{"id":2113021,"date":"2026-08-26T10:53:34","date_gmt":"2026-08-26T07:53:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2113021"},"modified":"2026-08-26T10:53:34","modified_gmt":"2026-08-26T07:53:34","slug":"as-it-happened-visma-lease-a-bike-dominate-vuelta-a-espana-stage-5-sprint-finale-with-perfect-lead-out","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2113021","title":{"rendered":"As it happened: Visma-Lease a Bike dominate Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a stage 5 sprint finale with perfect lead-out"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xnmRcfDpBnYBqJNHDH8wmS-2560-80.jpg&#8221;]<\/p>\n<article class=\"m-0 box-border flex flex-row items-center pr-2.5 gap-[15px] w-[278px] h-20 flex-none upnext-article-divider\" role=\"listitem\" aria-label=\"Recommended article 1 of 3\">\n<div class=\"relative flex-none w-20 h-20\">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2YFiENWeo62WR9ixcZRWZS.jpg\" alt=\"FONT-ROMEU, FRANCE - AUGUST 24: Tadej Pogacar of Slovenia and UAE Team Emirates XRG - Red Leader Jersey competes during the La Vuelta - 81st Tour of Spain 2026, Stage 3 a 174km from Gruissan - Aude to Font Romeu 1941m \/ #UCIWT \/ on August 24, 2026 in Font Romeu, France. (Photo by Tim de Waele\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] w-20 h-20 object-cover flex-none rounded-lg\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex items-center justify-center absolute w-4 h-6 left-0 top-0 bg-white\/90 flex-none z-[1]\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n                                    <span class=\"font-normal text-base leading-[17px] tracking-[1.3px] uppercase text-black flex-none\">1<\/span>\n                                <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"flex flex-col items-center justify-center gap-1.5 w-[173px] h-20 flex-none\">\n<p class=\"font-article-heading font-medium text-base leading-[21px] text-gray-800 w-[173px] line-clamp-3 group-hover:underline\">\n                                    As it happened: Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a stage 3 comes to a premature end\n                                <\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"m-0 box-border flex flex-row items-center pr-2.5 gap-[15px] w-[278px] h-20 flex-none upnext-article-divider\" role=\"listitem\" aria-label=\"Recommended article 2 of 3\">\n<div class=\"relative flex-none w-20 h-20\">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vETsTHza7k737YsxL2SqkR.jpg\" alt=\"ANDORRA LA VELLA, ANDORRA - AUGUST 25: Tadej Pogacar of Slovenia and UAE Team Emirates XRG - Red Leader Jersey attacks in the breakaway during the La Vuelta - 81st Tour of Spain 2026, Stage 4 a 104.8km from Andorra la Vella to Andorra la Vella \/ #UCIWT \/ on August 25, 2026 in Andorra la Vella, Andorra. (Photo by Tim de Waele\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] w-20 h-20 object-cover flex-none rounded-lg\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex items-center justify-center absolute w-[18px] h-6 left-0 top-0 bg-white\/90 flex-none z-[1]\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n                                    <span class=\"font-normal text-base leading-[17px] tracking-[1.3px] uppercase text-black flex-none\">2<\/span>\n                                <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"flex flex-col items-center justify-center gap-1.5 w-[173px] h-20 flex-none\">\n<p class=\"font-article-heading font-medium text-base leading-[21px] text-gray-800 w-[173px] line-clamp-3 group-hover:underline\">\n                                    As it happened: Domination on stage 4 of the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a with a long-range solo move in Andorra\n                                <\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"m-0 box-border flex flex-row items-center pr-2.5 gap-[15px] w-[278px] h-20 flex-none\" role=\"listitem\" aria-label=\"Recommended article 3 of 3\">\n<div class=\"relative flex-none w-20 h-20\">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CPxWbXXnNwNbQkNsPJbekJ.jpg\" alt=\"MANOSQUE, MONACO - AUGUST 23: A general view of Matthew Brennan of Great Britain and Team Visma | Lease a Bike, Mads Pedersen of Denmark and Team Lidl - Trek sprint at finish line during the La Vuelta - 81st Tour of Spain 2026, Stage 2 a 214.3km from Monaco to Manosque 408m \/ #UCIWT \/ on August 23, 2026 in Manosque, Monaco. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] w-20 h-20 object-cover flex-none rounded-lg\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex items-center justify-center absolute w-[18px] h-6 left-0 top-0 bg-white\/90 flex-none z-[1]\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n                                    <span class=\"font-normal text-base leading-[17px] tracking-[1.3px] uppercase text-black flex-none\">3<\/span>\n                                <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"flex flex-col items-center justify-center gap-1.5 w-[173px] h-20 flex-none\">\n<p class=\"font-article-heading font-medium text-base leading-[21px] text-gray-800 w-[173px] line-clamp-3 group-hover:underline\">\n                                    As it happened: British sensation steals the show in first road stage at La Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a 2026\n                                <\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"page-content-onecol flex-1\nlive-article\n\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"widget-area-group widget-area-group-2col flex flex-wrap box-border\">\n<div id=\"widgetArea16\" class=\"widget-area basis-full md:basis-2\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-2-3 page-widget-area-16\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"hero\" id=\"hero\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-hero widget-hero widget-hero-hero hero-live news-article widget-hero widget-hero-fter-review\">\n<div class=\"clear-both widget-header\">\n<\/div>\n<div data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\" class=\"news-article\">\n<div class=\"header-container\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRacing\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRoad\n<\/li>\n<li>\nVuelta a Espa\u00f1a\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<header>\n<div class=\"header-sub-container\">\n<h1 class=\"review-title-long live-report\">As it happened: Visma-Lease a Bike dominate Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a stage 5 sprint finale with perfect lead-out<\/h1>\n<h2>Matthew Brennan takes second Grand Tour victory on debut in Roquetes with the help of Van Aert and Laporte<br \/>\n<\/h2>\n<div class=\"vds-byline-block flex flex-row flex-nowrap my-1.5 gap-2 text-left items-start justify-start\" data-component-name=\"Article:BylineBlock\">\n<p>Live-reports<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-auto vds-simple-byline\">\n<span class=\"inline-block vds-author\"><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nJames Moultrie <\/span><br \/>\n<span class=\"inline-block h-3 my-auto border-l border-solid vds-simple-byline__divider max-sm:hidden\"><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex gap-1 vds-byline-with-avatar__meta\">\n<span class=\"vds-date block font-normal tracking-normal normal-case text-xs\"><br \/>\nLast updated<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T16:50:32Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n26 August 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><br \/>\n<\/span>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<nav class=\"socialite-widget box less-space \" data-contexturl=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/live\/vuelta-a-espana-stage-5-live-sprinters-eye-a-second-opportunity-but-punchy-approach-to-the-finish-opens-door-to-attacks\/\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"socialite\">\n<ul class=\"socialite-widget-ul\">\n<li class=\"socialite-widget-item social-facebook\">\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"socialite-widget-item social-twitter\">\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"socialite-widget-item social-pinterest\">\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"socialite-widget-item social-email\">\n<p><i class=\"icon icon-envelope-solid\"><\/i><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>    <span class=\"text-[color:var(--comment-count-text-color,inherit)]\"><span>1<\/span> <span class=\"visible hidden sm:inline-block\">Comment<\/span><\/span><br \/>\n    <span class=\"text-[color:var(--comment-count-text-color,inherit)] hidden visible sm:inline-block\">Join the conversation<\/span><\/p>\n<\/nav>\n<aside class=\"text-gray-700 flex items-center mx-0 my-5 p-0 justify-start text-left\" id=\"affiliate-disclaimer\" data-component-name=\"AffiliateDisclaimer\" data-hawk-message=\"Affiliate disclaimer removed because hawk deemed there are no affiliate links on this page\">\n<p class=\"text-[color:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--text-color,inherit)] mb-2 text-[length:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--font-size,0.75rem)] leading-[18px] md:text-[13px] [&amp;&gt;a]:text-inherit [&amp;&gt;a]:underline\">\nWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here\u2019s how it works.\n<\/p>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<\/header>\n<figure>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xnmRcfDpBnYBqJNHDH8wmS.jpg\" alt=\"Matthew Brennan of Great Britain and Team Visma | Lease a Bike sprints at the finish to win on stage 5 of the 2026 Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein\/Getty images)\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] block-image-ads hero-image w-full\" data-component-name=\"Image\"><figcaption class=\"font-article-copy text-(--image--text--color) font-article-copy mt-2\"> <span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: \u00a9 Getty Images)<\/span><br \/>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo\" class=\"contents\" data-only-inline=\"1\">\n<div class=\"visible flex flex-row flex-nowrap sticky max-lg:-ml-5 top-[var(--site-header-height,60px)] sm:top-0 z-[9994] w-screen lg:w-full h-[50px] bg-white p-0 mb-5 border-neutral-200 border border-solid\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Variants:Inline\" data-analytics-id=\"sticky-nav\" id=\"sticky-nav--inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"sticky-nav\">\n<div class=\"flex flex-row w-full h-full overflow-x-scroll overflow-y-hidden tracking-normal overscroll-x-contain\" id=\"sticky-nav__scroll-container\">\n<span class=\"pl-4 my-auto text-base font-semibold font-article-heading lg:pl-3 lg:text-sm whitespace-nowrap uppercase\">Jump To:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-row w-auto border-y-0\">\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\nborder-b-[3px] border-b-(--jumpto-underline-color) border-solid font-semibold \" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>Race Situation<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>Have your say<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-widget-type=\"contentparsed\" id=\"pinned-content\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-contentparsed widget-pinned-content widget-contentparsed-pinned-content widget-pinned news-article widget-content-parsed widget-content-parsed-default widget-content-parsed-live-feed \">\n<div class=\" article-body \">\n<div class>\n<a id=\"elk-00be3754-98ca-11f1-896e-b5ed905e7c86\"><\/a><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-00be37fe-98ca-11f1-bcdb-b1976cbd4db1\"><strong>Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a 2026 &#8211; Everything you need to know<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a 2026 &#8211; Route<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\"><\/a><\/p>\n<aside data-article-category=\"pro-cycling\" data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\" class=\"ecom-root\"><\/aside>\n<p id=\"elk-00be37fe-98ca-11f1-bcdb-b1976cbd4db1-2\"><strong>Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a 2026 &#8211; Contenders<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a 2026 &#8211; stage 5 report<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>How to watch the 2026 Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a<\/strong><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-00be386c-98ca-11f1-950e-412081252fdf\"><strong>For unbeatable coverage across road, gravel and tech, subscribe to Cyclingnews. You&#8217;ll get comprehensive race coverage of La Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a, subscriber-exclusive analysis from our expert columnists, in-depth features and industry-leading tech insight. Plus, the Cyclingnews app lets you follow the action wherever you go! <\/strong><u><strong>Join today.<\/strong><\/u><\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-race-situation\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-race-situation\"><span>Race Situation<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><a id=\"elk-00be3920-98ca-11f1-a33a-ff7b813168a6\"><\/a><a id=\"elk-have-your-say\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-have-your-say\"><span>Have your say<\/span><\/h3>\n<div id=\"elk-5ef0331c-a131-11f1-bd0d-e31078d832de\">\n<div class=\"kwizly-quiz kwizly-X10NaO\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-widget-type=\"contentparsed\" id=\"live-feed-multipage\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-contentparsed widget-live-feed-multipage widget-contentparsed-live-feed-multipage news-article widget-content-parsed widget-content-parsed-default multipage widget-content-parsed-live-feed \">\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\" article-body \">\n<div id=\"ad-unit-1\" class=\"ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div data-component-name=\"Article:LiveReportUpdater\">\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T16:50:32+00:00\">2026-08-26T16:50:32.464Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-40e48408-a16e-11f1-8606-914874c51b87\">That concludes our live coverage of stage 5 of the 2026 Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a. Make sure you stay across our site throughout the evening as news from the ground rolls in, and come back tomorrow for more coverage from stage 7, from Alcossebre to Castell\u00f3.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T16:49:37+00:00\">2026-08-26T16:49:37.927Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-20473880-a16e-11f1-8d00-4161584be6d4\">Here&#8217;s a look at the profile for tomorrow&#8217;s sixth stage. It looks to be a perfect route for breakaway hopefuls, especially with the massive lead Poga\u010dar and UAE already have over everyone else.<\/p>\n<p>However, the problem with that is usually when everyone expects a break, the formation takes much longer, and it becomes easier for UAE to control and launch their leader to another win.<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\"><\/a><\/p>\n<aside data-article-category=\"pro-cycling\" data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\" class=\"ecom-root\"><\/aside>\n<p id=\"elk-20473880-a16e-11f1-8d00-4161584be6d4-2\">Also with a gravel sector on the vicious Puerto del Bartolo climb (9km at 7.1%) coming in the final 30km, there&#8217;s more than enough room for the GC battle to explode again, especially when it comes to the fight for the podium.<\/p>\n<p>The likes of Felix Gall and Oscar Onley could see this as the stage where they make the different if they are feeling strong, which again, would make another Poga\u010dar look more likely if Decathlon pace as they did on stage 4. Either way, it&#8217;s not one to be missed.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-204738e4-a16e-11f1-b771-f9027276a172\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CA2KY67HBrcRDmA6UGSRCd.jpg\" alt=\"Stage profile\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Unipublic)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T16:34:42+00:00\">2026-08-26T16:34:42.212Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-0a70cd84-a16c-11f1-86b1-7759d3beeeda\">When it comes to the classifications after stage 5, there&#8217;s been no change to any of the jerseys, with Poga\u010dar maintaining his hold over the red leader&#8217;s, the green points, and the blue and white polka-dot King of the Mountains jerseys, and Oscar Onley remains in white as the Best Young Rider.<\/p>\n<p>Ethan Hayter&#8217;s efforts in the breakaway earned him a trip to the final podium after stage 5, as the most combative rider.<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\"><\/a><\/p>\n<aside data-article-category=\"pro-cycling\" data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\" class=\"ecom-root\"><\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T16:32:01+00:00\">2026-08-26T16:32:01.713Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-aafec432-a16b-11f1-8e58-cfa2663e20b7\">If you&#8217;re only just catching up, make sure to discover all the action from today&#8217;s fifth stage with our race report:<\/p>\n<p><strong>Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a: Matthew Brennan sprints to second win on stage 5 as late climb fails to drop sprinter<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\"><\/a><\/p>\n<aside data-article-category=\"pro-cycling\" data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\" class=\"ecom-root\"><\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T16:00:47+00:00\">2026-08-26T16:00:47.019Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-4d560bfa-a167-11f1-afe1-136c93b3ee74\">Tadej Poga\u010dar got through a tricky stage unscathed in the red jersey. He maintains his 3:21 lead over Primo\u017e Rogli\u010d in second. Here&#8217;s a look at the GC top 10 after 5 stages:<\/p>\n<div class=\"slice-container table-wrapper slice-container-table\" data-component-name=\"Slice:Table\" id=\"elk-4d560c90-a167-11f1-afc4-c76ec41ff578\">\n<div class=\"table__instruction\">\nSwipe to scroll horizontally<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"table__container\">\n<table tabindex=\"0\" class=\"table__wrapper table__wrapper--inbodyContent table__wrapper--sticky table__wrapper--divider\">\n<thead class=\"table__head\">\n<tr class=\"table__head__row\">\n<th class=\"table__head__heading table__head__heading--left\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Rank<\/p>\n<\/th>\n<th class=\"table__head__heading table__head__heading--left\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Name<\/p>\n<\/th>\n<th class=\"table__head__heading table__head__heading--left\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Result<\/p>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody class=\"table__body\">\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>1<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Tadej Pogacar (Slo) UAE Team Emirates XRG<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>11:26:01<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>2<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Primoz Roglic (Slo) Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>0:03:21<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>3<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Enric Mas (Spa) Movistar<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>0:03:32<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>4<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Sepp Kuss (USA) Visma-Lease A Bike<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>0:03:44<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>5<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Oscar Onley (GBr) Netcompany Ineos<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>0:03:45<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>6<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Richard Carapaz (Ecu) EF Education-EasyPost<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>0:03:50<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>7<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>F\u00e9lix Gall (Aut) Decathlon CMA CGM<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>0:03:57<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>8<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Mattias Skjelmose (Den) Lidl-Trek<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>0:04:06<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>9<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Jarno Widar (Bel) Lotto Intermarche<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>&#8221;<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>10<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Jay Vine (Aus) UAE Team Emirates XRG<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>0:04:11<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-4d560d08-a167-11f1-92d9-37a24ae45c53\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tds24RdSY2tEqQ8WVaiV86.png\" alt=\"Tadej Pogacar of Slovenia and UAE Team Emirates XRG celebrates on the podium as the Red Jersey leader during the 2026 Vuelta a Espa&amp;amp;ntilde;a (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein\/Getty images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T15:48:30+00:00\">2026-08-26T15:48:30.203Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-962a25b6-a165-11f1-be1f-b9ba78ed985d\">Here&#8217;s what the calm and composed Brennan had to say after his second stage win of this year&#8217;s Vuelta:<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;It&#8217;s not a bad one! It&#8217;s better than a normal day job, but yeah, it&#8217;s fantastic. Second one in the bag, first Grand Tour. Everyone just went full throughout the day, so I&#8217;m very thankful to finish it off again. The boys are also quite relieved,&#8221; Brennan said after the stage.<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\"><\/a><\/p>\n<aside data-article-category=\"pro-cycling\" data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\" class=\"ecom-root\"><\/aside>\n<p id=\"elk-962a25b6-a165-11f1-be1f-b9ba78ed985d-2\">&#8220;It was pretty spot-on, to be fair,&#8221; he said of the Visma lead-out. &#8220;We had the two boys pulling on front until the final few kilometres, and then Wout [Van Aert] and Christoph [Laporte] are probably some of the\u2014in fact, the best\u2014guys you can have in the world for this type of thing. They supported me all the way into the final.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;At the last corner, I lost my wheel a bit. The paint was a little bit slippery, but thankfully, I stayed safe. Christoph also felt that a little bit, but managed it really well, so I&#8217;m glad we could finish with the arms in the air.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;I wouldn&#8217;t say I&#8217;m a sprinter, but I can climb a little bit, so on this type of terrain, it works really nicely \u2013 especially with the support I have here. Even Stevie [Kruijswijk] and Bruno [Armirail], these guys were just so strong. When you&#8217;ve got these guys with you, it really gives you the confidence to go and try to achieve more.&#8221;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T15:44:14+00:00\">2026-08-26T15:44:14.868Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-fdec3bae-a164-11f1-bb7c-57403d5948f8\">The winning moment for Brennan on stage 5, who is quickly becoming the star everyone expected him to. Quite stunning power and climbing ability on show once again from the 21-year-old.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-fdec3c1c-a164-11f1-8568-5355bf6b7e41\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9sqBzRkwisJPPBDsYsLQ69.jpg\" alt=\"Team Visma-Lease a bike&amp;#039;s British rider Matthew Brennan celebrates as he crosses the finish line to win the fifth stage of the Vuelta a Espana 2026, a 173,4 km race between Falset and Roquetes on August 26, 2026. (Photo by Josep LAGO \/ AFP)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T15:36:23+00:00\">2026-08-26T15:36:23.107Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-e4b88d1e-a163-11f1-82f0-d943f5e0c33e\">Here&#8217;s what luxury lead-out man Wout van Aert had to say after the finish:<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;When you have Matthew Brennan there in a group like that, it&#8217;s the best card to play and I don&#8217;t even need to see the replay to see how he finished that one off,&#8221; said the Belgian.<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\"><\/a><\/p>\n<aside data-article-category=\"pro-cycling\" data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\" class=\"ecom-root\"><\/aside>\n<p id=\"elk-e4b88d1e-a163-11f1-82f0-d943f5e0c33e-2\">Asked if it feels as good as winning himself, the Belgian was honest, saying &#8220;yeah,&#8221; before admitting with a smile, &#8220;It comes close.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>What&#8217;s clear to see is that Van Aert \u2013 ever the selfless rider he is \u2013 is happy to ride for the Brit knowing that he is the more likely option to win on days like today, and that should he ever request the support of the young super talent, that has more than been guaranteed by his support in the last few days.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T15:33:14+00:00\">2026-08-26T15:33:14.309Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-74d0ee92-a163-11f1-9f9f-332adf2092b6\">Here&#8217;s a look at the top 10 on stage 5, with Jordi Meeus taking a solid second place, and Vincenzo Albanese finishing third. Such was the power of Laporte&#8217;s final lead-out that he finished seventh after sitting up.<\/p>\n<div class=\"slice-container table-wrapper slice-container-table\" data-component-name=\"Slice:Table\" id=\"elk-74d0eef6-a163-11f1-a45a-7db15151213a\">\n<div class=\"table__instruction\">\nSwipe to scroll horizontally<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"table__container\">\n<table tabindex=\"0\" class=\"table__wrapper table__wrapper--inbodyContent table__wrapper--sticky table__wrapper--divider\">\n<thead class=\"table__head\">\n<tr class=\"table__head__row\">\n<th class=\"table__head__heading table__head__heading--left\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Rank<\/p>\n<\/th>\n<th class=\"table__head__heading table__head__heading--left\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Name<\/p>\n<\/th>\n<th class=\"table__head__heading table__head__heading--left\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Result<\/p>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody class=\"table__body\">\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>1<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Matthew Brennan (GBr) Visma-Lease A Bike<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>3:47:02<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>2<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Jordi Meeus (Bel) Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>&#8221;<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>3<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Vincenzo Albanese (Ita) EF Education-EasyPost<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>&#8221;<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>4<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Alessandro Romele (Ita) XDS Astana<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>&#8221;<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>5<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Axel Laurance (Fra) Netcompany Ineos<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>&#8221;<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>6<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Orluis Alberto Aular Sanabria (Ven) Movistar<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>&#8221;<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>7<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Christophe Laporte (Fra) Visma-Lease A Bike<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>&#8221;<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>8<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Alberto Dainese (Ita) Soudal Quick-Step<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>&#8221;<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>9<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Vito Braet (Bel) Lotto Intermarche<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>&#8221;<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>10<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>David Gonzalez Lopez (Spa) Pinarello-Q36.5<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>&#8221;<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T15:26:14+00:00\">2026-08-26T15:26:14.739Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-stage-5-finish\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-stage-5-finish\"><span>Stage 5 finish<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-7a63e248-a162-11f1-876b-156a505a8c1b\"><strong>Matthew Brennan (Visma-Lease a Bike) storms to victory on stage 5 of the 2026 Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a. <\/strong>He takes his second Grand Tour stage win on debut at a three-week race after an absolutely textbook lead-out from Visma, with Van Aert and Laporte giving him a red carpet ride into the final few hundred metres.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T15:25:04+00:00\">2026-08-26T15:25:04.222Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-501ff44a-a162-11f1-898e-9b1b85ead05b\">Brennan hits the front and try as they may, he&#8217;s going to win again!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T15:24:49+00:00\">2026-08-26T15:24:49.169Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-4724476a-a162-11f1-a36a-59bbb4bd29db\">Laporte takes the Brit through the final corner, can he take the win again?<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T15:24:33+00:00\">2026-08-26T15:24:33.619Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-3dd56d7e-a162-11f1-be4e-b99b61db78e7\">Van Aert hits the front and does his job through 600 metres to go. Brennan has Meeus sat on his wheel.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T15:24:01+00:00\">2026-08-26T15:24:01.534Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-1km-to-go\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-1km-to-go\"><span>1km to go<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-2ecb87d2-a162-11f1-8948-35a1a4c8a34d\">Visma have navigated the turns perfectly for now and Brennan is in pole position to win his second stage on Grand Tour debut.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T15:23:30+00:00\">2026-08-26T15:23:30.100Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-1800311a-a162-11f1-9678-9b7e76b5c2d0\">Brennan has Van Aert and Laporte in front of him, it&#8217;s just a question of whether Visma can get it right again&#8230;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T15:23:12+00:00\">2026-08-26T15:23:12.551Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-0d737554-a162-11f1-8f46-03343af97837\">Cofidis are moving Coquard up on the right hand side of the road, but the hectic nature of this bunch is making it difficult to move up.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T15:22:39+00:00\">2026-08-26T15:22:39.104Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-f9926568-a161-11f1-b9b4-23a12376bf09\">Uno-X are leading, with Visma just behind them approaching the two crucial right-hand corners, where the race will likely be decided.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T15:22:10+00:00\">2026-08-26T15:22:10.666Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-3km-to-go\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-3km-to-go\"><span>3km to go<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-e892f052-a161-11f1-a2a0-71a161b871ef\">Suddenly the race has exploded into life, with Movistar and Uno-X now leading the rapid bunch. Sprint approach is fully on now.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T15:21:37+00:00\">2026-08-26T15:21:37.682Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-d4fdae56-a161-11f1-9283-253f32ba3bb2\">The pace is hotting up now into the final 4km. More teams are moving up to try and position their sprinters, and UAE are moving out of the danger zone to help Poga\u010dar arrive in one piece to Roquetes.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T15:19:45+00:00\">2026-08-26T15:19:45.119Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-5km-to-go\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-5km-to-go\"><span>5km to go<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-9202a264-a161-11f1-ba74-0154c1a13c9a\">The pace in the peloton is high but not at full gas yet. Ben Tulett is continuing to do the work for Visma on his 25th birthday. Brennan will be the heavy favourite to double up, but getting it right will be different through the final corners.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T15:17:17+00:00\">2026-08-26T15:17:17.166Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-39bf1fb0-a161-11f1-a858-abdcbfe3cbc6\">Visma continue to set the pace into the final 6km. UAE are sat in second position just to stay safe with Poga\u010dar.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T15:15:57+00:00\">2026-08-26T15:15:57.311Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-0a1324dc-a161-11f1-b32f-47f0a68ec832\">Could it be a day for Le Coq? Bryan Coquard has made it into this front group for Cofidis as he continues to hunt a maiden Grand Tour stage win. Also in the bunch is Alberto Dainese, prompting Soudal-QuickStep to move up towards the front.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T15:12:18+00:00\">2026-08-26T15:12:18.622Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-10km-to-go\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-10km-to-go\"><span>10km to go<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-87c544f6-a160-11f1-99c7-61e87ffaaff5\">After that wave of attacks, Visma have retaken control on the front to try and bring Brennan into the finale with the best shot.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T15:11:09+00:00\">2026-08-26T15:11:09.548Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-5e97ea0c-a160-11f1-b574-ad22578ce4f5\">Riders in the peloton and expected to battle out the stage win if it does go to a sprint:<br \/><strong>Matthew Brennan (Visma-Lease a Bike)<\/strong><br \/><strong>Jordi Meeus (Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe)<\/strong><br \/><strong>Orluis Aular (Movistar)<\/strong><br \/><strong>Pau Miquel (Bahrain Victorious)<\/strong><br \/><strong>Ben Turner (Netcompany Ineos)<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T15:08:34+00:00\">2026-08-26T15:08:34.096Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-0202440e-a160-11f1-98c4-cb086ace2175\">Visma are in the driving seat for the moment with the personnel they have in the peloton, but they need to be careful with how they play this. Van Aert chasing moves is allowing Brennan to sit comfortably with Laporte who will probably be his last lead-out man.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-02024472-a160-11f1-92d1-f3917e3764c3\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qfPFJJcY5rJ4XdqpVnznvi.png\" alt=\"Wout Van Aert of Belgium and Team Visma | Lease a Bike competes during the La Vuelta - 81st Tour of Spain 2026, Stage 5 a 173.3km from Falset - Costa Daurada to Roquetes - Terres de l&amp;#039;Ebre \/ #UCIWT \/ on August 26, 2026 in Roquetes, Spain. (Photo by Tim de Waele\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T15:06:39+00:00\">2026-08-26T15:06:39.269Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-bd719e98-a15f-11f1-b75e-3b5145499193\">Azparren isn&#8217;t going to give up easily. He attacks again on the downhill roads, but once again, Van Aert is on his case and chasing him down.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T15:04:41+00:00\">2026-08-26T15:04:41.633Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-attack\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-attack\"><span>Attack<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-778f60cc-a15f-11f1-b70f-ffff4e4bcf5f\">It&#8217;s not going to be simple after all: Xabier Mikel Azparren (Pinarello Q36.5) makes his move and attacks on the final kicker on the route. Van Aert has chased his down, but as have UAE, who are curiously still pacing hard on the front.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T15:00:00+00:00\">2026-08-26T15:00:00.620Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-20km-to-go\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-20km-to-go\"><span>20km to go<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-cfe1980e-a15e-11f1-a698-4b9287e3967e\">With headwind in the finale, a bunch sprint is all but guaranteed for now, but the TV broadcast has just previewed the final 200 metres, where there are multiple bends in the finale and what looks to be a recipe for chaos. We&#8217;ll see how we go when we get there.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T14:57:23+00:00\">2026-08-26T14:57:23.024Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-72065800-a15e-11f1-9285-55ca4f32f232\">UAE lead the peloton over the climb and onto this next descent. That&#8217;s most of the climbing down on stage 5, with just one small kicker remaining on the route before the downhill and flat run to the line in Roquetes. Terres de l&#8217;Ebre.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T14:53:56+00:00\">2026-08-26T14:53:56.924Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-25km-to-go\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-25km-to-go\"><span>25km to go<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-f74d69be-a15d-11f1-8279-314df0b49ca8\">Brennan and Van Aert are both still in this front group with Visma looking in a great position to attack this finale.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T14:50:15+00:00\">2026-08-26T14:50:15.380Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-72fd8ed2-a15d-11f1-999d-0f5e2c7da86b\">Suddenly, UAE are on the front with three riders in front of Poga\u010dar \u2013 Sivakov, Vine and young Spaniard Torres.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T14:49:28+00:00\">2026-08-26T14:49:28.834Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-5787e4d6-a15d-11f1-9213-df0718c803d6\">Mads Pedersen has dropped on this climb, with 2.6km to go to the summit and he may be paying for those early efforts in the crosswinds. He&#8217;s on the radio, telling his teammates what has happened.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T14:47:54+00:00\">2026-08-26T14:47:54.952Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-1f51037c-a15d-11f1-bbea-95250e8d45ef\">As Kaden Groves gets dropped, Alpecin-Premier Tech have gone to plan B and it&#8217;s the Austrian champion Michael Gogl pushing on the front \u2013 he doesn&#8217;t have many teammates near him, so it is curious who he may be riding for.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T14:47:02+00:00\">2026-08-26T14:47:02.880Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-005761be-a15d-11f1-b3f8-25653110e90e\">This may be an expected sprint stage, but for safety, it&#8217;s GC riders everywhere towards the front. Poga\u010dar, Onley and Rogli\u010d all in the front seven wheels.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T14:46:29+00:00\">2026-08-26T14:46:29.481Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-ec667c6c-a15c-11f1-89db-8125cc1d21b7\">Turning onto the climb with 28.5km to go and it&#8217;s a narrow road on this Puerto de Pa\u00fcls. Still a long way to go, but this is going to be nervous for everyone. Poga\u010dar is positioned perfectly on the front.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T14:45:38+00:00\">2026-08-26T14:45:38.915Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-30km-to-go\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-30km-to-go\"><span>30km to go<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-ce4be4e2-a15c-11f1-b949-c36d4a75e92e\">Ineos, Trek, and UAE move back into control on the front as every team is battling on the front to get the ideal position for the descent and approach to the climb. With the pace hotting up, Kron&#8217;s 40-second advantage has evapourated and he&#8217;s been caught with Tarling and Turner absolutely flying.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T14:42:29+00:00\">2026-08-26T14:42:29.312Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-5d427ca2-a15c-11f1-b2c0-0b143cf76c52\">After the uncategorised climb, the descent will lead the riders onto the Puerto de Pa\u00fcls (4km at 7.1%), where the lower section is the hardest. This is where attacks could come, but also the pressure should be applied by the punchiest fast men hoping to drop the pure sprinters.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T14:34:16+00:00\">2026-08-26T14:34:16.571Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-3819ab86-a15b-11f1-9689-67c9c93c03d3\">Kaden Groves is off the back of the bunch and he&#8217;s with a teammate. It&#8217;s not clear what happened to the Aussie but the Alpecin pair are chasing to get back in before the next uncategorised climb.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T14:33:31+00:00\">2026-08-26T14:33:31.824Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-1cd3c5d2-a15b-11f1-976f-2585afc02ee5\">Kron is pushing on out in front with a tailwind still helping to push him along. His advantage has grown out to 35 seconds, with riders at the front of the peloton looking around at each other, waiting for the action to kick off.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T14:32:48+00:00\">2026-08-26T14:32:48.659Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-0318750c-a15b-11f1-b821-63fc90b741f2\">He&#8217;s not had much to do in the way of attacking today, but Poga\u010dar hasn&#8217;t put on a foot wrong in the nervy crosswinds, or in the approach to this hill section. His positioning is still perhaps his most underrated characteristic.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-03187570-a15b-11f1-9d2f-71c4a7e657d9\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nsBwvJU5Rx24SeBUugaCJi.png\" alt=\"Tadej Pogacar of Slovenia and UAE Team Emirates XRG - Red Leader Jersey competes during the La Vuelta - 81st Tour of Spain 2026, Stage 5 a 173.3km from Falset - Costa Daurada to Roquetes - Terres de l&amp;#039;Ebre \/ #UCIWT \/ on August 26, 2026 in Roquetes, Spain. (Photo by Tim de Waele\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T14:30:38+00:00\">2026-08-26T14:30:38.297Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-b5577868-a15a-11f1-8306-4ff93360702c\">Kron is not being allowed much of an advantage as the peloton presses on, He&#8217;s just 19 seconds in front, even without the bunch fully kicking off.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T14:24:24+00:00\">2026-08-26T14:24:24.706Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-d70cc7b6-a159-11f1-bd17-c113eb2e42d2\">Uno-X Mobility have launched an attack after the pace came out of the bunch. It&#8217;s a former Vuelta stage winner in Andreas Kron, but he&#8217;s without company for the moment though.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T14:22:10+00:00\">2026-08-26T14:22:10.547Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-45km-to-go\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-45km-to-go\"><span>45km to go<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-86c5bbc8-a159-11f1-aba6-37cac619d0fe\">As the stage goes on, you can see more of the teams who are also interested coming towards the front away from Ineos, UAE and Visma. Red Bull are right there, hoping Jordi Meeus can make it over the climbs. Alpecin will be hoping Kaden Groves can inspire some of his previous best at the Vuelta as a seven-time stage winner \u2013 he&#8217;s not been at 100% throughout 2026, but in years gone by, this would have been a nailed on Groves finale.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T14:18:58+00:00\">2026-08-26T14:18:58.074Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-140a991e-a159-11f1-afe6-212a802960f9\">As I typed that, Visma moved back to the front and pace has been knocked off \u2013 there are splits at the back of the peloton, though, with the constant up and down sections seeing several riders miss the moves after a tough, nervous day of racing.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T14:18:13+00:00\">2026-08-26T14:18:13.158Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-f958d720-a158-11f1-8cd0-876a3b4b295d\">Netcompany Ineos are now in control on the front as things continue to heat up. While they also want to keep Onley safe, former U23 World Champion Axel Laurance is also a good option for a reduced sprint today.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T14:10:58+00:00\">2026-08-26T14:10:58.012Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-f6008722-a157-11f1-90c7-9f5ccf8921fc\">There&#8217;s been a change on the front with UAE moving into front position and setting quite a hard tempo on this first section of uncategorised climbing. This could be for positioning, though, and just to lessen the chaos later on when there will be lots of fighting for position.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T14:07:20+00:00\">2026-08-26T14:07:20.485Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-743355ee-a157-11f1-ae3f-81a20981a224\">Hayter is back in the peloton, but the calm control which Visma had established will soon be challenged. Taking a look at the profile for the stage, you can see the spattering of uncategorised hills and the category 3 Alto de Pa\u00fcls in the final 56km. Lots of teams will be hoping for a sprint, but someone will surely light things up to try and lessen the competition&#8230;<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-74335648-a157-11f1-8260-53a4108c108f\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9MjaJHo5csjbJjbV88SyQM.jpg\" alt=\"Stage 5 profile for Vuelta a Espana 2026\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Unipublic)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T14:02:27+00:00\">2026-08-26T14:02:27.801Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-60km-to-go\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-60km-to-go\"><span>60km to go<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-c61ac6d6-a156-11f1-b7d0-315e5b334c55\">Hayter has successfully taken the maximum 20 points at the intermediate sprint. Van Aert takes second place for 17 points, pointing to his ambitions for the remainder of the Vuelta.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T13:54:13+00:00\">2026-08-26T13:54:13.149Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-9ee82e4c-a155-11f1-89a2-0530d29d0646\">Here&#8217;s a look back at some of the echelons that formed earlier on stage 5, and you can see Hayter in the green jersey. His poor positioning saw him miss out, but after things came back together, he&#8217;s now leading the stage, 34 seconds ahead of the Visma-led peloton.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-9ee82eb0-a155-11f1-b13a-1326b0939728\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QhkGXuddwq2JWot8tpjAkQ.png\" alt=\"A general view of the peloton competing in echelons formation due to the crosswinds during the La Vuelta - 81st Tour of Spain 2026, Stage 5 a 173.3km from Falset - Costa Daurada to Roquetes - Terres de l&amp;#039;Ebre \/ #UCIWT \/ on August 26, 2026 in Roquetes, Spain. (Photo by Tim de Waele\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T13:49:37+00:00\">2026-08-26T13:49:37.264Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-70km-to-go\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-70km-to-go\"><span>70km to go<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-fa77bbe8-a154-11f1-ad67-677be228a2de\">Hayter continues to motor ahead on his own. He&#8217;s had the day after getting dropped several times when the race was splitting momentarily, to now leading stage 5. If he can survive in front, he&#8217;ll gain 20 points at the intermediate sprint once he reaches Tivenys.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T13:47:28+00:00\">2026-08-26T13:47:28.163Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-attack\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-attack\"><span>Attack<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-adaf4560-a154-11f1-bc79-cbbd2fd3a55b\">Ethan Hayter (Soudal-QuickStep) is on the move once again. After some rotten luck in the opening few days, the Brit is out in pursuit of the points at the intermediate sprint point. It&#8217;s a curious move, as this won&#8217;t get him into the jersey, but I guess he&#8217;s showing himself at the front of the race once again.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T13:38:56+00:00\">2026-08-26T13:38:56.187Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-7c75234e-a153-11f1-83e6-6f9986244669\">Given how active Van Aert has been in this windy section to try and split things, it looks like Visma&#8217;s plan A for the finale today will be Matthew Brennan \u2013 which should be no surprise given how well he climbed and then sprinted in the finale of stage 2.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-7c7523b2-a153-11f1-8394-01a7573bce70\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6Vseakm4WJo9nhazLsgXwG.jpg\" alt=\"Team Visma-Lease a bike&amp;#039;s British rider Matthew Brennan celebrates winning the second stage of the Vuelta a Espana 2026, a 214.3 km race between Monaco and Manosque on August 23, 2026. (Photo by Miguel MEDINA \/ AFP via Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Brennan stormed to victory ahead of Pedersen and Poga\u010dar in Manosque on stage 2 <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T13:36:36+00:00\">2026-08-26T13:36:36.766Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-80km-to-go\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-80km-to-go\"><span>80km to go<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-2938c988-a153-11f1-8005-53bef507380d\">Racing is all back together but I wouldn&#8217;t say calm by any means. The wind doesn&#8217;t seem strong enough to form major splits, but that hasn&#8217;t lessened the nerves by any means.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T13:32:07+00:00\">2026-08-26T13:32:07.942Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-8905cb3c-a152-11f1-8fa0-27f25f485d5b\">Lidl-Trek and Visma are the favourites for today with Matt Brennan and Mads Pedersen, and it&#8217;s getting tactical in this front group as the killer bees keep applying the pressure on the front.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T13:31:04+00:00\">2026-08-26T13:31:04.843Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-64a233b6-a152-11f1-b11c-6328a5e2fb9a\">We&#8217;ve turned from crosswind to cross-tail, and though the pace lulled momentarilly, Visma are back on the front and pushing with Wout van Aert stretching the bunch.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T13:25:09+00:00\">2026-08-26T13:25:09.654Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-90km-to-go\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-90km-to-go\"><span>90km to go<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-9117c984-a151-11f1-bea8-c75b0557e7d5\">Visma-Lease a Bike are now in control on the front of the peloton as the race rolls on. With that threat of splits not materialising, riders are taking the opportunity to take a feed from the team cars.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T13:21:38+00:00\">2026-08-26T13:21:38.674Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-11f44dd0-a151-11f1-ad3d-fbb8d8f9391b\">That nervous build-up seems to have come to nothing with the stragglers all returning to the back of the group. With the wind not strong enough and perhaps no team wanting to fully commit after a tough mountain stage yesterday, calm has returned to the bunch.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T13:18:30+00:00\">2026-08-26T13:18:30.800Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-a1ef3ec8-a150-11f1-8dc1-e389211b6cc5\">With all of the GC favourites staying well positioned at the front, that moment of chaos has ended for the moment. The pace has been knocked off and the splits behind are almost all back in the peloton.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T13:16:34+00:00\">2026-08-26T13:16:34.463Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-splits-in-the-peloton\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-splits-in-the-peloton\"><span>Splits in the peloton<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-5c92aa4a-a150-11f1-acc6-572ec1cd9fa4\">The four-man breakaway has been caught and the race is splitting up already. This brutal pressure from Lidl-Trek has spit several riders out the back already and the race is now in three big splits.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T13:15:42+00:00\">2026-08-26T13:15:42.794Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-3dc64ac2-a150-11f1-897d-254a0797820c\">Lidl-Trek are leading for the moment with Mads Pedersen working for Mattias Skjelmose.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T13:15:21+00:00\">2026-08-26T13:15:21.295Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-310192ec-a150-11f1-b79f-43c506e3ac05\">Such is the high speed, splits are already forming down in the peloton. The race is through that town I mentioned and that exposed section is upcoming. Some riders could see their Vuelta hopes disappear in these next 20km.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T13:14:05+00:00\">2026-08-26T13:14:05.692Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-100km-to-go\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-100km-to-go\"><span>100km to go<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-0411e002-a150-11f1-8194-7561fde1838b\">Crossing over the R\u00edo Ebro, the peloton is already fracturing and lined out fully with the pace full-on in the front. Even race leader Poga\u010dar is staying up in the first five wheels to ensure he doesn&#8217;t miss anything.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T13:13:05+00:00\">2026-08-26T13:13:05.575Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-e0302d88-a14f-11f1-8ea7-a1c69b637a7f\">Netcompany Ineos are in control for the moment, with white jersey Oscar Onley in second wheel as the race heads through this crucial town, where the exit will bring them into the exposed crosswind sections where positioning will be vital.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T13:10:02+00:00\">2026-08-26T13:10:02.644Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-7323d668-a14f-11f1-8194-2fb00f28da10\">With the nerves building up before a potentially threatening crosswind section, the pace has stabilised for a moment. The four breakaway riders still lead, but by just over a minute.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T13:05:35+00:00\">2026-08-26T13:05:35.487Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-110km-to-go\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-110km-to-go\"><span>110km to go<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-d3d049a2-a14e-11f1-bdc7-1373d2335622\">A look inside the calm before the storm in the peloton.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-d3d04a06-a14e-11f1-9eaf-cd6be9474886\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zMoYQp75RjU6bjJB5h4oRc.jpg\" alt=\"Steven Kruijswijk of Netherlands and Team Visma | Lease a Bike leads the peloton with Netcompany INEOS during stage 5 of the 2026 Vuelta a Espa&amp;amp;ntilde;a (Photo by Tim de Waele\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T13:00:52+00:00\">2026-08-26T13:00:52.997Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-2b8859a6-a14e-11f1-bcb5-5d6045829f9c\">If you needed any confirmation of how windy it is. One of the race doctors attending to the injuries of David de la Cruz (Pinarello Q36.5) has just lost his hat hanging out the side of the medical car.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T12:59:48+00:00\">2026-08-26T12:59:48.878Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-0560b502-a14e-11f1-8d1b-fde6c20b71aa\">With the wind blowing strong in Catalonia, the pace is up in the peloton, fighting for position to ensure if things do split, they don&#8217;t miss out. Coming up soon will be a change of direction, and on exposed roads, the crosswinds could have a major effect on stage 5&#8230;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T12:51:20+00:00\">2026-08-26T12:51:20.122Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-120km-to-go\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-120km-to-go\"><span>120km to go<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-d6024876-a14c-11f1-b7cb-f5e21fea4a9e\">Roel van Sintmaartensdijk (Lotto-Intermarch\u00e9) has abandoned the race after a crash in the peloton.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T12:48:49+00:00\">2026-08-26T12:48:49.641Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-7c63ea4a-a14c-11f1-8528-313c65c41a2e\">And while we&#8217;re on the topic of Poga\u010dar, yesterday&#8217;s 50km triumph was his longest solo win at a Grand Tour. Looking back at the modern dap emulator of Fausto Coppi and Eddy Merckx, Senior News Writer Dani Ostanek has dived into the Slovenian&#8217;s longest solo victories, between the Classics, Worlds, and GTs:<\/p>\n<p><strong>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<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\"><\/a><\/p>\n<aside data-article-category=\"pro-cycling\" data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\" class=\"ecom-root\"><\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T12:42:57+00:00\">2026-08-26T12:42:57.486Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-aa68cbc8-a14b-11f1-909c-17eec4261197\">A look at red jersey Poga\u010dar sitting comfortably in the peloton during stage 5 of the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a. Having extended his race lead out to more than three minutes yesterday, he can now focus on staying safe and attacking the next mountain days \u2013 but don&#8217;t rule him out of attacking in the punchy approach if others kick off the action.<\/p>\n<p>Make sure to read our Senior Staff Writer Alasdair Fotheringham&#8217;s on the ground analysis of his dominant performance yesterday and what it means for the rest of the race:<\/p>\n<p><strong>What now for the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a? After Tadej Poga\u010dar&#8217;s trademark display of GC power, a normally unpredictable race heads into uncharted territory &#8211; Analysis<\/strong><\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-aa68cc2c-a14b-11f1-aed1-c5bf7315c879\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aVcofwhmJqRdUssPqrjGsG.png\" alt=\"Pablo Torres of Spain and Tadej Pogacar of Slovenia and UAE Team Emirates XRG during stage 5 of the La Vuelta 2026 (Photo by Tim de Waele\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\"><\/a><\/p>\n<aside data-article-category=\"pro-cycling\" data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\" class=\"ecom-root\"><\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T12:30:04+00:00\">2026-08-26T12:30:04.586Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-130km-to-go\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-130km-to-go\"><span>130km to go<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-ddb557fa-a149-11f1-843f-43e82dbab962\">The race is heading over an uncategorised section of climbing for the moment, which has seen the breakaway&#8217;s lead reduced to just 1:10. The average speed is just a touch under 50kph.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T12:19:32+00:00\">2026-08-26T12:19:32.049Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-64b0a31a-a148-11f1-af4b-4b2401e69f27\">The early breakaway is struggling against the now Netcompany Ineos-led peloton pulling behind them. The British team have reduced the deficit to just 1:35.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T12:15:40+00:00\">2026-08-26T12:15:40.244Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-da97d0ea-a147-11f1-8ae6-9927795645d1\">K\u00fcng has sat up to wait for the peloton, leaving just four riders in front with 140km to go. With the gap under two minutes, it&#8217;s likely the Swiss rider didn&#8217;t see any hope of potential victory in the current situation.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T12:14:47+00:00\">2026-08-26T12:14:47.015Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-bad24f4c-a147-11f1-845e-31b5b8183300\">Here&#8217;s a look back at the initial move made by Dversnes, which sparked the formation of the early breakaway on stage 5.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-bad24fba-a147-11f1-b2e7-4953cf5c14ec\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7Ek5BBQ8rm6AfPAHXR2DiX.png\" alt=\"Fredrik Dversnes of Norway and Team Uno-X Mobility attacks in the breakaway during the La Vuelta 2026 on Stage 5 (Photo by Tim de Waele\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T12:09:33+00:00\">2026-08-26T12:09:33.364Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-145km-to-go\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-145km-to-go\"><span>145km to go<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-fffecede-a146-11f1-aabb-3b252b311cda\">The gap has now stablisied at 2:15. It&#8217;s likely the stage settles into a holding pattern for now, but there are still punchy parts of the route to contend with where more action should follow.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T12:00:45+00:00\">2026-08-26T12:00:45.588Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-c54cfadc-a145-11f1-8cee-8ff714feeee9\">A look inside the early action with five riders getting up the road to start stage 5. Their advantage has extended out to 2:20!<\/p>\n<div class=\"see-more see-more--clipped\" id=\"elk-2092581438809919818\">\n<figure>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet hawk-ignore\" data-lang=\"en\" cite=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/cantworkitout\/status\/2092581438809919818\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">\ud83c\udfc1- 155 km | Stage 5\ufe0f\u20e3 &#8211; Etapa 5\ufe0f\u20e3\ud83d\ude80 We have the first attacks of the day! Five guys are trying to get away from the peloton\ud83d\udca5 \u00a1Comienza la batalla por la fuga! Primeros movimientos en cabeza de carrera \ud83d\udc4a #LaVuelta26 pic.twitter.com\/2MaUcHBN2IAugust 26, 2026<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/figure>\n<div class=\"see-more__filter\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T11:55:33+00:00\">2026-08-26T11:55:33.317Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-0b274fc2-a145-11f1-81f4-f1df6a2cd0cf\">The gap is going in the right direction for the five leaders, now out to just more than a minute. Is that the break formation over?<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T11:52:59+00:00\">2026-08-26T11:52:59.507Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-160km\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-160km\"><span>160km<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-af748c58-a144-11f1-bcb2-ab662583ac1f\">Four riders have successfully bridged across the Dversnes to form a leading group of five: Walter Calzoni (Pinarello Q36.5), Stefan K\u00fcng (Tudor), Mattia Gaffuri (Picnic PostNL), and Diego Uriarte (Equipo Kern Pharm). They now lead the peloton by 25 seconds.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T11:51:19+00:00\">2026-08-26T11:51:19.559Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-73dd0076-a144-11f1-afb0-5dbf9cfbfc9d\">Here&#8217;s a look at the jersey wearer&#8217;s on stage 5:<\/p>\n<p><strong>King of the Mountains \u2013 Lorenzo Fortunato (XDS Astana)<\/strong><br \/><strong>Race leader \u2013 Tadej Poga\u010dar (UAE Team Emirates-XRG)<\/strong><br \/><strong>Points classification \u2013 Ethan Hayter (Soudal-QuickStep)<\/strong><br \/><strong>Best Young Rider \u2013 Oscar Onley (Netcompany Ineos)<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>But also a reminder that Poga\u010dar is actually leading in the first three classifications, with the Italian and Brit only donning the jerseys on his behalf as they sit second in KOM and points respecitvely. Poga\u010dar is no longer eligible for the white jersey he won seven years ago at the Vuelta.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-73dd00da-a144-11f1-851b-a93161fd60c1\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pqSufgdyoiBBAC8QWEDyo8.png\" alt=\"Lorenzo Fortunato, Tadej Pogacar, Ethan Hayter and Oscar Onley line up in the leaders jerseys of the Vuelta a Espa&amp;amp;ntilde;a before the start of stage 5(Photo by Tim de Waele\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T11:47:58+00:00\">2026-08-26T11:47:58.881Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-fc4881c0-a143-11f1-b6b3-45c24ed8cbbb\">The first attack of the day has come from a Giro d&#8217;Italia stage winner from this season, Fredrik Dversnes (Uno-X Mobility), with several counter attacks being launched to try and join the Norwegian up front.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T11:39:19+00:00\">2026-08-26T11:39:19.042Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-170km-to-go\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-170km-to-go\"><span>170km to go<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-c6885de0-a142-11f1-9e67-3b56f6c71ff1\"><strong>Stage 5 of the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a is finally underway!<\/strong> 181 riders took the start this afternoon with Uijtdebroeks the only non starter.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T11:37:23+00:00\">2026-08-26T11:37:23.792Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-81c046be-a142-11f1-9023-07e01b588cb5\">The start of stage 5 has been slightly delayed. There were several mechanicals during the neutralised start. Racing will begin 2.5 kilometres into the original route.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T11:32:24+00:00\">2026-08-26T11:32:24.110Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-cf315ad8-a141-11f1-9ce0-77030ef06f9d\">Very relaxed atmosphere at the start this morning, with the organisers even providing some pre-sign on entertainment for the riders. Former red jersey winner Sepp Kuss looking solid here in his decision making&#8230;<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-cf315b46-a141-11f1-aa12-ff577441e09f\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GUpXFsSQdASCYD6jJgHbJY.jpg\" alt=\"Sepp Kuss of United States and Team Visma | Lease a Bike prior to during the La Vuelta - 81st Tour of Spain 2026, Stage 5 a 173.3km from Falset - Costa Daurada to Roquetes - Terres de l&amp;#039;Ebre \/ #UCIWT \/ on August 26, 2026 in Falset, Andorra. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein\/Getty images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T11:30:23+00:00\">2026-08-26T11:30:23.967Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-87a195c0-a141-11f1-9fee-3b10d493bb07\">The riders are gone from the neutralised start of stage 5 at the Vuelta. They have 5.2 kilometres of neutral roads to compete with before racing gets going properly.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T11:14:34+00:00\">2026-08-26T11:14:34.386Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-5170bf6e-a13f-11f1-9f53-e168fea23820\">The big pre-stage news to bring you is that Cian Uijtdebroeks (Movistar) has had to abandon the race after struggling through yesterday&#8217;s stage to finish last, feeling the effects of an earlier crash as his rotten luck continues. Read more about his nightmare stage below.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Cian Uijtdebroeks abandons the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a following tearful last-place finish on stage 4<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T11:05:41+00:00\">2026-08-26T11:05:41.499Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-13d034ba-a13e-11f1-8fa3-a170cfa498c3\">If you missed any of the action on Tuesday, make sure to catch up with our race report, detailing Tadej Poga\u010dar completely decimation of his rivals at the first opportunity, winning with a 50km solo move.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a: Tadej Poga\u010dar twists the knife with 50km solo raid in Andorra to win stage 4<\/strong><\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-13d035a0-a13e-11f1-a34e-cff1c943585d\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tf8RrZuK52EMrdpV8uSW39.jpg\" alt=\"ANDORRA LA VELLA, ANDORRA - AUGUST 25: Tadej Pogacar of Slovenia and UAE Team Emirates XRG - Red Leader Jersey celebrates at finish line as stage winner during the La Vuelta - 81st Tour of Spain 2026, Stage 4 a 104.8km from Andorra la Vella to Andorra la Vella \/ #UCIWT \/ on August 25, 2026 in Andorra la Vella, Andorra. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\"><\/a><\/p>\n<aside data-article-category=\"pro-cycling\" data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\" class=\"ecom-root\"><\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T10:58:25+00:00\">2026-08-26T10:58:25.113Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-0fcab90e-a13d-11f1-aff9-2b05167bb573\">Read our preview of today&#8217;s stage for a rundown of the route in Catalonia. Those who came to the fore on stage 2 are expected to feature again, the likes of Matthew Brennan and Wout van Aert (both Visma-Lease a Bike) and Mads Pedersen (Lidl-Trek).<\/p>\n<p><strong>Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a 2026 stage 5 preview: Will Tadej Poga\u010dar take a break from attacking?<\/strong><\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-0fcab97c-a13d-11f1-b8ea-19a2a23ab718\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rsFHtq6rojWJaCHf5Fbxbm.png\" alt=\"Matthew Brennan of Great Britain - White best young jersey and Wout Van Aert of Belgium and Team Visma | Lease a Bike compete in the breakaway during the 2026 Vuelta a Espa&amp;amp;ntilde;a (Photo by Tim de Waele\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Brennan and Van Aert were both part of the breakaway on yesterday&#8217;s fourth stage to Andorra la Vella <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\"><\/a><\/p>\n<aside data-article-category=\"pro-cycling\" data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\" class=\"ecom-root\"><\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T10:55:05+00:00\">2026-08-26T10:55:05.602Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-98d32052-a13c-11f1-a2d3-17fb705c3dd2\">After the major GC action of stage 4, racing is expected to swing back in favour of the fast men on today&#8217;s flatter stage from Falset. Costa Daurada to Roquetes. Terres de l&#8217;Ebre on what is, finally, the first day of racing in Spain.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<p id=\"elk-00c5f0ca-98ca-11f1-9eee-8704aa9aa8f2\">Hello and welcome to our live coverage of stage 5 of the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"viafoura-comments\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative max-w-[1070px] viafoura-twig-component mt-6\" data-component-name=\"Viafoura:Comments\" data-nosnippet data-community-guidelines-text=\"&lt;p class=&apos;vfcustom-community-guidelines&apos;&gt;Please follow our &lt;a href=&quot;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/about\/#section-community-guidelines&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;community guidelines&lt;\/a&gt;.&lt;\/p&gt;\" data-join-the-conversation-text=\"Join the Conversation\">\n<div class=\"relative h-(--truncate-height) sm:h-(--truncate-desktop-height) overflow-hidden transition-[height] duration-150\" data-test-id=\"container\" 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widget-hero-fter-review\">\n<div class=\"clear-both widget-header\">\n<\/div>\n<div data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\" class=\"news-article\">\n<div class=\"header-container\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRacing\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRoad\n<\/li>\n<li>\nVuelta a Espa\u00f1a\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<header>\n<div class=\"header-sub-container\">\n<h1 class=\"review-title-long live-report\">As it happened: Visma-Lease a Bike dominate Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a stage 5 sprint finale with perfect lead-out<\/h1>\n<h2>Matthew Brennan takes second Grand Tour victory on debut in Roquetes with the help of Van Aert and Laporte<br \/>\n<\/h2>\n<div class=\"vds-byline-block flex flex-row flex-nowrap my-1.5 gap-2 text-left items-start justify-start\" data-component-name=\"Article:BylineBlock\">\n<p>Live-reports<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-auto vds-simple-byline\">\n<span class=\"inline-block vds-author\"><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nJames Moultrie <\/span><br \/>\n<span class=\"inline-block h-3 my-auto border-l border-solid vds-simple-byline__divider max-sm:hidden\"><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex gap-1 vds-byline-with-avatar__meta\">\n<span class=\"vds-date block font-normal tracking-normal normal-case text-xs\"><br \/>\nLast updated<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T16:50:32Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n26 August 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><br \/>\n<\/span>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<nav class=\"socialite-widget box less-space \" data-contexturl=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/live\/vuelta-a-espana-stage-5-live-sprinters-eye-a-second-opportunity-but-punchy-approach-to-the-finish-opens-door-to-attacks\/\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"socialite\">\n<ul class=\"socialite-widget-ul\">\n<li class=\"socialite-widget-item social-facebook\">\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"socialite-widget-item social-twitter\">\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"socialite-widget-item social-pinterest\">\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"socialite-widget-item social-email\">\n<p><i class=\"icon icon-envelope-solid\"><\/i><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>    <span class=\"text-[color:var(--comment-count-text-color,inherit)]\"><span>1<\/span> <span class=\"visible hidden sm:inline-block\">Comment<\/span><\/span><br \/>\n    <span class=\"text-[color:var(--comment-count-text-color,inherit)] hidden visible sm:inline-block\">Join the conversation<\/span><\/p>\n<\/nav>\n<aside class=\"text-gray-700 flex items-center mx-0 my-5 p-0 justify-start text-left\" id=\"affiliate-disclaimer\" data-component-name=\"AffiliateDisclaimer\" data-hawk-message=\"Affiliate disclaimer removed because hawk deemed there are no affiliate links on this page\">\n<p class=\"text-[color:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--text-color,inherit)] mb-2 text-[length:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--font-size,0.75rem)] leading-[18px] md:text-[13px] [&amp;&gt;a]:text-inherit [&amp;&gt;a]:underline\">\nWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate 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Here\u2019s how it works.\n<\/p>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<\/header>\n<figure>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xnmRcfDpBnYBqJNHDH8wmS.jpg\" alt=\"Matthew Brennan of Great Britain and Team Visma | Lease a Bike sprints at the finish to win on stage 5 of the 2026 Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein\/Getty images)\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] block-image-ads hero-image w-full\" data-component-name=\"Image\"><figcaption class=\"font-article-copy text-(--image--text--color) font-article-copy mt-2\"> <span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: \u00a9 Getty Images)<\/span><br \/>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\" class=\"news-article\">\n<div class=\"header-container\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRacing\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRoad\n<\/li>\n<li>\nVuelta a Espa\u00f1a\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<header>\n<div class=\"header-sub-container\">\n<h1 class=\"review-title-long live-report\">As it happened: Visma-Lease a Bike dominate Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a stage 5 sprint finale with perfect lead-out<\/h1>\n<h2>Matthew Brennan takes second Grand Tour victory on debut in Roquetes with the help of Van Aert and Laporte<br \/>\n<\/h2>\n<div class=\"vds-byline-block flex flex-row flex-nowrap my-1.5 gap-2 text-left items-start justify-start\" data-component-name=\"Article:BylineBlock\">\n<p>Live-reports<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-auto vds-simple-byline\">\n<span class=\"inline-block vds-author\"><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nJames Moultrie <\/span><br \/>\n<span class=\"inline-block h-3 my-auto border-l border-solid vds-simple-byline__divider max-sm:hidden\"><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex gap-1 vds-byline-with-avatar__meta\">\n<span class=\"vds-date block font-normal tracking-normal normal-case text-xs\"><br \/>\nLast updated<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T16:50:32Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n26 August 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><br \/>\n<\/span>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<nav class=\"socialite-widget box less-space \" data-contexturl=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/live\/vuelta-a-espana-stage-5-live-sprinters-eye-a-second-opportunity-but-punchy-approach-to-the-finish-opens-door-to-attacks\/\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"socialite\">\n<ul class=\"socialite-widget-ul\">\n<li class=\"socialite-widget-item social-facebook\">\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"socialite-widget-item social-twitter\">\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"socialite-widget-item social-pinterest\">\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"socialite-widget-item social-email\">\n<p><i class=\"icon icon-envelope-solid\"><\/i><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>    <span class=\"text-[color:var(--comment-count-text-color,inherit)]\"><span>1<\/span> <span class=\"visible hidden sm:inline-block\">Comment<\/span><\/span><br \/>\n    <span class=\"text-[color:var(--comment-count-text-color,inherit)] hidden visible sm:inline-block\">Join the conversation<\/span><\/p>\n<\/nav>\n<aside class=\"text-gray-700 flex items-center mx-0 my-5 p-0 justify-start text-left\" id=\"affiliate-disclaimer\" data-component-name=\"AffiliateDisclaimer\" data-hawk-message=\"Affiliate disclaimer removed because hawk deemed there are no affiliate links on this page\">\n<p class=\"text-[color:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--text-color,inherit)] mb-2 text-[length:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--font-size,0.75rem)] leading-[18px] md:text-[13px] [&amp;&gt;a]:text-inherit [&amp;&gt;a]:underline\">\nWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here\u2019s how it works.\n<\/p>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<\/header>\n<figure>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xnmRcfDpBnYBqJNHDH8wmS.jpg\" alt=\"Matthew Brennan of Great Britain and Team Visma | Lease a Bike sprints at the finish to win on stage 5 of the 2026 Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein\/Getty images)\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] block-image-ads hero-image w-full\" data-component-name=\"Image\"><figcaption class=\"font-article-copy text-(--image--text--color) font-article-copy mt-2\"> <span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: \u00a9 Getty Images)<\/span><br \/>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-widget-type=\"contentparsed\" id=\"pinned-content\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-contentparsed widget-pinned-content widget-contentparsed-pinned-content widget-pinned news-article widget-content-parsed widget-content-parsed-default widget-content-parsed-live-feed \">\n<div class=\" article-body \">\n<div class>\n<a id=\"elk-00be3754-98ca-11f1-896e-b5ed905e7c86\"><\/a><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-00be37fe-98ca-11f1-bcdb-b1976cbd4db1\"><strong>Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a 2026 &#8211; Everything you need to know<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a 2026 &#8211; Route<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\"><\/a><\/p>\n<aside data-article-category=\"pro-cycling\" data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\" class=\"ecom-root\"><\/aside>\n<p id=\"elk-00be37fe-98ca-11f1-bcdb-b1976cbd4db1-2\"><strong>Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a 2026 &#8211; Contenders<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a 2026 &#8211; stage 5 report<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>How to watch the 2026 Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a<\/strong><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-00be386c-98ca-11f1-950e-412081252fdf\"><strong>For unbeatable coverage across road, gravel and tech, subscribe to Cyclingnews. You&#8217;ll get comprehensive race coverage of La Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a, subscriber-exclusive analysis from our expert columnists, in-depth features and industry-leading tech insight. Plus, the Cyclingnews app lets you follow the action wherever you go! <\/strong><u><strong>Join today.<\/strong><\/u><\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-race-situation\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-race-situation\"><span>Race Situation<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><a id=\"elk-00be3920-98ca-11f1-a33a-ff7b813168a6\"><\/a><a id=\"elk-have-your-say\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-have-your-say\"><span>Have your say<\/span><\/h3>\n<div id=\"elk-5ef0331c-a131-11f1-bd0d-e31078d832de\">\n<div class=\"kwizly-quiz kwizly-X10NaO\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-widget-type=\"contentparsed\" id=\"live-feed-multipage\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-contentparsed widget-live-feed-multipage widget-contentparsed-live-feed-multipage news-article widget-content-parsed widget-content-parsed-default multipage widget-content-parsed-live-feed \">\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\" article-body \">\n<div id=\"ad-unit-1\" class=\"ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div data-component-name=\"Article:LiveReportUpdater\">\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T16:50:32+00:00\">2026-08-26T16:50:32.464Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-40e48408-a16e-11f1-8606-914874c51b87\">That concludes our live coverage of stage 5 of the 2026 Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a. Make sure you stay across our site throughout the evening as news from the ground rolls in, and come back tomorrow for more coverage from stage 7, from Alcossebre to Castell\u00f3.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T16:49:37+00:00\">2026-08-26T16:49:37.927Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-20473880-a16e-11f1-8d00-4161584be6d4\">Here&#8217;s a look at the profile for tomorrow&#8217;s sixth stage. It looks to be a perfect route for breakaway hopefuls, especially with the massive lead Poga\u010dar and UAE already have over everyone else.<\/p>\n<p>However, the problem with that is usually when everyone expects a break, the formation takes much longer, and it becomes easier for UAE to control and launch their leader to another win.<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\"><\/a><\/p>\n<aside data-article-category=\"pro-cycling\" data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\" class=\"ecom-root\"><\/aside>\n<p id=\"elk-20473880-a16e-11f1-8d00-4161584be6d4-2\">Also with a gravel sector on the vicious Puerto del Bartolo climb (9km at 7.1%) coming in the final 30km, there&#8217;s more than enough room for the GC battle to explode again, especially when it comes to the fight for the podium.<\/p>\n<p>The likes of Felix Gall and Oscar Onley could see this as the stage where they make the different if they are feeling strong, which again, would make another Poga\u010dar look more likely if Decathlon pace as they did on stage 4. Either way, it&#8217;s not one to be missed.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-204738e4-a16e-11f1-b771-f9027276a172\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CA2KY67HBrcRDmA6UGSRCd.jpg\" alt=\"Stage profile\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Unipublic)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T16:34:42+00:00\">2026-08-26T16:34:42.212Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-0a70cd84-a16c-11f1-86b1-7759d3beeeda\">When it comes to the classifications after stage 5, there&#8217;s been no change to any of the jerseys, with Poga\u010dar maintaining his hold over the red leader&#8217;s, the green points, and the blue and white polka-dot King of the Mountains jerseys, and Oscar Onley remains in white as the Best Young Rider.<\/p>\n<p>Ethan Hayter&#8217;s efforts in the breakaway earned him a trip to the final podium after stage 5, as the most combative rider.<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\"><\/a><\/p>\n<aside data-article-category=\"pro-cycling\" data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\" class=\"ecom-root\"><\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T16:32:01+00:00\">2026-08-26T16:32:01.713Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-aafec432-a16b-11f1-8e58-cfa2663e20b7\">If you&#8217;re only just catching up, make sure to discover all the action from today&#8217;s fifth stage with our race report:<\/p>\n<p><strong>Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a: Matthew Brennan sprints to second win on stage 5 as late climb fails to drop sprinter<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\"><\/a><\/p>\n<aside data-article-category=\"pro-cycling\" data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\" class=\"ecom-root\"><\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T16:00:47+00:00\">2026-08-26T16:00:47.019Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-4d560bfa-a167-11f1-afe1-136c93b3ee74\">Tadej Poga\u010dar got through a tricky stage unscathed in the red jersey. He maintains his 3:21 lead over Primo\u017e Rogli\u010d in second. Here&#8217;s a look at the GC top 10 after 5 stages:<\/p>\n<div class=\"slice-container table-wrapper slice-container-table\" data-component-name=\"Slice:Table\" id=\"elk-4d560c90-a167-11f1-afc4-c76ec41ff578\">\n<div class=\"table__instruction\">\nSwipe to scroll horizontally<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"table__container\">\n<table tabindex=\"0\" class=\"table__wrapper table__wrapper--inbodyContent table__wrapper--sticky table__wrapper--divider\">\n<thead class=\"table__head\">\n<tr class=\"table__head__row\">\n<th class=\"table__head__heading table__head__heading--left\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Rank<\/p>\n<\/th>\n<th class=\"table__head__heading table__head__heading--left\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Name<\/p>\n<\/th>\n<th class=\"table__head__heading table__head__heading--left\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Result<\/p>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody class=\"table__body\">\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>1<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Tadej Pogacar (Slo) UAE Team Emirates XRG<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>11:26:01<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>2<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Primoz Roglic (Slo) Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>0:03:21<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>3<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Enric Mas (Spa) Movistar<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>0:03:32<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>4<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Sepp Kuss (USA) Visma-Lease A Bike<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>0:03:44<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>5<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Oscar Onley (GBr) Netcompany Ineos<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>0:03:45<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>6<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Richard Carapaz (Ecu) EF Education-EasyPost<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>0:03:50<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>7<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>F\u00e9lix Gall (Aut) Decathlon CMA CGM<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>0:03:57<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>8<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Mattias Skjelmose (Den) Lidl-Trek<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>0:04:06<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>9<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Jarno Widar (Bel) Lotto Intermarche<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>&#8221;<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>10<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Jay Vine (Aus) UAE Team Emirates XRG<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>0:04:11<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-4d560d08-a167-11f1-92d9-37a24ae45c53\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tds24RdSY2tEqQ8WVaiV86.png\" alt=\"Tadej Pogacar of Slovenia and UAE Team Emirates XRG celebrates on the podium as the Red Jersey leader during the 2026 Vuelta a Espa&amp;amp;ntilde;a (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein\/Getty images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T15:48:30+00:00\">2026-08-26T15:48:30.203Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-962a25b6-a165-11f1-be1f-b9ba78ed985d\">Here&#8217;s what the calm and composed Brennan had to say after his second stage win of this year&#8217;s Vuelta:<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;It&#8217;s not a bad one! It&#8217;s better than a normal day job, but yeah, it&#8217;s fantastic. Second one in the bag, first Grand Tour. Everyone just went full throughout the day, so I&#8217;m very thankful to finish it off again. The boys are also quite relieved,&#8221; Brennan said after the stage.<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\"><\/a><\/p>\n<aside data-article-category=\"pro-cycling\" data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\" class=\"ecom-root\"><\/aside>\n<p id=\"elk-962a25b6-a165-11f1-be1f-b9ba78ed985d-2\">&#8220;It was pretty spot-on, to be fair,&#8221; he said of the Visma lead-out. &#8220;We had the two boys pulling on front until the final few kilometres, and then Wout [Van Aert] and Christoph [Laporte] are probably some of the\u2014in fact, the best\u2014guys you can have in the world for this type of thing. They supported me all the way into the final.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;At the last corner, I lost my wheel a bit. The paint was a little bit slippery, but thankfully, I stayed safe. Christoph also felt that a little bit, but managed it really well, so I&#8217;m glad we could finish with the arms in the air.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;I wouldn&#8217;t say I&#8217;m a sprinter, but I can climb a little bit, so on this type of terrain, it works really nicely \u2013 especially with the support I have here. Even Stevie [Kruijswijk] and Bruno [Armirail], these guys were just so strong. When you&#8217;ve got these guys with you, it really gives you the confidence to go and try to achieve more.&#8221;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T15:44:14+00:00\">2026-08-26T15:44:14.868Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-fdec3bae-a164-11f1-bb7c-57403d5948f8\">The winning moment for Brennan on stage 5, who is quickly becoming the star everyone expected him to. Quite stunning power and climbing ability on show once again from the 21-year-old.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-fdec3c1c-a164-11f1-8568-5355bf6b7e41\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9sqBzRkwisJPPBDsYsLQ69.jpg\" alt=\"Team Visma-Lease a bike&amp;#039;s British rider Matthew Brennan celebrates as he crosses the finish line to win the fifth stage of the Vuelta a Espana 2026, a 173,4 km race between Falset and Roquetes on August 26, 2026. (Photo by Josep LAGO \/ AFP)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T15:36:23+00:00\">2026-08-26T15:36:23.107Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-e4b88d1e-a163-11f1-82f0-d943f5e0c33e\">Here&#8217;s what luxury lead-out man Wout van Aert had to say after the finish:<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;When you have Matthew Brennan there in a group like that, it&#8217;s the best card to play and I don&#8217;t even need to see the replay to see how he finished that one off,&#8221; said the Belgian.<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\"><\/a><\/p>\n<aside data-article-category=\"pro-cycling\" data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\" class=\"ecom-root\"><\/aside>\n<p id=\"elk-e4b88d1e-a163-11f1-82f0-d943f5e0c33e-2\">Asked if it feels as good as winning himself, the Belgian was honest, saying &#8220;yeah,&#8221; before admitting with a smile, &#8220;It comes close.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>What&#8217;s clear to see is that Van Aert \u2013 ever the selfless rider he is \u2013 is happy to ride for the Brit knowing that he is the more likely option to win on days like today, and that should he ever request the support of the young super talent, that has more than been guaranteed by his support in the last few days.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T15:33:14+00:00\">2026-08-26T15:33:14.309Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-74d0ee92-a163-11f1-9f9f-332adf2092b6\">Here&#8217;s a look at the top 10 on stage 5, with Jordi Meeus taking a solid second place, and Vincenzo Albanese finishing third. Such was the power of Laporte&#8217;s final lead-out that he finished seventh after sitting up.<\/p>\n<div class=\"slice-container table-wrapper slice-container-table\" data-component-name=\"Slice:Table\" id=\"elk-74d0eef6-a163-11f1-a45a-7db15151213a\">\n<div class=\"table__instruction\">\nSwipe to scroll horizontally<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"table__container\">\n<table tabindex=\"0\" class=\"table__wrapper table__wrapper--inbodyContent table__wrapper--sticky table__wrapper--divider\">\n<thead class=\"table__head\">\n<tr class=\"table__head__row\">\n<th class=\"table__head__heading table__head__heading--left\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Rank<\/p>\n<\/th>\n<th class=\"table__head__heading table__head__heading--left\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Name<\/p>\n<\/th>\n<th class=\"table__head__heading table__head__heading--left\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Result<\/p>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody class=\"table__body\">\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>1<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Matthew Brennan (GBr) Visma-Lease A Bike<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>3:47:02<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>2<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Jordi Meeus (Bel) Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>&#8221;<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>3<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Vincenzo Albanese (Ita) EF Education-EasyPost<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>&#8221;<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>4<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Alessandro Romele (Ita) XDS Astana<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>&#8221;<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>5<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Axel Laurance (Fra) Netcompany Ineos<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>&#8221;<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>6<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Orluis Alberto Aular Sanabria (Ven) Movistar<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>&#8221;<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>7<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Christophe Laporte (Fra) Visma-Lease A Bike<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>&#8221;<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>8<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Alberto Dainese (Ita) Soudal Quick-Step<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>&#8221;<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>9<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Vito Braet (Bel) Lotto Intermarche<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>&#8221;<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>10<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>David Gonzalez Lopez (Spa) Pinarello-Q36.5<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>&#8221;<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T15:26:14+00:00\">2026-08-26T15:26:14.739Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-stage-5-finish\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-stage-5-finish\"><span>Stage 5 finish<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-7a63e248-a162-11f1-876b-156a505a8c1b\"><strong>Matthew Brennan (Visma-Lease a Bike) storms to victory on stage 5 of the 2026 Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a. <\/strong>He takes his second Grand Tour stage win on debut at a three-week race after an absolutely textbook lead-out from Visma, with Van Aert and Laporte giving him a red carpet ride into the final few hundred metres.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T15:25:04+00:00\">2026-08-26T15:25:04.222Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-501ff44a-a162-11f1-898e-9b1b85ead05b\">Brennan hits the front and try as they may, he&#8217;s going to win again!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T15:24:49+00:00\">2026-08-26T15:24:49.169Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-4724476a-a162-11f1-a36a-59bbb4bd29db\">Laporte takes the Brit through the final corner, can he take the win again?<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T15:24:33+00:00\">2026-08-26T15:24:33.619Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-3dd56d7e-a162-11f1-be4e-b99b61db78e7\">Van Aert hits the front and does his job through 600 metres to go. Brennan has Meeus sat on his wheel.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T15:24:01+00:00\">2026-08-26T15:24:01.534Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-1km-to-go\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-1km-to-go\"><span>1km to go<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-2ecb87d2-a162-11f1-8948-35a1a4c8a34d\">Visma have navigated the turns perfectly for now and Brennan is in pole position to win his second stage on Grand Tour debut.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T15:23:30+00:00\">2026-08-26T15:23:30.100Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-1800311a-a162-11f1-9678-9b7e76b5c2d0\">Brennan has Van Aert and Laporte in front of him, it&#8217;s just a question of whether Visma can get it right again&#8230;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T15:23:12+00:00\">2026-08-26T15:23:12.551Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-0d737554-a162-11f1-8f46-03343af97837\">Cofidis are moving Coquard up on the right hand side of the road, but the hectic nature of this bunch is making it difficult to move up.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T15:22:39+00:00\">2026-08-26T15:22:39.104Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-f9926568-a161-11f1-b9b4-23a12376bf09\">Uno-X are leading, with Visma just behind them approaching the two crucial right-hand corners, where the race will likely be decided.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T15:22:10+00:00\">2026-08-26T15:22:10.666Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-3km-to-go\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-3km-to-go\"><span>3km to go<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-e892f052-a161-11f1-a2a0-71a161b871ef\">Suddenly the race has exploded into life, with Movistar and Uno-X now leading the rapid bunch. Sprint approach is fully on now.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T15:21:37+00:00\">2026-08-26T15:21:37.682Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-d4fdae56-a161-11f1-9283-253f32ba3bb2\">The pace is hotting up now into the final 4km. More teams are moving up to try and position their sprinters, and UAE are moving out of the danger zone to help Poga\u010dar arrive in one piece to Roquetes.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T15:19:45+00:00\">2026-08-26T15:19:45.119Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-5km-to-go\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-5km-to-go\"><span>5km to go<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-9202a264-a161-11f1-ba74-0154c1a13c9a\">The pace in the peloton is high but not at full gas yet. Ben Tulett is continuing to do the work for Visma on his 25th birthday. Brennan will be the heavy favourite to double up, but getting it right will be different through the final corners.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T15:17:17+00:00\">2026-08-26T15:17:17.166Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-39bf1fb0-a161-11f1-a858-abdcbfe3cbc6\">Visma continue to set the pace into the final 6km. UAE are sat in second position just to stay safe with Poga\u010dar.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T15:15:57+00:00\">2026-08-26T15:15:57.311Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-0a1324dc-a161-11f1-b32f-47f0a68ec832\">Could it be a day for Le Coq? Bryan Coquard has made it into this front group for Cofidis as he continues to hunt a maiden Grand Tour stage win. Also in the bunch is Alberto Dainese, prompting Soudal-QuickStep to move up towards the front.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T15:12:18+00:00\">2026-08-26T15:12:18.622Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-10km-to-go\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-10km-to-go\"><span>10km to go<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-87c544f6-a160-11f1-99c7-61e87ffaaff5\">After that wave of attacks, Visma have retaken control on the front to try and bring Brennan into the finale with the best shot.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T15:11:09+00:00\">2026-08-26T15:11:09.548Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-5e97ea0c-a160-11f1-b574-ad22578ce4f5\">Riders in the peloton and expected to battle out the stage win if it does go to a sprint:<br \/><strong>Matthew Brennan (Visma-Lease a Bike)<\/strong><br \/><strong>Jordi Meeus (Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe)<\/strong><br \/><strong>Orluis Aular (Movistar)<\/strong><br \/><strong>Pau Miquel (Bahrain Victorious)<\/strong><br \/><strong>Ben Turner (Netcompany Ineos)<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T15:08:34+00:00\">2026-08-26T15:08:34.096Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-0202440e-a160-11f1-98c4-cb086ace2175\">Visma are in the driving seat for the moment with the personnel they have in the peloton, but they need to be careful with how they play this. Van Aert chasing moves is allowing Brennan to sit comfortably with Laporte who will probably be his last lead-out man.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-02024472-a160-11f1-92d1-f3917e3764c3\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qfPFJJcY5rJ4XdqpVnznvi.png\" alt=\"Wout Van Aert of Belgium and Team Visma | Lease a Bike competes during the La Vuelta - 81st Tour of Spain 2026, Stage 5 a 173.3km from Falset - Costa Daurada to Roquetes - Terres de l&amp;#039;Ebre \/ #UCIWT \/ on August 26, 2026 in Roquetes, Spain. (Photo by Tim de Waele\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T15:06:39+00:00\">2026-08-26T15:06:39.269Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-bd719e98-a15f-11f1-b75e-3b5145499193\">Azparren isn&#8217;t going to give up easily. He attacks again on the downhill roads, but once again, Van Aert is on his case and chasing him down.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T15:04:41+00:00\">2026-08-26T15:04:41.633Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-attack\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-attack\"><span>Attack<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-778f60cc-a15f-11f1-b70f-ffff4e4bcf5f\">It&#8217;s not going to be simple after all: Xabier Mikel Azparren (Pinarello Q36.5) makes his move and attacks on the final kicker on the route. Van Aert has chased his down, but as have UAE, who are curiously still pacing hard on the front.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T15:00:00+00:00\">2026-08-26T15:00:00.620Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-20km-to-go\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-20km-to-go\"><span>20km to go<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-cfe1980e-a15e-11f1-a698-4b9287e3967e\">With headwind in the finale, a bunch sprint is all but guaranteed for now, but the TV broadcast has just previewed the final 200 metres, where there are multiple bends in the finale and what looks to be a recipe for chaos. We&#8217;ll see how we go when we get there.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T14:57:23+00:00\">2026-08-26T14:57:23.024Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-72065800-a15e-11f1-9285-55ca4f32f232\">UAE lead the peloton over the climb and onto this next descent. That&#8217;s most of the climbing down on stage 5, with just one small kicker remaining on the route before the downhill and flat run to the line in Roquetes. Terres de l&#8217;Ebre.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T14:53:56+00:00\">2026-08-26T14:53:56.924Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-25km-to-go\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-25km-to-go\"><span>25km to go<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-f74d69be-a15d-11f1-8279-314df0b49ca8\">Brennan and Van Aert are both still in this front group with Visma looking in a great position to attack this finale.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T14:50:15+00:00\">2026-08-26T14:50:15.380Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-72fd8ed2-a15d-11f1-999d-0f5e2c7da86b\">Suddenly, UAE are on the front with three riders in front of Poga\u010dar \u2013 Sivakov, Vine and young Spaniard Torres.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T14:49:28+00:00\">2026-08-26T14:49:28.834Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-5787e4d6-a15d-11f1-9213-df0718c803d6\">Mads Pedersen has dropped on this climb, with 2.6km to go to the summit and he may be paying for those early efforts in the crosswinds. He&#8217;s on the radio, telling his teammates what has happened.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T14:47:54+00:00\">2026-08-26T14:47:54.952Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-1f51037c-a15d-11f1-bbea-95250e8d45ef\">As Kaden Groves gets dropped, Alpecin-Premier Tech have gone to plan B and it&#8217;s the Austrian champion Michael Gogl pushing on the front \u2013 he doesn&#8217;t have many teammates near him, so it is curious who he may be riding for.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T14:47:02+00:00\">2026-08-26T14:47:02.880Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-005761be-a15d-11f1-b3f8-25653110e90e\">This may be an expected sprint stage, but for safety, it&#8217;s GC riders everywhere towards the front. Poga\u010dar, Onley and Rogli\u010d all in the front seven wheels.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T14:46:29+00:00\">2026-08-26T14:46:29.481Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-ec667c6c-a15c-11f1-89db-8125cc1d21b7\">Turning onto the climb with 28.5km to go and it&#8217;s a narrow road on this Puerto de Pa\u00fcls. Still a long way to go, but this is going to be nervous for everyone. Poga\u010dar is positioned perfectly on the front.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T14:45:38+00:00\">2026-08-26T14:45:38.915Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-30km-to-go\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-30km-to-go\"><span>30km to go<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-ce4be4e2-a15c-11f1-b949-c36d4a75e92e\">Ineos, Trek, and UAE move back into control on the front as every team is battling on the front to get the ideal position for the descent and approach to the climb. With the pace hotting up, Kron&#8217;s 40-second advantage has evapourated and he&#8217;s been caught with Tarling and Turner absolutely flying.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T14:42:29+00:00\">2026-08-26T14:42:29.312Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-5d427ca2-a15c-11f1-b2c0-0b143cf76c52\">After the uncategorised climb, the descent will lead the riders onto the Puerto de Pa\u00fcls (4km at 7.1%), where the lower section is the hardest. This is where attacks could come, but also the pressure should be applied by the punchiest fast men hoping to drop the pure sprinters.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T14:34:16+00:00\">2026-08-26T14:34:16.571Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-3819ab86-a15b-11f1-9689-67c9c93c03d3\">Kaden Groves is off the back of the bunch and he&#8217;s with a teammate. It&#8217;s not clear what happened to the Aussie but the Alpecin pair are chasing to get back in before the next uncategorised climb.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T14:33:31+00:00\">2026-08-26T14:33:31.824Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-1cd3c5d2-a15b-11f1-976f-2585afc02ee5\">Kron is pushing on out in front with a tailwind still helping to push him along. His advantage has grown out to 35 seconds, with riders at the front of the peloton looking around at each other, waiting for the action to kick off.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T14:32:48+00:00\">2026-08-26T14:32:48.659Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-0318750c-a15b-11f1-b821-63fc90b741f2\">He&#8217;s not had much to do in the way of attacking today, but Poga\u010dar hasn&#8217;t put on a foot wrong in the nervy crosswinds, or in the approach to this hill section. His positioning is still perhaps his most underrated characteristic.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-03187570-a15b-11f1-9d2f-71c4a7e657d9\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nsBwvJU5Rx24SeBUugaCJi.png\" alt=\"Tadej Pogacar of Slovenia and UAE Team Emirates XRG - Red Leader Jersey competes during the La Vuelta - 81st Tour of Spain 2026, Stage 5 a 173.3km from Falset - Costa Daurada to Roquetes - Terres de l&amp;#039;Ebre \/ #UCIWT \/ on August 26, 2026 in Roquetes, Spain. (Photo by Tim de Waele\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T14:30:38+00:00\">2026-08-26T14:30:38.297Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-b5577868-a15a-11f1-8306-4ff93360702c\">Kron is not being allowed much of an advantage as the peloton presses on, He&#8217;s just 19 seconds in front, even without the bunch fully kicking off.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T14:24:24+00:00\">2026-08-26T14:24:24.706Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-d70cc7b6-a159-11f1-bd17-c113eb2e42d2\">Uno-X Mobility have launched an attack after the pace came out of the bunch. It&#8217;s a former Vuelta stage winner in Andreas Kron, but he&#8217;s without company for the moment though.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T14:22:10+00:00\">2026-08-26T14:22:10.547Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-45km-to-go\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-45km-to-go\"><span>45km to go<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-86c5bbc8-a159-11f1-aba6-37cac619d0fe\">As the stage goes on, you can see more of the teams who are also interested coming towards the front away from Ineos, UAE and Visma. Red Bull are right there, hoping Jordi Meeus can make it over the climbs. Alpecin will be hoping Kaden Groves can inspire some of his previous best at the Vuelta as a seven-time stage winner \u2013 he&#8217;s not been at 100% throughout 2026, but in years gone by, this would have been a nailed on Groves finale.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T14:18:58+00:00\">2026-08-26T14:18:58.074Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-140a991e-a159-11f1-afe6-212a802960f9\">As I typed that, Visma moved back to the front and pace has been knocked off \u2013 there are splits at the back of the peloton, though, with the constant up and down sections seeing several riders miss the moves after a tough, nervous day of racing.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T14:18:13+00:00\">2026-08-26T14:18:13.158Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-f958d720-a158-11f1-8cd0-876a3b4b295d\">Netcompany Ineos are now in control on the front as things continue to heat up. While they also want to keep Onley safe, former U23 World Champion Axel Laurance is also a good option for a reduced sprint today.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T14:10:58+00:00\">2026-08-26T14:10:58.012Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-f6008722-a157-11f1-90c7-9f5ccf8921fc\">There&#8217;s been a change on the front with UAE moving into front position and setting quite a hard tempo on this first section of uncategorised climbing. This could be for positioning, though, and just to lessen the chaos later on when there will be lots of fighting for position.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T14:07:20+00:00\">2026-08-26T14:07:20.485Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-743355ee-a157-11f1-ae3f-81a20981a224\">Hayter is back in the peloton, but the calm control which Visma had established will soon be challenged. Taking a look at the profile for the stage, you can see the spattering of uncategorised hills and the category 3 Alto de Pa\u00fcls in the final 56km. Lots of teams will be hoping for a sprint, but someone will surely light things up to try and lessen the competition&#8230;<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-74335648-a157-11f1-8260-53a4108c108f\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9MjaJHo5csjbJjbV88SyQM.jpg\" alt=\"Stage 5 profile for Vuelta a Espana 2026\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Unipublic)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T14:02:27+00:00\">2026-08-26T14:02:27.801Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-60km-to-go\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-60km-to-go\"><span>60km to go<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-c61ac6d6-a156-11f1-b7d0-315e5b334c55\">Hayter has successfully taken the maximum 20 points at the intermediate sprint. Van Aert takes second place for 17 points, pointing to his ambitions for the remainder of the Vuelta.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T13:54:13+00:00\">2026-08-26T13:54:13.149Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-9ee82e4c-a155-11f1-89a2-0530d29d0646\">Here&#8217;s a look back at some of the echelons that formed earlier on stage 5, and you can see Hayter in the green jersey. His poor positioning saw him miss out, but after things came back together, he&#8217;s now leading the stage, 34 seconds ahead of the Visma-led peloton.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-9ee82eb0-a155-11f1-b13a-1326b0939728\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QhkGXuddwq2JWot8tpjAkQ.png\" alt=\"A general view of the peloton competing in echelons formation due to the crosswinds during the La Vuelta - 81st Tour of Spain 2026, Stage 5 a 173.3km from Falset - Costa Daurada to Roquetes - Terres de l&amp;#039;Ebre \/ #UCIWT \/ on August 26, 2026 in Roquetes, Spain. (Photo by Tim de Waele\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T13:49:37+00:00\">2026-08-26T13:49:37.264Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-70km-to-go\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-70km-to-go\"><span>70km to go<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-fa77bbe8-a154-11f1-ad67-677be228a2de\">Hayter continues to motor ahead on his own. He&#8217;s had the day after getting dropped several times when the race was splitting momentarily, to now leading stage 5. If he can survive in front, he&#8217;ll gain 20 points at the intermediate sprint once he reaches Tivenys.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T13:47:28+00:00\">2026-08-26T13:47:28.163Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-attack\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-attack\"><span>Attack<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-adaf4560-a154-11f1-bc79-cbbd2fd3a55b\">Ethan Hayter (Soudal-QuickStep) is on the move once again. After some rotten luck in the opening few days, the Brit is out in pursuit of the points at the intermediate sprint point. It&#8217;s a curious move, as this won&#8217;t get him into the jersey, but I guess he&#8217;s showing himself at the front of the race once again.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T13:38:56+00:00\">2026-08-26T13:38:56.187Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-7c75234e-a153-11f1-83e6-6f9986244669\">Given how active Van Aert has been in this windy section to try and split things, it looks like Visma&#8217;s plan A for the finale today will be Matthew Brennan \u2013 which should be no surprise given how well he climbed and then sprinted in the finale of stage 2.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-7c7523b2-a153-11f1-8394-01a7573bce70\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6Vseakm4WJo9nhazLsgXwG.jpg\" alt=\"Team Visma-Lease a bike&amp;#039;s British rider Matthew Brennan celebrates winning the second stage of the Vuelta a Espana 2026, a 214.3 km race between Monaco and Manosque on August 23, 2026. (Photo by Miguel MEDINA \/ AFP via Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Brennan stormed to victory ahead of Pedersen and Poga\u010dar in Manosque on stage 2 <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T13:36:36+00:00\">2026-08-26T13:36:36.766Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-80km-to-go\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-80km-to-go\"><span>80km to go<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-2938c988-a153-11f1-8005-53bef507380d\">Racing is all back together but I wouldn&#8217;t say calm by any means. The wind doesn&#8217;t seem strong enough to form major splits, but that hasn&#8217;t lessened the nerves by any means.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T13:32:07+00:00\">2026-08-26T13:32:07.942Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-8905cb3c-a152-11f1-8fa0-27f25f485d5b\">Lidl-Trek and Visma are the favourites for today with Matt Brennan and Mads Pedersen, and it&#8217;s getting tactical in this front group as the killer bees keep applying the pressure on the front.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T13:31:04+00:00\">2026-08-26T13:31:04.843Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-64a233b6-a152-11f1-b11c-6328a5e2fb9a\">We&#8217;ve turned from crosswind to cross-tail, and though the pace lulled momentarilly, Visma are back on the front and pushing with Wout van Aert stretching the bunch.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T13:25:09+00:00\">2026-08-26T13:25:09.654Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-90km-to-go\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-90km-to-go\"><span>90km to go<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-9117c984-a151-11f1-bea8-c75b0557e7d5\">Visma-Lease a Bike are now in control on the front of the peloton as the race rolls on. With that threat of splits not materialising, riders are taking the opportunity to take a feed from the team cars.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T13:21:38+00:00\">2026-08-26T13:21:38.674Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-11f44dd0-a151-11f1-ad3d-fbb8d8f9391b\">That nervous build-up seems to have come to nothing with the stragglers all returning to the back of the group. With the wind not strong enough and perhaps no team wanting to fully commit after a tough mountain stage yesterday, calm has returned to the bunch.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T13:18:30+00:00\">2026-08-26T13:18:30.800Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-a1ef3ec8-a150-11f1-8dc1-e389211b6cc5\">With all of the GC favourites staying well positioned at the front, that moment of chaos has ended for the moment. The pace has been knocked off and the splits behind are almost all back in the peloton.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T13:16:34+00:00\">2026-08-26T13:16:34.463Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-splits-in-the-peloton\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-splits-in-the-peloton\"><span>Splits in the peloton<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-5c92aa4a-a150-11f1-acc6-572ec1cd9fa4\">The four-man breakaway has been caught and the race is splitting up already. This brutal pressure from Lidl-Trek has spit several riders out the back already and the race is now in three big splits.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T13:15:42+00:00\">2026-08-26T13:15:42.794Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-3dc64ac2-a150-11f1-897d-254a0797820c\">Lidl-Trek are leading for the moment with Mads Pedersen working for Mattias Skjelmose.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T13:15:21+00:00\">2026-08-26T13:15:21.295Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-310192ec-a150-11f1-b79f-43c506e3ac05\">Such is the high speed, splits are already forming down in the peloton. The race is through that town I mentioned and that exposed section is upcoming. Some riders could see their Vuelta hopes disappear in these next 20km.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T13:14:05+00:00\">2026-08-26T13:14:05.692Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-100km-to-go\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-100km-to-go\"><span>100km to go<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-0411e002-a150-11f1-8194-7561fde1838b\">Crossing over the R\u00edo Ebro, the peloton is already fracturing and lined out fully with the pace full-on in the front. Even race leader Poga\u010dar is staying up in the first five wheels to ensure he doesn&#8217;t miss anything.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T13:13:05+00:00\">2026-08-26T13:13:05.575Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-e0302d88-a14f-11f1-8ea7-a1c69b637a7f\">Netcompany Ineos are in control for the moment, with white jersey Oscar Onley in second wheel as the race heads through this crucial town, where the exit will bring them into the exposed crosswind sections where positioning will be vital.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T13:10:02+00:00\">2026-08-26T13:10:02.644Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-7323d668-a14f-11f1-8194-2fb00f28da10\">With the nerves building up before a potentially threatening crosswind section, the pace has stabilised for a moment. The four breakaway riders still lead, but by just over a minute.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T13:05:35+00:00\">2026-08-26T13:05:35.487Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-110km-to-go\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-110km-to-go\"><span>110km to go<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-d3d049a2-a14e-11f1-bdc7-1373d2335622\">A look inside the calm before the storm in the peloton.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-d3d04a06-a14e-11f1-9eaf-cd6be9474886\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zMoYQp75RjU6bjJB5h4oRc.jpg\" alt=\"Steven Kruijswijk of Netherlands and Team Visma | Lease a Bike leads the peloton with Netcompany INEOS during stage 5 of the 2026 Vuelta a Espa&amp;amp;ntilde;a (Photo by Tim de Waele\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T13:00:52+00:00\">2026-08-26T13:00:52.997Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-2b8859a6-a14e-11f1-bcb5-5d6045829f9c\">If you needed any confirmation of how windy it is. One of the race doctors attending to the injuries of David de la Cruz (Pinarello Q36.5) has just lost his hat hanging out the side of the medical car.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T12:59:48+00:00\">2026-08-26T12:59:48.878Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-0560b502-a14e-11f1-8d1b-fde6c20b71aa\">With the wind blowing strong in Catalonia, the pace is up in the peloton, fighting for position to ensure if things do split, they don&#8217;t miss out. Coming up soon will be a change of direction, and on exposed roads, the crosswinds could have a major effect on stage 5&#8230;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T12:51:20+00:00\">2026-08-26T12:51:20.122Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-120km-to-go\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-120km-to-go\"><span>120km to go<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-d6024876-a14c-11f1-b7cb-f5e21fea4a9e\">Roel van Sintmaartensdijk (Lotto-Intermarch\u00e9) has abandoned the race after a crash in the peloton.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T12:48:49+00:00\">2026-08-26T12:48:49.641Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-7c63ea4a-a14c-11f1-8528-313c65c41a2e\">And while we&#8217;re on the topic of Poga\u010dar, yesterday&#8217;s 50km triumph was his longest solo win at a Grand Tour. Looking back at the modern dap emulator of Fausto Coppi and Eddy Merckx, Senior News Writer Dani Ostanek has dived into the Slovenian&#8217;s longest solo victories, between the Classics, Worlds, and GTs:<\/p>\n<p><strong>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<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\"><\/a><\/p>\n<aside data-article-category=\"pro-cycling\" data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\" class=\"ecom-root\"><\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T12:42:57+00:00\">2026-08-26T12:42:57.486Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-aa68cbc8-a14b-11f1-909c-17eec4261197\">A look at red jersey Poga\u010dar sitting comfortably in the peloton during stage 5 of the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a. Having extended his race lead out to more than three minutes yesterday, he can now focus on staying safe and attacking the next mountain days \u2013 but don&#8217;t rule him out of attacking in the punchy approach if others kick off the action.<\/p>\n<p>Make sure to read our Senior Staff Writer Alasdair Fotheringham&#8217;s on the ground analysis of his dominant performance yesterday and what it means for the rest of the race:<\/p>\n<p><strong>What now for the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a? After Tadej Poga\u010dar&#8217;s trademark display of GC power, a normally unpredictable race heads into uncharted territory &#8211; Analysis<\/strong><\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-aa68cc2c-a14b-11f1-aed1-c5bf7315c879\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aVcofwhmJqRdUssPqrjGsG.png\" alt=\"Pablo Torres of Spain and Tadej Pogacar of Slovenia and UAE Team Emirates XRG during stage 5 of the La Vuelta 2026 (Photo by Tim de Waele\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\"><\/a><\/p>\n<aside data-article-category=\"pro-cycling\" data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\" class=\"ecom-root\"><\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T12:30:04+00:00\">2026-08-26T12:30:04.586Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-130km-to-go\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-130km-to-go\"><span>130km to go<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-ddb557fa-a149-11f1-843f-43e82dbab962\">The race is heading over an uncategorised section of climbing for the moment, which has seen the breakaway&#8217;s lead reduced to just 1:10. The average speed is just a touch under 50kph.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T12:19:32+00:00\">2026-08-26T12:19:32.049Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-64b0a31a-a148-11f1-af4b-4b2401e69f27\">The early breakaway is struggling against the now Netcompany Ineos-led peloton pulling behind them. The British team have reduced the deficit to just 1:35.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T12:15:40+00:00\">2026-08-26T12:15:40.244Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-da97d0ea-a147-11f1-8ae6-9927795645d1\">K\u00fcng has sat up to wait for the peloton, leaving just four riders in front with 140km to go. With the gap under two minutes, it&#8217;s likely the Swiss rider didn&#8217;t see any hope of potential victory in the current situation.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T12:14:47+00:00\">2026-08-26T12:14:47.015Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-bad24f4c-a147-11f1-845e-31b5b8183300\">Here&#8217;s a look back at the initial move made by Dversnes, which sparked the formation of the early breakaway on stage 5.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-bad24fba-a147-11f1-b2e7-4953cf5c14ec\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7Ek5BBQ8rm6AfPAHXR2DiX.png\" alt=\"Fredrik Dversnes of Norway and Team Uno-X Mobility attacks in the breakaway during the La Vuelta 2026 on Stage 5 (Photo by Tim de Waele\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T12:09:33+00:00\">2026-08-26T12:09:33.364Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-145km-to-go\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-145km-to-go\"><span>145km to go<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-fffecede-a146-11f1-aabb-3b252b311cda\">The gap has now stablisied at 2:15. It&#8217;s likely the stage settles into a holding pattern for now, but there are still punchy parts of the route to contend with where more action should follow.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T12:00:45+00:00\">2026-08-26T12:00:45.588Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-c54cfadc-a145-11f1-8cee-8ff714feeee9\">A look inside the early action with five riders getting up the road to start stage 5. Their advantage has extended out to 2:20!<\/p>\n<div class=\"see-more see-more--clipped\" id=\"elk-2092581438809919818\">\n<figure>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet hawk-ignore\" data-lang=\"en\" cite=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/cantworkitout\/status\/2092581438809919818\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">\ud83c\udfc1- 155 km | Stage 5\ufe0f\u20e3 &#8211; Etapa 5\ufe0f\u20e3\ud83d\ude80 We have the first attacks of the day! Five guys are trying to get away from the peloton\ud83d\udca5 \u00a1Comienza la batalla por la fuga! Primeros movimientos en cabeza de carrera \ud83d\udc4a #LaVuelta26 pic.twitter.com\/2MaUcHBN2IAugust 26, 2026<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/figure>\n<div class=\"see-more__filter\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T11:55:33+00:00\">2026-08-26T11:55:33.317Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-0b274fc2-a145-11f1-81f4-f1df6a2cd0cf\">The gap is going in the right direction for the five leaders, now out to just more than a minute. Is that the break formation over?<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T11:52:59+00:00\">2026-08-26T11:52:59.507Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-160km\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-160km\"><span>160km<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-af748c58-a144-11f1-bcb2-ab662583ac1f\">Four riders have successfully bridged across the Dversnes to form a leading group of five: Walter Calzoni (Pinarello Q36.5), Stefan K\u00fcng (Tudor), Mattia Gaffuri (Picnic PostNL), and Diego Uriarte (Equipo Kern Pharm). They now lead the peloton by 25 seconds.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T11:51:19+00:00\">2026-08-26T11:51:19.559Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-73dd0076-a144-11f1-afb0-5dbf9cfbfc9d\">Here&#8217;s a look at the jersey wearer&#8217;s on stage 5:<\/p>\n<p><strong>King of the Mountains \u2013 Lorenzo Fortunato (XDS Astana)<\/strong><br \/><strong>Race leader \u2013 Tadej Poga\u010dar (UAE Team Emirates-XRG)<\/strong><br \/><strong>Points classification \u2013 Ethan Hayter (Soudal-QuickStep)<\/strong><br \/><strong>Best Young Rider \u2013 Oscar Onley (Netcompany Ineos)<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>But also a reminder that Poga\u010dar is actually leading in the first three classifications, with the Italian and Brit only donning the jerseys on his behalf as they sit second in KOM and points respecitvely. Poga\u010dar is no longer eligible for the white jersey he won seven years ago at the Vuelta.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-73dd00da-a144-11f1-851b-a93161fd60c1\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pqSufgdyoiBBAC8QWEDyo8.png\" alt=\"Lorenzo Fortunato, Tadej Pogacar, Ethan Hayter and Oscar Onley line up in the leaders jerseys of the Vuelta a Espa&amp;amp;ntilde;a before the start of stage 5(Photo by Tim de Waele\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T11:47:58+00:00\">2026-08-26T11:47:58.881Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-fc4881c0-a143-11f1-b6b3-45c24ed8cbbb\">The first attack of the day has come from a Giro d&#8217;Italia stage winner from this season, Fredrik Dversnes (Uno-X Mobility), with several counter attacks being launched to try and join the Norwegian up front.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T11:39:19+00:00\">2026-08-26T11:39:19.042Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-170km-to-go\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-170km-to-go\"><span>170km to go<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-c6885de0-a142-11f1-9e67-3b56f6c71ff1\"><strong>Stage 5 of the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a is finally underway!<\/strong> 181 riders took the start this afternoon with Uijtdebroeks the only non starter.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T11:37:23+00:00\">2026-08-26T11:37:23.792Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-81c046be-a142-11f1-9023-07e01b588cb5\">The start of stage 5 has been slightly delayed. There were several mechanicals during the neutralised start. Racing will begin 2.5 kilometres into the original route.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T11:32:24+00:00\">2026-08-26T11:32:24.110Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-cf315ad8-a141-11f1-9ce0-77030ef06f9d\">Very relaxed atmosphere at the start this morning, with the organisers even providing some pre-sign on entertainment for the riders. Former red jersey winner Sepp Kuss looking solid here in his decision making&#8230;<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-cf315b46-a141-11f1-aa12-ff577441e09f\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GUpXFsSQdASCYD6jJgHbJY.jpg\" alt=\"Sepp Kuss of United States and Team Visma | Lease a Bike prior to during the La Vuelta - 81st Tour of Spain 2026, Stage 5 a 173.3km from Falset - Costa Daurada to Roquetes - Terres de l&amp;#039;Ebre \/ #UCIWT \/ on August 26, 2026 in Falset, Andorra. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein\/Getty images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T11:30:23+00:00\">2026-08-26T11:30:23.967Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-87a195c0-a141-11f1-9fee-3b10d493bb07\">The riders are gone from the neutralised start of stage 5 at the Vuelta. They have 5.2 kilometres of neutral roads to compete with before racing gets going properly.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T11:14:34+00:00\">2026-08-26T11:14:34.386Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-5170bf6e-a13f-11f1-9f53-e168fea23820\">The big pre-stage news to bring you is that Cian Uijtdebroeks (Movistar) has had to abandon the race after struggling through yesterday&#8217;s stage to finish last, feeling the effects of an earlier crash as his rotten luck continues. Read more about his nightmare stage below.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Cian Uijtdebroeks abandons the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a following tearful last-place finish on stage 4<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T11:05:41+00:00\">2026-08-26T11:05:41.499Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-13d034ba-a13e-11f1-8fa3-a170cfa498c3\">If you missed any of the action on Tuesday, make sure to catch up with our race report, detailing Tadej Poga\u010dar completely decimation of his rivals at the first opportunity, winning with a 50km solo move.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a: Tadej Poga\u010dar twists the knife with 50km solo raid in Andorra to win stage 4<\/strong><\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-13d035a0-a13e-11f1-a34e-cff1c943585d\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tf8RrZuK52EMrdpV8uSW39.jpg\" alt=\"ANDORRA LA VELLA, ANDORRA - AUGUST 25: Tadej Pogacar of Slovenia and UAE Team Emirates XRG - Red Leader Jersey celebrates at finish line as stage winner during the La Vuelta - 81st Tour of Spain 2026, Stage 4 a 104.8km from Andorra la Vella to Andorra la Vella \/ #UCIWT \/ on August 25, 2026 in Andorra la Vella, Andorra. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\"><\/a><\/p>\n<aside data-article-category=\"pro-cycling\" data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\" class=\"ecom-root\"><\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T10:58:25+00:00\">2026-08-26T10:58:25.113Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-0fcab90e-a13d-11f1-aff9-2b05167bb573\">Read our preview of today&#8217;s stage for a rundown of the route in Catalonia. Those who came to the fore on stage 2 are expected to feature again, the likes of Matthew Brennan and Wout van Aert (both Visma-Lease a Bike) and Mads Pedersen (Lidl-Trek).<\/p>\n<p><strong>Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a 2026 stage 5 preview: Will Tadej Poga\u010dar take a break from attacking?<\/strong><\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-0fcab97c-a13d-11f1-b8ea-19a2a23ab718\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rsFHtq6rojWJaCHf5Fbxbm.png\" alt=\"Matthew Brennan of Great Britain - White best young jersey and Wout Van Aert of Belgium and Team Visma | Lease a Bike compete in the breakaway during the 2026 Vuelta a Espa&amp;amp;ntilde;a (Photo by Tim de Waele\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Brennan and Van Aert were both part of the breakaway on yesterday&#8217;s fourth stage to Andorra la Vella <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\"><\/a><\/p>\n<aside data-article-category=\"pro-cycling\" data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\" class=\"ecom-root\"><\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T10:55:05+00:00\">2026-08-26T10:55:05.602Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-98d32052-a13c-11f1-a2d3-17fb705c3dd2\">After the major GC action of stage 4, racing is expected to swing back in favour of the fast men on today&#8217;s flatter stage from Falset. Costa Daurada to Roquetes. Terres de l&#8217;Ebre on what is, finally, the first day of racing in Spain.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<p id=\"elk-00c5f0ca-98ca-11f1-9eee-8704aa9aa8f2\">Hello and welcome to our live coverage of stage 5 of the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"viafoura-comments\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative max-w-[1070px] viafoura-twig-component mt-6\" data-component-name=\"Viafoura:Comments\" data-nosnippet data-community-guidelines-text=\"&lt;p class=&apos;vfcustom-community-guidelines&apos;&gt;Please follow our &lt;a href=&quot;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/about\/#section-community-guidelines&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;community guidelines&lt;\/a&gt;.&lt;\/p&gt;\" data-join-the-conversation-text=\"Join the Conversation\">\n<div class=\"relative h-(--truncate-height) sm:h-(--truncate-desktop-height) overflow-hidden transition-[height] duration-150\" data-test-id=\"container\" data-component-name=\"Util:Truncate\" id=\"viafoura-comments-container\">\n<div class=\"relative z-10 viafoura rounded-[var(--comment-widget-border-radius,0)]\" id=\"viafoura-comment-wrapper\" data-test-id=\"content\">\n<div class=\"viafoura\">\n<div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"absolute bg-gradient-to-t from-[var(--truncate-gradient-color,white)] from-50% h-28 z-20 w-full bottom-0 flex items-end justify-center px-0 rounded-none\">\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"absolute top-0 left-0 w-full h-full flex items-center justify-center z-50 bg-white\/90 border-1 rounded-b-[var(--comment-widget-border-radius,0)]\">\n<div class=\"p-2 text-center\">\n<p class=\"mb-3 text-lg!\">You must confirm your public display name before commenting<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-3 text-sm!\">Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"related-articles-block\">\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\" article-body \">\n<div id=\"ad-unit-1\" class=\"ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div data-component-name=\"Article:LiveReportUpdater\">\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T16:50:32+00:00\">2026-08-26T16:50:32.464Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-40e48408-a16e-11f1-8606-914874c51b87\">That concludes our live coverage of stage 5 of the 2026 Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a. Make sure you stay across our site throughout the evening as news from the ground rolls in, and come back tomorrow for more coverage from stage 7, from Alcossebre to Castell\u00f3.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T16:49:37+00:00\">2026-08-26T16:49:37.927Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-20473880-a16e-11f1-8d00-4161584be6d4\">Here&#8217;s a look at the profile for tomorrow&#8217;s sixth stage. It looks to be a perfect route for breakaway hopefuls, especially with the massive lead Poga\u010dar and UAE already have over everyone else.<\/p>\n<p>However, the problem with that is usually when everyone expects a break, the formation takes much longer, and it becomes easier for UAE to control and launch their leader to another win.<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\"><\/a><\/p>\n<aside data-article-category=\"pro-cycling\" data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\" class=\"ecom-root\"><\/aside>\n<p id=\"elk-20473880-a16e-11f1-8d00-4161584be6d4-2\">Also with a gravel sector on the vicious Puerto del Bartolo climb (9km at 7.1%) coming in the final 30km, there&#8217;s more than enough room for the GC battle to explode again, especially when it comes to the fight for the podium.<\/p>\n<p>The likes of Felix Gall and Oscar Onley could see this as the stage where they make the different if they are feeling strong, which again, would make another Poga\u010dar look more likely if Decathlon pace as they did on stage 4. Either way, it&#8217;s not one to be missed.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-204738e4-a16e-11f1-b771-f9027276a172\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CA2KY67HBrcRDmA6UGSRCd.jpg\" alt=\"Stage profile\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Unipublic)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T16:34:42+00:00\">2026-08-26T16:34:42.212Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-0a70cd84-a16c-11f1-86b1-7759d3beeeda\">When it comes to the classifications after stage 5, there&#8217;s been no change to any of the jerseys, with Poga\u010dar maintaining his hold over the red leader&#8217;s, the green points, and the blue and white polka-dot King of the Mountains jerseys, and Oscar Onley remains in white as the Best Young Rider.<\/p>\n<p>Ethan Hayter&#8217;s efforts in the breakaway earned him a trip to the final podium after stage 5, as the most combative rider.<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\"><\/a><\/p>\n<aside data-article-category=\"pro-cycling\" data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\" class=\"ecom-root\"><\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T16:32:01+00:00\">2026-08-26T16:32:01.713Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-aafec432-a16b-11f1-8e58-cfa2663e20b7\">If you&#8217;re only just catching up, make sure to discover all the action from today&#8217;s fifth stage with our race report:<\/p>\n<p><strong>Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a: Matthew Brennan sprints to second win on stage 5 as late climb fails to drop sprinter<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\"><\/a><\/p>\n<aside data-article-category=\"pro-cycling\" data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\" class=\"ecom-root\"><\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T16:00:47+00:00\">2026-08-26T16:00:47.019Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-4d560bfa-a167-11f1-afe1-136c93b3ee74\">Tadej Poga\u010dar got through a tricky stage unscathed in the red jersey. He maintains his 3:21 lead over Primo\u017e Rogli\u010d in second. Here&#8217;s a look at the GC top 10 after 5 stages:<\/p>\n<div class=\"slice-container table-wrapper slice-container-table\" data-component-name=\"Slice:Table\" id=\"elk-4d560c90-a167-11f1-afc4-c76ec41ff578\">\n<div class=\"table__instruction\">\nSwipe to scroll horizontally<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"table__container\">\n<table tabindex=\"0\" class=\"table__wrapper table__wrapper--inbodyContent table__wrapper--sticky table__wrapper--divider\">\n<thead class=\"table__head\">\n<tr class=\"table__head__row\">\n<th class=\"table__head__heading table__head__heading--left\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Rank<\/p>\n<\/th>\n<th class=\"table__head__heading table__head__heading--left\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Name<\/p>\n<\/th>\n<th class=\"table__head__heading table__head__heading--left\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Result<\/p>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody class=\"table__body\">\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>1<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Tadej Pogacar (Slo) UAE Team Emirates XRG<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>11:26:01<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>2<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Primoz Roglic (Slo) Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>0:03:21<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>3<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Enric Mas (Spa) Movistar<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>0:03:32<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>4<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Sepp Kuss (USA) Visma-Lease A Bike<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>0:03:44<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>5<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Oscar Onley (GBr) Netcompany Ineos<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>0:03:45<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>6<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Richard Carapaz (Ecu) EF Education-EasyPost<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>0:03:50<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>7<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>F\u00e9lix Gall (Aut) Decathlon CMA CGM<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>0:03:57<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>8<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Mattias Skjelmose (Den) Lidl-Trek<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>0:04:06<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>9<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Jarno Widar (Bel) Lotto Intermarche<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>&#8221;<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>10<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Jay Vine (Aus) UAE Team Emirates XRG<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>0:04:11<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-4d560d08-a167-11f1-92d9-37a24ae45c53\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tds24RdSY2tEqQ8WVaiV86.png\" alt=\"Tadej Pogacar of Slovenia and UAE Team Emirates XRG celebrates on the podium as the Red Jersey leader during the 2026 Vuelta a Espa&amp;amp;ntilde;a (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein\/Getty images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T15:48:30+00:00\">2026-08-26T15:48:30.203Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-962a25b6-a165-11f1-be1f-b9ba78ed985d\">Here&#8217;s what the calm and composed Brennan had to say after his second stage win of this year&#8217;s Vuelta:<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;It&#8217;s not a bad one! It&#8217;s better than a normal day job, but yeah, it&#8217;s fantastic. Second one in the bag, first Grand Tour. Everyone just went full throughout the day, so I&#8217;m very thankful to finish it off again. The boys are also quite relieved,&#8221; Brennan said after the stage.<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\"><\/a><\/p>\n<aside data-article-category=\"pro-cycling\" data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\" class=\"ecom-root\"><\/aside>\n<p id=\"elk-962a25b6-a165-11f1-be1f-b9ba78ed985d-2\">&#8220;It was pretty spot-on, to be fair,&#8221; he said of the Visma lead-out. &#8220;We had the two boys pulling on front until the final few kilometres, and then Wout [Van Aert] and Christoph [Laporte] are probably some of the\u2014in fact, the best\u2014guys you can have in the world for this type of thing. They supported me all the way into the final.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;At the last corner, I lost my wheel a bit. The paint was a little bit slippery, but thankfully, I stayed safe. Christoph also felt that a little bit, but managed it really well, so I&#8217;m glad we could finish with the arms in the air.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;I wouldn&#8217;t say I&#8217;m a sprinter, but I can climb a little bit, so on this type of terrain, it works really nicely \u2013 especially with the support I have here. Even Stevie [Kruijswijk] and Bruno [Armirail], these guys were just so strong. When you&#8217;ve got these guys with you, it really gives you the confidence to go and try to achieve more.&#8221;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T15:44:14+00:00\">2026-08-26T15:44:14.868Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-fdec3bae-a164-11f1-bb7c-57403d5948f8\">The winning moment for Brennan on stage 5, who is quickly becoming the star everyone expected him to. Quite stunning power and climbing ability on show once again from the 21-year-old.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-fdec3c1c-a164-11f1-8568-5355bf6b7e41\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9sqBzRkwisJPPBDsYsLQ69.jpg\" alt=\"Team Visma-Lease a bike&amp;#039;s British rider Matthew Brennan celebrates as he crosses the finish line to win the fifth stage of the Vuelta a Espana 2026, a 173,4 km race between Falset and Roquetes on August 26, 2026. (Photo by Josep LAGO \/ AFP)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T15:36:23+00:00\">2026-08-26T15:36:23.107Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-e4b88d1e-a163-11f1-82f0-d943f5e0c33e\">Here&#8217;s what luxury lead-out man Wout van Aert had to say after the finish:<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;When you have Matthew Brennan there in a group like that, it&#8217;s the best card to play and I don&#8217;t even need to see the replay to see how he finished that one off,&#8221; said the Belgian.<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\"><\/a><\/p>\n<aside data-article-category=\"pro-cycling\" data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\" class=\"ecom-root\"><\/aside>\n<p id=\"elk-e4b88d1e-a163-11f1-82f0-d943f5e0c33e-2\">Asked if it feels as good as winning himself, the Belgian was honest, saying &#8220;yeah,&#8221; before admitting with a smile, &#8220;It comes close.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>What&#8217;s clear to see is that Van Aert \u2013 ever the selfless rider he is \u2013 is happy to ride for the Brit knowing that he is the more likely option to win on days like today, and that should he ever request the support of the young super talent, that has more than been guaranteed by his support in the last few days.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T15:33:14+00:00\">2026-08-26T15:33:14.309Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-74d0ee92-a163-11f1-9f9f-332adf2092b6\">Here&#8217;s a look at the top 10 on stage 5, with Jordi Meeus taking a solid second place, and Vincenzo Albanese finishing third. Such was the power of Laporte&#8217;s final lead-out that he finished seventh after sitting up.<\/p>\n<div class=\"slice-container table-wrapper slice-container-table\" data-component-name=\"Slice:Table\" id=\"elk-74d0eef6-a163-11f1-a45a-7db15151213a\">\n<div class=\"table__instruction\">\nSwipe to scroll horizontally<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"table__container\">\n<table tabindex=\"0\" class=\"table__wrapper table__wrapper--inbodyContent table__wrapper--sticky table__wrapper--divider\">\n<thead class=\"table__head\">\n<tr class=\"table__head__row\">\n<th class=\"table__head__heading table__head__heading--left\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Rank<\/p>\n<\/th>\n<th class=\"table__head__heading table__head__heading--left\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Name<\/p>\n<\/th>\n<th class=\"table__head__heading table__head__heading--left\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Result<\/p>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody class=\"table__body\">\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>1<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Matthew Brennan (GBr) Visma-Lease A Bike<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>3:47:02<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>2<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Jordi Meeus (Bel) Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>&#8221;<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>3<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Vincenzo Albanese (Ita) EF Education-EasyPost<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>&#8221;<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>4<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Alessandro Romele (Ita) XDS Astana<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>&#8221;<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>5<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Axel Laurance (Fra) Netcompany Ineos<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>&#8221;<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>6<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Orluis Alberto Aular Sanabria (Ven) Movistar<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>&#8221;<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>7<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Christophe Laporte (Fra) Visma-Lease A Bike<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>&#8221;<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>8<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Alberto Dainese (Ita) Soudal Quick-Step<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>&#8221;<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>9<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Vito Braet (Bel) Lotto Intermarche<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>&#8221;<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>10<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>David Gonzalez Lopez (Spa) Pinarello-Q36.5<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>&#8221;<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T15:26:14+00:00\">2026-08-26T15:26:14.739Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-stage-5-finish\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-stage-5-finish\"><span>Stage 5 finish<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-7a63e248-a162-11f1-876b-156a505a8c1b\"><strong>Matthew Brennan (Visma-Lease a Bike) storms to victory on stage 5 of the 2026 Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a. <\/strong>He takes his second Grand Tour stage win on debut at a three-week race after an absolutely textbook lead-out from Visma, with Van Aert and Laporte giving him a red carpet ride into the final few hundred metres.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T15:25:04+00:00\">2026-08-26T15:25:04.222Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-501ff44a-a162-11f1-898e-9b1b85ead05b\">Brennan hits the front and try as they may, he&#8217;s going to win again!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T15:24:49+00:00\">2026-08-26T15:24:49.169Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-4724476a-a162-11f1-a36a-59bbb4bd29db\">Laporte takes the Brit through the final corner, can he take the win again?<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T15:24:33+00:00\">2026-08-26T15:24:33.619Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-3dd56d7e-a162-11f1-be4e-b99b61db78e7\">Van Aert hits the front and does his job through 600 metres to go. Brennan has Meeus sat on his wheel.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T15:24:01+00:00\">2026-08-26T15:24:01.534Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-1km-to-go\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-1km-to-go\"><span>1km to go<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-2ecb87d2-a162-11f1-8948-35a1a4c8a34d\">Visma have navigated the turns perfectly for now and Brennan is in pole position to win his second stage on Grand Tour debut.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T15:23:30+00:00\">2026-08-26T15:23:30.100Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-1800311a-a162-11f1-9678-9b7e76b5c2d0\">Brennan has Van Aert and Laporte in front of him, it&#8217;s just a question of whether Visma can get it right again&#8230;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T15:23:12+00:00\">2026-08-26T15:23:12.551Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-0d737554-a162-11f1-8f46-03343af97837\">Cofidis are moving Coquard up on the right hand side of the road, but the hectic nature of this bunch is making it difficult to move up.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T15:22:39+00:00\">2026-08-26T15:22:39.104Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-f9926568-a161-11f1-b9b4-23a12376bf09\">Uno-X are leading, with Visma just behind them approaching the two crucial right-hand corners, where the race will likely be decided.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T15:22:10+00:00\">2026-08-26T15:22:10.666Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-3km-to-go\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-3km-to-go\"><span>3km to go<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-e892f052-a161-11f1-a2a0-71a161b871ef\">Suddenly the race has exploded into life, with Movistar and Uno-X now leading the rapid bunch. Sprint approach is fully on now.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T15:21:37+00:00\">2026-08-26T15:21:37.682Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-d4fdae56-a161-11f1-9283-253f32ba3bb2\">The pace is hotting up now into the final 4km. More teams are moving up to try and position their sprinters, and UAE are moving out of the danger zone to help Poga\u010dar arrive in one piece to Roquetes.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T15:19:45+00:00\">2026-08-26T15:19:45.119Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-5km-to-go\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-5km-to-go\"><span>5km to go<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-9202a264-a161-11f1-ba74-0154c1a13c9a\">The pace in the peloton is high but not at full gas yet. Ben Tulett is continuing to do the work for Visma on his 25th birthday. Brennan will be the heavy favourite to double up, but getting it right will be different through the final corners.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T15:17:17+00:00\">2026-08-26T15:17:17.166Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-39bf1fb0-a161-11f1-a858-abdcbfe3cbc6\">Visma continue to set the pace into the final 6km. UAE are sat in second position just to stay safe with Poga\u010dar.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T15:15:57+00:00\">2026-08-26T15:15:57.311Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-0a1324dc-a161-11f1-b32f-47f0a68ec832\">Could it be a day for Le Coq? Bryan Coquard has made it into this front group for Cofidis as he continues to hunt a maiden Grand Tour stage win. Also in the bunch is Alberto Dainese, prompting Soudal-QuickStep to move up towards the front.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T15:12:18+00:00\">2026-08-26T15:12:18.622Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-10km-to-go\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-10km-to-go\"><span>10km to go<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-87c544f6-a160-11f1-99c7-61e87ffaaff5\">After that wave of attacks, Visma have retaken control on the front to try and bring Brennan into the finale with the best shot.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T15:11:09+00:00\">2026-08-26T15:11:09.548Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-5e97ea0c-a160-11f1-b574-ad22578ce4f5\">Riders in the peloton and expected to battle out the stage win if it does go to a sprint:<br \/><strong>Matthew Brennan (Visma-Lease a Bike)<\/strong><br \/><strong>Jordi Meeus (Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe)<\/strong><br \/><strong>Orluis Aular (Movistar)<\/strong><br \/><strong>Pau Miquel (Bahrain Victorious)<\/strong><br \/><strong>Ben Turner (Netcompany Ineos)<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T15:08:34+00:00\">2026-08-26T15:08:34.096Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-0202440e-a160-11f1-98c4-cb086ace2175\">Visma are in the driving seat for the moment with the personnel they have in the peloton, but they need to be careful with how they play this. Van Aert chasing moves is allowing Brennan to sit comfortably with Laporte who will probably be his last lead-out man.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-02024472-a160-11f1-92d1-f3917e3764c3\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qfPFJJcY5rJ4XdqpVnznvi.png\" alt=\"Wout Van Aert of Belgium and Team Visma | Lease a Bike competes during the La Vuelta - 81st Tour of Spain 2026, Stage 5 a 173.3km from Falset - Costa Daurada to Roquetes - Terres de l&amp;#039;Ebre \/ #UCIWT \/ on August 26, 2026 in Roquetes, Spain. (Photo by Tim de Waele\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T15:06:39+00:00\">2026-08-26T15:06:39.269Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-bd719e98-a15f-11f1-b75e-3b5145499193\">Azparren isn&#8217;t going to give up easily. He attacks again on the downhill roads, but once again, Van Aert is on his case and chasing him down.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T15:04:41+00:00\">2026-08-26T15:04:41.633Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-attack\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-attack\"><span>Attack<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-778f60cc-a15f-11f1-b70f-ffff4e4bcf5f\">It&#8217;s not going to be simple after all: Xabier Mikel Azparren (Pinarello Q36.5) makes his move and attacks on the final kicker on the route. Van Aert has chased his down, but as have UAE, who are curiously still pacing hard on the front.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T15:00:00+00:00\">2026-08-26T15:00:00.620Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-20km-to-go\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-20km-to-go\"><span>20km to go<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-cfe1980e-a15e-11f1-a698-4b9287e3967e\">With headwind in the finale, a bunch sprint is all but guaranteed for now, but the TV broadcast has just previewed the final 200 metres, where there are multiple bends in the finale and what looks to be a recipe for chaos. We&#8217;ll see how we go when we get there.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T14:57:23+00:00\">2026-08-26T14:57:23.024Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-72065800-a15e-11f1-9285-55ca4f32f232\">UAE lead the peloton over the climb and onto this next descent. That&#8217;s most of the climbing down on stage 5, with just one small kicker remaining on the route before the downhill and flat run to the line in Roquetes. Terres de l&#8217;Ebre.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T14:53:56+00:00\">2026-08-26T14:53:56.924Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-25km-to-go\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-25km-to-go\"><span>25km to go<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-f74d69be-a15d-11f1-8279-314df0b49ca8\">Brennan and Van Aert are both still in this front group with Visma looking in a great position to attack this finale.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T14:50:15+00:00\">2026-08-26T14:50:15.380Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-72fd8ed2-a15d-11f1-999d-0f5e2c7da86b\">Suddenly, UAE are on the front with three riders in front of Poga\u010dar \u2013 Sivakov, Vine and young Spaniard Torres.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T14:49:28+00:00\">2026-08-26T14:49:28.834Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-5787e4d6-a15d-11f1-9213-df0718c803d6\">Mads Pedersen has dropped on this climb, with 2.6km to go to the summit and he may be paying for those early efforts in the crosswinds. He&#8217;s on the radio, telling his teammates what has happened.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T14:47:54+00:00\">2026-08-26T14:47:54.952Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-1f51037c-a15d-11f1-bbea-95250e8d45ef\">As Kaden Groves gets dropped, Alpecin-Premier Tech have gone to plan B and it&#8217;s the Austrian champion Michael Gogl pushing on the front \u2013 he doesn&#8217;t have many teammates near him, so it is curious who he may be riding for.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T14:47:02+00:00\">2026-08-26T14:47:02.880Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-005761be-a15d-11f1-b3f8-25653110e90e\">This may be an expected sprint stage, but for safety, it&#8217;s GC riders everywhere towards the front. Poga\u010dar, Onley and Rogli\u010d all in the front seven wheels.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T14:46:29+00:00\">2026-08-26T14:46:29.481Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-ec667c6c-a15c-11f1-89db-8125cc1d21b7\">Turning onto the climb with 28.5km to go and it&#8217;s a narrow road on this Puerto de Pa\u00fcls. Still a long way to go, but this is going to be nervous for everyone. Poga\u010dar is positioned perfectly on the front.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T14:45:38+00:00\">2026-08-26T14:45:38.915Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-30km-to-go\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-30km-to-go\"><span>30km to go<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-ce4be4e2-a15c-11f1-b949-c36d4a75e92e\">Ineos, Trek, and UAE move back into control on the front as every team is battling on the front to get the ideal position for the descent and approach to the climb. With the pace hotting up, Kron&#8217;s 40-second advantage has evapourated and he&#8217;s been caught with Tarling and Turner absolutely flying.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T14:42:29+00:00\">2026-08-26T14:42:29.312Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-5d427ca2-a15c-11f1-b2c0-0b143cf76c52\">After the uncategorised climb, the descent will lead the riders onto the Puerto de Pa\u00fcls (4km at 7.1%), where the lower section is the hardest. This is where attacks could come, but also the pressure should be applied by the punchiest fast men hoping to drop the pure sprinters.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T14:34:16+00:00\">2026-08-26T14:34:16.571Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-3819ab86-a15b-11f1-9689-67c9c93c03d3\">Kaden Groves is off the back of the bunch and he&#8217;s with a teammate. It&#8217;s not clear what happened to the Aussie but the Alpecin pair are chasing to get back in before the next uncategorised climb.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T14:33:31+00:00\">2026-08-26T14:33:31.824Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-1cd3c5d2-a15b-11f1-976f-2585afc02ee5\">Kron is pushing on out in front with a tailwind still helping to push him along. His advantage has grown out to 35 seconds, with riders at the front of the peloton looking around at each other, waiting for the action to kick off.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T14:32:48+00:00\">2026-08-26T14:32:48.659Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-0318750c-a15b-11f1-b821-63fc90b741f2\">He&#8217;s not had much to do in the way of attacking today, but Poga\u010dar hasn&#8217;t put on a foot wrong in the nervy crosswinds, or in the approach to this hill section. His positioning is still perhaps his most underrated characteristic.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-03187570-a15b-11f1-9d2f-71c4a7e657d9\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nsBwvJU5Rx24SeBUugaCJi.png\" alt=\"Tadej Pogacar of Slovenia and UAE Team Emirates XRG - Red Leader Jersey competes during the La Vuelta - 81st Tour of Spain 2026, Stage 5 a 173.3km from Falset - Costa Daurada to Roquetes - Terres de l&amp;#039;Ebre \/ #UCIWT \/ on August 26, 2026 in Roquetes, Spain. (Photo by Tim de Waele\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T14:30:38+00:00\">2026-08-26T14:30:38.297Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-b5577868-a15a-11f1-8306-4ff93360702c\">Kron is not being allowed much of an advantage as the peloton presses on, He&#8217;s just 19 seconds in front, even without the bunch fully kicking off.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T14:24:24+00:00\">2026-08-26T14:24:24.706Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-d70cc7b6-a159-11f1-bd17-c113eb2e42d2\">Uno-X Mobility have launched an attack after the pace came out of the bunch. It&#8217;s a former Vuelta stage winner in Andreas Kron, but he&#8217;s without company for the moment though.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T14:22:10+00:00\">2026-08-26T14:22:10.547Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-45km-to-go\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-45km-to-go\"><span>45km to go<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-86c5bbc8-a159-11f1-aba6-37cac619d0fe\">As the stage goes on, you can see more of the teams who are also interested coming towards the front away from Ineos, UAE and Visma. Red Bull are right there, hoping Jordi Meeus can make it over the climbs. Alpecin will be hoping Kaden Groves can inspire some of his previous best at the Vuelta as a seven-time stage winner \u2013 he&#8217;s not been at 100% throughout 2026, but in years gone by, this would have been a nailed on Groves finale.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T14:18:58+00:00\">2026-08-26T14:18:58.074Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-140a991e-a159-11f1-afe6-212a802960f9\">As I typed that, Visma moved back to the front and pace has been knocked off \u2013 there are splits at the back of the peloton, though, with the constant up and down sections seeing several riders miss the moves after a tough, nervous day of racing.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T14:18:13+00:00\">2026-08-26T14:18:13.158Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-f958d720-a158-11f1-8cd0-876a3b4b295d\">Netcompany Ineos are now in control on the front as things continue to heat up. While they also want to keep Onley safe, former U23 World Champion Axel Laurance is also a good option for a reduced sprint today.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T14:10:58+00:00\">2026-08-26T14:10:58.012Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-f6008722-a157-11f1-90c7-9f5ccf8921fc\">There&#8217;s been a change on the front with UAE moving into front position and setting quite a hard tempo on this first section of uncategorised climbing. This could be for positioning, though, and just to lessen the chaos later on when there will be lots of fighting for position.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T14:07:20+00:00\">2026-08-26T14:07:20.485Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-743355ee-a157-11f1-ae3f-81a20981a224\">Hayter is back in the peloton, but the calm control which Visma had established will soon be challenged. Taking a look at the profile for the stage, you can see the spattering of uncategorised hills and the category 3 Alto de Pa\u00fcls in the final 56km. Lots of teams will be hoping for a sprint, but someone will surely light things up to try and lessen the competition&#8230;<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-74335648-a157-11f1-8260-53a4108c108f\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9MjaJHo5csjbJjbV88SyQM.jpg\" alt=\"Stage 5 profile for Vuelta a Espana 2026\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Unipublic)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T14:02:27+00:00\">2026-08-26T14:02:27.801Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-60km-to-go\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-60km-to-go\"><span>60km to go<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-c61ac6d6-a156-11f1-b7d0-315e5b334c55\">Hayter has successfully taken the maximum 20 points at the intermediate sprint. Van Aert takes second place for 17 points, pointing to his ambitions for the remainder of the Vuelta.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T13:54:13+00:00\">2026-08-26T13:54:13.149Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-9ee82e4c-a155-11f1-89a2-0530d29d0646\">Here&#8217;s a look back at some of the echelons that formed earlier on stage 5, and you can see Hayter in the green jersey. His poor positioning saw him miss out, but after things came back together, he&#8217;s now leading the stage, 34 seconds ahead of the Visma-led peloton.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-9ee82eb0-a155-11f1-b13a-1326b0939728\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QhkGXuddwq2JWot8tpjAkQ.png\" alt=\"A general view of the peloton competing in echelons formation due to the crosswinds during the La Vuelta - 81st Tour of Spain 2026, Stage 5 a 173.3km from Falset - Costa Daurada to Roquetes - Terres de l&amp;#039;Ebre \/ #UCIWT \/ on August 26, 2026 in Roquetes, Spain. (Photo by Tim de Waele\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T13:49:37+00:00\">2026-08-26T13:49:37.264Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-70km-to-go\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-70km-to-go\"><span>70km to go<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-fa77bbe8-a154-11f1-ad67-677be228a2de\">Hayter continues to motor ahead on his own. He&#8217;s had the day after getting dropped several times when the race was splitting momentarily, to now leading stage 5. If he can survive in front, he&#8217;ll gain 20 points at the intermediate sprint once he reaches Tivenys.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T13:47:28+00:00\">2026-08-26T13:47:28.163Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-attack\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-attack\"><span>Attack<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-adaf4560-a154-11f1-bc79-cbbd2fd3a55b\">Ethan Hayter (Soudal-QuickStep) is on the move once again. After some rotten luck in the opening few days, the Brit is out in pursuit of the points at the intermediate sprint point. It&#8217;s a curious move, as this won&#8217;t get him into the jersey, but I guess he&#8217;s showing himself at the front of the race once again.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T13:38:56+00:00\">2026-08-26T13:38:56.187Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-7c75234e-a153-11f1-83e6-6f9986244669\">Given how active Van Aert has been in this windy section to try and split things, it looks like Visma&#8217;s plan A for the finale today will be Matthew Brennan \u2013 which should be no surprise given how well he climbed and then sprinted in the finale of stage 2.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-7c7523b2-a153-11f1-8394-01a7573bce70\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6Vseakm4WJo9nhazLsgXwG.jpg\" alt=\"Team Visma-Lease a bike&amp;#039;s British rider Matthew Brennan celebrates winning the second stage of the Vuelta a Espana 2026, a 214.3 km race between Monaco and Manosque on August 23, 2026. (Photo by Miguel MEDINA \/ AFP via Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Brennan stormed to victory ahead of Pedersen and Poga\u010dar in Manosque on stage 2 <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T13:36:36+00:00\">2026-08-26T13:36:36.766Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-80km-to-go\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-80km-to-go\"><span>80km to go<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-2938c988-a153-11f1-8005-53bef507380d\">Racing is all back together but I wouldn&#8217;t say calm by any means. The wind doesn&#8217;t seem strong enough to form major splits, but that hasn&#8217;t lessened the nerves by any means.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T13:32:07+00:00\">2026-08-26T13:32:07.942Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-8905cb3c-a152-11f1-8fa0-27f25f485d5b\">Lidl-Trek and Visma are the favourites for today with Matt Brennan and Mads Pedersen, and it&#8217;s getting tactical in this front group as the killer bees keep applying the pressure on the front.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T13:31:04+00:00\">2026-08-26T13:31:04.843Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-64a233b6-a152-11f1-b11c-6328a5e2fb9a\">We&#8217;ve turned from crosswind to cross-tail, and though the pace lulled momentarilly, Visma are back on the front and pushing with Wout van Aert stretching the bunch.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T13:25:09+00:00\">2026-08-26T13:25:09.654Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-90km-to-go\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-90km-to-go\"><span>90km to go<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-9117c984-a151-11f1-bea8-c75b0557e7d5\">Visma-Lease a Bike are now in control on the front of the peloton as the race rolls on. With that threat of splits not materialising, riders are taking the opportunity to take a feed from the team cars.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T13:21:38+00:00\">2026-08-26T13:21:38.674Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-11f44dd0-a151-11f1-ad3d-fbb8d8f9391b\">That nervous build-up seems to have come to nothing with the stragglers all returning to the back of the group. With the wind not strong enough and perhaps no team wanting to fully commit after a tough mountain stage yesterday, calm has returned to the bunch.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T13:18:30+00:00\">2026-08-26T13:18:30.800Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-a1ef3ec8-a150-11f1-8dc1-e389211b6cc5\">With all of the GC favourites staying well positioned at the front, that moment of chaos has ended for the moment. The pace has been knocked off and the splits behind are almost all back in the peloton.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T13:16:34+00:00\">2026-08-26T13:16:34.463Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-splits-in-the-peloton\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-splits-in-the-peloton\"><span>Splits in the peloton<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-5c92aa4a-a150-11f1-acc6-572ec1cd9fa4\">The four-man breakaway has been caught and the race is splitting up already. This brutal pressure from Lidl-Trek has spit several riders out the back already and the race is now in three big splits.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T13:15:42+00:00\">2026-08-26T13:15:42.794Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-3dc64ac2-a150-11f1-897d-254a0797820c\">Lidl-Trek are leading for the moment with Mads Pedersen working for Mattias Skjelmose.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T13:15:21+00:00\">2026-08-26T13:15:21.295Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-310192ec-a150-11f1-b79f-43c506e3ac05\">Such is the high speed, splits are already forming down in the peloton. The race is through that town I mentioned and that exposed section is upcoming. Some riders could see their Vuelta hopes disappear in these next 20km.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T13:14:05+00:00\">2026-08-26T13:14:05.692Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-100km-to-go\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-100km-to-go\"><span>100km to go<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-0411e002-a150-11f1-8194-7561fde1838b\">Crossing over the R\u00edo Ebro, the peloton is already fracturing and lined out fully with the pace full-on in the front. Even race leader Poga\u010dar is staying up in the first five wheels to ensure he doesn&#8217;t miss anything.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T13:13:05+00:00\">2026-08-26T13:13:05.575Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-e0302d88-a14f-11f1-8ea7-a1c69b637a7f\">Netcompany Ineos are in control for the moment, with white jersey Oscar Onley in second wheel as the race heads through this crucial town, where the exit will bring them into the exposed crosswind sections where positioning will be vital.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T13:10:02+00:00\">2026-08-26T13:10:02.644Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-7323d668-a14f-11f1-8194-2fb00f28da10\">With the nerves building up before a potentially threatening crosswind section, the pace has stabilised for a moment. The four breakaway riders still lead, but by just over a minute.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T13:05:35+00:00\">2026-08-26T13:05:35.487Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-110km-to-go\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-110km-to-go\"><span>110km to go<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-d3d049a2-a14e-11f1-bdc7-1373d2335622\">A look inside the calm before the storm in the peloton.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-d3d04a06-a14e-11f1-9eaf-cd6be9474886\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zMoYQp75RjU6bjJB5h4oRc.jpg\" alt=\"Steven Kruijswijk of Netherlands and Team Visma | Lease a Bike leads the peloton with Netcompany INEOS during stage 5 of the 2026 Vuelta a Espa&amp;amp;ntilde;a (Photo by Tim de Waele\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T13:00:52+00:00\">2026-08-26T13:00:52.997Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-2b8859a6-a14e-11f1-bcb5-5d6045829f9c\">If you needed any confirmation of how windy it is. One of the race doctors attending to the injuries of David de la Cruz (Pinarello Q36.5) has just lost his hat hanging out the side of the medical car.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T12:59:48+00:00\">2026-08-26T12:59:48.878Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-0560b502-a14e-11f1-8d1b-fde6c20b71aa\">With the wind blowing strong in Catalonia, the pace is up in the peloton, fighting for position to ensure if things do split, they don&#8217;t miss out. Coming up soon will be a change of direction, and on exposed roads, the crosswinds could have a major effect on stage 5&#8230;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T12:51:20+00:00\">2026-08-26T12:51:20.122Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-120km-to-go\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-120km-to-go\"><span>120km to go<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-d6024876-a14c-11f1-b7cb-f5e21fea4a9e\">Roel van Sintmaartensdijk (Lotto-Intermarch\u00e9) has abandoned the race after a crash in the peloton.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T12:48:49+00:00\">2026-08-26T12:48:49.641Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-7c63ea4a-a14c-11f1-8528-313c65c41a2e\">And while we&#8217;re on the topic of Poga\u010dar, yesterday&#8217;s 50km triumph was his longest solo win at a Grand Tour. Looking back at the modern dap emulator of Fausto Coppi and Eddy Merckx, Senior News Writer Dani Ostanek has dived into the Slovenian&#8217;s longest solo victories, between the Classics, Worlds, and GTs:<\/p>\n<p><strong>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<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\"><\/a><\/p>\n<aside data-article-category=\"pro-cycling\" data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\" class=\"ecom-root\"><\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T12:42:57+00:00\">2026-08-26T12:42:57.486Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-aa68cbc8-a14b-11f1-909c-17eec4261197\">A look at red jersey Poga\u010dar sitting comfortably in the peloton during stage 5 of the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a. Having extended his race lead out to more than three minutes yesterday, he can now focus on staying safe and attacking the next mountain days \u2013 but don&#8217;t rule him out of attacking in the punchy approach if others kick off the action.<\/p>\n<p>Make sure to read our Senior Staff Writer Alasdair Fotheringham&#8217;s on the ground analysis of his dominant performance yesterday and what it means for the rest of the race:<\/p>\n<p><strong>What now for the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a? After Tadej Poga\u010dar&#8217;s trademark display of GC power, a normally unpredictable race heads into uncharted territory &#8211; Analysis<\/strong><\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-aa68cc2c-a14b-11f1-aed1-c5bf7315c879\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aVcofwhmJqRdUssPqrjGsG.png\" alt=\"Pablo Torres of Spain and Tadej Pogacar of Slovenia and UAE Team Emirates XRG during stage 5 of the La Vuelta 2026 (Photo by Tim de Waele\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\"><\/a><\/p>\n<aside data-article-category=\"pro-cycling\" data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\" class=\"ecom-root\"><\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T12:30:04+00:00\">2026-08-26T12:30:04.586Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-130km-to-go\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-130km-to-go\"><span>130km to go<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-ddb557fa-a149-11f1-843f-43e82dbab962\">The race is heading over an uncategorised section of climbing for the moment, which has seen the breakaway&#8217;s lead reduced to just 1:10. The average speed is just a touch under 50kph.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T12:19:32+00:00\">2026-08-26T12:19:32.049Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-64b0a31a-a148-11f1-af4b-4b2401e69f27\">The early breakaway is struggling against the now Netcompany Ineos-led peloton pulling behind them. The British team have reduced the deficit to just 1:35.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T12:15:40+00:00\">2026-08-26T12:15:40.244Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-da97d0ea-a147-11f1-8ae6-9927795645d1\">K\u00fcng has sat up to wait for the peloton, leaving just four riders in front with 140km to go. With the gap under two minutes, it&#8217;s likely the Swiss rider didn&#8217;t see any hope of potential victory in the current situation.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T12:14:47+00:00\">2026-08-26T12:14:47.015Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-bad24f4c-a147-11f1-845e-31b5b8183300\">Here&#8217;s a look back at the initial move made by Dversnes, which sparked the formation of the early breakaway on stage 5.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-bad24fba-a147-11f1-b2e7-4953cf5c14ec\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7Ek5BBQ8rm6AfPAHXR2DiX.png\" alt=\"Fredrik Dversnes of Norway and Team Uno-X Mobility attacks in the breakaway during the La Vuelta 2026 on Stage 5 (Photo by Tim de Waele\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T12:09:33+00:00\">2026-08-26T12:09:33.364Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-145km-to-go\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-145km-to-go\"><span>145km to go<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-fffecede-a146-11f1-aabb-3b252b311cda\">The gap has now stablisied at 2:15. It&#8217;s likely the stage settles into a holding pattern for now, but there are still punchy parts of the route to contend with where more action should follow.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T12:00:45+00:00\">2026-08-26T12:00:45.588Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-c54cfadc-a145-11f1-8cee-8ff714feeee9\">A look inside the early action with five riders getting up the road to start stage 5. Their advantage has extended out to 2:20!<\/p>\n<div class=\"see-more see-more--clipped\" id=\"elk-2092581438809919818\">\n<figure>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet hawk-ignore\" data-lang=\"en\" cite=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/cantworkitout\/status\/2092581438809919818\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">\ud83c\udfc1- 155 km | Stage 5\ufe0f\u20e3 &#8211; Etapa 5\ufe0f\u20e3\ud83d\ude80 We have the first attacks of the day! Five guys are trying to get away from the peloton\ud83d\udca5 \u00a1Comienza la batalla por la fuga! Primeros movimientos en cabeza de carrera \ud83d\udc4a #LaVuelta26 pic.twitter.com\/2MaUcHBN2IAugust 26, 2026<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/figure>\n<div class=\"see-more__filter\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T11:55:33+00:00\">2026-08-26T11:55:33.317Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-0b274fc2-a145-11f1-81f4-f1df6a2cd0cf\">The gap is going in the right direction for the five leaders, now out to just more than a minute. Is that the break formation over?<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T11:52:59+00:00\">2026-08-26T11:52:59.507Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-160km\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-160km\"><span>160km<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-af748c58-a144-11f1-bcb2-ab662583ac1f\">Four riders have successfully bridged across the Dversnes to form a leading group of five: Walter Calzoni (Pinarello Q36.5), Stefan K\u00fcng (Tudor), Mattia Gaffuri (Picnic PostNL), and Diego Uriarte (Equipo Kern Pharm). They now lead the peloton by 25 seconds.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T11:51:19+00:00\">2026-08-26T11:51:19.559Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-73dd0076-a144-11f1-afb0-5dbf9cfbfc9d\">Here&#8217;s a look at the jersey wearer&#8217;s on stage 5:<\/p>\n<p><strong>King of the Mountains \u2013 Lorenzo Fortunato (XDS Astana)<\/strong><br \/><strong>Race leader \u2013 Tadej Poga\u010dar (UAE Team Emirates-XRG)<\/strong><br \/><strong>Points classification \u2013 Ethan Hayter (Soudal-QuickStep)<\/strong><br \/><strong>Best Young Rider \u2013 Oscar Onley (Netcompany Ineos)<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>But also a reminder that Poga\u010dar is actually leading in the first three classifications, with the Italian and Brit only donning the jerseys on his behalf as they sit second in KOM and points respecitvely. Poga\u010dar is no longer eligible for the white jersey he won seven years ago at the Vuelta.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-73dd00da-a144-11f1-851b-a93161fd60c1\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pqSufgdyoiBBAC8QWEDyo8.png\" alt=\"Lorenzo Fortunato, Tadej Pogacar, Ethan Hayter and Oscar Onley line up in the leaders jerseys of the Vuelta a Espa&amp;amp;ntilde;a before the start of stage 5(Photo by Tim de Waele\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T11:47:58+00:00\">2026-08-26T11:47:58.881Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-fc4881c0-a143-11f1-b6b3-45c24ed8cbbb\">The first attack of the day has come from a Giro d&#8217;Italia stage winner from this season, Fredrik Dversnes (Uno-X Mobility), with several counter attacks being launched to try and join the Norwegian up front.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T11:39:19+00:00\">2026-08-26T11:39:19.042Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-170km-to-go\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-170km-to-go\"><span>170km to go<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-c6885de0-a142-11f1-9e67-3b56f6c71ff1\"><strong>Stage 5 of the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a is finally underway!<\/strong> 181 riders took the start this afternoon with Uijtdebroeks the only non starter.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T11:37:23+00:00\">2026-08-26T11:37:23.792Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-81c046be-a142-11f1-9023-07e01b588cb5\">The start of stage 5 has been slightly delayed. There were several mechanicals during the neutralised start. Racing will begin 2.5 kilometres into the original route.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T11:32:24+00:00\">2026-08-26T11:32:24.110Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-cf315ad8-a141-11f1-9ce0-77030ef06f9d\">Very relaxed atmosphere at the start this morning, with the organisers even providing some pre-sign on entertainment for the riders. Former red jersey winner Sepp Kuss looking solid here in his decision making&#8230;<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-cf315b46-a141-11f1-aa12-ff577441e09f\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GUpXFsSQdASCYD6jJgHbJY.jpg\" alt=\"Sepp Kuss of United States and Team Visma | Lease a Bike prior to during the La Vuelta - 81st Tour of Spain 2026, Stage 5 a 173.3km from Falset - Costa Daurada to Roquetes - Terres de l&amp;#039;Ebre \/ #UCIWT \/ on August 26, 2026 in Falset, Andorra. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein\/Getty images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T11:30:23+00:00\">2026-08-26T11:30:23.967Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-87a195c0-a141-11f1-9fee-3b10d493bb07\">The riders are gone from the neutralised start of stage 5 at the Vuelta. They have 5.2 kilometres of neutral roads to compete with before racing gets going properly.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T11:14:34+00:00\">2026-08-26T11:14:34.386Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-5170bf6e-a13f-11f1-9f53-e168fea23820\">The big pre-stage news to bring you is that Cian Uijtdebroeks (Movistar) has had to abandon the race after struggling through yesterday&#8217;s stage to finish last, feeling the effects of an earlier crash as his rotten luck continues. Read more about his nightmare stage below.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Cian Uijtdebroeks abandons the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a following tearful last-place finish on stage 4<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T11:05:41+00:00\">2026-08-26T11:05:41.499Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-13d034ba-a13e-11f1-8fa3-a170cfa498c3\">If you missed any of the action on Tuesday, make sure to catch up with our race report, detailing Tadej Poga\u010dar completely decimation of his rivals at the first opportunity, winning with a 50km solo move.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a: Tadej Poga\u010dar twists the knife with 50km solo raid in Andorra to win stage 4<\/strong><\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-13d035a0-a13e-11f1-a34e-cff1c943585d\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tf8RrZuK52EMrdpV8uSW39.jpg\" alt=\"ANDORRA LA VELLA, ANDORRA - AUGUST 25: Tadej Pogacar of Slovenia and UAE Team Emirates XRG - Red Leader Jersey celebrates at finish line as stage winner during the La Vuelta - 81st Tour of Spain 2026, Stage 4 a 104.8km from Andorra la Vella to Andorra la Vella \/ #UCIWT \/ on August 25, 2026 in Andorra la Vella, Andorra. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\"><\/a><\/p>\n<aside data-article-category=\"pro-cycling\" data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\" class=\"ecom-root\"><\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T10:58:25+00:00\">2026-08-26T10:58:25.113Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-0fcab90e-a13d-11f1-aff9-2b05167bb573\">Read our preview of today&#8217;s stage for a rundown of the route in Catalonia. Those who came to the fore on stage 2 are expected to feature again, the likes of Matthew Brennan and Wout van Aert (both Visma-Lease a Bike) and Mads Pedersen (Lidl-Trek).<\/p>\n<p><strong>Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a 2026 stage 5 preview: Will Tadej Poga\u010dar take a break from attacking?<\/strong><\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-0fcab97c-a13d-11f1-b8ea-19a2a23ab718\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rsFHtq6rojWJaCHf5Fbxbm.png\" alt=\"Matthew Brennan of Great Britain - White best young jersey and Wout Van Aert of Belgium and Team Visma | Lease a Bike compete in the breakaway during the 2026 Vuelta a Espa&amp;amp;ntilde;a (Photo by Tim de Waele\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Brennan and Van Aert were both part of the breakaway on yesterday&#8217;s fourth stage to Andorra la Vella <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\"><\/a><\/p>\n<aside data-article-category=\"pro-cycling\" data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\" class=\"ecom-root\"><\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T10:55:05+00:00\">2026-08-26T10:55:05.602Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-98d32052-a13c-11f1-a2d3-17fb705c3dd2\">After the major GC action of stage 4, racing is expected to swing back in favour of the fast men on today&#8217;s flatter stage from Falset. Costa Daurada to Roquetes. Terres de l&#8217;Ebre on what is, finally, the first day of racing in Spain.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<p id=\"elk-00c5f0ca-98ca-11f1-9eee-8704aa9aa8f2\">Hello and welcome to our live coverage of stage 5 of the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"viafoura-comments\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative max-w-[1070px] viafoura-twig-component mt-6\" data-component-name=\"Viafoura:Comments\" data-nosnippet data-community-guidelines-text=\"&lt;p class=&apos;vfcustom-community-guidelines&apos;&gt;Please follow our &lt;a href=&quot;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/about\/#section-community-guidelines&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;community guidelines&lt;\/a&gt;.&lt;\/p&gt;\" data-join-the-conversation-text=\"Join the Conversation\">\n<div class=\"relative h-(--truncate-height) sm:h-(--truncate-desktop-height) overflow-hidden transition-[height] duration-150\" data-test-id=\"container\" data-component-name=\"Util:Truncate\" id=\"viafoura-comments-container\">\n<div class=\"relative z-10 viafoura rounded-[var(--comment-widget-border-radius,0)]\" id=\"viafoura-comment-wrapper\" data-test-id=\"content\">\n<div class=\"viafoura\">\n<div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"absolute bg-gradient-to-t from-[var(--truncate-gradient-color,white)] from-50% h-28 z-20 w-full bottom-0 flex items-end justify-center px-0 rounded-none\">\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"absolute top-0 left-0 w-full h-full flex items-center justify-center z-50 bg-white\/90 border-1 rounded-b-[var(--comment-widget-border-radius,0)]\">\n<div class=\"p-2 text-center\">\n<p class=\"mb-3 text-lg!\">You must confirm your public display name before commenting<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-3 text-sm!\">Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"related-articles-block\">\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/live\/vuelta-a-espana-stage-5-live-sprinters-eye-a-second-opportunity-but-punchy-approach-to-the-finish-opens-door-to-attacks\/&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xnmRcfDpBnYBqJNHDH8wmS-2560-80.jpg&#8221;] 1 As it happened: Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a stage 3 comes to a premature end 2 As it happened: Domination on stage 4 of the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a with a long-range solo move in Andorra 3 As it happened: British sensation steals the show in first road stage at La Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a [&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-2113021","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\/2113021","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=2113021"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2113021\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2113021"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=2113021"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=2113021"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}