT-ROMEU, FRANCE - AUGUST 24: A general view of Tadej Pogacar of Slovenia and UAE Team Emirates XRG - Red Leader Jersey and the peloton competing during the La Vuelta - 81st Tour of Spain 2026, Stage 3 a 174km from Gruissan - Aude to Font Romeu 1941m \/ #UCIWT \/ on August 24, 2026 in Font Romeu, France. (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=\"2026-08-24T14:06:24+00:00\">2026-08-24T14:06:24.364Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-fdec8222-9fc4-11f1-8bf4-957ceb965e0c\">Word from the finish is that it&#8217;s raining there at the moment, and some dark clouds are hovering over the peloton on the approach to the climb. The weather had already had an effect today with the crosswinds, and now there could be wet roads to contend with &#8211; though thankfully, the descent between the two climbs is very short.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-24T14:13:35+00:00\">2026-08-24T14:13:35.446Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-dnf-alex-kirsch\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-dnf-alex-kirsch\"><span>DNF &#8211; ALEX KIRSCH<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-ff1a0c18-9fc5-11f1-8f21-5f39c4c86c45\">It&#8217;s been announced that Cofidis&#8217; Alex Kirsch has pulled out of the race, becoming only the second rider to do so at this Vuelta following Sergio Geovani Chumil yesterday. It&#8217;s unclear exactly what the reason is.<\/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=\"2026-08-24T14:18:14+00:00\">2026-08-24T14:18:14.716Z<\/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-a5555970-9fc6-11f1-8510-c5283a78cb5a\">Not long now until the official start of the climb! Before that, the riders will pass through an intermediate sprint, but with a lead still of two minutes, the breakaway riders are set to mop up the lion&#8217;s share of the points on offer.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-24T14:22:58+00:00\">2026-08-24T14:22:58.393Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-4e766544-9fc7-11f1-9beb-ebdbbbb07458\">Influencer Erola Jons has received much criticism for the way she interviewed riders at this Vuelta, and the organisers have moved to limit her access.<\/p>\n<p>Here&#8217;s a latest update on one of the race&#8217;s biggest controversies.<\/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-4e766544-9fc7-11f1-9beb-ebdbbbb07458-2\">Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a places restrictions on its own content creator amid backlash over interactions with Tadej Poga\u010dar and others<\/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=\"2026-08-24T14:27:59+00:00\">2026-08-24T14:27:59.595Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-intermediate-sprint\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-intermediate-sprint\"><span>INTERMEDIATE SPRINT<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-023efba4-9fc8-11f1-8a49-7d5982c5927c\">Hayer takes the intermediate sprint uncontested, to extend his lead in the points classification.<\/p>\n<p>In the peloton, no rider showed any interest in the remainder of the points, letting the UAE domestiques leading it sweep them up.<\/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=\"2026-08-24T14:35:52+00:00\">2026-08-24T14:35:52.639Z<\/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-1bee61ce-9fc9-11f1-a621-89954ef3ee50\">The riders have already been climbing for a long time, but the gradient is about to kick up for the start of the official climb of Col de Mont-Louis. It&#8217;s a long one, with 19km left to ride before getting to the top, but averages a steady 4.9%.<\/p>\n<p>UAE continue to lead the bunch, and have brought the gap to the break down to 1:40. The break&#8217;s days look numbered, although Hayter might like the shallow nature of this climb.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-1bee6246-9fc9-11f1-b231-2f8f5e21c3e8\">\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\/LaKN2pqpEgKtcp3KwWa3jj.jpg\" alt=\"FONT-ROMEU, FRANCE - AUGUST 24: The peloton races through a landscape scorched by fires during the La Vuelta - 81st Tour of Spain 2026, Stage 3 a 174km from Gruissan - Aude to Font Romeu 1941m \/ #UCIWT \/ on August 24, 2026 in Font Romeu, France. (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=\"2026-08-24T14:43:31+00:00\">2026-08-24T14:43:31.916Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-2db8814a-9fca-11f1-9f6c-e9440f8d9753\">The breakaway have officially started the climb! With only a slender-looking lead, of 1:30. Behind, UAE are hatching a plan, Poga\u010dar and Almeida having a discussion together, and sharing bidons. By the looks on their faces, they mean business today.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-24T14:49:31+00:00\">2026-08-24T14:49:31.342Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-03dc57d8-9fcb-11f1-8349-c311fac33153\">It&#8217;s still UAE who are controlling the peloton&#8217;s pace as they start the climb, but EF have formed a long train just behind them, with Richard Carapaz poised menacingly at the back of it. We&#8217;ll get a good idea today of whether he has brought his Tour de France form to the Vuelta.<\/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=\"2026-08-24T14:54:49+00:00\">2026-08-24T14:54:49.059Z<\/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-c162d692-9fcb-11f1-98d3-d15fe149fd10\">UAE&#8217;s pace is starting to claim some victims, with riders jettisoned out the back of the peloton &#8211; including Wout van Aert. That&#8217;s the end of his hopes of wearing the red jersey.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-24T14:57:47+00:00\">2026-08-24T14:57:47.399Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-2b9f399c-9fcc-11f1-82f9-13e69bd27829\">The break&#8217;s day-long truce is over, and Hellemose has upped the pace to try and drop the others. The only men who have gone with him are Cort and Wenzel, with Hayter, Le Gac and Roosen dropped, and surely soon to find themselves caught by 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=\"2026-08-24T15:02:53+00:00\">2026-08-24T15:02:53.086Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-e1b9a000-9fcc-11f1-bd9f-8f2be9f2325b\">Poga\u010dar&#8217;s still got five UAE teammates with him as they lead the bunch. Three three riders dropped from the breakaway have been caught by them, but Cort, Hellemose and Wenzel are still out there, 30 seconds ahead. There&#8217;s still 10 whole kilometres to ride to get to the top of the climb, though.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-24T15:07:58+00:00\">2026-08-24T15:07:58.833Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-98087d72-9fcd-11f1-b1e4-afe560feb78d\">Wenzel has attacked Cort and Hellemose, managing to drop the latter, while the former just about clings on. For his efforts, Cort has been awarded the day&#8217;s combativity award by by the organisers.<\/p>\n<p>UAE still lead the peloton, which is riding steadily. But things might be about to get complicated &#8211; the heavens have opened.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-98087dea-9fcd-11f1-986a-11ec96884748\">\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\/7Toc8nns4FovWrGLyVTkyT.jpg\" alt=\"FONT-ROMEU, FRANCE - AUGUST 24: (L-R) Asbjorn Hellemose of Denmark and Team Jayco AlUla, Magnus Cort of Denmark and Team Uno-X Mobility and Mats Wenzel of Luxembourg and Team Equipo Kern Pharma compete in the breakaway during the La Vuelta - 81st Tour of Spain 2026, Stage 3 a 174km from Gruissan - Aude to Font Romeu 1941m \/ #UCIWT \/ on August 24, 2026 in Font Romeu, France. (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=\"2026-08-24T15:09:06+00:00\">2026-08-24T15:09:06.429Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-c0a8f63a-9fcd-11f1-8519-4d925b1f5351\"><em><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><\/em><em><strong> Join today<\/strong><\/em><em><strong>.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-24T15:12:59+00:00\">2026-08-24T15:12:59.307Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-4b4cd95a-9fce-11f1-917d-2f9cc1797758\">Cort has now been dropped by Wenzel, and joins Hellemose by being caught by the peloton, still being led by the train of UAE riders.<\/p>\n<p>Wenzel is still out there though, and with a healthy lead of 47 seconds. With 6.5km to the top, and no signs of any GC attacks yet, can he stay out long enough to gain the KOM jersey?<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-4b4cd9c8-9fce-11f1-aa09-3def1cf9b395\">\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\/pzLeBAbMHzugYa8xkoSajE.jpg\" alt=\"FONT-ROMEU, FRANCE - AUGUST 24: (L-R) Ben Turner of Great Britain, Carlos Rodriguez of Spain and Jack Haig of Australia and Netcompany INEOS Cycling Team compete during the La Vuelta - 81st Tour of Spain 2026, Stage 3 a 174km from Gruissan - Aude to Font Romeu 1941m \/ #UCIWT \/ on August 24, 2026 in Font Romeu, France. (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=\"2026-08-24T15:18:38+00:00\">2026-08-24T15:18:38.373Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-1565959c-9fcf-11f1-8827-57d80b5f99e7\">It&#8217;s raining heavily, to the extent that there are signalling issues, and no television coverage as they continue to climb the Col de Mont-Louis.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-24T15:20:48+00:00\">2026-08-24T15:20:48.810Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-62fcae9e-9fcf-11f1-a5b3-b1399e043df8\">We&#8217;ve had a first attack from the peloton on the climb &#8211; Lorenzo Fortunato of Astana has made a move. He&#8217;s still got some ground to make up on Wenzel, however, who is 17 seconds ahead of him, while the peloton is also about 17 seconds behind the Italian.<\/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=\"2026-08-24T15:27:18+00:00\">2026-08-24T15:27:18.016Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-4b49f51c-9fd0-11f1-85bb-e754a79f8c6d\">Fortunato has bridged up to Wenzel, and they lead by just over 20 seconds, nearing the top of the summit. The rain is pouring now, this is horrible weather to race in.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-24T15:31:43+00:00\">2026-08-24T15:31:43.604Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-race-neutralised\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-race-neutralised\"><span>RACE NEUTRALISED <\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-e940bce2-9fd0-11f1-ba05-1f6dc02e3f79\">Extraordinary scenes here at the Vuelta! The riders are now being pelted by hailstones from the sky. It&#8217;s so horrible that the riders are seeking shelter at the roadside. The race has been neutralised.<\/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=\"2026-08-24T15:34:49+00:00\">2026-08-24T15:34:49.166Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-57dbcfca-9fd1-11f1-b9c6-277d00adca0f\">The race has been temporarily neutralised rather than cancelled, as so for now the plan appears to be to get started again at some point. For now, though, the riders are all being shuffled into a hotel on the roadside, many of them visibly very cold. These are chaotic scenes.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-24T15:36:57+00:00\">2026-08-24T15:36:57.517Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-a51b1af2-9fd1-11f1-9bfd-b94eca69508f\">These were the riders further down the mountain, though this picture doesn&#8217;t do justice to just how severe the hailstorms became.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-a51b1b4c-9fd1-11f1-9192-1de94976b837\">\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\/2YFiENWeo62WR9ixcZRWZS.jpg\" alt=\"FONT-ROMEU, FRANCE - AUGUST 24: Tadej Pogacar of Slovenia and UAE Team Emirates XRG - Red Leader Jersey competes during the La Vuelta - 81st Tour of Spain 2026, Stage 3 a 174km from Gruissan - Aude to Font Romeu 1941m \/ #UCIWT \/ on August 24, 2026 in Font Romeu, France. (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=\"2026-08-24T15:37:44+00:00\">2026-08-24T15:37:44.502Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-stage-cancelled\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-stage-cancelled\"><span>STAGE CANCELLED<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-c0714c40-9fd1-11f1-9310-1f3b984c024f\">Unfortunately, the conditions and situation has been deemed severe enough for the stage to be cancelled.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-24T15:42:44+00:00\">2026-08-24T15:42:44.482Z<\/time><\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-733174e0-9fd2-11f1-8bf9-73eab4d39e08\">\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\/ECoK8RgNjjFgLzrhoBDBTM.jpg\" alt=\"FONT-ROMEU, FRANCE - AUGUST 24: Gregor Muhlberger of Austria and Team Decathlon CMA CGM competes during the La Vuelta - 81st Tour of Spain 2026, Stage 3 a 174km from Gruissan - Aude to Font Romeu 1941m \/ #UCIWT \/ on August 24, 2026 in Font Romeu, France. (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=\"2026-08-24T15:48:44+00:00\">2026-08-24T15:48:44.321Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-49af7a6c-9fd3-11f1-82e8-ddf124a52a7e\">It was Tadej Poga\u010dar himself who took the initiative to stop the race, adopting the role of peloton&#8217;s patron. Read more about the unfolding story here.<\/p>\n<p>Tadej Poga\u010dar pulls over peloton as hail storm cancels finale of Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a stage 3<\/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=\"2026-08-24T15:55:16+00:00\">2026-08-24T15:55:16.105Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-332fc264-9fd4-11f1-89dc-7df710e532de\">The hail was so heavy and thick that it resembled snow on the road. You can understand why the call was made for the stage to be cancelled.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-332fc2e6-9fd4-11f1-8138-2984418fe287\">\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\/WrwtCwGCWGekQsBXJqXEVA.jpg\" alt=\"FONT-ROMEU, FRANCE - AUGUST 24: Wout Van Aert of Belgium and Team Visma | Lease a Bike reacts after the La Vuelta - 81st Tour of Spain 2026, Stage 3 a 174km from Gruissan - Aude to Font Romeu 1941m \/ The stage is cancelled due to extreme weather conditions \/ #UCIWT \/ on August 24, 2026 in Font Romeu, France. (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=\"2026-08-24T15:59:25+00:00\">2026-08-24T15:59:25.388Z<\/time><\/p>\n<div class=\"see-more see-more--clipped\" id=\"elk-2091917499583312270\">\n<figure>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet hawk-ignore\" data-lang=\"en\" cite=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/cantworkitout\/status\/2091917499583312270\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">Go to Spain they said, weather will be nice they said. \ud83e\udeea#TheWolfpack I @lavuelta pic.twitter.com\/KLRkyvTc7pAugust 24, 2026<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/figure>\n<div class=\"see-more__filter\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-24T16:07:56+00:00\">2026-08-24T16:07:56.292Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-f87a9ec6-9fd5-11f1-abd0-47133eb0c01b\">The scene at the finish line, populated by workers mopping up the hailstones, rather than riders racing for the victory<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-f87a9f3e-9fd5-11f1-95cc-519134c2cc9a\">\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\/RV3UjKNP65PVCNKdRzxMAj.jpg\" alt=\"FONT-ROMEU, FRANCE - AUGUST 24: General view of the finish line following the cancellation of the stage due to a hailstorm after the La Vuelta - 81st Tour of Spain 2026, Stage 3 a 174km from Gruissan - Aude to Font Romeu 1941m \/ The stage is cancelled due to extreme weather conditions \/ #UCIWT \/ on August 24, 2026 in Font Romeu, France. (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=\"2026-08-24T16:17:35+00:00\">2026-08-24T16:17:35.389Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-51af036e-9fd7-11f1-8d84-a3d50e2bfe34\">Thanks for joining us today, for a truncated day three of the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a! For the full lowdown of what happened, be sure to read our stage report, and check the website for more updates.<\/p>\n<p>While that was supposed to be the first climbing test, and therefore GC sort-out of the race, instead we\u2019ll get our first glimpse of who\u2019s climbing best tomorrow, for a stage in Andorra which is truly monstrous so early in a Grand Tour, featuring no less than three category one summits. As always we\u2019ll bring you all the action here on Cyclingnews.<\/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 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 data-widget-type=\"ads\" id=\"ads-content\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-ads widget-ads-content widget-ads-ads-content widget-no-data widget-ads-incontent_ad\">\n<div id=\"bdx_incontent_ad\" data-type=\"ads\" data-ads-type=\"bordeaux\" class=\"incontent_ad\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"widgetArea17\" class=\"widget-area md:basis-1\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-1-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-1-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-1-3 page-widget-area-17\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"newsletter\" id=\"newsletter\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-newsletter widget-newsletter widget-newsletter-newsletter widget-newsletter-fter\">\n<\/div>\n<div data-widget-type=\"empty\" id=\"sidebar\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-empty widget-sidebar widget-empty-sidebar widget-no-data widget-empty\">\n<\/div>\n<div data-widget-type=\"empty\" id=\"sidebar-top\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-empty widget-sidebar-top widget-empty-sidebar-top ad-unit widget-no-data widget-empty\">\n<\/div>\n<div data-widget-type=\"empty\" id=\"sidebar-popular-top\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-empty widget-sidebar-popular-top widget-empty-sidebar-popular-top ad-unit widget-no-data widget-empty\">\n<\/div>\n<div data-widget-type=\"dynamic\" id=\"mostpopular\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-dynamic widget-mostpopular widget-dynamic-mostpopular widget-dynamic-fter-popular-box\">\n<div class=\"clear-both widget-header\">\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wdn-fte-pb pos-relative space-t20\n\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"slice-container popular-box-slice\">\n<section class=\"popular-box\" data-component-name=\"Slice:PopularBox\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label__tab popular-box__label__tab--active\" role=\"heading\">\nLATEST ARTICLES\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<ol class=\"popular-box__articles-list popular-box__articles-list--active\">\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__image-wrapper\">\n<div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/64jEDv2zsiXbVsk8MB3GH5.jpg\" alt=\"FONT-ROMEU, FRANCE - AUGUST 24: General view of the atmosphere in the finish line following the cancellation of the stage due to a hailstorm after the La Vuelta - 81st Tour of Spain 2026, Stage 3 a 174km from Gruissan - Aude to Font Romeu 1941m \/ The stage is cancelled due to extreme weather conditions \/ #UCIWT \/ on August 24, 2026 in Font Romeu, France. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein\/Getty Images)\" 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;We came here to see the race but nothing could be done&#8217; &#8211; Eyewitness account of how Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a stage 3 ground to a halt<\/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>Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a: Stage 3 ends without a winner as extreme weather batters the peloton on the road to first summit finish at Font Romeu<\/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>Tadej Poga\u010dar pulls over peloton as hail storm cancels finale of Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a stage 3<\/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 places restrictions on its own content creator amid backlash over interactions with Tadej Poga\u010dar and others<\/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>La Vuelta, Canada, or elsewhere \u2013 Where are the men&#8217;s stars riding in preparation for the Road World Championships?<\/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 \">As it happened: Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a stage 3 comes to a premature end<\/h1>\n<h2>Gruissan-Aude to Font Romeu, 174 km<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 \/>\nStephen Puddicombe <\/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=\"2026-08-24T16:17:35Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n24 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-3-live-tadej-pogacar-and-his-rivals-poised-for-the-first-uphill-finish-of-the-race\/\" 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>3<\/span> <span class=\"visible hidden sm:inline-block\">Comments<\/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\/2YFiENWeo62WR9ixcZRWZS.jpg\" alt=\"FONT-ROMEU, FRANCE - AUGUST 24: Tadej Pogacar of Slovenia and UAE Team Emirates XRG - Red Leader Jersey competes during the La Vuelta - 81st Tour of Spain 2026, Stage 3 a 174km from Gruissan - Aude to Font Romeu 1941m \/ #UCIWT \/ on August 24, 2026 in Font Romeu, France. (Photo by Tim de Waele\/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 \">As it happened: Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a stage 3 comes to a premature end<\/h1>\n<h2>Gruissan-Aude to Font Romeu, 174 km<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 \/>\nStephen Puddicombe <\/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=\"2026-08-24T16:17:35Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n24 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-3-live-tadej-pogacar-and-his-rivals-poised-for-the-first-uphill-finish-of-the-race\/\" 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>3<\/span> <span class=\"visible hidden sm:inline-block\">Comments<\/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\/2YFiENWeo62WR9ixcZRWZS.jpg\" alt=\"FONT-ROMEU, FRANCE - AUGUST 24: Tadej Pogacar of Slovenia and UAE Team Emirates XRG - Red Leader Jersey competes during the La Vuelta - 81st Tour of Spain 2026, Stage 3 a 174km from Gruissan - Aude to Font Romeu 1941m \/ #UCIWT \/ on August 24, 2026 in Font Romeu, France. (Photo by Tim de Waele\/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-8532fc48-98c7-11f1-89ec-537f35ec5505\"><\/a><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-8532fcb6-98c7-11f1-9f81-99d041ebb6be\"><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-8532fcb6-98c7-11f1-9f81-99d041ebb6be-2\"><strong>Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a 2026 &#8211; Contenders<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a 2026 &#8211; stage 3 preview<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>How to watch the 2026 Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a 2026 &#8211; stage 3 report <\/strong><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-8532fd1a-98c7-11f1-9a25-b5c6b8267658\"><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-results\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-race-results\"><span>Race Results<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><a id=\"elk-8532fdd8-98c7-11f1-8112-3d32c80e7237\"><\/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-6aa58fc4-9bda-11f1-a736-1d9e9faa7b90\">\n<div class=\"kwizly-quiz kwizly-OLqwkX\"><\/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<p id=\"elk-853aa3a8-98c7-11f1-87aa-373bd5b1765d\">Hello and welcome to stage three of the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-24T11:07:49+00:00\">2026-08-24T11:07:49.713Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-0b7e7f3a-9fac-11f1-a78c-bd3f23f8c36b\">The Vuelta wouldn\u2019t be the Vuelta without an early uphill finish, and this year the riders have only had to wait until day three for the first. This stage climaxes with a double-header of the category one Col de Mon-Louis, followed by an uphill finish to the category two summit Font Romeu.<\/p>\n<p>They\u2019re far from the hardest challenges the riders will face this race, but it should be enough to draw the GC riders into a fight and give us a clear sign of who&#8217;s going the best.<\/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-0b7e7f3a-9fac-11f1-a78c-bd3f23f8c36b-2\">Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a 2026 stage 3 preview &#8211; Peloton heads to the Pyrenees in what could see a GC reshuffle<\/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=\"2026-08-24T11:11:24+00:00\">2026-08-24T11:11:24.574Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-8b9a347a-9fac-11f1-abaf-7d921ae4cdeb\">Of course, the man we\u2019re all expecting to be going best is Tadej Poga\u010dar, especially following his victory on the stage one time trial. He\u2019s in the red jersey, and may look to extend his lead today &#8211; and possibly go for another stage win, too.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-8b9a34de-9fac-11f1-b514-bf21482af551\">\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\/7PHC8zwCPXywTQxwREwMXE.jpg\" alt=\"GRUISSAN - AUDE, FRANCE - AUGUST 24: Tadej Pogacar of Slovenia and UAE Team Emirates XRG - Red Leader Jersey prior to the La Vuelta - 81st Tour of Spain 2026, Stage 3 a 174km from Gruissan - Aude to Font Romeu 1941m \/ #UCIWT \/ on August 24, 2026 in Gruissan - Aude, France. (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=\"2026-08-24T11:20:02+00:00\">2026-08-24T11:20:02.469Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-c02d7a5c-9fad-11f1-add9-db2715de8f25\">The riders are on the move in Gruissan for the unofficial start, and are waiting for the flag to signify racing has begun.<\/p>\n<p>Yesterday, Matthew Brennan claimed a sensational sprint victory on just his second day of Grand Tour racing, suggesting that he could be one of the stars of this Vuelta. But with such a tough finale, today certainly won&#8217;t be a stage for him, as the climbers come to the fore instead.<\/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-c02d7a5c-9fad-11f1-add9-db2715de8f25-2\">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 class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-24T11:26:12+00:00\">2026-08-24T11:26:12.453Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-9cc49bb2-9fae-11f1-a41d-bba76190082d\">Here are both the stage winners so far at the start, Tadej Poga\u010dar and Matthew Brennan, sandwiching Ethan Hayter, who has been frustrated in his attempts to swap the green jersey he&#8217;s wearing for the red.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-9cc49c5c-9fae-11f1-af85-17590eec5380\">\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\/8HYiXPHABjvffCiBKNrUyH.jpg\" alt=\"GRUISSAN - AUDE, FRANCE - AUGUST 24: (L-R) Tadej Pogacar of Slovenia and UAE Team Emirates XRG - Red Leader Jersey, Ethan Hayter of Great Britain and Team Soudal Quick-Step - Green points jersey and Matthew Brennan of Great Britain and Team Visma | Lease a Bike - White Most Combative Rider Jersey prior to the La Vuelta - 81st Tour of Spain 2026, Stage 3 a 174km from Gruissan - Aude to Font Romeu 1941m \/ #UCIWT \/ on August 24, 2026 in Gruissan - Aude, France. (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=\"2026-08-24T11:28:27+00:00\">2026-08-24T11:28:27.354Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-official-start\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-official-start\"><span>OFFICIAL START<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-ed1189b8-9fae-11f1-9989-b992cf03e679\">And they&#8217;re off!<\/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=\"2026-08-24T11:35:50+00:00\">2026-08-24T11:35:50.444Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-f5347a78-9faf-11f1-b8ce-9527a0c73ab4\">Ethan Hayter is in the action again! A 6-man group has got up the road and has a lead of almost a minute. Could this be the break of the day already?<\/p>\n<p>Also with the Brit are Mats Wenzel (Equipo Kern Pharma), Timo Roosen (Picnic PostNL), Asbj\u00f8rn Hellemose (Jayco-AlUla), Olivier Le Gac (Groupama-FDJ) and Magnus Cort (Uno-X Mobility).<\/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=\"2026-08-24T11:43:24+00:00\">2026-08-24T11:43:24.521Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-03ea8a16-9fb1-11f1-8aec-5f6cdf71f521\">1:30 now for the break ahead of the peloton, which looks content to let this group go. There is one poursuivant, Milan Vader (Bahrain Victorious), who is trying to join the sextet, but he\u2019s drifting backwards and looks set to be caught.<\/p>\n<p>Although it finishes with a couple of climbs, the entire first two thirds of the stage is flat,, which explains the make-up of the break.<\/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=\"2026-08-24T11:52:09+00:00\">2026-08-24T11:52:09.584Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-3cd76f1e-9fb2-11f1-8b6c-a3a19c2945ac\">Tadej Poga\u010dar\u2019s UAE team have taken control of the peloton, in defence of his red jersey. And are keeping the gap at two minutes. This isn\u2019t the pace of a team seeking to loan out the red jersey to another rider &#8211; and regardless, none of the riders in the break are likely to be strong enough climbers to hold off the peloton even if they were given a big lead.<\/p>\n<p>Of the 6 riders in the break, Hayter is the only man with 1:40 of Poga\u010dar on GC, at 29 seconds.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-3cd76fa0-9fb2-11f1-b49b-49ae36cea380\">\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\/ucyEefkWo7JnajbJwoLVjB.jpg\" alt=\"GRUISSAN - AUDE, FRANCE - AUGUST 24: A general view of Pablo Castrillo of Spain and Movistar Team and Tadej Pogacar of Slovenia and UAE Team Emirates XRG - Red Leader Jersey and the peloton competing prior to the La Vuelta - 81st Tour of Spain 2026, Stage 3 a 174km from Gruissan - Aude to Font Romeu 1941m \/ #UCIWT \/ on August 24, 2026 in Gruissan - Aude, France. (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=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-24T12:00:31+00:00\">2026-08-24T12:00:31.767Z<\/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-68e72292-9fb3-11f1-9c49-7d80e079c65e\">The break&#8217;s lead is being kept held steady, at 2:10.<\/p>\n<p>That&#8217;s enough to make Ethan Hayter (pictured here in green at the start of the day) the virtual leader on GC, but they will need a lot more time to stand a chance of holding off the peloton on the final climbs later.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-68e7230a-9fb3-11f1-a92c-a9f8c66214d9\">\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\/fUSgArR5iSTfNqAzMryy4K.jpg\" alt=\"GRUISSAN - AUDE, FRANCE - AUGUST 24: Ethan Hayter of Great Britain and Team Soudal Quick-Step - Green points jersey prior to the La Vuelta - 81st Tour of Spain 2026, Stage 3 a 174km from Gruissan - Aude to Font Romeu 1941m \/ #UCIWT \/ on August 24, 2026 in Gruissan - Aude, France. (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=\"2026-08-24T12:09:35+00:00\">2026-08-24T12:09:35.657Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-ac6e9940-9fb4-11f1-b5b2-dbfdaa53568c\">The six riders up the road, whose lead has grown to 2:40.<\/p>\n<p>As you can see, there are no rips in Ethan Hayter\u2019s shorts, unlike yesterday. That strange sartorial choice was explained by the Brit after the stage yesterday.<\/p>\n<p>&#8216;It was cutting the blood from my legs&#8217; \u2013 Ethan Hayter takes scissors to his green skinsuit in mid-stage kit modification at Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-ac6e99b8-9fb4-11f1-b920-655d360bbcb2\">\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\/4ALLn8HUCTbCR8WHJtCGYW.jpg\" alt=\"FONT-ROMEU, FRANCE - AUGUST 24: (L-R) Olivier Le Gac of France and Team Groupama - FDJ United, Mats Wenzel of Luxembourg and Team Equipo Kern Pharma and Magnus Cort of Denmark and Team Uno-X Mobility compete in the breakaway the La Vuelta - 81st Tour of Spain 2026, Stage 3 a 174km from Gruissan - Aude to Font Romeu 1941m \/ #UCIWT \/ on August 24, 2026 in Font Romeu - Aude, France. (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=\"2026-08-24T12:18:31+00:00\">2026-08-24T12:18:31.584Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-ebd0c2ba-9fb5-11f1-b036-830e485c03e8\">Despite crashing yesterday and being in some pain, Cian Uijtdebroeks took to the start today and is still racing. The Movistar rider is a key climbing domestique for Enric Mas, and even a dark horse for GC himself, but will have to dig deep and fight through the pain to avoid losing a lot of time 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=\"2026-08-24T12:25:56+00:00\">2026-08-24T12:25:56.079Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-130km-to-go\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-130km-to-go\"><span>130KM TO GO<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-f4c7848e-9fb6-11f1-bb57-853e9922432a\">The race remains in a holding pattern, the break leading the peloton by two minutes.<\/p>\n<p>The terrain remains flat, and the weather is pleasant, without the kind of wind that might have made echelons a possibility on these roads.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-f4c784fc-9fb6-11f1-893a-d183ffa75925\">\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\/vTyGvKzMmn2XmL4CSGdG7k.jpg\" alt=\"FONT-ROMEU, FRANCE - AUGUST 24: A general view of the peloton passing through a landscape during the La Vuelta - 81st Tour of Spain 2026, Stage 3 a 174km from Gruissan - Aude to Font Romeu 1941m \/ #UCIWT \/ on August 24, 2026 in Font Romeu - Aude, France. (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=\"2026-08-24T12:32:34+00:00\">2026-08-24T12:32:34.967Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-e2bb7c54-9fb7-11f1-b5ef-576489c6990d\">This year we\u2019ve seen him in the rainbow stripes, the yellow jersey, and now the red jersey. He cuts a conspicuous figure in the peloton, and the way this stage is unfolding, with the break firmly in control, he\u2019s the favourite for the stage win again.<\/p>\n<p>With 125km to go, the gap remains at around two minutes.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-e2bb7cb8-9fb7-11f1-89f0-c77853725061\">\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\/4dPqMm7QiEjaDvB3uJ8obh.jpg\" alt=\"FONT-ROMEU, FRANCE - AUGUST 24: Tadej Pogacar of Slovenia and UAE Team Emirates XRG - Red Leader Jersey competes during the La Vuelta - 81st Tour of Spain 2026, Stage 3 a 174km from Gruissan - Aude to Font Romeu 1941m \/ #UCIWT \/ on August 24, 2026 in Font Romeu - Aude, France. (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=\"2026-08-24T12:39:06+00:00\">2026-08-24T12:39:06.664Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-cbee741c-9fb8-11f1-8aca-853447e907d3\">We&#8217;ve been racing for an hour, and they&#8217;ve covered 45.7km. Without a big fight to get into the breakaway, and with UAE riding a steady tempo, this hasn&#8217;t been to taxing a day for the riders yet, with a more subdued atmosphere than we&#8217;ve seen at other similar Grand Tour stages of recent years.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-cbee7494-9fb8-11f1-8796-ed3889e5b124\">\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\/H7FRKwUiPc7ZNEXMHE2jLd.jpg\" alt=\"FONT-ROMEU, FRANCE - AUGUST 24: Tadej Pogacar of Slovenia and UAE Team Emirates XRG - Red Leader Jersey competes during the La Vuelta - 81st Tour of Spain 2026, Stage 3 a 174km from Gruissan - Aude to Font Romeu 1941m \/ #UCIWT \/ on August 24, 2026 in Font Romeu - Aude, France. (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=\"2026-08-24T12:45:36+00:00\">2026-08-24T12:45:36.524Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-b45a601c-9fb9-11f1-b958-699df94b8844\">The Vuelta might now be the centre of the cycling world\u2019s attention, but last yesterday several major races came to an end.<\/p>\n<p>If you haven\u2019t already, be sure to catch up with what happened at the Renewi Tour, Deutschland Tour, and the Tour of Britain.<\/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=\"2026-08-24T12:55:29+00:00\">2026-08-24T12:55:29.782Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-110km-to-go\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-110km-to-go\"><span>110KM TO GO<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-15f0b528-9fbb-11f1-a5ad-c7ac4d31dff0\">The gap&#8217;s grown out a little, to 2:30, but the peloton still have matters firmly in control.<\/p>\n<p>There is still a possibility of the wind playing a role on the stage on this flat run-in to the climbs. It has varied its direction, as you can see from the break here riding in echelon formation, but isn\u2019t yet strong enough to have an effect. But the riders in the peloton will have to stay attentive.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-15f0b5a0-9fbb-11f1-8389-c72295ad2f5f\">\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\/hcUWE984f2SjZ4hvhRaK35.jpg\" alt=\"FONT-ROMEU, FRANCE - AUGUST 24: A general view of Olivier Le Gac of France and Team Groupama - FDJ United, Ethan Hayter of Great Britain and Team Soudal Quick-Step, Magnus Cort of Denmark and Team Uno-X Mobility, Asbjorn Hellemose of Denmark and Team Jayco AlUla, Timo Roosen of Netherlands and Team Picnic PostNL an Mats Wenzel of Luxembourg and Team Equipo Kern Pharma compete in the breakaway during the La Vuelta - 81st Tour of Spain 2026, Stage 3 a 174km from Gruissan - Aude to Font Romeu 1941m \/ #UCIWT \/ on August 24, 2026 in Font Romeu - Aude, France. (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=\"2026-08-24T13:05:25+00:00\">2026-08-24T13:05:25.717Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-7958efc6-9fbc-11f1-bf2c-277971923570\">Wout van Aert is in the convoy making his way back to the peloton, after a routine stop. The Belgian went big for the win today, with none other than Tadej Poga\u010dar springing onto his wheel after he attacked.<\/p>\n<p>Can he be in contention today? You sense the final climbs are right at the limit of what he can handle, and at his very best, you can picture him hanging on and then winning the sprint from a group of, say 20 or 30 riders.<\/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-7958efc6-9fbc-11f1-bf2c-277971923570-2\">&#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<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-7958f034-9fbc-11f1-ba48-d7ebedb0f57a\">\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\/p8CeCJZowpxTrSMp6VYbuN.jpg\" alt=\"GRUISSAN - AUDE, FRANCE - AUGUST 24: Wout Van Aert of Belgium and Team Visma | Lease a Bike prior to the La Vuelta - 81st Tour of Spain 2026, Stage 3 a 174km from Gruissan - Aude to Font Romeu 1941m \/ #UCIWT \/ on August 24, 2026 in Gruissan - Aude, France. (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=\"2026-08-24T13:14:31+00:00\">2026-08-24T13:14:31.314Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-be8ee356-9fbd-11f1-8b30-634388cab0ad\">Things are nervous in the peloton. These roads are very exposed, and there\u2019s a real intention by most to get as close to the front as possible, stringing the bunch out. There are even some splits towards the back of the peloton, with some struggling to hang on, with even powerful rouleurs Arthur Kluckers and Bruno Armirail.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-24T13:19:23+00:00\">2026-08-24T13:19:23.822Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-6cbe6b9a-9fbe-11f1-9f6c-d719177276e3\">We have some real splits now! Only about 50 riders remain in the peloton, with the wind causing it.<\/p>\n<p>So far there&#8217;s no sign of any major GC names caught out, although Poga\u010dar&#8217;s super-domestique Almeida is well back with his UAE team car &#8211; but this could get very interesting. And with many more flat exposed roads like this to come there&#8217;s opportunities for more splits.<\/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=\"2026-08-24T13:22:59+00:00\">2026-08-24T13:22:59.606Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-ed4daa00-9fbe-11f1-9180-c96965d9eb18\">UAE are pressing on hard at the front of the peloton! They sense an opportunity to rip the race apart here, even before the climb. They\u2019ve reduced the peloton back to 50 or so riders ,after it had come back tougher earlier, and multiple groups behind are desperately chasing in echelon formation. Still no word of any top GC contenders caught out, though.<\/p>\n<p>Meanwhile this is bad news for the break, who&#8217;s lead has plummeted to just 40 seconds.<\/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=\"2026-08-24T13:27:53+00:00\">2026-08-24T13:27:53.668Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-9cb8577e-9fbf-11f1-b428-4debccda9bfa\">Felix Gall was the biggest name not to be present in the lead group. He\u2019s managed to rejoin the front peloton, however, after a fierce chase from his Decathlon sees the groups come back together.<\/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=\"2026-08-24T13:34:12+00:00\">2026-08-24T13:34:12.941Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-80km-to-go\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-80km-to-go\"><span>80KM TO GO<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-7ea954f8-9fc0-11f1-adf6-99acf8093872\">Everything has calmed down again, and those dropped are making their way back into the peloton again. But that doesn&#8217;t mean the action is over yet, with more potentials for splits to come as the wind keeps blowing.<\/p>\n<p>The break has also managed to rebuild its lead, back up to 1:45, after it looked as though there day out in front was over.<\/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=\"2026-08-24T13:45:28+00:00\">2026-08-24T13:45:28.355Z<\/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-114382ba-9fc2-11f1-922f-218d70cd265d\">There\u2019s a regrouping in the peloton, post that crosswind action, with riders settling back into it. Wout van Aert is doing a job for his teammates, picking up bidons to distribute to them. That might suggest he isn\u2019t going for the stage today.<\/p>\n<p>All this clam is helping the break, who now lead by 1:45 again.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-1143835a-9fc2-11f1-b673-770db9a9d507\">\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\/ZUfixVXXYZuLs4637zrXF.jpg\" alt=\"FONT-ROMEU, FRANCE - AUGUST 24: (L-R) Olivier Le Gac of France and Team Groupama - FDJ United and Ethan Hayter of Great Britain and Team Soudal Quick-Step - Green points jersey compete in the breakaway during the La Vuelta - 81st Tour of Spain 2026, Stage 3 a 174km from Gruissan - Aude to Font Romeu 1941m \/ #UCIWT \/ on August 24, 2026 in Font Romeu, France. (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=\"2026-08-24T13:52:57+00:00\">2026-08-24T13:52:57.346Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-1cee22b8-9fc3-11f1-bb58-77890e7f767a\">Flat tyre for Mads Pedersen, who had to change bikes as a result. Luckily for him the pace in the peloton remains subdued, and it&#8217;s easy for him to get back into the peloton.<\/p>\n<p>Attention is going to shift now away from crosswinds and towards the final climbs. The gradient is already going very steadily uphill, as they approach the foot of the first, coming up in under 30km.<\/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=\"2026-08-24T14:00:34+00:00\">2026-08-24T14:00:34.072Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-2d2fbdca-9fc4-11f1-8ea1-7723c422edaa\">UAE Team Emirates &#8211; XRG are winding this up for Tadej Poga\u010dar ahead of the final climbs. They have control of the peloton, and are setting a steady tempo for now, but have a great group of domestiques to speed things up later, including Jay Vine, Pavel Sivakov and Jo\u00e3o Almeida, who is safely back in the peloton after being caught out earlier.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-2d2fbe42-9fc4-11f1-80a4-ebac2da24638\">\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\/r76MXJqdXvFoTjZY6DwVGn.jpg\" alt=\"FONT-ROMEU, FRANCE - AUGUST 24: A general view of Tadej Pogacar of Slovenia and UAE Team Emirates XRG - Red Leader Jersey and the peloton competing during the La Vuelta - 81st Tour of Spain 2026, Stage 3 a 174km from Gruissan - Aude to Font Romeu 1941m \/ #UCIWT \/ on August 24, 2026 in Font Romeu, France. (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=\"2026-08-24T14:06:24+00:00\">2026-08-24T14:06:24.364Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-fdec8222-9fc4-11f1-8bf4-957ceb965e0c\">Word from the finish is that it&#8217;s raining there at the moment, and some dark clouds are hovering over the peloton on the approach to the climb. The weather had already had an effect today with the crosswinds, and now there could be wet roads to contend with &#8211; though thankfully, the descent between the two climbs is very short.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-24T14:13:35+00:00\">2026-08-24T14:13:35.446Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-dnf-alex-kirsch\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-dnf-alex-kirsch\"><span>DNF &#8211; ALEX KIRSCH<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-ff1a0c18-9fc5-11f1-8f21-5f39c4c86c45\">It&#8217;s been announced that Cofidis&#8217; Alex Kirsch has pulled out of the race, becoming only the second rider to do so at this Vuelta following Sergio Geovani Chumil yesterday. It&#8217;s unclear exactly what the reason is.<\/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=\"2026-08-24T14:18:14+00:00\">2026-08-24T14:18:14.716Z<\/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-a5555970-9fc6-11f1-8510-c5283a78cb5a\">Not long now until the official start of the climb! Before that, the riders will pass through an intermediate sprint, but with a lead still of two minutes, the breakaway riders are set to mop up the lion&#8217;s share of the points on offer.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-24T14:22:58+00:00\">2026-08-24T14:22:58.393Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-4e766544-9fc7-11f1-9beb-ebdbbbb07458\">Influencer Erola Jons has received much criticism for the way she interviewed riders at this Vuelta, and the organisers have moved to limit her access.<\/p>\n<p>Here&#8217;s a latest update on one of the race&#8217;s biggest controversies.<\/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-4e766544-9fc7-11f1-9beb-ebdbbbb07458-2\">Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a places restrictions on its own content creator amid backlash over interactions with Tadej Poga\u010dar and others<\/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=\"2026-08-24T14:27:59+00:00\">2026-08-24T14:27:59.595Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-intermediate-sprint\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-intermediate-sprint\"><span>INTERMEDIATE SPRINT<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-023efba4-9fc8-11f1-8a49-7d5982c5927c\">Hayer takes the intermediate sprint uncontested, to extend his lead in the points classification.<\/p>\n<p>In the peloton, no rider showed any interest in the remainder of the points, letting the UAE domestiques leading it sweep them up.<\/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=\"2026-08-24T14:35:52+00:00\">2026-08-24T14:35:52.639Z<\/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-1bee61ce-9fc9-11f1-a621-89954ef3ee50\">The riders have already been climbing for a long time, but the gradient is about to kick up for the start of the official climb of Col de Mont-Louis. It&#8217;s a long one, with 19km left to ride before getting to the top, but averages a steady 4.9%.<\/p>\n<p>UAE continue to lead the bunch, and have brought the gap to the break down to 1:40. The break&#8217;s days look numbered, although Hayter might like the shallow nature of this climb.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-1bee6246-9fc9-11f1-b231-2f8f5e21c3e8\">\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\/LaKN2pqpEgKtcp3KwWa3jj.jpg\" alt=\"FONT-ROMEU, FRANCE - AUGUST 24: The peloton races through a landscape scorched by fires during the La Vuelta - 81st Tour of Spain 2026, Stage 3 a 174km from Gruissan - Aude to Font Romeu 1941m \/ #UCIWT \/ on August 24, 2026 in Font Romeu, France. (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=\"2026-08-24T14:43:31+00:00\">2026-08-24T14:43:31.916Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-2db8814a-9fca-11f1-9f6c-e9440f8d9753\">The breakaway have officially started the climb! With only a slender-looking lead, of 1:30. Behind, UAE are hatching a plan, Poga\u010dar and Almeida having a discussion together, and sharing bidons. By the looks on their faces, they mean business today.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-24T14:49:31+00:00\">2026-08-24T14:49:31.342Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-03dc57d8-9fcb-11f1-8349-c311fac33153\">It&#8217;s still UAE who are controlling the peloton&#8217;s pace as they start the climb, but EF have formed a long train just behind them, with Richard Carapaz poised menacingly at the back of it. We&#8217;ll get a good idea today of whether he has brought his Tour de France form to the Vuelta.<\/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=\"2026-08-24T14:54:49+00:00\">2026-08-24T14:54:49.059Z<\/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-c162d692-9fcb-11f1-98d3-d15fe149fd10\">UAE&#8217;s pace is starting to claim some victims, with riders jettisoned out the back of the peloton &#8211; including Wout van Aert. That&#8217;s the end of his hopes of wearing the red jersey.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-24T14:57:47+00:00\">2026-08-24T14:57:47.399Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-2b9f399c-9fcc-11f1-82f9-13e69bd27829\">The break&#8217;s day-long truce is over, and Hellemose has upped the pace to try and drop the others. The only men who have gone with him are Cort and Wenzel, with Hayter, Le Gac and Roosen dropped, and surely soon to find themselves caught by 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=\"2026-08-24T15:02:53+00:00\">2026-08-24T15:02:53.086Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-e1b9a000-9fcc-11f1-bd9f-8f2be9f2325b\">Poga\u010dar&#8217;s still got five UAE teammates with him as they lead the bunch. Three three riders dropped from the breakaway have been caught by them, but Cort, Hellemose and Wenzel are still out there, 30 seconds ahead. There&#8217;s still 10 whole kilometres to ride to get to the top of the climb, though.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-24T15:07:58+00:00\">2026-08-24T15:07:58.833Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-98087d72-9fcd-11f1-b1e4-afe560feb78d\">Wenzel has attacked Cort and Hellemose, managing to drop the latter, while the former just about clings on. For his efforts, Cort has been awarded the day&#8217;s combativity award by by the organisers.<\/p>\n<p>UAE still lead the peloton, which is riding steadily. But things might be about to get complicated &#8211; the heavens have opened.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-98087dea-9fcd-11f1-986a-11ec96884748\">\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\/7Toc8nns4FovWrGLyVTkyT.jpg\" alt=\"FONT-ROMEU, FRANCE - AUGUST 24: (L-R) Asbjorn Hellemose of Denmark and Team Jayco AlUla, Magnus Cort of Denmark and Team Uno-X Mobility and Mats Wenzel of Luxembourg and Team Equipo Kern Pharma compete in the breakaway during the La Vuelta - 81st Tour of Spain 2026, Stage 3 a 174km from Gruissan - Aude to Font Romeu 1941m \/ #UCIWT \/ on August 24, 2026 in Font Romeu, France. (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=\"2026-08-24T15:09:06+00:00\">2026-08-24T15:09:06.429Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-c0a8f63a-9fcd-11f1-8519-4d925b1f5351\"><em><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><\/em><em><strong> Join today<\/strong><\/em><em><strong>.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-24T15:12:59+00:00\">2026-08-24T15:12:59.307Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-4b4cd95a-9fce-11f1-917d-2f9cc1797758\">Cort has now been dropped by Wenzel, and joins Hellemose by being caught by the peloton, still being led by the train of UAE riders.<\/p>\n<p>Wenzel is still out there though, and with a healthy lead of 47 seconds. With 6.5km to the top, and no signs of any GC attacks yet, can he stay out long enough to gain the KOM jersey?<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-4b4cd9c8-9fce-11f1-aa09-3def1cf9b395\">\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\/pzLeBAbMHzugYa8xkoSajE.jpg\" alt=\"FONT-ROMEU, FRANCE - AUGUST 24: (L-R) Ben Turner of Great Britain, Carlos Rodriguez of Spain and Jack Haig of Australia and Netcompany INEOS Cycling Team compete during the La Vuelta - 81st Tour of Spain 2026, Stage 3 a 174km from Gruissan - Aude to Font Romeu 1941m \/ #UCIWT \/ on August 24, 2026 in Font Romeu, France. (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=\"2026-08-24T15:18:38+00:00\">2026-08-24T15:18:38.373Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-1565959c-9fcf-11f1-8827-57d80b5f99e7\">It&#8217;s raining heavily, to the extent that there are signalling issues, and no television coverage as they continue to climb the Col de Mont-Louis.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-24T15:20:48+00:00\">2026-08-24T15:20:48.810Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-62fcae9e-9fcf-11f1-a5b3-b1399e043df8\">We&#8217;ve had a first attack from the peloton on the climb &#8211; Lorenzo Fortunato of Astana has made a move. He&#8217;s still got some ground to make up on Wenzel, however, who is 17 seconds ahead of him, while the peloton is also about 17 seconds behind the Italian.<\/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=\"2026-08-24T15:27:18+00:00\">2026-08-24T15:27:18.016Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-4b49f51c-9fd0-11f1-85bb-e754a79f8c6d\">Fortunato has bridged up to Wenzel, and they lead by just over 20 seconds, nearing the top of the summit. The rain is pouring now, this is horrible weather to race in.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-24T15:31:43+00:00\">2026-08-24T15:31:43.604Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-race-neutralised\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-race-neutralised\"><span>RACE NEUTRALISED <\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-e940bce2-9fd0-11f1-ba05-1f6dc02e3f79\">Extraordinary scenes here at the Vuelta! The riders are now being pelted by hailstones from the sky. It&#8217;s so horrible that the riders are seeking shelter at the roadside. The race has been neutralised.<\/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=\"2026-08-24T15:34:49+00:00\">2026-08-24T15:34:49.166Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-57dbcfca-9fd1-11f1-b9c6-277d00adca0f\">The race has been temporarily neutralised rather than cancelled, as so for now the plan appears to be to get started again at some point. For now, though, the riders are all being shuffled into a hotel on the roadside, many of them visibly very cold. These are chaotic scenes.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-24T15:36:57+00:00\">2026-08-24T15:36:57.517Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-a51b1af2-9fd1-11f1-9bfd-b94eca69508f\">These were the riders further down the mountain, though this picture doesn&#8217;t do justice to just how severe the hailstorms became.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-a51b1b4c-9fd1-11f1-9192-1de94976b837\">\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\/2YFiENWeo62WR9ixcZRWZS.jpg\" alt=\"FONT-ROMEU, FRANCE - AUGUST 24: Tadej Pogacar of Slovenia and UAE Team Emirates XRG - Red Leader Jersey competes during the La Vuelta - 81st Tour of Spain 2026, Stage 3 a 174km from Gruissan - Aude to Font Romeu 1941m \/ #UCIWT \/ on August 24, 2026 in Font Romeu, France. (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=\"2026-08-24T15:37:44+00:00\">2026-08-24T15:37:44.502Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-stage-cancelled\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-stage-cancelled\"><span>STAGE CANCELLED<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-c0714c40-9fd1-11f1-9310-1f3b984c024f\">Unfortunately, the conditions and situation has been deemed severe enough for the stage to be cancelled.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-24T15:42:44+00:00\">2026-08-24T15:42:44.482Z<\/time><\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-733174e0-9fd2-11f1-8bf9-73eab4d39e08\">\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\/ECoK8RgNjjFgLzrhoBDBTM.jpg\" alt=\"FONT-ROMEU, FRANCE - AUGUST 24: Gregor Muhlberger of Austria and Team Decathlon CMA CGM competes during the La Vuelta - 81st Tour of Spain 2026, Stage 3 a 174km from Gruissan - Aude to Font Romeu 1941m \/ #UCIWT \/ on August 24, 2026 in Font Romeu, France. (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=\"2026-08-24T15:48:44+00:00\">2026-08-24T15:48:44.321Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-49af7a6c-9fd3-11f1-82e8-ddf124a52a7e\">It was Tadej Poga\u010dar himself who took the initiative to stop the race, adopting the role of peloton&#8217;s patron. Read more about the unfolding story here.<\/p>\n<p>Tadej Poga\u010dar pulls over peloton as hail storm cancels finale of Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a stage 3<\/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=\"2026-08-24T15:55:16+00:00\">2026-08-24T15:55:16.105Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-332fc264-9fd4-11f1-89dc-7df710e532de\">The hail was so heavy and thick that it resembled snow on the road. You can understand why the call was made for the stage to be cancelled.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-332fc2e6-9fd4-11f1-8138-2984418fe287\">\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\/WrwtCwGCWGekQsBXJqXEVA.jpg\" alt=\"FONT-ROMEU, FRANCE - AUGUST 24: Wout Van Aert of Belgium and Team Visma | Lease a Bike reacts after the La Vuelta - 81st Tour of Spain 2026, Stage 3 a 174km from Gruissan - Aude to Font Romeu 1941m \/ The stage is cancelled due to extreme weather conditions \/ #UCIWT \/ on August 24, 2026 in Font Romeu, France. (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=\"2026-08-24T15:59:25+00:00\">2026-08-24T15:59:25.388Z<\/time><\/p>\n<div class=\"see-more see-more--clipped\" id=\"elk-2091917499583312270\">\n<figure>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet hawk-ignore\" data-lang=\"en\" cite=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/cantworkitout\/status\/2091917499583312270\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">Go to Spain they said, weather will be nice they said. \ud83e\udeea#TheWolfpack I @lavuelta pic.twitter.com\/KLRkyvTc7pAugust 24, 2026<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/figure>\n<div class=\"see-more__filter\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-24T16:07:56+00:00\">2026-08-24T16:07:56.292Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-f87a9ec6-9fd5-11f1-abd0-47133eb0c01b\">The scene at the finish line, populated by workers mopping up the hailstones, rather than riders racing for the victory<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-f87a9f3e-9fd5-11f1-95cc-519134c2cc9a\">\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\/RV3UjKNP65PVCNKdRzxMAj.jpg\" alt=\"FONT-ROMEU, FRANCE - AUGUST 24: General view of the finish line following the cancellation of the stage due to a hailstorm after the La Vuelta - 81st Tour of Spain 2026, Stage 3 a 174km from Gruissan - Aude to Font Romeu 1941m \/ The stage is cancelled due to extreme weather conditions \/ #UCIWT \/ on August 24, 2026 in Font Romeu, France. (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=\"2026-08-24T16:17:35+00:00\">2026-08-24T16:17:35.389Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-51af036e-9fd7-11f1-8d84-a3d50e2bfe34\">Thanks for joining us today, for a truncated day three of the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a! For the full lowdown of what happened, be sure to read our stage report, and check the website for more updates.<\/p>\n<p>While that was supposed to be the first climbing test, and therefore GC sort-out of the race, instead we\u2019ll get our first glimpse of who\u2019s climbing best tomorrow, for a stage in Andorra which is truly monstrous so early in a Grand Tour, featuring no less than three category one summits. As always we\u2019ll bring you all the action here on Cyclingnews.<\/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 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<p id=\"elk-853aa3a8-98c7-11f1-87aa-373bd5b1765d\">Hello and welcome to stage three of the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-24T11:07:49+00:00\">2026-08-24T11:07:49.713Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-0b7e7f3a-9fac-11f1-a78c-bd3f23f8c36b\">The Vuelta wouldn\u2019t be the Vuelta without an early uphill finish, and this year the riders have only had to wait until day three for the first. This stage climaxes with a double-header of the category one Col de Mon-Louis, followed by an uphill finish to the category two summit Font Romeu.<\/p>\n<p>They\u2019re far from the hardest challenges the riders will face this race, but it should be enough to draw the GC riders into a fight and give us a clear sign of who&#8217;s going the best.<\/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-0b7e7f3a-9fac-11f1-a78c-bd3f23f8c36b-2\">Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a 2026 stage 3 preview &#8211; Peloton heads to the Pyrenees in what could see a GC reshuffle<\/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=\"2026-08-24T11:11:24+00:00\">2026-08-24T11:11:24.574Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-8b9a347a-9fac-11f1-abaf-7d921ae4cdeb\">Of course, the man we\u2019re all expecting to be going best is Tadej Poga\u010dar, especially following his victory on the stage one time trial. He\u2019s in the red jersey, and may look to extend his lead today &#8211; and possibly go for another stage win, too.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-8b9a34de-9fac-11f1-b514-bf21482af551\">\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\/7PHC8zwCPXywTQxwREwMXE.jpg\" alt=\"GRUISSAN - AUDE, FRANCE - AUGUST 24: Tadej Pogacar of Slovenia and UAE Team Emirates XRG - Red Leader Jersey prior to the La Vuelta - 81st Tour of Spain 2026, Stage 3 a 174km from Gruissan - Aude to Font Romeu 1941m \/ #UCIWT \/ on August 24, 2026 in Gruissan - Aude, France. (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=\"2026-08-24T11:20:02+00:00\">2026-08-24T11:20:02.469Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-c02d7a5c-9fad-11f1-add9-db2715de8f25\">The riders are on the move in Gruissan for the unofficial start, and are waiting for the flag to signify racing has begun.<\/p>\n<p>Yesterday, Matthew Brennan claimed a sensational sprint victory on just his second day of Grand Tour racing, suggesting that he could be one of the stars of this Vuelta. But with such a tough finale, today certainly won&#8217;t be a stage for him, as the climbers come to the fore instead.<\/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-c02d7a5c-9fad-11f1-add9-db2715de8f25-2\">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 class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-24T11:26:12+00:00\">2026-08-24T11:26:12.453Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-9cc49bb2-9fae-11f1-a41d-bba76190082d\">Here are both the stage winners so far at the start, Tadej Poga\u010dar and Matthew Brennan, sandwiching Ethan Hayter, who has been frustrated in his attempts to swap the green jersey he&#8217;s wearing for the red.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-9cc49c5c-9fae-11f1-af85-17590eec5380\">\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\/8HYiXPHABjvffCiBKNrUyH.jpg\" alt=\"GRUISSAN - AUDE, FRANCE - AUGUST 24: (L-R) Tadej Pogacar of Slovenia and UAE Team Emirates XRG - Red Leader Jersey, Ethan Hayter of Great Britain and Team Soudal Quick-Step - Green points jersey and Matthew Brennan of Great Britain and Team Visma | Lease a Bike - White Most Combative Rider Jersey prior to the La Vuelta - 81st Tour of Spain 2026, Stage 3 a 174km from Gruissan - Aude to Font Romeu 1941m \/ #UCIWT \/ on August 24, 2026 in Gruissan - Aude, France. (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=\"2026-08-24T11:28:27+00:00\">2026-08-24T11:28:27.354Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-official-start\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-official-start\"><span>OFFICIAL START<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-ed1189b8-9fae-11f1-9989-b992cf03e679\">And they&#8217;re off!<\/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=\"2026-08-24T11:35:50+00:00\">2026-08-24T11:35:50.444Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-f5347a78-9faf-11f1-b8ce-9527a0c73ab4\">Ethan Hayter is in the action again! A 6-man group has got up the road and has a lead of almost a minute. Could this be the break of the day already?<\/p>\n<p>Also with the Brit are Mats Wenzel (Equipo Kern Pharma), Timo Roosen (Picnic PostNL), Asbj\u00f8rn Hellemose (Jayco-AlUla), Olivier Le Gac (Groupama-FDJ) and Magnus Cort (Uno-X Mobility).<\/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=\"2026-08-24T11:43:24+00:00\">2026-08-24T11:43:24.521Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-03ea8a16-9fb1-11f1-8aec-5f6cdf71f521\">1:30 now for the break ahead of the peloton, which looks content to let this group go. There is one poursuivant, Milan Vader (Bahrain Victorious), who is trying to join the sextet, but he\u2019s drifting backwards and looks set to be caught.<\/p>\n<p>Although it finishes with a couple of climbs, the entire first two thirds of the stage is flat,, which explains the make-up of the break.<\/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=\"2026-08-24T11:52:09+00:00\">2026-08-24T11:52:09.584Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-3cd76f1e-9fb2-11f1-8b6c-a3a19c2945ac\">Tadej Poga\u010dar\u2019s UAE team have taken control of the peloton, in defence of his red jersey. And are keeping the gap at two minutes. This isn\u2019t the pace of a team seeking to loan out the red jersey to another rider &#8211; and regardless, none of the riders in the break are likely to be strong enough climbers to hold off the peloton even if they were given a big lead.<\/p>\n<p>Of the 6 riders in the break, Hayter is the only man with 1:40 of Poga\u010dar on GC, at 29 seconds.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-3cd76fa0-9fb2-11f1-b49b-49ae36cea380\">\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\/ucyEefkWo7JnajbJwoLVjB.jpg\" alt=\"GRUISSAN - AUDE, FRANCE - AUGUST 24: A general view of Pablo Castrillo of Spain and Movistar Team and Tadej Pogacar of Slovenia and UAE Team Emirates XRG - Red Leader Jersey and the peloton competing prior to the La Vuelta - 81st Tour of Spain 2026, Stage 3 a 174km from Gruissan - Aude to Font Romeu 1941m \/ #UCIWT \/ on August 24, 2026 in Gruissan - Aude, France. (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=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-24T12:00:31+00:00\">2026-08-24T12:00:31.767Z<\/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-68e72292-9fb3-11f1-9c49-7d80e079c65e\">The break&#8217;s lead is being kept held steady, at 2:10.<\/p>\n<p>That&#8217;s enough to make Ethan Hayter (pictured here in green at the start of the day) the virtual leader on GC, but they will need a lot more time to stand a chance of holding off the peloton on the final climbs later.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-68e7230a-9fb3-11f1-a92c-a9f8c66214d9\">\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\/fUSgArR5iSTfNqAzMryy4K.jpg\" alt=\"GRUISSAN - AUDE, FRANCE - AUGUST 24: Ethan Hayter of Great Britain and Team Soudal Quick-Step - Green points jersey prior to the La Vuelta - 81st Tour of Spain 2026, Stage 3 a 174km from Gruissan - Aude to Font Romeu 1941m \/ #UCIWT \/ on August 24, 2026 in Gruissan - Aude, France. (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=\"2026-08-24T12:09:35+00:00\">2026-08-24T12:09:35.657Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-ac6e9940-9fb4-11f1-b5b2-dbfdaa53568c\">The six riders up the road, whose lead has grown to 2:40.<\/p>\n<p>As you can see, there are no rips in Ethan Hayter\u2019s shorts, unlike yesterday. That strange sartorial choice was explained by the Brit after the stage yesterday.<\/p>\n<p>&#8216;It was cutting the blood from my legs&#8217; \u2013 Ethan Hayter takes scissors to his green skinsuit in mid-stage kit modification at Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-ac6e99b8-9fb4-11f1-b920-655d360bbcb2\">\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\/4ALLn8HUCTbCR8WHJtCGYW.jpg\" alt=\"FONT-ROMEU, FRANCE - AUGUST 24: (L-R) Olivier Le Gac of France and Team Groupama - FDJ United, Mats Wenzel of Luxembourg and Team Equipo Kern Pharma and Magnus Cort of Denmark and Team Uno-X Mobility compete in the breakaway the La Vuelta - 81st Tour of Spain 2026, Stage 3 a 174km from Gruissan - Aude to Font Romeu 1941m \/ #UCIWT \/ on August 24, 2026 in Font Romeu - Aude, France. (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=\"2026-08-24T12:18:31+00:00\">2026-08-24T12:18:31.584Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-ebd0c2ba-9fb5-11f1-b036-830e485c03e8\">Despite crashing yesterday and being in some pain, Cian Uijtdebroeks took to the start today and is still racing. The Movistar rider is a key climbing domestique for Enric Mas, and even a dark horse for GC himself, but will have to dig deep and fight through the pain to avoid losing a lot of time 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=\"2026-08-24T12:25:56+00:00\">2026-08-24T12:25:56.079Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-130km-to-go\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-130km-to-go\"><span>130KM TO GO<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-f4c7848e-9fb6-11f1-bb57-853e9922432a\">The race remains in a holding pattern, the break leading the peloton by two minutes.<\/p>\n<p>The terrain remains flat, and the weather is pleasant, without the kind of wind that might have made echelons a possibility on these roads.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-f4c784fc-9fb6-11f1-893a-d183ffa75925\">\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\/vTyGvKzMmn2XmL4CSGdG7k.jpg\" alt=\"FONT-ROMEU, FRANCE - AUGUST 24: A general view of the peloton passing through a landscape during the La Vuelta - 81st Tour of Spain 2026, Stage 3 a 174km from Gruissan - Aude to Font Romeu 1941m \/ #UCIWT \/ on August 24, 2026 in Font Romeu - Aude, France. (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=\"2026-08-24T12:32:34+00:00\">2026-08-24T12:32:34.967Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-e2bb7c54-9fb7-11f1-b5ef-576489c6990d\">This year we\u2019ve seen him in the rainbow stripes, the yellow jersey, and now the red jersey. He cuts a conspicuous figure in the peloton, and the way this stage is unfolding, with the break firmly in control, he\u2019s the favourite for the stage win again.<\/p>\n<p>With 125km to go, the gap remains at around two minutes.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-e2bb7cb8-9fb7-11f1-89f0-c77853725061\">\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\/4dPqMm7QiEjaDvB3uJ8obh.jpg\" alt=\"FONT-ROMEU, FRANCE - AUGUST 24: Tadej Pogacar of Slovenia and UAE Team Emirates XRG - Red Leader Jersey competes during the La Vuelta - 81st Tour of Spain 2026, Stage 3 a 174km from Gruissan - Aude to Font Romeu 1941m \/ #UCIWT \/ on August 24, 2026 in Font Romeu - Aude, France. (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=\"2026-08-24T12:39:06+00:00\">2026-08-24T12:39:06.664Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-cbee741c-9fb8-11f1-8aca-853447e907d3\">We&#8217;ve been racing for an hour, and they&#8217;ve covered 45.7km. Without a big fight to get into the breakaway, and with UAE riding a steady tempo, this hasn&#8217;t been to taxing a day for the riders yet, with a more subdued atmosphere than we&#8217;ve seen at other similar Grand Tour stages of recent years.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-cbee7494-9fb8-11f1-8796-ed3889e5b124\">\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\/H7FRKwUiPc7ZNEXMHE2jLd.jpg\" alt=\"FONT-ROMEU, FRANCE - AUGUST 24: Tadej Pogacar of Slovenia and UAE Team Emirates XRG - Red Leader Jersey competes during the La Vuelta - 81st Tour of Spain 2026, Stage 3 a 174km from Gruissan - Aude to Font Romeu 1941m \/ #UCIWT \/ on August 24, 2026 in Font Romeu - Aude, France. (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=\"2026-08-24T12:45:36+00:00\">2026-08-24T12:45:36.524Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-b45a601c-9fb9-11f1-b958-699df94b8844\">The Vuelta might now be the centre of the cycling world\u2019s attention, but last yesterday several major races came to an end.<\/p>\n<p>If you haven\u2019t already, be sure to catch up with what happened at the Renewi Tour, Deutschland Tour, and the Tour of Britain.<\/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=\"2026-08-24T12:55:29+00:00\">2026-08-24T12:55:29.782Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-110km-to-go\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-110km-to-go\"><span>110KM TO GO<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-15f0b528-9fbb-11f1-a5ad-c7ac4d31dff0\">The gap&#8217;s grown out a little, to 2:30, but the peloton still have matters firmly in control.<\/p>\n<p>There is still a possibility of the wind playing a role on the stage on this flat run-in to the climbs. It has varied its direction, as you can see from the break here riding in echelon formation, but isn\u2019t yet strong enough to have an effect. But the riders in the peloton will have to stay attentive.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-15f0b5a0-9fbb-11f1-8389-c72295ad2f5f\">\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\/hcUWE984f2SjZ4hvhRaK35.jpg\" alt=\"FONT-ROMEU, FRANCE - AUGUST 24: A general view of Olivier Le Gac of France and Team Groupama - FDJ United, Ethan Hayter of Great Britain and Team Soudal Quick-Step, Magnus Cort of Denmark and Team Uno-X Mobility, Asbjorn Hellemose of Denmark and Team Jayco AlUla, Timo Roosen of Netherlands and Team Picnic PostNL an Mats Wenzel of Luxembourg and Team Equipo Kern Pharma compete in the breakaway during the La Vuelta - 81st Tour of Spain 2026, Stage 3 a 174km from Gruissan - Aude to Font Romeu 1941m \/ #UCIWT \/ on August 24, 2026 in Font Romeu - Aude, France. (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=\"2026-08-24T13:05:25+00:00\">2026-08-24T13:05:25.717Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-7958efc6-9fbc-11f1-bf2c-277971923570\">Wout van Aert is in the convoy making his way back to the peloton, after a routine stop. The Belgian went big for the win today, with none other than Tadej Poga\u010dar springing onto his wheel after he attacked.<\/p>\n<p>Can he be in contention today? You sense the final climbs are right at the limit of what he can handle, and at his very best, you can picture him hanging on and then winning the sprint from a group of, say 20 or 30 riders.<\/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-7958efc6-9fbc-11f1-bf2c-277971923570-2\">&#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<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-7958f034-9fbc-11f1-ba48-d7ebedb0f57a\">\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\/p8CeCJZowpxTrSMp6VYbuN.jpg\" alt=\"GRUISSAN - AUDE, FRANCE - AUGUST 24: Wout Van Aert of Belgium and Team Visma | Lease a Bike prior to the La Vuelta - 81st Tour of Spain 2026, Stage 3 a 174km from Gruissan - Aude to Font Romeu 1941m \/ #UCIWT \/ on August 24, 2026 in Gruissan - Aude, France. (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=\"2026-08-24T13:14:31+00:00\">2026-08-24T13:14:31.314Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-be8ee356-9fbd-11f1-8b30-634388cab0ad\">Things are nervous in the peloton. These roads are very exposed, and there\u2019s a real intention by most to get as close to the front as possible, stringing the bunch out. There are even some splits towards the back of the peloton, with some struggling to hang on, with even powerful rouleurs Arthur Kluckers and Bruno Armirail.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-24T13:19:23+00:00\">2026-08-24T13:19:23.822Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-6cbe6b9a-9fbe-11f1-9f6c-d719177276e3\">We have some real splits now! Only about 50 riders remain in the peloton, with the wind causing it.<\/p>\n<p>So far there&#8217;s no sign of any major GC names caught out, although Poga\u010dar&#8217;s super-domestique Almeida is well back with his UAE team car &#8211; but this could get very interesting. And with many more flat exposed roads like this to come there&#8217;s opportunities for more splits.<\/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=\"2026-08-24T13:22:59+00:00\">2026-08-24T13:22:59.606Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-ed4daa00-9fbe-11f1-9180-c96965d9eb18\">UAE are pressing on hard at the front of the peloton! They sense an opportunity to rip the race apart here, even before the climb. They\u2019ve reduced the peloton back to 50 or so riders ,after it had come back tougher earlier, and multiple groups behind are desperately chasing in echelon formation. Still no word of any top GC contenders caught out, though.<\/p>\n<p>Meanwhile this is bad news for the break, who&#8217;s lead has plummeted to just 40 seconds.<\/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=\"2026-08-24T13:27:53+00:00\">2026-08-24T13:27:53.668Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-9cb8577e-9fbf-11f1-b428-4debccda9bfa\">Felix Gall was the biggest name not to be present in the lead group. He\u2019s managed to rejoin the front peloton, however, after a fierce chase from his Decathlon sees the groups come back together.<\/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=\"2026-08-24T13:34:12+00:00\">2026-08-24T13:34:12.941Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-80km-to-go\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-80km-to-go\"><span>80KM TO GO<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-7ea954f8-9fc0-11f1-adf6-99acf8093872\">Everything has calmed down again, and those dropped are making their way back into the peloton again. But that doesn&#8217;t mean the action is over yet, with more potentials for splits to come as the wind keeps blowing.<\/p>\n<p>The break has also managed to rebuild its lead, back up to 1:45, after it looked as though there day out in front was over.<\/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=\"2026-08-24T13:45:28+00:00\">2026-08-24T13:45:28.355Z<\/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-114382ba-9fc2-11f1-922f-218d70cd265d\">There\u2019s a regrouping in the peloton, post that crosswind action, with riders settling back into it. Wout van Aert is doing a job for his teammates, picking up bidons to distribute to them. That might suggest he isn\u2019t going for the stage today.<\/p>\n<p>All this clam is helping the break, who now lead by 1:45 again.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-1143835a-9fc2-11f1-b673-770db9a9d507\">\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\/ZUfixVXXYZuLs4637zrXF.jpg\" alt=\"FONT-ROMEU, FRANCE - AUGUST 24: (L-R) Olivier Le Gac of France and Team Groupama - FDJ United and Ethan Hayter of Great Britain and Team Soudal Quick-Step - Green points jersey compete in the breakaway during the La Vuelta - 81st Tour of Spain 2026, Stage 3 a 174km from Gruissan - Aude to Font Romeu 1941m \/ #UCIWT \/ on August 24, 2026 in Font Romeu, France. (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=\"2026-08-24T13:52:57+00:00\">2026-08-24T13:52:57.346Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-1cee22b8-9fc3-11f1-bb58-77890e7f767a\">Flat tyre for Mads Pedersen, who had to change bikes as a result. Luckily for him the pace in the peloton remains subdued, and it&#8217;s easy for him to get back into the peloton.<\/p>\n<p>Attention is going to shift now away from crosswinds and towards the final climbs. The gradient is already going very steadily uphill, as they approach the foot of the first, coming up in under 30km.<\/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=\"2026-08-24T14:00:34+00:00\">2026-08-24T14:00:34.072Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-2d2fbdca-9fc4-11f1-8ea1-7723c422edaa\">UAE Team Emirates &#8211; XRG are winding this up for Tadej Poga\u010dar ahead of the final climbs. They have control of the peloton, and are setting a steady tempo for now, but have a great group of domestiques to speed things up later, including Jay Vine, Pavel Sivakov and Jo\u00e3o Almeida, who is safely back in the peloton after being caught out earlier.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-2d2fbe42-9fc4-11f1-80a4-ebac2da24638\">\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\/r76MXJqdXvFoTjZY6DwVGn.jpg\" alt=\"FONT-ROMEU, FRANCE - AUGUST 24: A general view of Tadej Pogacar of Slovenia and UAE Team Emirates XRG - Red Leader Jersey and the peloton competing during the La Vuelta - 81st Tour of Spain 2026, Stage 3 a 174km from Gruissan - Aude to Font Romeu 1941m \/ #UCIWT \/ on August 24, 2026 in Font Romeu, France. (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=\"2026-08-24T14:06:24+00:00\">2026-08-24T14:06:24.364Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-fdec8222-9fc4-11f1-8bf4-957ceb965e0c\">Word from the finish is that it&#8217;s raining there at the moment, and some dark clouds are hovering over the peloton on the approach to the climb. The weather had already had an effect today with the crosswinds, and now there could be wet roads to contend with &#8211; though thankfully, the descent between the two climbs is very short.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-24T14:13:35+00:00\">2026-08-24T14:13:35.446Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-dnf-alex-kirsch\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-dnf-alex-kirsch\"><span>DNF &#8211; ALEX KIRSCH<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-ff1a0c18-9fc5-11f1-8f21-5f39c4c86c45\">It&#8217;s been announced that Cofidis&#8217; Alex Kirsch has pulled out of the race, becoming only the second rider to do so at this Vuelta following Sergio Geovani Chumil yesterday. It&#8217;s unclear exactly what the reason is.<\/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=\"2026-08-24T14:18:14+00:00\">2026-08-24T14:18:14.716Z<\/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-a5555970-9fc6-11f1-8510-c5283a78cb5a\">Not long now until the official start of the climb! Before that, the riders will pass through an intermediate sprint, but with a lead still of two minutes, the breakaway riders are set to mop up the lion&#8217;s share of the points on offer.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-24T14:22:58+00:00\">2026-08-24T14:22:58.393Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-4e766544-9fc7-11f1-9beb-ebdbbbb07458\">Influencer Erola Jons has received much criticism for the way she interviewed riders at this Vuelta, and the organisers have moved to limit her access.<\/p>\n<p>Here&#8217;s a latest update on one of the race&#8217;s biggest controversies.<\/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-4e766544-9fc7-11f1-9beb-ebdbbbb07458-2\">Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a places restrictions on its own content creator amid backlash over interactions with Tadej Poga\u010dar and others<\/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=\"2026-08-24T14:27:59+00:00\">2026-08-24T14:27:59.595Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-intermediate-sprint\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-intermediate-sprint\"><span>INTERMEDIATE SPRINT<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-023efba4-9fc8-11f1-8a49-7d5982c5927c\">Hayer takes the intermediate sprint uncontested, to extend his lead in the points classification.<\/p>\n<p>In the peloton, no rider showed any interest in the remainder of the points, letting the UAE domestiques leading it sweep them up.<\/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=\"2026-08-24T14:35:52+00:00\">2026-08-24T14:35:52.639Z<\/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-1bee61ce-9fc9-11f1-a621-89954ef3ee50\">The riders have already been climbing for a long time, but the gradient is about to kick up for the start of the official climb of Col de Mont-Louis. It&#8217;s a long one, with 19km left to ride before getting to the top, but averages a steady 4.9%.<\/p>\n<p>UAE continue to lead the bunch, and have brought the gap to the break down to 1:40. The break&#8217;s days look numbered, although Hayter might like the shallow nature of this climb.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-1bee6246-9fc9-11f1-b231-2f8f5e21c3e8\">\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\/LaKN2pqpEgKtcp3KwWa3jj.jpg\" alt=\"FONT-ROMEU, FRANCE - AUGUST 24: The peloton races through a landscape scorched by fires during the La Vuelta - 81st Tour of Spain 2026, Stage 3 a 174km from Gruissan - Aude to Font Romeu 1941m \/ #UCIWT \/ on August 24, 2026 in Font Romeu, France. (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=\"2026-08-24T14:43:31+00:00\">2026-08-24T14:43:31.916Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-2db8814a-9fca-11f1-9f6c-e9440f8d9753\">The breakaway have officially started the climb! With only a slender-looking lead, of 1:30. Behind, UAE are hatching a plan, Poga\u010dar and Almeida having a discussion together, and sharing bidons. By the looks on their faces, they mean business today.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-24T14:49:31+00:00\">2026-08-24T14:49:31.342Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-03dc57d8-9fcb-11f1-8349-c311fac33153\">It&#8217;s still UAE who are controlling the peloton&#8217;s pace as they start the climb, but EF have formed a long train just behind them, with Richard Carapaz poised menacingly at the back of it. We&#8217;ll get a good idea today of whether he has brought his Tour de France form to the Vuelta.<\/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=\"2026-08-24T14:54:49+00:00\">2026-08-24T14:54:49.059Z<\/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-c162d692-9fcb-11f1-98d3-d15fe149fd10\">UAE&#8217;s pace is starting to claim some victims, with riders jettisoned out the back of the peloton &#8211; including Wout van Aert. That&#8217;s the end of his hopes of wearing the red jersey.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-24T14:57:47+00:00\">2026-08-24T14:57:47.399Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-2b9f399c-9fcc-11f1-82f9-13e69bd27829\">The break&#8217;s day-long truce is over, and Hellemose has upped the pace to try and drop the others. The only men who have gone with him are Cort and Wenzel, with Hayter, Le Gac and Roosen dropped, and surely soon to find themselves caught by 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=\"2026-08-24T15:02:53+00:00\">2026-08-24T15:02:53.086Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-e1b9a000-9fcc-11f1-bd9f-8f2be9f2325b\">Poga\u010dar&#8217;s still got five UAE teammates with him as they lead the bunch. Three three riders dropped from the breakaway have been caught by them, but Cort, Hellemose and Wenzel are still out there, 30 seconds ahead. There&#8217;s still 10 whole kilometres to ride to get to the top of the climb, though.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-24T15:07:58+00:00\">2026-08-24T15:07:58.833Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-98087d72-9fcd-11f1-b1e4-afe560feb78d\">Wenzel has attacked Cort and Hellemose, managing to drop the latter, while the former just about clings on. For his efforts, Cort has been awarded the day&#8217;s combativity award by by the organisers.<\/p>\n<p>UAE still lead the peloton, which is riding steadily. But things might be about to get complicated &#8211; the heavens have opened.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-98087dea-9fcd-11f1-986a-11ec96884748\">\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\/7Toc8nns4FovWrGLyVTkyT.jpg\" alt=\"FONT-ROMEU, FRANCE - AUGUST 24: (L-R) Asbjorn Hellemose of Denmark and Team Jayco AlUla, Magnus Cort of Denmark and Team Uno-X Mobility and Mats Wenzel of Luxembourg and Team Equipo Kern Pharma compete in the breakaway during the La Vuelta - 81st Tour of Spain 2026, Stage 3 a 174km from Gruissan - Aude to Font Romeu 1941m \/ #UCIWT \/ on August 24, 2026 in Font Romeu, France. (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=\"2026-08-24T15:09:06+00:00\">2026-08-24T15:09:06.429Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-c0a8f63a-9fcd-11f1-8519-4d925b1f5351\"><em><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><\/em><em><strong> Join today<\/strong><\/em><em><strong>.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-24T15:12:59+00:00\">2026-08-24T15:12:59.307Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-4b4cd95a-9fce-11f1-917d-2f9cc1797758\">Cort has now been dropped by Wenzel, and joins Hellemose by being caught by the peloton, still being led by the train of UAE riders.<\/p>\n<p>Wenzel is still out there though, and with a healthy lead of 47 seconds. With 6.5km to the top, and no signs of any GC attacks yet, can he stay out long enough to gain the KOM jersey?<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-4b4cd9c8-9fce-11f1-aa09-3def1cf9b395\">\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\/pzLeBAbMHzugYa8xkoSajE.jpg\" alt=\"FONT-ROMEU, FRANCE - AUGUST 24: (L-R) Ben Turner of Great Britain, Carlos Rodriguez of Spain and Jack Haig of Australia and Netcompany INEOS Cycling Team compete during the La Vuelta - 81st Tour of Spain 2026, Stage 3 a 174km from Gruissan - Aude to Font Romeu 1941m \/ #UCIWT \/ on August 24, 2026 in Font Romeu, France. (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=\"2026-08-24T15:18:38+00:00\">2026-08-24T15:18:38.373Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-1565959c-9fcf-11f1-8827-57d80b5f99e7\">It&#8217;s raining heavily, to the extent that there are signalling issues, and no television coverage as they continue to climb the Col de Mont-Louis.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-24T15:20:48+00:00\">2026-08-24T15:20:48.810Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-62fcae9e-9fcf-11f1-a5b3-b1399e043df8\">We&#8217;ve had a first attack from the peloton on the climb &#8211; Lorenzo Fortunato of Astana has made a move. He&#8217;s still got some ground to make up on Wenzel, however, who is 17 seconds ahead of him, while the peloton is also about 17 seconds behind the Italian.<\/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=\"2026-08-24T15:27:18+00:00\">2026-08-24T15:27:18.016Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-4b49f51c-9fd0-11f1-85bb-e754a79f8c6d\">Fortunato has bridged up to Wenzel, and they lead by just over 20 seconds, nearing the top of the summit. The rain is pouring now, this is horrible weather to race in.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-24T15:31:43+00:00\">2026-08-24T15:31:43.604Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-race-neutralised\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-race-neutralised\"><span>RACE NEUTRALISED <\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-e940bce2-9fd0-11f1-ba05-1f6dc02e3f79\">Extraordinary scenes here at the Vuelta! The riders are now being pelted by hailstones from the sky. It&#8217;s so horrible that the riders are seeking shelter at the roadside. The race has been neutralised.<\/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=\"2026-08-24T15:34:49+00:00\">2026-08-24T15:34:49.166Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-57dbcfca-9fd1-11f1-b9c6-277d00adca0f\">The race has been temporarily neutralised rather than cancelled, as so for now the plan appears to be to get started again at some point. For now, though, the riders are all being shuffled into a hotel on the roadside, many of them visibly very cold. These are chaotic scenes.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-24T15:36:57+00:00\">2026-08-24T15:36:57.517Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-a51b1af2-9fd1-11f1-9bfd-b94eca69508f\">These were the riders further down the mountain, though this picture doesn&#8217;t do justice to just how severe the hailstorms became.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-a51b1b4c-9fd1-11f1-9192-1de94976b837\">\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\/2YFiENWeo62WR9ixcZRWZS.jpg\" alt=\"FONT-ROMEU, FRANCE - AUGUST 24: Tadej Pogacar of Slovenia and UAE Team Emirates XRG - Red Leader Jersey competes during the La Vuelta - 81st Tour of Spain 2026, Stage 3 a 174km from Gruissan - Aude to Font Romeu 1941m \/ #UCIWT \/ on August 24, 2026 in Font Romeu, France. (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=\"2026-08-24T15:37:44+00:00\">2026-08-24T15:37:44.502Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-stage-cancelled\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-stage-cancelled\"><span>STAGE CANCELLED<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-c0714c40-9fd1-11f1-9310-1f3b984c024f\">Unfortunately, the conditions and situation has been deemed severe enough for the stage to be cancelled.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-24T15:42:44+00:00\">2026-08-24T15:42:44.482Z<\/time><\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-733174e0-9fd2-11f1-8bf9-73eab4d39e08\">\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\/ECoK8RgNjjFgLzrhoBDBTM.jpg\" alt=\"FONT-ROMEU, FRANCE - AUGUST 24: Gregor Muhlberger of Austria and Team Decathlon CMA CGM competes during the La Vuelta - 81st Tour of Spain 2026, Stage 3 a 174km from Gruissan - Aude to Font Romeu 1941m \/ #UCIWT \/ on August 24, 2026 in Font Romeu, France. (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=\"2026-08-24T15:48:44+00:00\">2026-08-24T15:48:44.321Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-49af7a6c-9fd3-11f1-82e8-ddf124a52a7e\">It was Tadej Poga\u010dar himself who took the initiative to stop the race, adopting the role of peloton&#8217;s patron. Read more about the unfolding story here.<\/p>\n<p>Tadej Poga\u010dar pulls over peloton as hail storm cancels finale of Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a stage 3<\/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=\"2026-08-24T15:55:16+00:00\">2026-08-24T15:55:16.105Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-332fc264-9fd4-11f1-89dc-7df710e532de\">The hail was so heavy and thick that it resembled snow on the road. You can understand why the call was made for the stage to be cancelled.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-332fc2e6-9fd4-11f1-8138-2984418fe287\">\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\/WrwtCwGCWGekQsBXJqXEVA.jpg\" alt=\"FONT-ROMEU, FRANCE - AUGUST 24: Wout Van Aert of Belgium and Team Visma | Lease a Bike reacts after the La Vuelta - 81st Tour of Spain 2026, Stage 3 a 174km from Gruissan - Aude to Font Romeu 1941m \/ The stage is cancelled due to extreme weather conditions \/ #UCIWT \/ on August 24, 2026 in Font Romeu, France. (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=\"2026-08-24T15:59:25+00:00\">2026-08-24T15:59:25.388Z<\/time><\/p>\n<div class=\"see-more see-more--clipped\" id=\"elk-2091917499583312270\">\n<figure>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet hawk-ignore\" data-lang=\"en\" cite=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/cantworkitout\/status\/2091917499583312270\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">Go to Spain they said, weather will be nice they said. \ud83e\udeea#TheWolfpack I @lavuelta pic.twitter.com\/KLRkyvTc7pAugust 24, 2026<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/figure>\n<div class=\"see-more__filter\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-24T16:07:56+00:00\">2026-08-24T16:07:56.292Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-f87a9ec6-9fd5-11f1-abd0-47133eb0c01b\">The scene at the finish line, populated by workers mopping up the hailstones, rather than riders racing for the victory<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-f87a9f3e-9fd5-11f1-95cc-519134c2cc9a\">\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\/RV3UjKNP65PVCNKdRzxMAj.jpg\" alt=\"FONT-ROMEU, FRANCE - AUGUST 24: General view of the finish line following the cancellation of the stage due to a hailstorm after the La Vuelta - 81st Tour of Spain 2026, Stage 3 a 174km from Gruissan - Aude to Font Romeu 1941m \/ The stage is cancelled due to extreme weather conditions \/ #UCIWT \/ on August 24, 2026 in Font Romeu, France. (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=\"2026-08-24T16:17:35+00:00\">2026-08-24T16:17:35.389Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-51af036e-9fd7-11f1-8d84-a3d50e2bfe34\">Thanks for joining us today, for a truncated day three of the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a! For the full lowdown of what happened, be sure to read our stage report, and check the website for more updates.<\/p>\n<p>While that was supposed to be the first climbing test, and therefore GC sort-out of the race, instead we\u2019ll get our first glimpse of who\u2019s climbing best tomorrow, for a stage in Andorra which is truly monstrous so early in a Grand Tour, featuring no less than three category one summits. As always we\u2019ll bring you all the action here on Cyclingnews.<\/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 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-3-live-tadej-pogacar-and-his-rivals-poised-for-the-first-uphill-finish-of-the-race\/&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2YFiENWeo62WR9ixcZRWZS-1024-80.jpg&#8221;] 1 As it happened: British sensation steals the show in first road stage at La Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a 2026 2 As it happened: Time trial goes down to the wire at stage 1 of the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a 3 Tadej Poga\u010dar pulls over peloton as hail storm cancels finale of Vuelta a [&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-2109918","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\/2109918","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=2109918"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2109918\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2109918"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=2109918"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=2109918"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}