{"id":2110373,"date":"2026-08-24T20:04:29","date_gmt":"2026-08-24T17:04:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2110373"},"modified":"2026-08-24T20:04:29","modified_gmt":"2026-08-24T17:04:29","slug":"we-came-here-to-see-the-race-but-nothing-could-be-done-eyewitness-account-of-how-vuelta-a-espana-stage-3-ground-to-a-halt","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2110373","title":{"rendered":"&#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"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/64jEDv2zsiXbVsk8MB3GH5-2560-80.jpg&#8221;]<\/p>\n<article class=\"m-0 box-border flex flex-row items-center pr-2.5 gap-[15px] w-[278px] h-20 flex-none upnext-article-divider\" role=\"listitem\" aria-label=\"Recommended article 1 of 3\">\n<div class=\"relative flex-none w-20 h-20\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gb83HzBMqhypFmjmZNAvnQ-160-80.jpg.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gb83HzBMqhypFmjmZNAvnQ-80-80.jpg.webp 80w\" sizes=\"80px\" \/><\/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\"><span class=\"font-normal text-base leading-[17px] tracking-[1.3px] uppercase text-black flex-none\">1<\/span><\/div>\n<\/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<\/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    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2YFiENWeo62WR9ixcZRWZS-160-80.jpg.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2YFiENWeo62WR9ixcZRWZS-80-80.jpg.webp 80w\" sizes=\"80px\" \/><\/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\"><span class=\"font-normal text-base leading-[17px] tracking-[1.3px] uppercase text-black flex-none\">2<\/span><\/div>\n<\/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: Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a stage 3 comes to a premature end\n                                <\/p>\n<\/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    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CPxWbXXnNwNbQkNsPJbekJ-160-80.jpg.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CPxWbXXnNwNbQkNsPJbekJ-80-80.jpg.webp 80w\" sizes=\"80px\" \/><\/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\"><span class=\"font-normal text-base leading-[17px] tracking-[1.3px] uppercase text-black flex-none\">3<\/span><\/div>\n<\/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<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"page-content-onecol flex-1\nnews-article 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 widget-hero widget-hero-fter-news\">\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\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<h1>&#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<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\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>News<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-auto vds-simple-byline\"><span class=\"inline-block vds-author\"><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nAlasdair Fotheringham <\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex gap-1 vds-byline-with-avatar__meta\"><span class=\"vds-date block font-normal tracking-normal normal-case text-xs\"><br \/>\nPublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-08-24T20:04:29Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n24 August 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Freezing rain and hail saw fans take over the media centre and riders seeking refuge in a hotel<\/p>\n<\/div>\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<\/header>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-widget-type=\"contentparsed\" id=\"content\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-contentparsed widget-content widget-contentparsed-content widget-content-parsed widget-content-parsed-content_document \">\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<section class=\"content-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"box less-space hero-image-wrapper\">\n<figure class=\"mb-0\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/64jEDv2zsiXbVsk8MB3GH5-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/64jEDv2zsiXbVsk8MB3GH5-1600-80.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/64jEDv2zsiXbVsk8MB3GH5-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/64jEDv2zsiXbVsk8MB3GH5-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/64jEDv2zsiXbVsk8MB3GH5-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/64jEDv2zsiXbVsk8MB3GH5-750-80.jpg.webp 750w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/64jEDv2zsiXbVsk8MB3GH5-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/64jEDv2zsiXbVsk8MB3GH5-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/64jEDv2zsiXbVsk8MB3GH5-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 600px, 100vw\" \/><figcaption class=\"font-article-copy text-(--image--text--color) font-article-copy mt-2\"><span class=\"caption-text font-article-copy\">Spectators take cover near the finish line of stage 3 following the cancellation of the stage due to a hailstorm<\/span><span class=\"credit font-article-copy\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\"text-copy bodyCopy auto paywall-locker\">\n<div data-analytics-id=\"utility-bar\" id=\"utility-bar\" class=\"font-ui-heading flex justify-between items-center py-2 border-t border-b border-gray-300 border-solid mb-5 mx-auto\" data-component-name=\"UtilityBar\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"utility-bar\">\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div data-component-name=\"Social:Dropdown\" role=\"menu\" id=\"utilitybar__dropdown--share\" aria-labelledby=\"utilitybar__button--share\" class=\"absolute left-0 top-full w-44 bg-white rounded-md shadow-md border border-neutral-200 z-[9996] list-none m-0 py-2 px-3 border-solid\">\n<ul class=\"m-0!\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Facebook<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>X<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Pinterest<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Email<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-share-this-article\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nShare this article\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\"><span class=\"ml-1 inline-flex h-5 px-2 shrink-0 items-center justify-center self-center overflow-hidden whitespace-nowrap rounded-[10px] bg-primary-500 text-[11px] leading-none font-ui-heading font-semibold text-white\">1<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-join-the-conversation\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nJoin the conversation\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<p>Follow us<\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-add-us-as-a-preferred-source-on-google\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nAdd us as a preferred source on Google\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-subscribe-to-our-newsletter\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nSubscribe to our newsletter\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-9652a148-9ff4-11f1-a0fd-974c26116456\">&#8220;We wanted to come here to see the race, but there was nothing to be done.&#8221; In these few words, Marie and Pierre, two of the dozens of spectators suddenly crammed into the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a press room seeking refuge from a spectacularly intense rain and hailstorm, summed up theirs &#8211; and everybody else&#8217;s &#8211; predicament.<\/p>\n<p>It was clear that, under these circumstances and with the Vuelta&#8217;s stage 3 cancelled due to the weather, larger questions like rider and spectator safety and wellbeing had abruptly become much more important than &#8216;just&#8217; a bike race.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-9652a148-9ff4-11f1-a0fd-974c26116456-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">As the two French fans spoke to <em>Cyclingnews<\/em>, fans, journalists and race organisers, many in streaming wet clothes, tried to take stock of a room suddenly jammed to overflowing with people trying to regain their bearings and, above all, stay out of the worst of the weather. On some press tables, race photographers battled to clean and dry their equipment after it had been soaked by the downpour.<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-6 w-full overflow-hidden rounded-[10px] lg:my-8\" data-component-name=\"JwPlayer:Carousel\" data-jwp-carousel data-jwp-carousel-payload=\"{&quot;ids&quot;:{&quot;playerID&quot;:&quot;jYDCcabO&quot;,&quot;searchPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;gwjdoYHD&quot;,&quot;divID&quot;:&quot;botr_gwjdoYHD_jYDCcabO_div&quot;,&quot;fallbackPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;gwjdoYHD&quot;,&quot;fallbackDivID&quot;:&quot;botr_gwjdoYHD_jYDCcabO_div&quot;,&quot;key&quot;:&quot;X9\/mXVGac0NphghLH9hZaqWA5d3dhAM\/Ih07grnEyMLjuO2E&quot;,&quot;tintLogo&quot;:true,&quot;useSearchPlaylist&quot;:false,&quot;enabled&quot;:true},&quot;signPostingEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;signPostingLinkEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;waitForAdLoad&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnDesktop&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnMobile&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnTablet&quot;:false}\">\n<div class=\"flex flex-nowrap items-center justify-between gap-3 bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-header>\n<div class=\"flex min-w-0 shrink items-center\"><span class=\"inline-flex items-center gap-1.5 text-sm font-article-heading capitalize leading-5 text-white whitespace-nowrap\"><span class=\"jwp-carousel-title-desktop\">Latest Videos From<\/span><span class=\"jwp-carousel-brand\">Cyclingnews<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"min-h-[44px] bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting><a class=\"invisible block truncate text-sm font-bold leading-5 text-white underline decoration-solid underline-offset-2\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting-link href target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span data-jwp-carousel-signposting-title>Watch full video here: <\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Next to them, race staff exchanged hurried phone calls and tried to find out what steps the Vuelta would take in weather conditions so severe it had caused an entire Grand Tour to grind to a halt.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">In another corner of the overflowing room, the mayor of Font Romeu, Alain Luneau, held a series of impromptu interviews with journalists, explaining what the local authorities could do and had done.<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            You may like<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gb83HzBMqhypFmjmZNAvnQ-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gb83HzBMqhypFmjmZNAvnQ-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Tadej Poga\u010dar pulls over peloton as hail storm cancels finale of Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a stage 3<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qeUP3Jwa4YCvLkCpjvgbEa-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qeUP3Jwa4YCvLkCpjvgbEa-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">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<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2YFiENWeo62WR9ixcZRWZS-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2YFiENWeo62WR9ixcZRWZS-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">As it happened: Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a stage 3 comes to a premature end<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Outside, what was intended to be the finishing straight of stage 3, the massive hailstorm briefly turned the ground completely white, the skies darkened notably, and parts of the race infrastructure swayed dramatically in the gusting high winds.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-04105f98-9ff7-11f1-974a-a74e360c1bca\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EgLbTUthVKBRVJLs5e48Mm-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EgLbTUthVKBRVJLs5e48Mm-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EgLbTUthVKBRVJLs5e48Mm-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EgLbTUthVKBRVJLs5e48Mm-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EgLbTUthVKBRVJLs5e48Mm-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EgLbTUthVKBRVJLs5e48Mm-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-04106006-9ff7-11f1-874b-f9bbe181ddb0\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;We just walked over from the village to see the race,&#8221; Marie and Pierre, a couple in their fifties, told <em>Cyclingnews<\/em>, as they looked out at the rain and hail lashing down on the Font Romeu ski station, a small collection of buildings on a mountainside more than five kilometres from the nearest village. &#8220;It seemed like a great opportunity as we were here on holiday. Nobody could have expected this to happen. It&#8217;s just real bad luck; who could have expected this sort of weather?&#8221;<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-DmLNtr6MZweRqoDURqyXkU\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-DmLNtr6MZweRqoDURqyXkU slice-container-newsletterForm\">\n<div data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"newsletter-form__wrapper newsletter-form__wrapper--inbodyContent\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__container\">\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__top-bar\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__header\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__main-section\">\n<p class=\"newsletter-form__strapline\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<footer class=\"newsletter-form__footer \">By submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.<\/footer>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Some 15 kilometres down the course, similar kinds of scenes were playing out on the race route. One previous major rainstorm had already abruptly caused a host of umbrellas to sprout amongst the several hundred people at the finish &#8211; but that hadn&#8217;t affected the riders at all.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">But the second rainstorm, just when Mats Wenzel (Kern Pharma) had attacked, then Lorenzo Fortunato (XDS-Astana) tried to bridge across, was another story altogether.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-0410606a-9ff7-11f1-acd7-3917a083a505\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XeRBCEAbRUfTrRd7qFKSYm-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XeRBCEAbRUfTrRd7qFKSYm-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XeRBCEAbRUfTrRd7qFKSYm-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XeRBCEAbRUfTrRd7qFKSYm-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XeRBCEAbRUfTrRd7qFKSYm-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XeRBCEAbRUfTrRd7qFKSYm-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Lorenzo Fortunato and Mats Wenzel shelter from the storm <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-041060c4-9ff7-11f1-9ed3-430da9613577\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">In the space of barely half an hour, conditions worsened dramatically, culminating with race leader Tadej Poga\u010dar (UAE Team Emirates-XRG) adopting the mantle of race patron and waving the entire peloton to a halt.<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            What to read next<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xQYSaYi5XCnzB7DrtTzwuE-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xQYSaYi5XCnzB7DrtTzwuE-150-80.png.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;If we had had older cars, the accident would not have happened&#8217; \u2013 Tour de France organiser defends Alpe d&#8217;Huez crowd control as UAE manager apologises for Rubio car incident<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hwq4f3gy8aQDoDq83JVD5U-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hwq4f3gy8aQDoDq83JVD5U-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Eight conclusions from the Tour de France \u2013 A new Poga\u010dar, Evenepoel&#8217;s next challenge and questions over racing in July<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cshuGoPwjDL8CALdp773uN-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cshuGoPwjDL8CALdp773uN-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Storms spark mudslides on controversial Tour de France stage route to Col de Sarenne near Alpe d&#8217;Huez<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">While riders crammed into a hotel, barely a quarter of an hour later, organisers decided that the race would be definitively halted, or as the official race communiqu\u00e9 said later: &#8220;The decision was taken due to a significant deterioration in weather conditions during the stage, including poor visibility, strong winds and icy road conditions. After consultation with the organisers, the President of the Commissaires Panel decided that the results of the intermediate sprint and the mountain sprint is cancelled.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The decision drew praise from Visma-Lease a Bike team management, who said, &#8220;It&#8217;s been a good call from the riders and organisation to step off the bikes. It&#8217;s the safest for everyone to cancel the race because the weather conditions were simply too dangerous to continue.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">While nobody could really disagree with that, perhaps the most unsettling thing of all was the speed with which the weather had changed. It was true that storms had been forecast for the afternoon. But although the temperatures were a little lower at the start and it was noticeably colder in the mountains than on the coast, such an abrupt and dramatic worsening in weather conditions could hardly have been predicted.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-04106128-9ff7-11f1-ae01-67506ccf9069\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nRB8iV6iw8gAzPP7yrZRQm-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nRB8iV6iw8gAzPP7yrZRQm-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nRB8iV6iw8gAzPP7yrZRQm-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nRB8iV6iw8gAzPP7yrZRQm-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nRB8iV6iw8gAzPP7yrZRQm-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nRB8iV6iw8gAzPP7yrZRQm-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Matthew Riccitello tries to shield himself from the hail <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-0410618c-9ff7-11f1-a684-a9e5b1c71e85\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;The weather here often changes very fast in the second half of August,&#8221; three local residents, given a lift down the rain-soaked mountain by Cyclingnews long after the stage had finished, pointed out, &#8220;But on this level was something nobody could have foreseen&#8221; &#8211; certainly not to the point where a race needed to be cancelled in the middle of summer.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">It shouldn&#8217;t be forgotten that back in 2013, the Vuelta&#8217;s stage 14 began in 30 degrees and warm sunshine on the coast, but by the time it reached Andorra, temperatures had plummeted to just five degrees as hail and freezing rain battered the race. That day, 16 riders abandoned, some, like Haimar Zubeldia and Luis Le\u00f3n Sanchez, because of hypothermia.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">It&#8217;s not the first time Tadej Pogacar has acted as patron and done what he could to stop a race because of bad weather: He took on a similar role in the Tre Valli Varesine back in 2024 when there was a huge rainstorm, and the event was suspended some 100 kilometres from the finish.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">However, the switch in weather conditions on stage 3 of the Vuelta was far more serious than anticipated. Certainly not by any of the bedraggled spectators crammed in the Vuelta press room, and watching as a long line of team buses ground through the finish, heading to pick up the riders and take them to their hotels in Andorra, a good 90-minute drive away.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Given the good weather earlier in the day, some fans like Pierre and Marie had walked up the five kilometres from the village of Font Romeu to the ski station above where the finish took place, while others had used the ski lift, running free of charge for the bike race. But lightning hit the lift and became unusable almost as soon as the rain began, forcing the local authorities to later send up buses to try and rescue the stranded spectators.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">These, however, took a long time to arrive as the torrential rain, clean-up operations and removal of the race infrastructure all combined to produce some small but very complex traffic jams around the finish area, long after the riders were in their buses and as the hail had morphed back into rain.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-041061f0-9ff7-11f1-b5b5-a753acade14e\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RV3UjKNP65PVCNKdRzxMAj-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RV3UjKNP65PVCNKdRzxMAj-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RV3UjKNP65PVCNKdRzxMAj-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RV3UjKNP65PVCNKdRzxMAj-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RV3UjKNP65PVCNKdRzxMAj-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RV3UjKNP65PVCNKdRzxMAj-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-0410624a-9ff7-11f1-bec1-45c871b3c6e4\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Yet little else could really have been done. &#8220;We have seen hail like this in the past,&#8221; the mayor, Alain Luneau, told reporters including <em>Cyclingnews<\/em>. &#8220;It&#8217;s really a complicated situation for everybody, but definitely it was best to stop the race. It was the only choice possible given the circumstances. We talked it through with the organisers.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;This is stage 3 of the race; riders could have been injured. That would not have been at all good. So this is the best choice to take.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;But I do think the race will come back and we will have another stage here one day.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Meanwhile, the weather itself is supposed to return to a much more normal 20 degrees and sunshine on Tuesday, with no rain forecast for the high-altitude mountain stage in Andorra. And many of the fans, including Pierre and Marie, have promised they will head there &#8211; and hopefully, this time, the weather won&#8217;t take such a dramatic turn for the worse.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><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<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-DmLNtr6MZweRqoDURqyXkU\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-DmLNtr6MZweRqoDURqyXkU slice-container-authorBio\">\n<div class=\"author author__default-layout author--separator author--collapsible\" data-hydrate=\"true\">\n<div class=\"author__header\">\n<div class=\"author__avatar-block\">\n<figure class=\"image-wrapped__wrapper\" data-bordeaux-image-check=\"false\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__widthsetter\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__aspect-padding\">\n<div><source class=\"author__avatar image-wrapped__image image__image\" type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5QLhaPay9asJvmaNsCjFVZ-140-80.jpg.webp 140w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5QLhaPay9asJvmaNsCjFVZ.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5QLhaPay9asJvmaNsCjFVZ.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5QLhaPay9asJvmaNsCjFVZ.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__heading\">\n<div class=\"author__name\">Alasdair Fotheringham<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__social\">\n<nav class=\"button-social-group author__social-buttons\" aria-labelledby=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">\n<div id=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">Social Links Navigation<\/div>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>Alasdair Fotheringham has been reporting on cycling since 1991. He has covered every Tour de France since 1992 bar one, as well as numerous other bike races of all shapes and sizes, ranging from the Olympic Games in 2008 to the now sadly defunct Subida a Urkiola hill climb in Spain. As well as working for <em>Cyclingnews<\/em>, he has also written for <em>The Independent<\/em>,\u00a0 <em>The Guardian<\/em>,\u00a0 <em>ProCycling<\/em>, <em>The Express<\/em> and <em>Reuters<\/em>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<div class=\"relative max-w-[1070px] viafoura-twig-component mt-6 mx-4 lg:mx-0\" 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=\"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<section class=\"mx-2 my-5 sm:mx-0\">\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-adviser:hybrid\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Read more<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gb83HzBMqhypFmjmZNAvnQ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gb83HzBMqhypFmjmZNAvnQ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gb83HzBMqhypFmjmZNAvnQ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gb83HzBMqhypFmjmZNAvnQ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gb83HzBMqhypFmjmZNAvnQ-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Tadej Poga\u010dar pulls over peloton as hail storm cancels finale of Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a stage 3<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qeUP3Jwa4YCvLkCpjvgbEa-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qeUP3Jwa4YCvLkCpjvgbEa-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qeUP3Jwa4YCvLkCpjvgbEa-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qeUP3Jwa4YCvLkCpjvgbEa-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qeUP3Jwa4YCvLkCpjvgbEa-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">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<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2YFiENWeo62WR9ixcZRWZS-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2YFiENWeo62WR9ixcZRWZS-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2YFiENWeo62WR9ixcZRWZS-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2YFiENWeo62WR9ixcZRWZS-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2YFiENWeo62WR9ixcZRWZS-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">As it happened: Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a stage 3 comes to a premature end<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xQYSaYi5XCnzB7DrtTzwuE-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xQYSaYi5XCnzB7DrtTzwuE-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xQYSaYi5XCnzB7DrtTzwuE-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xQYSaYi5XCnzB7DrtTzwuE-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xQYSaYi5XCnzB7DrtTzwuE-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;If we had had older cars, the accident would not have happened&#8217; \u2013 Tour de France organiser defends Alpe d&#8217;Huez crowd control as UAE manager apologises for Rubio car incident<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hwq4f3gy8aQDoDq83JVD5U-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hwq4f3gy8aQDoDq83JVD5U-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hwq4f3gy8aQDoDq83JVD5U-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hwq4f3gy8aQDoDq83JVD5U-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hwq4f3gy8aQDoDq83JVD5U-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Eight conclusions from the Tour de France \u2013 A new Poga\u010dar, Evenepoel&#8217;s next challenge and questions over racing in July<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cshuGoPwjDL8CALdp773uN-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cshuGoPwjDL8CALdp773uN-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cshuGoPwjDL8CALdp773uN-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cshuGoPwjDL8CALdp773uN-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cshuGoPwjDL8CALdp773uN-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Storms spark mudslides on controversial Tour de France stage route to Col de Sarenne near Alpe d&#8217;Huez<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-category\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Racing<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bTmsvr8367GggSQUKRr8wF-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bTmsvr8367GggSQUKRr8wF-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bTmsvr8367GggSQUKRr8wF-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bTmsvr8367GggSQUKRr8wF-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bTmsvr8367GggSQUKRr8wF-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Hayley Preen and Alex Miller claim UCI Gravel World Series wins and African titles at Khomas100 for second year<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PAzoFkYa8jJSKtzef7YjQc-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PAzoFkYa8jJSKtzef7YjQc-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PAzoFkYa8jJSKtzef7YjQc-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PAzoFkYa8jJSKtzef7YjQc-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PAzoFkYa8jJSKtzef7YjQc-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Toki Sawada and Shu Wei Hsu claim first UCI Gravel World Series race in Japan<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/symqxGqKmbs3YEYHTQ3S2j-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/symqxGqKmbs3YEYHTQ3S2j-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/symqxGqKmbs3YEYHTQ3S2j-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/symqxGqKmbs3YEYHTQ3S2j-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/symqxGqKmbs3YEYHTQ3S2j-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I just love to race, and I love it if the race is hard&#8217; \u2013 Fleur Moors continues breakthrough season at Tour of Britain Women with her eyes on Montreal Worlds<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gb83HzBMqhypFmjmZNAvnQ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gb83HzBMqhypFmjmZNAvnQ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gb83HzBMqhypFmjmZNAvnQ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gb83HzBMqhypFmjmZNAvnQ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gb83HzBMqhypFmjmZNAvnQ-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Tadej Poga\u010dar pulls over peloton as hail storm cancels finale of Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a stage 3<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CVjibzGwjF7ZSVLRodUHS8-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CVjibzGwjF7ZSVLRodUHS8-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CVjibzGwjF7ZSVLRodUHS8-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CVjibzGwjF7ZSVLRodUHS8-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CVjibzGwjF7ZSVLRodUHS8-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a places restrictions on its own content creator amid backlash over interactions with Tadej Poga\u010dar and others<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zjHmUwnskFuJeTYbEF8aYC-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zjHmUwnskFuJeTYbEF8aYC-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zjHmUwnskFuJeTYbEF8aYC-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zjHmUwnskFuJeTYbEF8aYC-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zjHmUwnskFuJeTYbEF8aYC-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">La Vuelta, Canada, or elsewhere \u2013 Where are the men&#8217;s stars riding in preparation for the Road World Championships?<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-articletype\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in News<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/symqxGqKmbs3YEYHTQ3S2j-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/symqxGqKmbs3YEYHTQ3S2j-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/symqxGqKmbs3YEYHTQ3S2j-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/symqxGqKmbs3YEYHTQ3S2j-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/symqxGqKmbs3YEYHTQ3S2j-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I just love to race, and I love it if the race is hard&#8217; \u2013 Fleur Moors continues breakthrough season at Tour of Britain Women with her eyes on Montreal Worlds<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gb83HzBMqhypFmjmZNAvnQ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gb83HzBMqhypFmjmZNAvnQ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gb83HzBMqhypFmjmZNAvnQ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gb83HzBMqhypFmjmZNAvnQ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gb83HzBMqhypFmjmZNAvnQ-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Tadej Poga\u010dar pulls over peloton as hail storm cancels finale of Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a stage 3<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CVjibzGwjF7ZSVLRodUHS8-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CVjibzGwjF7ZSVLRodUHS8-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CVjibzGwjF7ZSVLRodUHS8-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CVjibzGwjF7ZSVLRodUHS8-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CVjibzGwjF7ZSVLRodUHS8-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a places restrictions on its own content creator amid backlash over interactions with Tadej Poga\u010dar and others<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Jcx4DmRbtwuarKMQDogAWN-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Jcx4DmRbtwuarKMQDogAWN-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Jcx4DmRbtwuarKMQDogAWN-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Jcx4DmRbtwuarKMQDogAWN-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Jcx4DmRbtwuarKMQDogAWN-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Transfers<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Kasper Asgreen signs for NSN Cycling<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xwfHZ2na3reEhMq7K4eAiK-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xwfHZ2na3reEhMq7K4eAiK-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xwfHZ2na3reEhMq7K4eAiK-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xwfHZ2na3reEhMq7K4eAiK-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xwfHZ2na3reEhMq7K4eAiK-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I will need a bit of luck&#8217; \u2013 Mathieu van der Poel delivers strong mountain bike return at Les Gets but keeps a lid on World Championships expectations<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/22JBgTg7wtvab74qNtGFzS-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/22JBgTg7wtvab74qNtGFzS-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/22JBgTg7wtvab74qNtGFzS-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/22JBgTg7wtvab74qNtGFzS-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/22JBgTg7wtvab74qNtGFzS-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">A fighting return for Sammie Maxwell at Mountain Bike World Series round in Les Gets<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/section>\n<\/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=\"dynamic\" id=\"popular-data\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-dynamic widget-popular-data widget-dynamic-popular-data widget-dynamic-fter-popular-box\">\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<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bTmsvr8367GggSQUKRr8wF-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bTmsvr8367GggSQUKRr8wF-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bTmsvr8367GggSQUKRr8wF-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bTmsvr8367GggSQUKRr8wF-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"99vw\" \/><\/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>Hayley Preen and Alex Miller claim UCI Gravel World Series wins and African titles at Khomas100 for second year<\/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>Toki Sawada and Shu Wei Hsu claim first UCI Gravel World Series race in Japan<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">3<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>&#8216;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\">4<\/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\">5<\/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<\/ol>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"page-content-onecol flex-1\nnews-article 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 widget-hero widget-hero-fter-news\">\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\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<h1>&#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<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\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>News<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-auto vds-simple-byline\"><span class=\"inline-block vds-author\"><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nAlasdair Fotheringham <\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex gap-1 vds-byline-with-avatar__meta\"><span class=\"vds-date block font-normal tracking-normal normal-case text-xs\"><br \/>\nPublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-08-24T20:04:29Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n24 August 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Freezing rain and hail saw fans take over the media centre and riders seeking refuge in a hotel<\/p>\n<\/div>\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<\/header>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-widget-type=\"contentparsed\" id=\"content\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-contentparsed widget-content widget-contentparsed-content widget-content-parsed widget-content-parsed-content_document \">\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<section class=\"content-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"box less-space hero-image-wrapper\">\n<figure class=\"mb-0\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/64jEDv2zsiXbVsk8MB3GH5-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/64jEDv2zsiXbVsk8MB3GH5-1600-80.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/64jEDv2zsiXbVsk8MB3GH5-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/64jEDv2zsiXbVsk8MB3GH5-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/64jEDv2zsiXbVsk8MB3GH5-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/64jEDv2zsiXbVsk8MB3GH5-750-80.jpg.webp 750w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/64jEDv2zsiXbVsk8MB3GH5-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/64jEDv2zsiXbVsk8MB3GH5-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/64jEDv2zsiXbVsk8MB3GH5-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 600px, 100vw\" \/><figcaption class=\"font-article-copy text-(--image--text--color) font-article-copy mt-2\"><span class=\"caption-text font-article-copy\">Spectators take cover near the finish line of stage 3 following the cancellation of the stage due to a hailstorm<\/span><span class=\"credit font-article-copy\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\"text-copy bodyCopy auto paywall-locker\">\n<div data-analytics-id=\"utility-bar\" id=\"utility-bar\" class=\"font-ui-heading flex justify-between items-center py-2 border-t border-b border-gray-300 border-solid mb-5 mx-auto\" data-component-name=\"UtilityBar\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"utility-bar\">\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div data-component-name=\"Social:Dropdown\" role=\"menu\" id=\"utilitybar__dropdown--share\" aria-labelledby=\"utilitybar__button--share\" class=\"absolute left-0 top-full w-44 bg-white rounded-md shadow-md border border-neutral-200 z-[9996] list-none m-0 py-2 px-3 border-solid\">\n<ul class=\"m-0!\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Facebook<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>X<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Pinterest<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Email<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-share-this-article\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nShare this article\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\"><span class=\"ml-1 inline-flex h-5 px-2 shrink-0 items-center justify-center self-center overflow-hidden whitespace-nowrap rounded-[10px] bg-primary-500 text-[11px] leading-none font-ui-heading font-semibold text-white\">1<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-join-the-conversation\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nJoin the conversation\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<p>Follow us<\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-add-us-as-a-preferred-source-on-google\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nAdd us as a preferred source on Google\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-subscribe-to-our-newsletter\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nSubscribe to our newsletter\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-9652a148-9ff4-11f1-a0fd-974c26116456\">&#8220;We wanted to come here to see the race, but there was nothing to be done.&#8221; In these few words, Marie and Pierre, two of the dozens of spectators suddenly crammed into the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a press room seeking refuge from a spectacularly intense rain and hailstorm, summed up theirs &#8211; and everybody else&#8217;s &#8211; predicament.<\/p>\n<p>It was clear that, under these circumstances and with the Vuelta&#8217;s stage 3 cancelled due to the weather, larger questions like rider and spectator safety and wellbeing had abruptly become much more important than &#8216;just&#8217; a bike race.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-9652a148-9ff4-11f1-a0fd-974c26116456-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">As the two French fans spoke to <em>Cyclingnews<\/em>, fans, journalists and race organisers, many in streaming wet clothes, tried to take stock of a room suddenly jammed to overflowing with people trying to regain their bearings and, above all, stay out of the worst of the weather. On some press tables, race photographers battled to clean and dry their equipment after it had been soaked by the downpour.<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-6 w-full overflow-hidden rounded-[10px] lg:my-8\" data-component-name=\"JwPlayer:Carousel\" data-jwp-carousel data-jwp-carousel-payload=\"{&quot;ids&quot;:{&quot;playerID&quot;:&quot;jYDCcabO&quot;,&quot;searchPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;gwjdoYHD&quot;,&quot;divID&quot;:&quot;botr_gwjdoYHD_jYDCcabO_div&quot;,&quot;fallbackPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;gwjdoYHD&quot;,&quot;fallbackDivID&quot;:&quot;botr_gwjdoYHD_jYDCcabO_div&quot;,&quot;key&quot;:&quot;X9\/mXVGac0NphghLH9hZaqWA5d3dhAM\/Ih07grnEyMLjuO2E&quot;,&quot;tintLogo&quot;:true,&quot;useSearchPlaylist&quot;:false,&quot;enabled&quot;:true},&quot;signPostingEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;signPostingLinkEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;waitForAdLoad&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnDesktop&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnMobile&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnTablet&quot;:false}\">\n<div class=\"flex flex-nowrap items-center justify-between gap-3 bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-header>\n<div class=\"flex min-w-0 shrink items-center\"><span class=\"inline-flex items-center gap-1.5 text-sm font-article-heading capitalize leading-5 text-white whitespace-nowrap\"><span class=\"jwp-carousel-title-desktop\">Latest Videos From<\/span><span class=\"jwp-carousel-brand\">Cyclingnews<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"min-h-[44px] bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting><a class=\"invisible block truncate text-sm font-bold leading-5 text-white underline decoration-solid underline-offset-2\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting-link href target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span data-jwp-carousel-signposting-title>Watch full video here: <\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Next to them, race staff exchanged hurried phone calls and tried to find out what steps the Vuelta would take in weather conditions so severe it had caused an entire Grand Tour to grind to a halt.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">In another corner of the overflowing room, the mayor of Font Romeu, Alain Luneau, held a series of impromptu interviews with journalists, explaining what the local authorities could do and had done.<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            You may like<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gb83HzBMqhypFmjmZNAvnQ-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gb83HzBMqhypFmjmZNAvnQ-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Tadej Poga\u010dar pulls over peloton as hail storm cancels finale of Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a stage 3<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qeUP3Jwa4YCvLkCpjvgbEa-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qeUP3Jwa4YCvLkCpjvgbEa-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">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<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2YFiENWeo62WR9ixcZRWZS-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2YFiENWeo62WR9ixcZRWZS-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">As it happened: Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a stage 3 comes to a premature end<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Outside, what was intended to be the finishing straight of stage 3, the massive hailstorm briefly turned the ground completely white, the skies darkened notably, and parts of the race infrastructure swayed dramatically in the gusting high winds.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-04105f98-9ff7-11f1-974a-a74e360c1bca\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EgLbTUthVKBRVJLs5e48Mm-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EgLbTUthVKBRVJLs5e48Mm-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EgLbTUthVKBRVJLs5e48Mm-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EgLbTUthVKBRVJLs5e48Mm-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EgLbTUthVKBRVJLs5e48Mm-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EgLbTUthVKBRVJLs5e48Mm-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-04106006-9ff7-11f1-874b-f9bbe181ddb0\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;We just walked over from the village to see the race,&#8221; Marie and Pierre, a couple in their fifties, told <em>Cyclingnews<\/em>, as they looked out at the rain and hail lashing down on the Font Romeu ski station, a small collection of buildings on a mountainside more than five kilometres from the nearest village. &#8220;It seemed like a great opportunity as we were here on holiday. Nobody could have expected this to happen. It&#8217;s just real bad luck; who could have expected this sort of weather?&#8221;<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-DmLNtr6MZweRqoDURqyXkU\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-DmLNtr6MZweRqoDURqyXkU slice-container-newsletterForm\">\n<div data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"newsletter-form__wrapper newsletter-form__wrapper--inbodyContent\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__container\">\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__top-bar\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__header\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__main-section\">\n<p class=\"newsletter-form__strapline\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<footer class=\"newsletter-form__footer \">By submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.<\/footer>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Some 15 kilometres down the course, similar kinds of scenes were playing out on the race route. One previous major rainstorm had already abruptly caused a host of umbrellas to sprout amongst the several hundred people at the finish &#8211; but that hadn&#8217;t affected the riders at all.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">But the second rainstorm, just when Mats Wenzel (Kern Pharma) had attacked, then Lorenzo Fortunato (XDS-Astana) tried to bridge across, was another story altogether.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-0410606a-9ff7-11f1-acd7-3917a083a505\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XeRBCEAbRUfTrRd7qFKSYm-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XeRBCEAbRUfTrRd7qFKSYm-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XeRBCEAbRUfTrRd7qFKSYm-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XeRBCEAbRUfTrRd7qFKSYm-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XeRBCEAbRUfTrRd7qFKSYm-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XeRBCEAbRUfTrRd7qFKSYm-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Lorenzo Fortunato and Mats Wenzel shelter from the storm <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-041060c4-9ff7-11f1-9ed3-430da9613577\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">In the space of barely half an hour, conditions worsened dramatically, culminating with race leader Tadej Poga\u010dar (UAE Team Emirates-XRG) adopting the mantle of race patron and waving the entire peloton to a halt.<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            What to read next<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xQYSaYi5XCnzB7DrtTzwuE-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xQYSaYi5XCnzB7DrtTzwuE-150-80.png.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;If we had had older cars, the accident would not have happened&#8217; \u2013 Tour de France organiser defends Alpe d&#8217;Huez crowd control as UAE manager apologises for Rubio car incident<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hwq4f3gy8aQDoDq83JVD5U-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hwq4f3gy8aQDoDq83JVD5U-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Eight conclusions from the Tour de France \u2013 A new Poga\u010dar, Evenepoel&#8217;s next challenge and questions over racing in July<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cshuGoPwjDL8CALdp773uN-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cshuGoPwjDL8CALdp773uN-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Storms spark mudslides on controversial Tour de France stage route to Col de Sarenne near Alpe d&#8217;Huez<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">While riders crammed into a hotel, barely a quarter of an hour later, organisers decided that the race would be definitively halted, or as the official race communiqu\u00e9 said later: &#8220;The decision was taken due to a significant deterioration in weather conditions during the stage, including poor visibility, strong winds and icy road conditions. After consultation with the organisers, the President of the Commissaires Panel decided that the results of the intermediate sprint and the mountain sprint is cancelled.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The decision drew praise from Visma-Lease a Bike team management, who said, &#8220;It&#8217;s been a good call from the riders and organisation to step off the bikes. It&#8217;s the safest for everyone to cancel the race because the weather conditions were simply too dangerous to continue.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">While nobody could really disagree with that, perhaps the most unsettling thing of all was the speed with which the weather had changed. It was true that storms had been forecast for the afternoon. But although the temperatures were a little lower at the start and it was noticeably colder in the mountains than on the coast, such an abrupt and dramatic worsening in weather conditions could hardly have been predicted.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-04106128-9ff7-11f1-ae01-67506ccf9069\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nRB8iV6iw8gAzPP7yrZRQm-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nRB8iV6iw8gAzPP7yrZRQm-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nRB8iV6iw8gAzPP7yrZRQm-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nRB8iV6iw8gAzPP7yrZRQm-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nRB8iV6iw8gAzPP7yrZRQm-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nRB8iV6iw8gAzPP7yrZRQm-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Matthew Riccitello tries to shield himself from the hail <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-0410618c-9ff7-11f1-a684-a9e5b1c71e85\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;The weather here often changes very fast in the second half of August,&#8221; three local residents, given a lift down the rain-soaked mountain by Cyclingnews long after the stage had finished, pointed out, &#8220;But on this level was something nobody could have foreseen&#8221; &#8211; certainly not to the point where a race needed to be cancelled in the middle of summer.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">It shouldn&#8217;t be forgotten that back in 2013, the Vuelta&#8217;s stage 14 began in 30 degrees and warm sunshine on the coast, but by the time it reached Andorra, temperatures had plummeted to just five degrees as hail and freezing rain battered the race. That day, 16 riders abandoned, some, like Haimar Zubeldia and Luis Le\u00f3n Sanchez, because of hypothermia.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">It&#8217;s not the first time Tadej Pogacar has acted as patron and done what he could to stop a race because of bad weather: He took on a similar role in the Tre Valli Varesine back in 2024 when there was a huge rainstorm, and the event was suspended some 100 kilometres from the finish.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">However, the switch in weather conditions on stage 3 of the Vuelta was far more serious than anticipated. Certainly not by any of the bedraggled spectators crammed in the Vuelta press room, and watching as a long line of team buses ground through the finish, heading to pick up the riders and take them to their hotels in Andorra, a good 90-minute drive away.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Given the good weather earlier in the day, some fans like Pierre and Marie had walked up the five kilometres from the village of Font Romeu to the ski station above where the finish took place, while others had used the ski lift, running free of charge for the bike race. But lightning hit the lift and became unusable almost as soon as the rain began, forcing the local authorities to later send up buses to try and rescue the stranded spectators.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">These, however, took a long time to arrive as the torrential rain, clean-up operations and removal of the race infrastructure all combined to produce some small but very complex traffic jams around the finish area, long after the riders were in their buses and as the hail had morphed back into rain.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-041061f0-9ff7-11f1-b5b5-a753acade14e\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RV3UjKNP65PVCNKdRzxMAj-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RV3UjKNP65PVCNKdRzxMAj-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RV3UjKNP65PVCNKdRzxMAj-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RV3UjKNP65PVCNKdRzxMAj-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RV3UjKNP65PVCNKdRzxMAj-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RV3UjKNP65PVCNKdRzxMAj-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-0410624a-9ff7-11f1-bec1-45c871b3c6e4\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Yet little else could really have been done. &#8220;We have seen hail like this in the past,&#8221; the mayor, Alain Luneau, told reporters including <em>Cyclingnews<\/em>. &#8220;It&#8217;s really a complicated situation for everybody, but definitely it was best to stop the race. It was the only choice possible given the circumstances. We talked it through with the organisers.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;This is stage 3 of the race; riders could have been injured. That would not have been at all good. So this is the best choice to take.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;But I do think the race will come back and we will have another stage here one day.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Meanwhile, the weather itself is supposed to return to a much more normal 20 degrees and sunshine on Tuesday, with no rain forecast for the high-altitude mountain stage in Andorra. And many of the fans, including Pierre and Marie, have promised they will head there &#8211; and hopefully, this time, the weather won&#8217;t take such a dramatic turn for the worse.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><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<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-DmLNtr6MZweRqoDURqyXkU\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-DmLNtr6MZweRqoDURqyXkU slice-container-authorBio\">\n<div class=\"author author__default-layout author--separator author--collapsible\" data-hydrate=\"true\">\n<div class=\"author__header\">\n<div class=\"author__avatar-block\">\n<figure class=\"image-wrapped__wrapper\" data-bordeaux-image-check=\"false\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__widthsetter\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__aspect-padding\">\n<div><source class=\"author__avatar image-wrapped__image image__image\" type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5QLhaPay9asJvmaNsCjFVZ-140-80.jpg.webp 140w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5QLhaPay9asJvmaNsCjFVZ.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5QLhaPay9asJvmaNsCjFVZ.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5QLhaPay9asJvmaNsCjFVZ.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__heading\">\n<div class=\"author__name\">Alasdair Fotheringham<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__social\">\n<nav class=\"button-social-group author__social-buttons\" aria-labelledby=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">\n<div id=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">Social Links Navigation<\/div>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>Alasdair Fotheringham has been reporting on cycling since 1991. He has covered every Tour de France since 1992 bar one, as well as numerous other bike races of all shapes and sizes, ranging from the Olympic Games in 2008 to the now sadly defunct Subida a Urkiola hill climb in Spain. As well as working for <em>Cyclingnews<\/em>, he has also written for <em>The Independent<\/em>,\u00a0 <em>The Guardian<\/em>,\u00a0 <em>ProCycling<\/em>, <em>The Express<\/em> and <em>Reuters<\/em>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<div class=\"relative max-w-[1070px] viafoura-twig-component mt-6 mx-4 lg:mx-0\" 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=\"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<section class=\"mx-2 my-5 sm:mx-0\">\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-adviser:hybrid\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Read more<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gb83HzBMqhypFmjmZNAvnQ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gb83HzBMqhypFmjmZNAvnQ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gb83HzBMqhypFmjmZNAvnQ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gb83HzBMqhypFmjmZNAvnQ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gb83HzBMqhypFmjmZNAvnQ-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Tadej Poga\u010dar pulls over peloton as hail storm cancels finale of Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a stage 3<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qeUP3Jwa4YCvLkCpjvgbEa-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qeUP3Jwa4YCvLkCpjvgbEa-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qeUP3Jwa4YCvLkCpjvgbEa-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qeUP3Jwa4YCvLkCpjvgbEa-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qeUP3Jwa4YCvLkCpjvgbEa-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">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<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2YFiENWeo62WR9ixcZRWZS-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2YFiENWeo62WR9ixcZRWZS-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2YFiENWeo62WR9ixcZRWZS-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2YFiENWeo62WR9ixcZRWZS-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2YFiENWeo62WR9ixcZRWZS-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">As it happened: Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a stage 3 comes to a premature end<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xQYSaYi5XCnzB7DrtTzwuE-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xQYSaYi5XCnzB7DrtTzwuE-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xQYSaYi5XCnzB7DrtTzwuE-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xQYSaYi5XCnzB7DrtTzwuE-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xQYSaYi5XCnzB7DrtTzwuE-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;If we had had older cars, the accident would not have happened&#8217; \u2013 Tour de France organiser defends Alpe d&#8217;Huez crowd control as UAE manager apologises for Rubio car incident<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hwq4f3gy8aQDoDq83JVD5U-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hwq4f3gy8aQDoDq83JVD5U-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hwq4f3gy8aQDoDq83JVD5U-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hwq4f3gy8aQDoDq83JVD5U-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hwq4f3gy8aQDoDq83JVD5U-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Eight conclusions from the Tour de France \u2013 A new Poga\u010dar, Evenepoel&#8217;s next challenge and questions over racing in July<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cshuGoPwjDL8CALdp773uN-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cshuGoPwjDL8CALdp773uN-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cshuGoPwjDL8CALdp773uN-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cshuGoPwjDL8CALdp773uN-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cshuGoPwjDL8CALdp773uN-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Storms spark mudslides on controversial Tour de France stage route to Col de Sarenne near Alpe d&#8217;Huez<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-category\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Racing<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bTmsvr8367GggSQUKRr8wF-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bTmsvr8367GggSQUKRr8wF-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bTmsvr8367GggSQUKRr8wF-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bTmsvr8367GggSQUKRr8wF-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bTmsvr8367GggSQUKRr8wF-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Hayley Preen and Alex Miller claim UCI Gravel World Series wins and African titles at Khomas100 for second year<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PAzoFkYa8jJSKtzef7YjQc-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PAzoFkYa8jJSKtzef7YjQc-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PAzoFkYa8jJSKtzef7YjQc-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PAzoFkYa8jJSKtzef7YjQc-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PAzoFkYa8jJSKtzef7YjQc-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Toki Sawada and Shu Wei Hsu claim first UCI Gravel World Series race in Japan<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/symqxGqKmbs3YEYHTQ3S2j-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/symqxGqKmbs3YEYHTQ3S2j-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/symqxGqKmbs3YEYHTQ3S2j-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/symqxGqKmbs3YEYHTQ3S2j-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/symqxGqKmbs3YEYHTQ3S2j-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I just love to race, and I love it if the race is hard&#8217; \u2013 Fleur Moors continues breakthrough season at Tour of Britain Women with her eyes on Montreal Worlds<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gb83HzBMqhypFmjmZNAvnQ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gb83HzBMqhypFmjmZNAvnQ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gb83HzBMqhypFmjmZNAvnQ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gb83HzBMqhypFmjmZNAvnQ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gb83HzBMqhypFmjmZNAvnQ-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Tadej Poga\u010dar pulls over peloton as hail storm cancels finale of Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a stage 3<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CVjibzGwjF7ZSVLRodUHS8-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CVjibzGwjF7ZSVLRodUHS8-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CVjibzGwjF7ZSVLRodUHS8-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CVjibzGwjF7ZSVLRodUHS8-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CVjibzGwjF7ZSVLRodUHS8-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a places restrictions on its own content creator amid backlash over interactions with Tadej Poga\u010dar and others<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zjHmUwnskFuJeTYbEF8aYC-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zjHmUwnskFuJeTYbEF8aYC-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zjHmUwnskFuJeTYbEF8aYC-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zjHmUwnskFuJeTYbEF8aYC-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zjHmUwnskFuJeTYbEF8aYC-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">La Vuelta, Canada, or elsewhere \u2013 Where are the men&#8217;s stars riding in preparation for the Road World Championships?<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-articletype\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in News<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/symqxGqKmbs3YEYHTQ3S2j-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/symqxGqKmbs3YEYHTQ3S2j-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/symqxGqKmbs3YEYHTQ3S2j-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/symqxGqKmbs3YEYHTQ3S2j-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/symqxGqKmbs3YEYHTQ3S2j-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I just love to race, and I love it if the race is hard&#8217; \u2013 Fleur Moors continues breakthrough season at Tour of Britain Women with her eyes on Montreal Worlds<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gb83HzBMqhypFmjmZNAvnQ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gb83HzBMqhypFmjmZNAvnQ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gb83HzBMqhypFmjmZNAvnQ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gb83HzBMqhypFmjmZNAvnQ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gb83HzBMqhypFmjmZNAvnQ-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Tadej Poga\u010dar pulls over peloton as hail storm cancels finale of Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a stage 3<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CVjibzGwjF7ZSVLRodUHS8-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CVjibzGwjF7ZSVLRodUHS8-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CVjibzGwjF7ZSVLRodUHS8-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CVjibzGwjF7ZSVLRodUHS8-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CVjibzGwjF7ZSVLRodUHS8-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a places restrictions on its own content creator amid backlash over interactions with Tadej Poga\u010dar and others<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Jcx4DmRbtwuarKMQDogAWN-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Jcx4DmRbtwuarKMQDogAWN-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Jcx4DmRbtwuarKMQDogAWN-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Jcx4DmRbtwuarKMQDogAWN-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Jcx4DmRbtwuarKMQDogAWN-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Transfers<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Kasper Asgreen signs for NSN Cycling<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xwfHZ2na3reEhMq7K4eAiK-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xwfHZ2na3reEhMq7K4eAiK-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xwfHZ2na3reEhMq7K4eAiK-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xwfHZ2na3reEhMq7K4eAiK-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xwfHZ2na3reEhMq7K4eAiK-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I will need a bit of luck&#8217; \u2013 Mathieu van der Poel delivers strong mountain bike return at Les Gets but keeps a lid on World Championships expectations<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/22JBgTg7wtvab74qNtGFzS-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/22JBgTg7wtvab74qNtGFzS-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/22JBgTg7wtvab74qNtGFzS-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/22JBgTg7wtvab74qNtGFzS-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/22JBgTg7wtvab74qNtGFzS-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">A fighting return for Sammie Maxwell at Mountain Bike World Series round in Les Gets<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/section>\n<\/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=\"dynamic\" id=\"popular-data\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-dynamic widget-popular-data widget-dynamic-popular-data widget-dynamic-fter-popular-box\">\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 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class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">2<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>Toki Sawada and Shu Wei Hsu claim first UCI Gravel World Series race in Japan<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">3<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>&#8216;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\">4<\/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\">5<\/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<\/ol>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\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<h1>&#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<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\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>News<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-auto vds-simple-byline\"><span class=\"inline-block vds-author\"><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nAlasdair Fotheringham <\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex gap-1 vds-byline-with-avatar__meta\"><span class=\"vds-date block font-normal tracking-normal normal-case text-xs\"><br \/>\nPublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-08-24T20:04:29Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n24 August 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Freezing rain and hail saw fans take over the media centre and riders seeking refuge in a hotel<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"text-gray-700 flex items-center mx-0 my-5 p-0 justify-start text-left\" id=\"affiliate-disclaimer\" 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Here\u2019s how it works.\n<\/p>\n<\/aside>\n<\/header>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\"text-copy bodyCopy auto paywall-locker\">\n<div data-analytics-id=\"utility-bar\" id=\"utility-bar\" class=\"font-ui-heading flex justify-between items-center py-2 border-t border-b border-gray-300 border-solid mb-5 mx-auto\" data-component-name=\"UtilityBar\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"utility-bar\">\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div data-component-name=\"Social:Dropdown\" role=\"menu\" id=\"utilitybar__dropdown--share\" aria-labelledby=\"utilitybar__button--share\" class=\"absolute left-0 top-full w-44 bg-white rounded-md shadow-md border border-neutral-200 z-[9996] list-none m-0 py-2 px-3 border-solid\">\n<ul class=\"m-0!\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Facebook<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>X<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Pinterest<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Email<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-share-this-article\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nShare this article\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\"><span class=\"ml-1 inline-flex h-5 px-2 shrink-0 items-center justify-center self-center overflow-hidden whitespace-nowrap rounded-[10px] bg-primary-500 text-[11px] leading-none font-ui-heading font-semibold text-white\">1<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-join-the-conversation\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nJoin the conversation\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<p>Follow us<\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-add-us-as-a-preferred-source-on-google\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nAdd us as a preferred source on Google\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-subscribe-to-our-newsletter\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nSubscribe to our newsletter\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-9652a148-9ff4-11f1-a0fd-974c26116456\">&#8220;We wanted to come here to see the race, but there was nothing to be done.&#8221; In these few words, Marie and Pierre, two of the dozens of spectators suddenly crammed into the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a press room seeking refuge from a spectacularly intense rain and hailstorm, summed up theirs &#8211; and everybody else&#8217;s &#8211; predicament.<\/p>\n<p>It was clear that, under these circumstances and with the Vuelta&#8217;s stage 3 cancelled due to the weather, larger questions like rider and spectator safety and wellbeing had abruptly become much more important than &#8216;just&#8217; a bike race.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-9652a148-9ff4-11f1-a0fd-974c26116456-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">As the two French fans spoke to <em>Cyclingnews<\/em>, fans, journalists and race organisers, many in streaming wet clothes, tried to take stock of a room suddenly jammed to overflowing with people trying to regain their bearings and, above all, stay out of the worst of the weather. On some press tables, race photographers battled to clean and dry their equipment after it had been soaked by the downpour.<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-6 w-full overflow-hidden rounded-[10px] lg:my-8\" data-component-name=\"JwPlayer:Carousel\" data-jwp-carousel data-jwp-carousel-payload=\"{&quot;ids&quot;:{&quot;playerID&quot;:&quot;jYDCcabO&quot;,&quot;searchPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;gwjdoYHD&quot;,&quot;divID&quot;:&quot;botr_gwjdoYHD_jYDCcabO_div&quot;,&quot;fallbackPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;gwjdoYHD&quot;,&quot;fallbackDivID&quot;:&quot;botr_gwjdoYHD_jYDCcabO_div&quot;,&quot;key&quot;:&quot;X9\/mXVGac0NphghLH9hZaqWA5d3dhAM\/Ih07grnEyMLjuO2E&quot;,&quot;tintLogo&quot;:true,&quot;useSearchPlaylist&quot;:false,&quot;enabled&quot;:true},&quot;signPostingEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;signPostingLinkEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;waitForAdLoad&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnDesktop&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnMobile&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnTablet&quot;:false}\">\n<div class=\"flex flex-nowrap items-center justify-between gap-3 bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-header>\n<div class=\"flex min-w-0 shrink items-center\"><span class=\"inline-flex items-center gap-1.5 text-sm font-article-heading capitalize leading-5 text-white whitespace-nowrap\"><span class=\"jwp-carousel-title-desktop\">Latest Videos From<\/span><span class=\"jwp-carousel-brand\">Cyclingnews<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"min-h-[44px] bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting><a class=\"invisible block truncate text-sm font-bold leading-5 text-white underline decoration-solid underline-offset-2\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting-link href target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span data-jwp-carousel-signposting-title>Watch full video here: <\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Next to them, race staff exchanged hurried phone calls and tried to find out what steps the Vuelta would take in weather conditions so severe it had caused an entire Grand Tour to grind to a halt.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">In another corner of the overflowing room, the mayor of Font Romeu, Alain Luneau, held a series of impromptu interviews with journalists, explaining what the local authorities could do and had done.<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            You may like<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gb83HzBMqhypFmjmZNAvnQ-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gb83HzBMqhypFmjmZNAvnQ-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Tadej Poga\u010dar pulls over peloton as hail storm cancels finale of Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a stage 3<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qeUP3Jwa4YCvLkCpjvgbEa-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qeUP3Jwa4YCvLkCpjvgbEa-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">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<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2YFiENWeo62WR9ixcZRWZS-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2YFiENWeo62WR9ixcZRWZS-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">As it happened: Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a stage 3 comes to a premature end<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Outside, what was intended to be the finishing straight of stage 3, the massive hailstorm briefly turned the ground completely white, the skies darkened notably, and parts of the race infrastructure swayed dramatically in the gusting high winds.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-04105f98-9ff7-11f1-974a-a74e360c1bca\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EgLbTUthVKBRVJLs5e48Mm-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EgLbTUthVKBRVJLs5e48Mm-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EgLbTUthVKBRVJLs5e48Mm-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EgLbTUthVKBRVJLs5e48Mm-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EgLbTUthVKBRVJLs5e48Mm-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EgLbTUthVKBRVJLs5e48Mm-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-04106006-9ff7-11f1-874b-f9bbe181ddb0\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;We just walked over from the village to see the race,&#8221; Marie and Pierre, a couple in their fifties, told <em>Cyclingnews<\/em>, as they looked out at the rain and hail lashing down on the Font Romeu ski station, a small collection of buildings on a mountainside more than five kilometres from the nearest village. &#8220;It seemed like a great opportunity as we were here on holiday. Nobody could have expected this to happen. It&#8217;s just real bad luck; who could have expected this sort of weather?&#8221;<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-DmLNtr6MZweRqoDURqyXkU\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-DmLNtr6MZweRqoDURqyXkU slice-container-newsletterForm\">\n<div data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"newsletter-form__wrapper newsletter-form__wrapper--inbodyContent\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__container\">\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__top-bar\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__header\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__main-section\">\n<p class=\"newsletter-form__strapline\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<footer class=\"newsletter-form__footer \">By submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.<\/footer>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Some 15 kilometres down the course, similar kinds of scenes were playing out on the race route. One previous major rainstorm had already abruptly caused a host of umbrellas to sprout amongst the several hundred people at the finish &#8211; but that hadn&#8217;t affected the riders at all.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">But the second rainstorm, just when Mats Wenzel (Kern Pharma) had attacked, then Lorenzo Fortunato (XDS-Astana) tried to bridge across, was another story altogether.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-0410606a-9ff7-11f1-acd7-3917a083a505\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XeRBCEAbRUfTrRd7qFKSYm-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XeRBCEAbRUfTrRd7qFKSYm-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XeRBCEAbRUfTrRd7qFKSYm-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XeRBCEAbRUfTrRd7qFKSYm-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XeRBCEAbRUfTrRd7qFKSYm-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XeRBCEAbRUfTrRd7qFKSYm-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Lorenzo Fortunato and Mats Wenzel shelter from the storm <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-041060c4-9ff7-11f1-9ed3-430da9613577\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">In the space of barely half an hour, conditions worsened dramatically, culminating with race leader Tadej Poga\u010dar (UAE Team Emirates-XRG) adopting the mantle of race patron and waving the entire peloton to a halt.<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            What to read next<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xQYSaYi5XCnzB7DrtTzwuE-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xQYSaYi5XCnzB7DrtTzwuE-150-80.png.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;If we had had older cars, the accident would not have happened&#8217; \u2013 Tour de France organiser defends Alpe d&#8217;Huez crowd control as UAE manager apologises for Rubio car incident<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hwq4f3gy8aQDoDq83JVD5U-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hwq4f3gy8aQDoDq83JVD5U-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Eight conclusions from the Tour de France \u2013 A new Poga\u010dar, Evenepoel&#8217;s next challenge and questions over racing in July<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cshuGoPwjDL8CALdp773uN-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cshuGoPwjDL8CALdp773uN-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Storms spark mudslides on controversial Tour de France stage route to Col de Sarenne near Alpe d&#8217;Huez<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">While riders crammed into a hotel, barely a quarter of an hour later, organisers decided that the race would be definitively halted, or as the official race communiqu\u00e9 said later: &#8220;The decision was taken due to a significant deterioration in weather conditions during the stage, including poor visibility, strong winds and icy road conditions. After consultation with the organisers, the President of the Commissaires Panel decided that the results of the intermediate sprint and the mountain sprint is cancelled.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The decision drew praise from Visma-Lease a Bike team management, who said, &#8220;It&#8217;s been a good call from the riders and organisation to step off the bikes. It&#8217;s the safest for everyone to cancel the race because the weather conditions were simply too dangerous to continue.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">While nobody could really disagree with that, perhaps the most unsettling thing of all was the speed with which the weather had changed. It was true that storms had been forecast for the afternoon. But although the temperatures were a little lower at the start and it was noticeably colder in the mountains than on the coast, such an abrupt and dramatic worsening in weather conditions could hardly have been predicted.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-04106128-9ff7-11f1-ae01-67506ccf9069\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nRB8iV6iw8gAzPP7yrZRQm-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nRB8iV6iw8gAzPP7yrZRQm-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nRB8iV6iw8gAzPP7yrZRQm-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nRB8iV6iw8gAzPP7yrZRQm-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nRB8iV6iw8gAzPP7yrZRQm-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nRB8iV6iw8gAzPP7yrZRQm-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Matthew Riccitello tries to shield himself from the hail <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-0410618c-9ff7-11f1-a684-a9e5b1c71e85\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;The weather here often changes very fast in the second half of August,&#8221; three local residents, given a lift down the rain-soaked mountain by Cyclingnews long after the stage had finished, pointed out, &#8220;But on this level was something nobody could have foreseen&#8221; &#8211; certainly not to the point where a race needed to be cancelled in the middle of summer.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">It shouldn&#8217;t be forgotten that back in 2013, the Vuelta&#8217;s stage 14 began in 30 degrees and warm sunshine on the coast, but by the time it reached Andorra, temperatures had plummeted to just five degrees as hail and freezing rain battered the race. That day, 16 riders abandoned, some, like Haimar Zubeldia and Luis Le\u00f3n Sanchez, because of hypothermia.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">It&#8217;s not the first time Tadej Pogacar has acted as patron and done what he could to stop a race because of bad weather: He took on a similar role in the Tre Valli Varesine back in 2024 when there was a huge rainstorm, and the event was suspended some 100 kilometres from the finish.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">However, the switch in weather conditions on stage 3 of the Vuelta was far more serious than anticipated. Certainly not by any of the bedraggled spectators crammed in the Vuelta press room, and watching as a long line of team buses ground through the finish, heading to pick up the riders and take them to their hotels in Andorra, a good 90-minute drive away.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Given the good weather earlier in the day, some fans like Pierre and Marie had walked up the five kilometres from the village of Font Romeu to the ski station above where the finish took place, while others had used the ski lift, running free of charge for the bike race. But lightning hit the lift and became unusable almost as soon as the rain began, forcing the local authorities to later send up buses to try and rescue the stranded spectators.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">These, however, took a long time to arrive as the torrential rain, clean-up operations and removal of the race infrastructure all combined to produce some small but very complex traffic jams around the finish area, long after the riders were in their buses and as the hail had morphed back into rain.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-041061f0-9ff7-11f1-b5b5-a753acade14e\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RV3UjKNP65PVCNKdRzxMAj-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RV3UjKNP65PVCNKdRzxMAj-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RV3UjKNP65PVCNKdRzxMAj-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RV3UjKNP65PVCNKdRzxMAj-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RV3UjKNP65PVCNKdRzxMAj-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RV3UjKNP65PVCNKdRzxMAj-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-0410624a-9ff7-11f1-bec1-45c871b3c6e4\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Yet little else could really have been done. &#8220;We have seen hail like this in the past,&#8221; the mayor, Alain Luneau, told reporters including <em>Cyclingnews<\/em>. &#8220;It&#8217;s really a complicated situation for everybody, but definitely it was best to stop the race. It was the only choice possible given the circumstances. We talked it through with the organisers.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;This is stage 3 of the race; riders could have been injured. That would not have been at all good. So this is the best choice to take.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;But I do think the race will come back and we will have another stage here one day.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Meanwhile, the weather itself is supposed to return to a much more normal 20 degrees and sunshine on Tuesday, with no rain forecast for the high-altitude mountain stage in Andorra. And many of the fans, including Pierre and Marie, have promised they will head there &#8211; and hopefully, this time, the weather won&#8217;t take such a dramatic turn for the worse.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><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<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/racing\/we-came-here-to-see-the-race-but-nothing-could-be-done-eyewitness-account-of-how-vuelta-a-espana-stage-3-ground-to-a-halt\/&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/64jEDv2zsiXbVsk8MB3GH5-2560-80.jpg&#8221;] 1 Tadej Poga\u010dar pulls over peloton as hail storm cancels finale of Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a stage 3 2 As it happened: Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a stage 3 comes to a premature end 3 As it happened: British sensation steals the show in first road stage at La Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a 2026 Pro Cycling [&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-2110373","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\/2110373","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=2110373"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2110373\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2110373"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=2110373"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=2110373"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}