{"id":2112721,"date":"2026-08-25T11:29:22","date_gmt":"2026-08-25T08:29:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2112721"},"modified":"2026-08-25T11:29:22","modified_gmt":"2026-08-25T08:29:22","slug":"the-first-thing-i-told-the-riders-was-find-shelter-how-one-team-lived-through-the-vuelta-a-espana-hailstorm-and-stage-cancellation-drama","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2112721","title":{"rendered":"&#8216;The first thing I told the riders was \u2013 find shelter!&#8217; \u2013 How one team lived through the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a hailstorm and stage cancellation drama"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VQ85fpmey74WnmQcWoSrqf-2560-80.png&#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\/vETsTHza7k737YsxL2SqkR-160-80.jpg.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vETsTHza7k737YsxL2SqkR-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: Domination on stage 4 of the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a with a long-range solo move in Andorra\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>\nTeams &amp; Riders\n<\/li>\n<li>\nEF Education-EasyPost\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>&#8216;The first thing I told the riders was \u2013 find shelter!&#8217; \u2013 How one team lived through the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a hailstorm and stage cancellation drama<\/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=\"2026-08-25T11:29:22Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n25 August 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">&#8216;The noise of the hail made it really hard to hear what was happening&#8217; says EF Education-EasyPost sports director<\/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\/VQ85fpmey74WnmQcWoSrqf-1920-80.png.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VQ85fpmey74WnmQcWoSrqf-1600-80.png.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VQ85fpmey74WnmQcWoSrqf-1200-80.png.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VQ85fpmey74WnmQcWoSrqf-1024-80.png.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VQ85fpmey74WnmQcWoSrqf-970-80.png.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VQ85fpmey74WnmQcWoSrqf-750-80.png.webp 750w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VQ85fpmey74WnmQcWoSrqf-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VQ85fpmey74WnmQcWoSrqf-480-80.png.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VQ85fpmey74WnmQcWoSrqf-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 600px, 100vw\" \/><figcaption class=\"font-article-copy text-(--image--text--color) font-article-copy mt-2\"><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\">2<\/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-0e5ed1fc-a077-11f1-a91d-6762420dfa4f\">When the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a&#8217;s riders and teams woke up this morning in Andorra, the marks from the huge hailstones that impacted on their arms during the storm-struck cancellation of stage 3 will likely have faded. But the memories of one of the most unusual days in recent Grand Tour history \u2013 those will take some time to go.<\/p>\n<p>To recap briefly, with 15 kilometres to go, a very heavy thunderstorm morphed into an even heavier hailstorm, forcing the stage, finishing 2,000 metres above sea level in the Pyrenees at Fort Romeu, to be suspended and riders to seek shelter as best they could.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-0e5ed1fc-a077-11f1-a91d-6762420dfa4f-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The race was both literally and metaphorically frozen, and after a transfer to Andorra for today&#8217;s stage, normal service should be resumed for the first major mountain showdown of the race.<\/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\">If the final consequences are fairly straightforward, how events unfolded in the peloton, with temperatures of around 30 degrees at the start in Gruissan, were, to say the least, dramatic. Storm warnings were circulating, but for later in the day \u2013 around 6 PM \u2013 so some teams, like EF Education-EasyPost, were prepared for that. But as for outright cancellation and the scale of the extreme weather that afflicted the Vuelta, that was another story.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;We did know that the temperatures were going to drop a lot, with nine or ten degrees expected in the finish line and rain maybe for the last 30 or 40 kilometres,&#8221; EF head sports director at the Vuelta, Juanma Garate, told <em>Cyclingnews<\/em>.<\/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\/64jEDv2zsiXbVsk8MB3GH5-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/64jEDv2zsiXbVsk8MB3GH5-150-80.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\">&#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<\/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\/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-[#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\/Vt44cujKFT8tiR8C2cjBsV-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Vt44cujKFT8tiR8C2cjBsV-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\">A rare full cancellation, Ethan Hayter&#8217;s lost points, historical precedent \u2013\u00a0How the UCI rulebook was applied on the annulled stage 3 of the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;In fact, that rain set in slightly closer to the line, but the temperatures were falling fast.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;What we didn&#8217;t expect was such a violent storm. It&#8217;s always possible that it&#8217;ll hail, that happens in summer storms, but we were lucky, too, because it started to hail really hard, and they couldn&#8217;t take any other decision but stop the race.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-bP7T8zYyFtpw9pcrfkJoZ4\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-bP7T8zYyFtpw9pcrfkJoZ4 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\">&#8220;It was impossible to ride on the asphalt, and it was impossible for us, because we couldn&#8217;t see anything from the cars.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Luckily, as emerged later, there was a hotel just where the race stopped, with one race official who knew of its location, opting to try to keep the peloton riding until they reached it and then giving the order to stop.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;In fact every rider sought shelter where they could,&#8221; Garate said. &#8220;It&#8217;s true that the main peloton could get off and go into the hotel, but then there were a lot of riders who&#8217;d been dropped&#8221; \u2013 on the immediately preceding Cat.1 Col de Mont-Louis climb \u2013 &#8220;who simply got shelter wherever they could.<\/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\/ggdNJG7s46eMjQQASGdcgQ-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ggdNJG7s46eMjQQASGdcgQ-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\">&#8216;We did it with our heart and with a lot of pleasure&#8217; \u2013 Hotel owner blown away by riders and five-star reviews after giving shelter to Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a peloton amid hailstorm<\/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\/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-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\/JzUnKFsd97A8fVChLvPwBY-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JzUnKFsd97A8fVChLvPwBY-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\">&#8216;I don&#8217;t have a good explanation&#8217; \u2013\u00a0Ethan Hayter and Mats Wenzel perplexed at decision to take away points after Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a stage 3 cancellation<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;There were riders who got into spectators&#8217; cars, others who stood under trees, everybody just stopped where they could. The hailstones themselves, though, were large enough to mark riders&#8217; arms and legs with their impact,&#8221; Garate said.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"flashbacks-to-the-tour-de-suisse-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Flashbacks to the Tour de Suisse<\/h2>\n<p id=\"elk-0e5ed436-a077-11f1-93dc-4dba26b64613\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Regarding EF&#8217;s riders, Richard Carapaz and Juan Felipe Rodriguez went directly into the hotel; another two hid under trees opposite \u2013 &#8220;But we got them out of there and immediately put them in the hotel.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;So I had four of them located, but there were another four who were a bit further back in the race, who were missing. One of them got in a spectator&#8217;s car, another, Darren Rafferty, got into the second team car, Alistair MacKellar was under a spectator&#8217;s umbrella, Markel Beloki was underneath some kind of plant\u2026&#8221; added Garate.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Then finally when the hail eased back a bit, we could call them up, and we all regrouped in the hotel.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;We had hot water bottles, they got changed right away, and we were well organised, as we had two vans behind the race, they&#8217;d just done the feed, so we had enough staff to organise things.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Garate was amongst those present who had experience of a previous major hailstorm in a race, which happened in the Tour de Suisse in 2007. That was so severe, he said, that some team cars ended up with their windscreens broken, although in Garate&#8217;s case, it ended in rather more surreal (and amusing) fashion.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I drove into somebody&#8217;s garage without even knowing if the race had stopped, along with some riders, and then we realised the race was suspended,&#8221; he said.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;There was a child&#8217;s bathing pool there in the garage, and I saw a rider under a tree, taking shelter, but the problem was the tree was breaking apart because the hailstones were the size of golf balls and the rider was yelling in panic.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;So I put the kid&#8217;s mini bathing pool on my head to keep the hail and rain off, and went out to rescue him.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">But on a much more serious or less surreal note, that previous experience brought a lesson with it that Garate could use on Wednesday evening. &#8220;As soon as they said the race was stopping, the first thing I said to the riders was \u2013 find shelter! Then we&#8217;d sort out what we needed to sort out, later.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Communication was anything but easy at the height of the storm, Garate said, because the noise from the hail was so loud it was almost impossible to hear.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I was driving quite slowly so we could communicate better with the riders on the roadside,&#8221; he said. &#8220;I went past James Shaw when he was under a tree and he told me to stop because he could see me. But I could barely see him.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">What Garate confirmed, though, was that given the circumstances in the race, it was certainly the best idea to stop and the best moment, too. There were two riders up ahead, but with a scant 20-second lead.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;If it&#8217;d been a three-minute gap, somebody might be more disappointed, but under the circumstances it was more than comprehensible. Nobody questioned it.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The question of long-term effects of such an abrupt change of weather conditions on the Vuelta peloton&#8217;s health remains to be seen. EF were able to get their riders in dry clothes quickly, &#8220;but I did see some other riders from other teams still shivering and in their wet clothes an hour later. So we&#8217;ll see what happens there.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;The organisation handled it all very well, because the race vehicles themselves were blocking the road. Very fortunately there was a roundabout just where the hotel was, so the French and Spanish police could free up one side, allow the buses to turn around and then we could head to Andorra,&#8221; said the experienced DS.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;We also made sure in our team that one of us \u2013 in this case, me \u2013 stayed in the car so we could keep the instructions and relay them on to the rest of the team via radio. And they told us not to move until the buses came because there were risks of another big storm, and they told us the best way to get to Andorra to avoid that, too.&#8221; Most of the riders, too, were in the hotels by 9pm.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">At the very least, the weather has improved for Tuesday&#8217;s stage, Garate said, and it is to be hoped that things turn around now in that regard for the Vuelta. As he put it, &#8220;We&#8217;ll hope for better days.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">In fact, one question that could trouble the race is extreme heat in Andalucia in the second half of the race, with temperatures there currently in the mid to high thirties. But for now, the Vuelta is just relieved to have got through the drama of stage 3 relatively unscathed.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-0e5ed4ea-a077-11f1-abef-dd04edfb3044\" 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 class=\"block mb-5\" id=\"articleTag\" data-component-name=\"PostArticleLinks\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"post-article-links\">\n<div class=\"border-b border-b-black border-solid py-2.5 text-black font-bold uppercase\">TOPICS<\/div>\n<nav class=\"py-2.5 flex gap-2.5 flex-wrap\" data-analytics-id=\"article-tag\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-tag\">\n<p>Road<\/p>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-bP7T8zYyFtpw9pcrfkJoZ4\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-bP7T8zYyFtpw9pcrfkJoZ4 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\/64jEDv2zsiXbVsk8MB3GH5-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/64jEDv2zsiXbVsk8MB3GH5-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/64jEDv2zsiXbVsk8MB3GH5-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/64jEDv2zsiXbVsk8MB3GH5-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/64jEDv2zsiXbVsk8MB3GH5-320-80.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;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<\/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\/Vt44cujKFT8tiR8C2cjBsV-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Vt44cujKFT8tiR8C2cjBsV-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Vt44cujKFT8tiR8C2cjBsV-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Vt44cujKFT8tiR8C2cjBsV-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Vt44cujKFT8tiR8C2cjBsV-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\">A rare full cancellation, Ethan Hayter&#8217;s lost points, historical precedent \u2013\u00a0How the UCI rulebook was applied on the annulled stage 3 of the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a<\/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\/ggdNJG7s46eMjQQASGdcgQ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ggdNJG7s46eMjQQASGdcgQ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ggdNJG7s46eMjQQASGdcgQ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ggdNJG7s46eMjQQASGdcgQ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ggdNJG7s46eMjQQASGdcgQ-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;We did it with our heart and with a lot of pleasure&#8217; \u2013 Hotel owner blown away by riders and five-star reviews after giving shelter to Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a peloton amid hailstorm<\/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\/JzUnKFsd97A8fVChLvPwBY-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JzUnKFsd97A8fVChLvPwBY-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JzUnKFsd97A8fVChLvPwBY-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JzUnKFsd97A8fVChLvPwBY-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JzUnKFsd97A8fVChLvPwBY-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 don&#8217;t have a good explanation&#8217; \u2013\u00a0Ethan Hayter and Mats Wenzel perplexed at decision to take away points after Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a stage 3 cancellation<\/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 Teams &amp; Riders<\/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\/xbGKHtEC95AhWJ9jvVGWZ7-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xbGKHtEC95AhWJ9jvVGWZ7-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xbGKHtEC95AhWJ9jvVGWZ7-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xbGKHtEC95AhWJ9jvVGWZ7-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xbGKHtEC95AhWJ9jvVGWZ7-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Emerging Talents<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Lorenzo Finn crowned winner of the 2026 Tour de l&#8217;Avenir, underlining future star status<\/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\/8kchXacdwvwXDcMiu9KiFF-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8kchXacdwvwXDcMiu9KiFF-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8kchXacdwvwXDcMiu9KiFF-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8kchXacdwvwXDcMiu9KiFF-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8kchXacdwvwXDcMiu9KiFF-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\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;There was never a sign that he was struggling&#8217; \u2013 Primo\u017e Rogli\u010d dispels doubts as he moves up to second overall at Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a on first mountain test<\/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\/yPRCSBcxiu3m8799VbmRf-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yPRCSBcxiu3m8799VbmRf-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yPRCSBcxiu3m8799VbmRf-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yPRCSBcxiu3m8799VbmRf-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yPRCSBcxiu3m8799VbmRf-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\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I don\u2019t know if people at home understood it&#8217; \u2013 Decathlon defend tactics amid &#8216;surprise&#8217; from within the peloton on first Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a mountain stage<\/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\/AuBh5riYeUQog4ERdVEoCd-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AuBh5riYeUQog4ERdVEoCd-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AuBh5riYeUQog4ERdVEoCd-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AuBh5riYeUQog4ERdVEoCd-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AuBh5riYeUQog4ERdVEoCd-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 just logged the biggest solo victory of his Grand Tour career \u2013 here&#8217;s how it stacks up in his gallery of lone raids<\/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\/doaGkPVmHqqaXv63uaUo5K-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/doaGkPVmHqqaXv63uaUo5K-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/doaGkPVmHqqaXv63uaUo5K-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/doaGkPVmHqqaXv63uaUo5K-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/doaGkPVmHqqaXv63uaUo5K-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\">Cian Uijtdebroeks abandons the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a following tearful last-place finish on stage 4<\/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\/JLYbQXUaN585xQmKbegacC-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JLYbQXUaN585xQmKbegacC-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JLYbQXUaN585xQmKbegacC-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JLYbQXUaN585xQmKbegacC-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JLYbQXUaN585xQmKbegacC-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\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Tadej has made a big statement&#8217; &#8211; UAE Team Emirates-XRG cautiously delighted with Poga\u010dar&#8217;s knock-out Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a stage win<\/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\/xbGKHtEC95AhWJ9jvVGWZ7-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xbGKHtEC95AhWJ9jvVGWZ7-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xbGKHtEC95AhWJ9jvVGWZ7-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xbGKHtEC95AhWJ9jvVGWZ7-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xbGKHtEC95AhWJ9jvVGWZ7-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Emerging Talents<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Lorenzo Finn crowned winner of the 2026 Tour de l&#8217;Avenir, underlining future star status<\/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\/8kchXacdwvwXDcMiu9KiFF-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8kchXacdwvwXDcMiu9KiFF-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8kchXacdwvwXDcMiu9KiFF-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8kchXacdwvwXDcMiu9KiFF-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8kchXacdwvwXDcMiu9KiFF-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\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;There was never a sign that he was struggling&#8217; \u2013 Primo\u017e Rogli\u010d dispels doubts as he moves up to second overall at Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a on first mountain test<\/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\/yPRCSBcxiu3m8799VbmRf-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yPRCSBcxiu3m8799VbmRf-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yPRCSBcxiu3m8799VbmRf-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yPRCSBcxiu3m8799VbmRf-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yPRCSBcxiu3m8799VbmRf-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\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I don\u2019t know if people at home understood it&#8217; \u2013 Decathlon defend tactics amid &#8216;surprise&#8217; from within the peloton on first Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a mountain stage<\/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\/7w5CtjPbwhVcEZdPJREYLZ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7w5CtjPbwhVcEZdPJREYLZ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7w5CtjPbwhVcEZdPJREYLZ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7w5CtjPbwhVcEZdPJREYLZ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7w5CtjPbwhVcEZdPJREYLZ-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\">Streaming<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">How to watch UCI Mountain Bike World Championships 2026 \u2013 Live streams and official broadcasters<\/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\/doaGkPVmHqqaXv63uaUo5K-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/doaGkPVmHqqaXv63uaUo5K-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/doaGkPVmHqqaXv63uaUo5K-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/doaGkPVmHqqaXv63uaUo5K-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/doaGkPVmHqqaXv63uaUo5K-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\">Cian Uijtdebroeks abandons the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a following tearful last-place finish on stage 4<\/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\/JLYbQXUaN585xQmKbegacC-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JLYbQXUaN585xQmKbegacC-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JLYbQXUaN585xQmKbegacC-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JLYbQXUaN585xQmKbegacC-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JLYbQXUaN585xQmKbegacC-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\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Tadej has made a big statement&#8217; &#8211; UAE Team Emirates-XRG cautiously delighted with Poga\u010dar&#8217;s knock-out Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a stage win<\/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\/7w5CtjPbwhVcEZdPJREYLZ-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7w5CtjPbwhVcEZdPJREYLZ-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7w5CtjPbwhVcEZdPJREYLZ-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7w5CtjPbwhVcEZdPJREYLZ-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>How to watch UCI Mountain Bike World Championships 2026 \u2013 Live streams and official broadcasters<\/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>&#8216;There was never a sign that he was struggling&#8217; \u2013 Primo\u017e Rogli\u010d dispels doubts as he moves up to second overall at Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a on first mountain test<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">3<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>Tadej Poga\u010dar just logged the biggest solo victory of his Grand Tour career \u2013 here&#8217;s how it stacks up in his gallery of lone raids<\/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>The new Shimano Dura-Ace still isn\u2019t wireless, but does it actually matter?<\/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>&#8216;I don\u2019t know if people at home understood it&#8217; \u2013 Decathlon defend tactics amid &#8216;surprise&#8217; from within the peloton on first Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a mountain stage<\/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>\nTeams &amp; Riders\n<\/li>\n<li>\nEF Education-EasyPost\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>&#8216;The first thing I told the riders was \u2013 find shelter!&#8217; \u2013 How one team lived through the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a hailstorm and stage cancellation drama<\/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=\"2026-08-25T11:29:22Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n25 August 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">&#8216;The noise of the hail made it really hard to hear what was happening&#8217; says EF Education-EasyPost sports director<\/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\/VQ85fpmey74WnmQcWoSrqf-1920-80.png.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VQ85fpmey74WnmQcWoSrqf-1600-80.png.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VQ85fpmey74WnmQcWoSrqf-1200-80.png.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VQ85fpmey74WnmQcWoSrqf-1024-80.png.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VQ85fpmey74WnmQcWoSrqf-970-80.png.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VQ85fpmey74WnmQcWoSrqf-750-80.png.webp 750w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VQ85fpmey74WnmQcWoSrqf-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VQ85fpmey74WnmQcWoSrqf-480-80.png.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VQ85fpmey74WnmQcWoSrqf-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 600px, 100vw\" \/><figcaption class=\"font-article-copy text-(--image--text--color) font-article-copy mt-2\"><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\">2<\/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-0e5ed1fc-a077-11f1-a91d-6762420dfa4f\">When the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a&#8217;s riders and teams woke up this morning in Andorra, the marks from the huge hailstones that impacted on their arms during the storm-struck cancellation of stage 3 will likely have faded. But the memories of one of the most unusual days in recent Grand Tour history \u2013 those will take some time to go.<\/p>\n<p>To recap briefly, with 15 kilometres to go, a very heavy thunderstorm morphed into an even heavier hailstorm, forcing the stage, finishing 2,000 metres above sea level in the Pyrenees at Fort Romeu, to be suspended and riders to seek shelter as best they could.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-0e5ed1fc-a077-11f1-a91d-6762420dfa4f-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The race was both literally and metaphorically frozen, and after a transfer to Andorra for today&#8217;s stage, normal service should be resumed for the first major mountain showdown of the race.<\/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\">If the final consequences are fairly straightforward, how events unfolded in the peloton, with temperatures of around 30 degrees at the start in Gruissan, were, to say the least, dramatic. Storm warnings were circulating, but for later in the day \u2013 around 6 PM \u2013 so some teams, like EF Education-EasyPost, were prepared for that. But as for outright cancellation and the scale of the extreme weather that afflicted the Vuelta, that was another story.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;We did know that the temperatures were going to drop a lot, with nine or ten degrees expected in the finish line and rain maybe for the last 30 or 40 kilometres,&#8221; EF head sports director at the Vuelta, Juanma Garate, told <em>Cyclingnews<\/em>.<\/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\/64jEDv2zsiXbVsk8MB3GH5-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/64jEDv2zsiXbVsk8MB3GH5-150-80.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\">&#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<\/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\/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-[#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\/Vt44cujKFT8tiR8C2cjBsV-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Vt44cujKFT8tiR8C2cjBsV-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\">A rare full cancellation, Ethan Hayter&#8217;s lost points, historical precedent \u2013\u00a0How the UCI rulebook was applied on the annulled stage 3 of the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;In fact, that rain set in slightly closer to the line, but the temperatures were falling fast.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;What we didn&#8217;t expect was such a violent storm. It&#8217;s always possible that it&#8217;ll hail, that happens in summer storms, but we were lucky, too, because it started to hail really hard, and they couldn&#8217;t take any other decision but stop the race.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-bP7T8zYyFtpw9pcrfkJoZ4\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-bP7T8zYyFtpw9pcrfkJoZ4 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\">&#8220;It was impossible to ride on the asphalt, and it was impossible for us, because we couldn&#8217;t see anything from the cars.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Luckily, as emerged later, there was a hotel just where the race stopped, with one race official who knew of its location, opting to try to keep the peloton riding until they reached it and then giving the order to stop.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;In fact every rider sought shelter where they could,&#8221; Garate said. &#8220;It&#8217;s true that the main peloton could get off and go into the hotel, but then there were a lot of riders who&#8217;d been dropped&#8221; \u2013 on the immediately preceding Cat.1 Col de Mont-Louis climb \u2013 &#8220;who simply got shelter wherever they could.<\/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\/ggdNJG7s46eMjQQASGdcgQ-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ggdNJG7s46eMjQQASGdcgQ-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\">&#8216;We did it with our heart and with a lot of pleasure&#8217; \u2013 Hotel owner blown away by riders and five-star reviews after giving shelter to Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a peloton amid hailstorm<\/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\/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-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\/JzUnKFsd97A8fVChLvPwBY-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JzUnKFsd97A8fVChLvPwBY-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\">&#8216;I don&#8217;t have a good explanation&#8217; \u2013\u00a0Ethan Hayter and Mats Wenzel perplexed at decision to take away points after Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a stage 3 cancellation<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;There were riders who got into spectators&#8217; cars, others who stood under trees, everybody just stopped where they could. The hailstones themselves, though, were large enough to mark riders&#8217; arms and legs with their impact,&#8221; Garate said.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"flashbacks-to-the-tour-de-suisse-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Flashbacks to the Tour de Suisse<\/h2>\n<p id=\"elk-0e5ed436-a077-11f1-93dc-4dba26b64613\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Regarding EF&#8217;s riders, Richard Carapaz and Juan Felipe Rodriguez went directly into the hotel; another two hid under trees opposite \u2013 &#8220;But we got them out of there and immediately put them in the hotel.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;So I had four of them located, but there were another four who were a bit further back in the race, who were missing. One of them got in a spectator&#8217;s car, another, Darren Rafferty, got into the second team car, Alistair MacKellar was under a spectator&#8217;s umbrella, Markel Beloki was underneath some kind of plant\u2026&#8221; added Garate.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Then finally when the hail eased back a bit, we could call them up, and we all regrouped in the hotel.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;We had hot water bottles, they got changed right away, and we were well organised, as we had two vans behind the race, they&#8217;d just done the feed, so we had enough staff to organise things.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Garate was amongst those present who had experience of a previous major hailstorm in a race, which happened in the Tour de Suisse in 2007. That was so severe, he said, that some team cars ended up with their windscreens broken, although in Garate&#8217;s case, it ended in rather more surreal (and amusing) fashion.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I drove into somebody&#8217;s garage without even knowing if the race had stopped, along with some riders, and then we realised the race was suspended,&#8221; he said.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;There was a child&#8217;s bathing pool there in the garage, and I saw a rider under a tree, taking shelter, but the problem was the tree was breaking apart because the hailstones were the size of golf balls and the rider was yelling in panic.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;So I put the kid&#8217;s mini bathing pool on my head to keep the hail and rain off, and went out to rescue him.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">But on a much more serious or less surreal note, that previous experience brought a lesson with it that Garate could use on Wednesday evening. &#8220;As soon as they said the race was stopping, the first thing I said to the riders was \u2013 find shelter! Then we&#8217;d sort out what we needed to sort out, later.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Communication was anything but easy at the height of the storm, Garate said, because the noise from the hail was so loud it was almost impossible to hear.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I was driving quite slowly so we could communicate better with the riders on the roadside,&#8221; he said. &#8220;I went past James Shaw when he was under a tree and he told me to stop because he could see me. But I could barely see him.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">What Garate confirmed, though, was that given the circumstances in the race, it was certainly the best idea to stop and the best moment, too. There were two riders up ahead, but with a scant 20-second lead.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;If it&#8217;d been a three-minute gap, somebody might be more disappointed, but under the circumstances it was more than comprehensible. Nobody questioned it.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The question of long-term effects of such an abrupt change of weather conditions on the Vuelta peloton&#8217;s health remains to be seen. EF were able to get their riders in dry clothes quickly, &#8220;but I did see some other riders from other teams still shivering and in their wet clothes an hour later. So we&#8217;ll see what happens there.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;The organisation handled it all very well, because the race vehicles themselves were blocking the road. Very fortunately there was a roundabout just where the hotel was, so the French and Spanish police could free up one side, allow the buses to turn around and then we could head to Andorra,&#8221; said the experienced DS.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;We also made sure in our team that one of us \u2013 in this case, me \u2013 stayed in the car so we could keep the instructions and relay them on to the rest of the team via radio. And they told us not to move until the buses came because there were risks of another big storm, and they told us the best way to get to Andorra to avoid that, too.&#8221; Most of the riders, too, were in the hotels by 9pm.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">At the very least, the weather has improved for Tuesday&#8217;s stage, Garate said, and it is to be hoped that things turn around now in that regard for the Vuelta. As he put it, &#8220;We&#8217;ll hope for better days.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">In fact, one question that could trouble the race is extreme heat in Andalucia in the second half of the race, with temperatures there currently in the mid to high thirties. But for now, the Vuelta is just relieved to have got through the drama of stage 3 relatively unscathed.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-0e5ed4ea-a077-11f1-abef-dd04edfb3044\" 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 class=\"block mb-5\" id=\"articleTag\" data-component-name=\"PostArticleLinks\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"post-article-links\">\n<div class=\"border-b border-b-black border-solid py-2.5 text-black font-bold uppercase\">TOPICS<\/div>\n<nav class=\"py-2.5 flex gap-2.5 flex-wrap\" data-analytics-id=\"article-tag\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-tag\">\n<p>Road<\/p>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-bP7T8zYyFtpw9pcrfkJoZ4\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-bP7T8zYyFtpw9pcrfkJoZ4 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\/64jEDv2zsiXbVsk8MB3GH5-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/64jEDv2zsiXbVsk8MB3GH5-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/64jEDv2zsiXbVsk8MB3GH5-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/64jEDv2zsiXbVsk8MB3GH5-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/64jEDv2zsiXbVsk8MB3GH5-320-80.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;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<\/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\/Vt44cujKFT8tiR8C2cjBsV-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Vt44cujKFT8tiR8C2cjBsV-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Vt44cujKFT8tiR8C2cjBsV-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Vt44cujKFT8tiR8C2cjBsV-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Vt44cujKFT8tiR8C2cjBsV-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\">A rare full cancellation, Ethan Hayter&#8217;s lost points, historical precedent \u2013\u00a0How the UCI rulebook was applied on the annulled stage 3 of the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a<\/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\/ggdNJG7s46eMjQQASGdcgQ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ggdNJG7s46eMjQQASGdcgQ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ggdNJG7s46eMjQQASGdcgQ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ggdNJG7s46eMjQQASGdcgQ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ggdNJG7s46eMjQQASGdcgQ-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;We did it with our heart and with a lot of pleasure&#8217; \u2013 Hotel owner blown away by riders and five-star reviews after giving shelter to Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a peloton amid hailstorm<\/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\/JzUnKFsd97A8fVChLvPwBY-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JzUnKFsd97A8fVChLvPwBY-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JzUnKFsd97A8fVChLvPwBY-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JzUnKFsd97A8fVChLvPwBY-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JzUnKFsd97A8fVChLvPwBY-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 don&#8217;t have a good explanation&#8217; \u2013\u00a0Ethan Hayter and Mats Wenzel perplexed at decision to take away points after Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a stage 3 cancellation<\/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 Teams &amp; Riders<\/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\/xbGKHtEC95AhWJ9jvVGWZ7-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xbGKHtEC95AhWJ9jvVGWZ7-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xbGKHtEC95AhWJ9jvVGWZ7-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xbGKHtEC95AhWJ9jvVGWZ7-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xbGKHtEC95AhWJ9jvVGWZ7-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Emerging Talents<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Lorenzo Finn crowned winner of the 2026 Tour de l&#8217;Avenir, underlining future star status<\/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\/8kchXacdwvwXDcMiu9KiFF-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8kchXacdwvwXDcMiu9KiFF-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8kchXacdwvwXDcMiu9KiFF-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8kchXacdwvwXDcMiu9KiFF-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8kchXacdwvwXDcMiu9KiFF-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\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;There was never a sign that he was struggling&#8217; \u2013 Primo\u017e Rogli\u010d dispels doubts as he moves up to second overall at Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a on first mountain test<\/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\/yPRCSBcxiu3m8799VbmRf-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yPRCSBcxiu3m8799VbmRf-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yPRCSBcxiu3m8799VbmRf-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yPRCSBcxiu3m8799VbmRf-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yPRCSBcxiu3m8799VbmRf-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\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I don\u2019t know if people at home understood it&#8217; \u2013 Decathlon defend tactics amid &#8216;surprise&#8217; from within the peloton on first Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a mountain stage<\/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\/AuBh5riYeUQog4ERdVEoCd-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AuBh5riYeUQog4ERdVEoCd-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AuBh5riYeUQog4ERdVEoCd-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AuBh5riYeUQog4ERdVEoCd-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AuBh5riYeUQog4ERdVEoCd-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 just logged the biggest solo victory of his Grand Tour career \u2013 here&#8217;s how it stacks up in his gallery of lone raids<\/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\/doaGkPVmHqqaXv63uaUo5K-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/doaGkPVmHqqaXv63uaUo5K-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/doaGkPVmHqqaXv63uaUo5K-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/doaGkPVmHqqaXv63uaUo5K-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/doaGkPVmHqqaXv63uaUo5K-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\">Cian Uijtdebroeks abandons the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a following tearful last-place finish on stage 4<\/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\/JLYbQXUaN585xQmKbegacC-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JLYbQXUaN585xQmKbegacC-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JLYbQXUaN585xQmKbegacC-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JLYbQXUaN585xQmKbegacC-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JLYbQXUaN585xQmKbegacC-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\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Tadej has made a big statement&#8217; &#8211; UAE Team Emirates-XRG cautiously delighted with Poga\u010dar&#8217;s knock-out Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a stage win<\/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\/xbGKHtEC95AhWJ9jvVGWZ7-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xbGKHtEC95AhWJ9jvVGWZ7-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xbGKHtEC95AhWJ9jvVGWZ7-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xbGKHtEC95AhWJ9jvVGWZ7-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xbGKHtEC95AhWJ9jvVGWZ7-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Emerging Talents<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Lorenzo Finn crowned winner of the 2026 Tour de l&#8217;Avenir, underlining future star status<\/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\/8kchXacdwvwXDcMiu9KiFF-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8kchXacdwvwXDcMiu9KiFF-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8kchXacdwvwXDcMiu9KiFF-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8kchXacdwvwXDcMiu9KiFF-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8kchXacdwvwXDcMiu9KiFF-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\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;There was never a sign that he was struggling&#8217; \u2013 Primo\u017e Rogli\u010d dispels doubts as he moves up to second overall at Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a on first mountain test<\/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\/yPRCSBcxiu3m8799VbmRf-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yPRCSBcxiu3m8799VbmRf-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yPRCSBcxiu3m8799VbmRf-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yPRCSBcxiu3m8799VbmRf-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yPRCSBcxiu3m8799VbmRf-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\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I don\u2019t know if people at home understood it&#8217; \u2013 Decathlon defend tactics amid &#8216;surprise&#8217; from within the peloton on first Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a mountain stage<\/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\/7w5CtjPbwhVcEZdPJREYLZ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7w5CtjPbwhVcEZdPJREYLZ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7w5CtjPbwhVcEZdPJREYLZ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7w5CtjPbwhVcEZdPJREYLZ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7w5CtjPbwhVcEZdPJREYLZ-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\">Streaming<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">How to watch UCI Mountain Bike World Championships 2026 \u2013 Live streams and official broadcasters<\/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\/doaGkPVmHqqaXv63uaUo5K-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/doaGkPVmHqqaXv63uaUo5K-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/doaGkPVmHqqaXv63uaUo5K-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/doaGkPVmHqqaXv63uaUo5K-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/doaGkPVmHqqaXv63uaUo5K-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\">Cian Uijtdebroeks abandons the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a following tearful last-place finish on stage 4<\/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\/JLYbQXUaN585xQmKbegacC-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JLYbQXUaN585xQmKbegacC-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JLYbQXUaN585xQmKbegacC-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JLYbQXUaN585xQmKbegacC-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JLYbQXUaN585xQmKbegacC-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\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Tadej has made a big statement&#8217; &#8211; UAE Team Emirates-XRG cautiously delighted with Poga\u010dar&#8217;s knock-out Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a stage win<\/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\/7w5CtjPbwhVcEZdPJREYLZ-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7w5CtjPbwhVcEZdPJREYLZ-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7w5CtjPbwhVcEZdPJREYLZ-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7w5CtjPbwhVcEZdPJREYLZ-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>How to watch UCI Mountain Bike World Championships 2026 \u2013 Live streams and official broadcasters<\/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>&#8216;There was never a sign that he was struggling&#8217; \u2013 Primo\u017e Rogli\u010d dispels doubts as he moves up to second overall at Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a on first mountain test<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">3<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>Tadej Poga\u010dar just logged the biggest solo victory of his Grand Tour career \u2013 here&#8217;s how it stacks up in his gallery of lone raids<\/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>The new Shimano Dura-Ace still isn\u2019t wireless, but does it actually matter?<\/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>&#8216;I don\u2019t know if people at home understood it&#8217; \u2013 Decathlon defend tactics amid &#8216;surprise&#8217; from within the peloton on first Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a mountain stage<\/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>\nTeams &amp; Riders\n<\/li>\n<li>\nEF Education-EasyPost\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>&#8216;The first thing I told the riders was \u2013 find shelter!&#8217; \u2013 How one team lived through the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a hailstorm and stage cancellation drama<\/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=\"2026-08-25T11:29:22Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n25 August 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">&#8216;The noise of the hail made it really hard to hear what was happening&#8217; says EF Education-EasyPost sports director<\/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 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\">2<\/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-0e5ed1fc-a077-11f1-a91d-6762420dfa4f\">When the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a&#8217;s riders and teams woke up this morning in Andorra, the marks from the huge hailstones that impacted on their arms during the storm-struck cancellation of stage 3 will likely have faded. But the memories of one of the most unusual days in recent Grand Tour history \u2013 those will take some time to go.<\/p>\n<p>To recap briefly, with 15 kilometres to go, a very heavy thunderstorm morphed into an even heavier hailstorm, forcing the stage, finishing 2,000 metres above sea level in the Pyrenees at Fort Romeu, to be suspended and riders to seek shelter as best they could.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-0e5ed1fc-a077-11f1-a91d-6762420dfa4f-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The race was both literally and metaphorically frozen, and after a transfer to Andorra for today&#8217;s stage, normal service should be resumed for the first major mountain showdown of the race.<\/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\">If the final consequences are fairly straightforward, how events unfolded in the peloton, with temperatures of around 30 degrees at the start in Gruissan, were, to say the least, dramatic. Storm warnings were circulating, but for later in the day \u2013 around 6 PM \u2013 so some teams, like EF Education-EasyPost, were prepared for that. But as for outright cancellation and the scale of the extreme weather that afflicted the Vuelta, that was another story.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;We did know that the temperatures were going to drop a lot, with nine or ten degrees expected in the finish line and rain maybe for the last 30 or 40 kilometres,&#8221; EF head sports director at the Vuelta, Juanma Garate, told <em>Cyclingnews<\/em>.<\/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\/64jEDv2zsiXbVsk8MB3GH5-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/64jEDv2zsiXbVsk8MB3GH5-150-80.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\">&#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<\/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\/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-[#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\/Vt44cujKFT8tiR8C2cjBsV-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Vt44cujKFT8tiR8C2cjBsV-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\">A rare full cancellation, Ethan Hayter&#8217;s lost points, historical precedent \u2013\u00a0How the UCI rulebook was applied on the annulled stage 3 of the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;In fact, that rain set in slightly closer to the line, but the temperatures were falling fast.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;What we didn&#8217;t expect was such a violent storm. It&#8217;s always possible that it&#8217;ll hail, that happens in summer storms, but we were lucky, too, because it started to hail really hard, and they couldn&#8217;t take any other decision but stop the race.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-bP7T8zYyFtpw9pcrfkJoZ4\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-bP7T8zYyFtpw9pcrfkJoZ4 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\">&#8220;It was impossible to ride on the asphalt, and it was impossible for us, because we couldn&#8217;t see anything from the cars.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Luckily, as emerged later, there was a hotel just where the race stopped, with one race official who knew of its location, opting to try to keep the peloton riding until they reached it and then giving the order to stop.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;In fact every rider sought shelter where they could,&#8221; Garate said. &#8220;It&#8217;s true that the main peloton could get off and go into the hotel, but then there were a lot of riders who&#8217;d been dropped&#8221; \u2013 on the immediately preceding Cat.1 Col de Mont-Louis climb \u2013 &#8220;who simply got shelter wherever they could.<\/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\/ggdNJG7s46eMjQQASGdcgQ-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ggdNJG7s46eMjQQASGdcgQ-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\">&#8216;We did it with our heart and with a lot of pleasure&#8217; \u2013 Hotel owner blown away by riders and five-star reviews after giving shelter to Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a peloton amid hailstorm<\/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\/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-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\/JzUnKFsd97A8fVChLvPwBY-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JzUnKFsd97A8fVChLvPwBY-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\">&#8216;I don&#8217;t have a good explanation&#8217; \u2013\u00a0Ethan Hayter and Mats Wenzel perplexed at decision to take away points after Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a stage 3 cancellation<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;There were riders who got into spectators&#8217; cars, others who stood under trees, everybody just stopped where they could. The hailstones themselves, though, were large enough to mark riders&#8217; arms and legs with their impact,&#8221; Garate said.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"flashbacks-to-the-tour-de-suisse-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Flashbacks to the Tour de Suisse<\/h2>\n<p id=\"elk-0e5ed436-a077-11f1-93dc-4dba26b64613\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Regarding EF&#8217;s riders, Richard Carapaz and Juan Felipe Rodriguez went directly into the hotel; another two hid under trees opposite \u2013 &#8220;But we got them out of there and immediately put them in the hotel.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;So I had four of them located, but there were another four who were a bit further back in the race, who were missing. One of them got in a spectator&#8217;s car, another, Darren Rafferty, got into the second team car, Alistair MacKellar was under a spectator&#8217;s umbrella, Markel Beloki was underneath some kind of plant\u2026&#8221; added Garate.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Then finally when the hail eased back a bit, we could call them up, and we all regrouped in the hotel.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;We had hot water bottles, they got changed right away, and we were well organised, as we had two vans behind the race, they&#8217;d just done the feed, so we had enough staff to organise things.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Garate was amongst those present who had experience of a previous major hailstorm in a race, which happened in the Tour de Suisse in 2007. That was so severe, he said, that some team cars ended up with their windscreens broken, although in Garate&#8217;s case, it ended in rather more surreal (and amusing) fashion.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I drove into somebody&#8217;s garage without even knowing if the race had stopped, along with some riders, and then we realised the race was suspended,&#8221; he said.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;There was a child&#8217;s bathing pool there in the garage, and I saw a rider under a tree, taking shelter, but the problem was the tree was breaking apart because the hailstones were the size of golf balls and the rider was yelling in panic.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;So I put the kid&#8217;s mini bathing pool on my head to keep the hail and rain off, and went out to rescue him.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">But on a much more serious or less surreal note, that previous experience brought a lesson with it that Garate could use on Wednesday evening. &#8220;As soon as they said the race was stopping, the first thing I said to the riders was \u2013 find shelter! Then we&#8217;d sort out what we needed to sort out, later.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Communication was anything but easy at the height of the storm, Garate said, because the noise from the hail was so loud it was almost impossible to hear.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I was driving quite slowly so we could communicate better with the riders on the roadside,&#8221; he said. &#8220;I went past James Shaw when he was under a tree and he told me to stop because he could see me. But I could barely see him.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">What Garate confirmed, though, was that given the circumstances in the race, it was certainly the best idea to stop and the best moment, too. There were two riders up ahead, but with a scant 20-second lead.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;If it&#8217;d been a three-minute gap, somebody might be more disappointed, but under the circumstances it was more than comprehensible. Nobody questioned it.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The question of long-term effects of such an abrupt change of weather conditions on the Vuelta peloton&#8217;s health remains to be seen. EF were able to get their riders in dry clothes quickly, &#8220;but I did see some other riders from other teams still shivering and in their wet clothes an hour later. So we&#8217;ll see what happens there.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;The organisation handled it all very well, because the race vehicles themselves were blocking the road. Very fortunately there was a roundabout just where the hotel was, so the French and Spanish police could free up one side, allow the buses to turn around and then we could head to Andorra,&#8221; said the experienced DS.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;We also made sure in our team that one of us \u2013 in this case, me \u2013 stayed in the car so we could keep the instructions and relay them on to the rest of the team via radio. And they told us not to move until the buses came because there were risks of another big storm, and they told us the best way to get to Andorra to avoid that, too.&#8221; Most of the riders, too, were in the hotels by 9pm.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">At the very least, the weather has improved for Tuesday&#8217;s stage, Garate said, and it is to be hoped that things turn around now in that regard for the Vuelta. As he put it, &#8220;We&#8217;ll hope for better days.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">In fact, one question that could trouble the race is extreme heat in Andalucia in the second half of the race, with temperatures there currently in the mid to high thirties. But for now, the Vuelta is just relieved to have got through the drama of stage 3 relatively unscathed.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-0e5ed4ea-a077-11f1-abef-dd04edfb3044\" 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\/teams-riders\/the-first-thing-i-told-the-riders-was-find-shelter-how-one-team-lived-through-the-vuelta-a-espana-hailstorm-and-stage-cancellation-drama\/&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VQ85fpmey74WnmQcWoSrqf-2560-80.png&#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: Domination on stage 4 of the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a with a long-range solo move in Andorra Pro [&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-2112721","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\/2112721","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=2112721"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2112721\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2112721"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=2112721"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=2112721"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}