{"id":2116741,"date":"2026-08-28T11:20:40","date_gmt":"2026-08-28T08:20:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2116741"},"modified":"2026-08-28T11:20:40","modified_gmt":"2026-08-28T08:20:40","slug":"as-it-happened-win-goes-to-the-breakaway-and-more-gaps-among-the-gc-riders-on-stage-7-of-the-vuelta-a-espana","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2116741","title":{"rendered":"As it happened: win goes to the breakaway and more gaps among the GC riders on stage 7 of the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bym8jYS9JW8mpBYUbbBTP4-1024-80.jpg&#8221;]<\/p>\n<article class=\"m-0 box-border flex flex-row items-center pr-2.5 gap-[15px] w-[278px] h-20 flex-none upnext-article-divider\" role=\"listitem\" aria-label=\"Recommended article 1 of 3\">\n<div class=\"relative flex-none w-20 h-20\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" 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happened: British sensation steals the show in first road stage at La Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a 2026\n                                <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"page-content-onecol flex-1\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 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: win goes to the breakaway and more gaps among the GC riders on stage 7 of the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a<\/h1>\n<h2>Vall d&#8217;Alba to Aram\u00f3n Valdelinares, 149.8 km<br \/>\n<\/h2>\n<div class=\"vds-byline-block flex flex-row flex-nowrap my-1.5 gap-2 text-left items-start justify-start\" data-component-name=\"Article:BylineBlock\">\n<p>Live-reports<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-auto vds-simple-byline\"><span class=\"inline-block vds-author\"><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nStephen Puddicombe <\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex gap-1 vds-byline-with-avatar__meta\"><span class=\"vds-date block font-normal tracking-normal normal-case text-xs\"><br \/>\nLast updated<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-08-28T16:16:01Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n28 August 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/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-7-live-tadej-pogacars-form-to-be-tested-in-the-mountains\/\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"socialite\">\n<ul class=\"socialite-widget-ul\">\n<li class=\"socialite-widget-item social-facebook\">\n<li class=\"socialite-widget-item social-twitter\">\n<li class=\"socialite-widget-item social-pinterest\">\n<li class=\"socialite-widget-item social-email\"><\/ul>\n<p><span class=\"text-[color:var(--comment-count-text-color,inherit)]\"><span>0<\/span><span class=\"visible hidden sm:inline-block\">Comments<\/span><\/span><span class=\"text-[color:var(--comment-count-text-color,inherit)] hidden visible sm:inline-block\">Join the conversation<\/span><\/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<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bym8jYS9JW8mpBYUbbBTP4-1024-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bym8jYS9JW8mpBYUbbBTP4-1024-80.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bym8jYS9JW8mpBYUbbBTP4-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bym8jYS9JW8mpBYUbbBTP4-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bym8jYS9JW8mpBYUbbBTP4-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bym8jYS9JW8mpBYUbbBTP4-750-80.jpg.webp 750w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bym8jYS9JW8mpBYUbbBTP4-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bym8jYS9JW8mpBYUbbBTP4-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bym8jYS9JW8mpBYUbbBTP4-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 600px, 100vw\" \/><figcaption class=\"font-article-copy text-(--image--text--color) font-article-copy mt-2\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: \u00a9 Getty Images)<\/span><\/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\"><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>RESULTS<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>Have your say<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>OFFICIAL START<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>120KM TO GO<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>100KM TO GO<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>KOM &#8211; PUERTO EL REMOLCADOR<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>KOM &#8211; ALTO DE ZUCAINA<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>50KM TO GO<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>KOM &#8211; FUENTE DE RUBIELOS<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>INTERMEDIATE SPRINT<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>20KM TO GO<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>KOM &#8211; PUERTO DE SAN RAFEAL<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>KOM &#8211; ARAMON VALDELINARES<\/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>LEKNESSUND ATTACK<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>2KM TO GO<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>GALL ATTACKS<\/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>1KM TO GO<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>LEKNESSUND WINS<\/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>POGACAR ATTACK<\/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><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-0d72b618-98cb-11f1-bdc7-3bcd9d1009a6\"><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 id=\"elk-0d72b618-98cb-11f1-bdc7-3bcd9d1009a6-2\"><strong>Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a 2026 &#8211; Contenders<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a 2026 &#8211; stage 7 preview<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>How to watch the 2026 Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a<\/strong><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-0d72b672-98cb-11f1-bbcb-613c7be72150\"><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<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-results\"><span>RESULTS<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-46c9324e-a2fc-11f1-9c45-8b47df288707\">Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a: Andreas Leknessund, Tobias Johannessen solo away from Wout van Aert in Uno-X Mobility 1-2 on stage 7<\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-have-your-say\"><span>Have your say<\/span><\/h3>\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 class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-28T16:16:01+00:00\">2026-08-28T16:16:01.473Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-c3b90244-a2fb-11f1-b99a-fbac18225fff\">Thanks for joining us today! At last, we have a stage winner that is neither Tadej Poga\u010dar, nor Matthew Brennan. The former might have a stranglehold on the GC, but there remains much to play for at this Vuelta, with many stages to be won.<\/p>\n<p>The next opportunity comes tomorrow, although it is another chance for Brennan to land a third stage. Whether or not it&#8217;s a sprint or another one for the breakaway will depend upon how the final climb goes crested about 30km from the finish &#8211; be sure to log in tomorrow when we&#8217;ll bring you all the action.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-c3b902b2-a2fb-11f1-a962-c94601bc40de\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/W4UKZTEEnPxbF6tzo8fdDb-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/W4UKZTEEnPxbF6tzo8fdDb-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/W4UKZTEEnPxbF6tzo8fdDb-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/W4UKZTEEnPxbF6tzo8fdDb-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/W4UKZTEEnPxbF6tzo8fdDb-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/W4UKZTEEnPxbF6tzo8fdDb-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-28T16:03:58+00:00\">2026-08-28T16:03:58.786Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-14a1080c-a2fa-11f1-a1b6-bddbd36cad2e\">Here&#8217;s what en emotional Andreas Leknessund had to say at the finish, after at last winning the Grand Tour stage he has spent these past few years so unluckily chasing.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;I didn&#8217;t expect it to be this emotional, but for sure there&#8217;s so much feelings around this. I&#8217;ve been fighting really hard, and it means a lot.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;It was such a special day, going from the start with Wout [van Aert]; we were going really hard, so fast, Tobias [Johannessen] came up and it gave me confidence when he was there that we could win. I believe he was the best climber in the group, but we had ambition that one of us had a gap on the final climb; he let my wheel go and basically gave me the win \u2013 I&#8217;m really proud and grateful.&#8221;<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-14a10884-a2fa-11f1-b468-ffd4902d2060\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZXEFFu2uXaqHuvph2C2XG4-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZXEFFu2uXaqHuvph2C2XG4-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZXEFFu2uXaqHuvph2C2XG4-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZXEFFu2uXaqHuvph2C2XG4-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZXEFFu2uXaqHuvph2C2XG4-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZXEFFu2uXaqHuvph2C2XG4-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-28T15:52:32+00:00\">2026-08-28T15:52:32.033Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-7c57f106-a2f8-11f1-a6f0-4f6fe2119be4\">The consequence of those attacks in the GC group have been that Poga\u010dar has increased his lead on GC to 3:50 to Mas in second place, and 4:50 to Rogli\u010d in third place.<\/p>\n<p>The only change in positions is that Carapaz has tumbled from fourth to seventh leapfrogged by Gall, Kuss and Onley, but in remains very close, with both Kuss and Onley within just seven seconds of him.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-28T15:49:35+00:00\">2026-08-28T15:49:35.375Z<\/time><\/p>\n<div class=\"slice-container table-wrapper slice-container-table\" data-component-name=\"Slice:Table\" id=\"elk-12b51116-a2f8-11f1-8eb1-f522e8067cbc\">\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>19:32:37<\/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>Enric Mas (Spa) Movistar<\/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>3<\/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>0:04:50<\/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>F\u00e9lix Gall (Aut) Decathlon CMA CGM<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>0:05:01<\/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>Sepp Kuss (USA) Visma-Lease A Bike<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>0:06:05<\/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>Oscar Onley (GBr) Netcompany Ineos<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>0:06:06<\/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>Richard Carapaz (Ecu) EF Education-EasyPost<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>0:06:12<\/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>0:07:17<\/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>Harold Tejada (Col) XDS Astana<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>0:07:46<\/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>Gregor M\u00fchlberger (Aut) Decathlon CMA CGM<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>0:09:29<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-28T15:46:54+00:00\">2026-08-28T15:46:54.748Z<\/time><\/p>\n<div class=\"slice-container table-wrapper slice-container-table\" data-component-name=\"Slice:Table\" id=\"elk-b2f1177a-a2f7-11f1-9275-4b154e782dfa\">\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>Andreas Leknessund (Nor) Uno-X Mobility<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>3:49:47<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>2<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Tobias Johannessen (Nor) Uno-X Mobility<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>0:0:34<\/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>Wout Van Aert (Bel) Visma-Lease A Bike<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>0:0:47<\/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>Jakob Omrzel (Slo) Bahrain Victorious<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>0:0:58<\/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>Juan Felipe Rodriguez Contreras (Col) EF Education-EasyPost<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>0:01:13<\/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>Ivan Sosa (Col) Kern Pharma<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>0:01:16<\/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>Alexey Lutsenko (Kaz) NSN Cycling<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>0:01:44<\/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>Edward Dunbar (Irl) Pinarello-Q36.5<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>0:01:51<\/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>L\u00e9o Bisiaux (Fra) Decathlon CMA CGM<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>0:01:53<\/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>Raul Garcia (Spa) Movistar<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>0:02:14<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-28T15:43:41+00:00\">2026-08-28T15:43:41.978Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-408cc152-a2f7-11f1-89e9-9fb51e8519bb\">The day&#8217;s winner, Andreas Leknessund.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-408cc1b6-a2f7-11f1-86b6-3381e9321ec2\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bym8jYS9JW8mpBYUbbBTP4-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bym8jYS9JW8mpBYUbbBTP4-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bym8jYS9JW8mpBYUbbBTP4-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bym8jYS9JW8mpBYUbbBTP4-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bym8jYS9JW8mpBYUbbBTP4-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bym8jYS9JW8mpBYUbbBTP4-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-28T15:40:28+00:00\">2026-08-28T15:40:28.244Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-ccc8a8d0-a2f6-11f1-975b-1b3788058cf0\">Poga\u010dar finishes, and this time he&#8217;s put 6 seconds into Gall, 16 seconds into Mas, and 29 seconds into Roglic, Kuss and Onley. It&#8217;s a costly day for Carapaz, who finishes 1:22 after Pog.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-28T15:36:12+00:00\">2026-08-28T15:36:12.314Z<\/time><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-pogacar-attack\"><span>POGACAR ATTACK<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-34303390-a2f6-11f1-85c0-09e0f426f820\">The red jersey has made his move, and once again, nobody can respond! Gall is behind pursuing him, with Mas next on the road, and a trio of Roglic, Kuss and Onley together behind him.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-28T15:35:04+00:00\">2026-08-28T15:35:04.942Z<\/time><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-leknessund-wins\"><span>LEKNESSUND WINS<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-0c043754-a2f6-11f1-89ea-edaaa8a65c69\">At last, after no less than four runner-up finished at the Giro d&#8217;Italia, Andreas Leknessund is a Grand Tour stage winner! Better yet, his compatriot and teammate Tobias Halland Johannessen has completed a one-two for Uno-X, with Van Aert coming home third.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-28T15:33:27+00:00\">2026-08-28T15:33:27.669Z<\/time><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-1km-to-go\"><span>1KM TO GO<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-d298859c-a2f5-11f1-bbe2-c3eec7962a5d\">Johannessen has made a move and dropped the struggling Van Aert, but is till 45 seconds behind his teammate Leknessund. It looks as those the Norwegian is going to claim his first ever Grand Tour victory.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-28T15:32:20+00:00\">2026-08-28T15:32:20.259Z<\/time><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-gall-attacks\"><span>GALL ATTACKS<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-a9bcfd7e-a2f5-11f1-8ef8-39a96f4a1c58\">As the ten-or-so riders left in the peloton go under the 3km to go banner, the last of the Decathlon teammates swing off, and Gall attacks! Only Poga\u010dar and Mas have followed him.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-28T15:29:27+00:00\">2026-08-28T15:29:27.865Z<\/time><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-2km-to-go\"><span>2KM TO GO<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-430ecd50-a2f5-11f1-955b-959ff1286c9c\">Decathlon are now upping the pace in the peloton, and riders are being dropped &#8211; including the men ninth, tenth and eleventh respectively on GC, Skjelmose, Tejada and Widar.<\/p>\n<p>At the front, Leknessund&#8217;s lead has been cut a little, to 42 seconds. But he&#8217;s in a great position, with Van Aert having to do all the work by himself with Johannessen glued to his wheel.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-28T15:26:46+00:00\">2026-08-28T15:26:46.520Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-e2d716e0-a2f4-11f1-81f6-dd41eb5829aa\">In the peloton, Decathlon have formed a line of domestiques alongside UAE, keeping Gall well-positioned. No signs of any attacks yet, and the group remains big, but there&#8217;s still a lot of climbing to be done.<\/p>\n<p>Out front, Leknessund is still looking strong, and has grown his lead over Van Aert and his teammate Johannessen (Lutsenko has been dropped) to 45 seconds. He&#8217;s looking good for the win at this rate&#8230;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-28T15:22:16+00:00\">2026-08-28T15:22:16.581Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-441ef93c-a2f4-11f1-a7f4-832cf8b9ee33\">Leknessund is building a big lead! He&#8217;s got over 20 seconds over the chase group. In that chase group, Lutsenko and Van Aert are having to do all of the work, as Johannessen is Leknessund&#8217;s teammate.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-28T15:17:46+00:00\">2026-08-28T15:17:46.158Z<\/time><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-leknessund-attack\"><span>LEKNESSUND ATTACK<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-a10bddaa-a2f3-11f1-8f7d-6526c3392435\">For the first time all day, there&#8217;s been an attack in the lead group, and it&#8217;s come from Leknessund. He&#8217;s got a few seconds on the others, while Dunbar has been dropped.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-28T15:12:47+00:00\">2026-08-28T15:12:47.106Z<\/time><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-kom-aramon-valdelinares\"><span>KOM &#8211; ARAMON VALDELINARES <\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-ee7d5d4e-a2f2-11f1-a944-d7e417b8a311\">The leading group are climbing again already, and it&#8217;s the hardest one of the day, averaging 5.9% for 9.8km. This will be where the stage is decided! And potentially cause some gaps in the GC race&#8230;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-28T15:08:30+00:00\">2026-08-28T15:08:30.288Z<\/time><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-kom-puerto-de-san-rafeal\"><span>KOM &#8211; PUERTO DE SAN RAFEAL <\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-56ee2dbe-a2f2-11f1-b415-c5393c11c3d9\">Van Aert leads the group over the climb, and is still looking strong. The five riders are all still together, and lead the chasers by just over a minute. With just a short descent, and then one final climb to the finish, to come, it seems like the stage is going to one of them. But which one?<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-56ee2e4a-a2f2-11f1-8c0d-0dd31302fd41\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PvgdJXssrddKeyVac5q2BG-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PvgdJXssrddKeyVac5q2BG-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PvgdJXssrddKeyVac5q2BG-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PvgdJXssrddKeyVac5q2BG-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PvgdJXssrddKeyVac5q2BG-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PvgdJXssrddKeyVac5q2BG-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-28T15:02:44+00:00\">2026-08-28T15:02:44.033Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-86ed8588-a2f1-11f1-a494-c718eb5f2d6e\">How will Enric Mas go on these final climbs? He looked better than he has done in years yesterday, entering a very select club of riders who have managed to close down Poga\u010dar after an attack. For his efforts, he now wears the King of the Mountains jersey, and is up to second overall on the GC &#8211; but could he try and make more inroads today?<\/p>\n<p>&#8216;A good day, but let&#8217;s not give it too much importance&#8217; &#8211; Enric Mas remains cautious after matching Tadej Poga\u010dar on Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a gravel climb<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-86ed863c-a2f1-11f1-9206-65c8d6189f81\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5Zf6DEMd6z6BUCme2LoYCQ-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5Zf6DEMd6z6BUCme2LoYCQ-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5Zf6DEMd6z6BUCme2LoYCQ-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5Zf6DEMd6z6BUCme2LoYCQ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5Zf6DEMd6z6BUCme2LoYCQ-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5Zf6DEMd6z6BUCme2LoYCQ-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-28T14:55:28+00:00\">2026-08-28T14:55:28.418Z<\/time><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-20km-to-go\"><span>20KM TO GO<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-8385daa4-a2f0-11f1-bac1-bf3489ef8a37\">The chasers are losing more ground on the leaders as they climb up the hill, falling to 1:45 behind. Bisiaux is taking the initiative to try and give them hope, upping the pace and dropping some riders out the back, but he ha a lot of ground to make up.<\/p>\n<p>Meanwhile the peloton is still going at a steady tempo, UAE happy to let the gap grow to seven minutes.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-28T14:49:18+00:00\">2026-08-28T14:49:18.127Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-a6b8b38a-a2ef-11f1-b203-1f81788dfbac\">The riders are climbing again, and will spend almost all of the day 23km doing so. First up is the Puerto de San Rafael (11.2km at 4.4%), then, after a very short descent, the 9.8km Aram\u00f3n Valdelinares, which rises at 5.9% to the finish.<\/p>\n<p>Luca Van Boven will ride the climb behind the peloton, after crashing in the peloton, colliding into an Astana rider.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-28T14:43:12+00:00\">2026-08-28T14:43:12.076Z<\/time><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-intermediate-sprint\"><span>INTERMEDIATE SPRINT<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-ccc91c78-a2ee-11f1-a10e-c355eb7d1812\">Wout van Aert is allowed to take the points at the intermediate sprint. Despite not having taken part in the bunch sprints, in which he&#8217;s played the role of lead-out man instead for teammate Brennan, Van Aert is now a clear second in the points classification, ahead of Brennan and behind only Poga\u010dar.<\/p>\n<p>Here are the new rankings:<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-ccc91c78-a2ee-11f1-a10e-c355eb7d1812-2\">1 Poga\u010dar 102 points<\/p>\n<p>2 Van Aert 89<\/p>\n<p>3 Brennan 60<\/p>\n<p>4 Hayter 57<\/p>\n<p>5 Laporte 52<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-28T14:35:44+00:00\">2026-08-28T14:35:44.440Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-c194edce-a2ed-11f1-a12d-0b90afb5adee\">If this does indeed come down to the leading five for the stage win, we could be in for an exciting, unpredictable finish.<\/p>\n<p>On paper, Johannessen is probably the best climber, but hasn\u2019t been in the same form so far at this Vuelta that saw him place 6th overall at the Tour last year. Dunbar has similar Grand Tour stages on their palmares, so know how to win from this situation; as does Lutsenko, albeit from a long time ago, while Leknessund came very close multiple times at this year\u2019s Giro. And though this finish might be a little hard for Van Aert, you can never discount the Belgian, and he\u2019s looked strong all day having attacked from the flag.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-c194ee32-a2ed-11f1-afd6-3fa25ca72c5c\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2BFTUiL4xCrUT2mCPp6r9F-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2BFTUiL4xCrUT2mCPp6r9F-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2BFTUiL4xCrUT2mCPp6r9F-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2BFTUiL4xCrUT2mCPp6r9F-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2BFTUiL4xCrUT2mCPp6r9F-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2BFTUiL4xCrUT2mCPp6r9F-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-28T14:31:25+00:00\">2026-08-28T14:31:25.616Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-274e3798-a2ed-11f1-a73a-6dc8f68d688a\"><em><strong>For unbeatable coverage across road, gravel and tech, subscribe to Cyclingnews. You&#8217;ll get comprehensive race coverage of La Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a, subscriber-exclusive analysis from our expert columnists, in-depth features and industry-leading tech insight. Plus, the Cyclingnews app lets you follow the action wherever you go!<\/strong><\/em><em><strong> Join today<\/strong><\/em><em><strong>.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-28T14:25:15+00:00\">2026-08-28T14:25:15.826Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-4aed6332-a2ec-11f1-a610-d7289b62d1b9\">The peloton doesn\u2019t look as though they will be riding for the stage win, but there\u2019s still plenty of GC action on the cards.<\/p>\n<p>Oscar Onley will therefore be wanting a much better day than yesterday, when he was dropped by his GC rivals and lost time, after going too deep to try to follow Tadel Poga\u010dar. It\u2019s a lesson many others have learned the hard way in the past, and Scott is hoping to bounce back today in pursuit of a podium finish.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-4aed6332-a2ec-11f1-a610-d7289b62d1b9-2\">&#8216;I was pretty useless&#8217; \u2013 Oscar Onley &#8216;overcooks&#8217; gravel climb at Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a and pays the price<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-28T14:19:20+00:00\">2026-08-28T14:19:20.127Z<\/time><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-kom-fuente-de-rubielos\"><span>KOM &#8211; FUENTE DE RUBIELOS <\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-76e6e66c-a2eb-11f1-a259-5f65bd443959\">The five leaders crest the climb, led by Van Aert from Lutsenko and Dunbar. Once again, there isn&#8217;t any interest shown in chasing the KO points.<\/p>\n<p>The chasers have failed to make any more inroads over the rest of the climb, and are back down to 1:20 behind, while the peloton remain at over five minutes. A long plateau will now take the riders to to the foot of the penultimate climb, the long category two Puerto de San Rafael.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-28T14:12:49+00:00\">2026-08-28T14:12:49.252Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-8df849dc-a2ea-11f1-ad8c-c96b345e5e37\">The pace is up in the chase group on this climb, and some can&#8217;t keep up with the pace &#8211; including Pedersen&#8217;s who&#8217;s dropped. They&#8217;re making up some ground on the leaders, who are now just over a minute ahead, but still have lots of work to do.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-28T14:05:37+00:00\">2026-08-28T14:05:37.709Z<\/time><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-50km-to-go\"><span>50KM TO GO<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-8ca5a224-a2e9-11f1-965c-f1196e1872b3\">They&#8217;re climbing again! The first of the remaining three climbs, Alto Fuente de Rubielos, is the easiest of the three, but will still test their legs and potentially start breaking up the race more.<\/p>\n<p>The leaders have a big advantage, almost five minutes on the peloton. The chase group is closer, at 1:35, but anyone hoping to win the stage in that group will need to jump clear soon and hunt them down.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-8ca5a328-a2e9-11f1-9869-595d06151542\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UDC5kGTUGVw87YsmVjnNHS-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UDC5kGTUGVw87YsmVjnNHS-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UDC5kGTUGVw87YsmVjnNHS-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UDC5kGTUGVw87YsmVjnNHS-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UDC5kGTUGVw87YsmVjnNHS-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UDC5kGTUGVw87YsmVjnNHS-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-28T13:58:38+00:00\">2026-08-28T13:58:38.332Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-92b777ba-a2e8-11f1-b939-b1192d331d3e\"><em><strong>For unbeatable coverage across road, gravel and tech, subscribe to Cyclingnews. You&#8217;ll get comprehensive race coverage of La Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a, subscriber-exclusive analysis from our expert columnists, in-depth features and industry-leading tech insight. Plus, the Cyclingnews app lets you follow the action wherever you go!<\/strong><\/em><em><strong> Join today<\/strong><\/em><em><strong>.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-28T13:53:15+00:00\">2026-08-28T13:53:15.990Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-d2a1147c-a2e7-11f1-8890-913d5245cf0e\">The chasers haven\u2019t been working well together, and they keep attacking each other. Five of them did manage to get a small gap for a while, but have been brought back again, once again taking the impetus out of the chase. They\u2019re 1:45 behind the five leaders now, and are watching any hope of winning the stage disappear up the road.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-28T13:47:59+00:00\">2026-08-28T13:47:59.035Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-158ccb7e-a2e7-11f1-a1f6-d199d47bb348\">As usual, UAE are controlling the peloton, but aren&#8217;t showing as much intent to chase down the break as they have in previous stages. The gap&#8217;s now grown to over four minutes &#8211; we might be poised for our first breakaway win of this year&#8217;s Vuelta.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-158ccbec-a2e7-11f1-bd1e-45a6b8c8303f\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KuGqhrZnRvyGeBFPh22Z55-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KuGqhrZnRvyGeBFPh22Z55-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KuGqhrZnRvyGeBFPh22Z55-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KuGqhrZnRvyGeBFPh22Z55-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KuGqhrZnRvyGeBFPh22Z55-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KuGqhrZnRvyGeBFPh22Z55-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-28T13:38:59+00:00\">2026-08-28T13:38:59.963Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-d478ac08-a2e5-11f1-9f50-ad78132d7718\">The race is in more of a holding patter now, a plateau and now descent seeing the gaps remain much the same. The five leaders have 1:35 over the chase group, and 3:50 over the peloton.<\/p>\n<p>There&#8217;s some distance &#8217;till the third climb of the day, but upon reaching the foot of it there&#8217;s barely a kilometre from there to the finish that isn&#8217;t uphill.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-28T13:32:58+00:00\">2026-08-28T13:32:58.364Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-fcfd8f1e-a2e4-11f1-a950-e916b119c948\">Poga\u010dar\u2019s team were quick to claim that his being caught yesterday was down to an uncharacteristic lack of legs, but instead due to a race communication fault which meant they did not receive accurate time gaps &#8211; implying that, had they known Mas was closer than reported, Pog would have upped the pace to stay clear of him.<\/p>\n<p>Regardless, the way the race unfolded will still give rivals hope that he can be competed against.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-fcfd8f1e-a2e4-11f1-a950-e916b119c948-2\">&#8216;We didn&#8217;t know that Enric was so close&#8217; &#8211; Inaccurate time gaps explain how Tadej Poga\u010dar was caught during Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a attack<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-28T13:26:45+00:00\">2026-08-28T13:26:45.641Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-1e9d00a6-a2e4-11f1-97bb-095ec55c9652\">It\u2019s looking like we could well have a battle for the stage win among the breakaway group today, the way the day is panning out.<\/p>\n<p>But will we have a battle for the GC, too? The terrain is potentially difficult enough, with a category one uphill finish, and yesterday suggested Tadej Poga\u010dar isn\u2019t quite at the alien level we\u2019re used to seeing him at. That\u2019s raised the eyebrows of his rivals &#8211; could they try to test him today with attacks?<\/p>\n<p>&#8216;We don&#8217;t know if he was racing at 100%&#8217; \u2013 Rival sports director believes Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a leader Poga\u010dar&#8217;s failure to finish solo on stage 6 delivers mixed messages<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-1e9d010a-a2e4-11f1-9ab2-0ba15a22c834\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cMKT28p4CWqFbmU5NEwfo6-683-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cMKT28p4CWqFbmU5NEwfo6-683-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cMKT28p4CWqFbmU5NEwfo6-683-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cMKT28p4CWqFbmU5NEwfo6-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cMKT28p4CWqFbmU5NEwfo6-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cMKT28p4CWqFbmU5NEwfo6-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-28T13:19:42+00:00\">2026-08-28T13:19:42.519Z<\/time><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-kom-alto-de-zucaina\"><span>KOM &#8211; ALTO DE ZUCAINA <\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-226bf5b2-a2e3-11f1-9217-afdda764b374\">This one wasn&#8217;t a long climb, lasting just 5.5km at at a reasonable gradient of 4.8% &#8211; harder tests are to come later.<\/p>\n<p>The five-man lead group remain together, and are working well, not even sprinting against each other for the KOM points. The chasers are falling further behind, to 1:25, while the peloton is holding steady at about 3:30.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-28T13:10:46+00:00\">2026-08-28T13:10:46.738Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-e305a180-a2e1-11f1-9a57-f9a554d68bb3\">The riders are descending, but won&#8217;t be for much longer. Once they reach the bottom they&#8217;ll start ascending the Alto de Zucaina, the second of the day&#8217;s five climbs.<\/p>\n<p>The five leaders have grown their lead on this descent on the chasers to 55 seconds, and to the peloton, almost three and a half minutes. It doesn&#8217;t appear UAE are chasing hard &#8211; not for now, at least.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-e305a1ee-a2e1-11f1-b205-c14fb478685c\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/De4jjAAKMJnfs5oQjRjzYi-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/De4jjAAKMJnfs5oQjRjzYi-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/De4jjAAKMJnfs5oQjRjzYi-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/De4jjAAKMJnfs5oQjRjzYi-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/De4jjAAKMJnfs5oQjRjzYi-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/De4jjAAKMJnfs5oQjRjzYi-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-28T13:01:37+00:00\">2026-08-28T13:01:37.127Z<\/time><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-kom-puerto-el-remolcador\"><span>KOM &#8211; PUERTO EL REMOLCADOR <\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-9dbde05c-a2e0-11f1-b610-eb86263c79b5\">Dunbar, Johannessen and Lutsenko catch Van Aert and Leknessund before the top of the climb, and the quintet reach the top 35 seconds before the large chase group (which, among others, includes V Paret-Peintre, Bilbao, and, to nobody&#8217;s surprise, Mads Pedersen). Leknessund took five KOM points, Lutsenko 3 and Johannessen 1.<\/p>\n<p>The peloton is now over two minutes behind, and being led by UAE at a steady tempo. This big question now is whether they will allow the leaders a be enough gap to contest the stage, or reel it in to attempt yet another win for Poga\u010dar.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-28T12:55:24+00:00\">2026-08-28T12:55:24.793Z<\/time><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-100km-to-go\"><span>100KM TO GO<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-bd98078c-a2df-11f1-8331-d50636967d19\">A natural selection is beginning to form in the chase group. Three of the best climbers, Johannessen, Dunbar and Lutsenko, have gone clear of the rest, and are closing in on Van Aert and Leknessund. They&#8217;re 25 seconds behind them, ten seconds ahead of the rest of the chase group, and now over two minutes ahead of the peloton, which appears to have sat up.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-28T12:48:30+00:00\">2026-08-28T12:48:30.795Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-c706cd40-a2de-11f1-971c-0bb0d53d15c2\">This is some of the chase group in between the leading duo and the peloton. They&#8217;re about 30 seconds behind the former, and 25 seconds ahead of the latter, with half of the climb still to ride up.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-c706cda4-a2de-11f1-a8e8-719184fef8e4\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hhYSY7723KU3c4dexXruLW-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hhYSY7723KU3c4dexXruLW-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hhYSY7723KU3c4dexXruLW-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hhYSY7723KU3c4dexXruLW-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hhYSY7723KU3c4dexXruLW-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hhYSY7723KU3c4dexXruLW-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-28T12:43:10+00:00\">2026-08-28T12:43:10.955Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-081bfafe-a2de-11f1-9deb-67f891553620\"><em><strong>For unbeatable coverage across road, gravel and tech, subscribe to Cyclingnews. You&#8217;ll get comprehensive race coverage of La Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a, subscriber-exclusive analysis from our expert columnists, in-depth features and industry-leading tech insight. Plus, the Cyclingnews app lets you follow the action wherever you go!<\/strong><\/em><em><strong> Join today<\/strong><\/em><em><strong>.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-28T12:37:55+00:00\">2026-08-28T12:37:55.633Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-4c1b73fc-a2dd-11f1-9b50-25f515648dab\">For the first time today, the riders are now climbing, up the category two Puerto El Remolcador (12.4km at 4.4%). And they&#8217;re not going to soft-peddle up it &#8211; the race remains very much on.<\/p>\n<p>Lutsenko, Zana and Bisiaux have been absorbed into the chase group, which contains about 20 riders, and they&#8217;re 50 seconds behind the peloton, and just under a minute over the peloton, where still the attacks keep coming. It seems like half the peloton wants to get into the break today.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-4c1b7474-a2dd-11f1-8928-cf68cf2a2b60\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jPLwXHPZhMmtsvTubjXUxE-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jPLwXHPZhMmtsvTubjXUxE-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jPLwXHPZhMmtsvTubjXUxE-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jPLwXHPZhMmtsvTubjXUxE-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jPLwXHPZhMmtsvTubjXUxE-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jPLwXHPZhMmtsvTubjXUxE-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-28T12:31:15+00:00\">2026-08-28T12:31:15.621Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-5dc48d9c-a2dc-11f1-b3bb-2f4b1a1c2847\">Lutsenko, Zana and Bisiaux (all pictured) are close to being caught by a large group of chasers, which appears to have at least a dozen riders in it, including Tobias Halland Johannessen, Eddie Dunbar, Marco Brenner and Pello Bilbao. The peloton appears more content with this group, too, and has eased up a little to fall 30 seconds behind them.<\/p>\n<p>Meanwhile, Van Aert and Leknessund are still going hard, and lead the chasers by about 30 seconds.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-5dc48e32-a2dc-11f1-86a3-81cadf466f86\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XzmfGXFztAgGemkx4aupzn-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XzmfGXFztAgGemkx4aupzn-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XzmfGXFztAgGemkx4aupzn-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XzmfGXFztAgGemkx4aupzn-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XzmfGXFztAgGemkx4aupzn-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XzmfGXFztAgGemkx4aupzn-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-28T12:22:47+00:00\">2026-08-28T12:22:47.857Z<\/time><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-120km-to-go\"><span>120KM TO GO<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-2f0ed332-a2db-11f1-8d05-d7c1f9cccae0\">The race remains still very close together. Van Aert and Leknessund are just 35 seconds ahead of Lutsenko, Zana, Bisiaux, who are themselves just ten seconds ahead of a chasing duo of Martin and Ra\u00fal Garc\u00eda Pierna, with the peloton just another ten seconds behind. This could all yet come back together, or they escapees could form one big group &#8211; it&#8217;s a very open situation.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-28T12:16:20+00:00\">2026-08-28T12:16:20.742Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-4848f4dc-a2da-11f1-9713-9d7e4356a204\">Three riders have successfully escaped from the peloton, and it&#8217;s a strong trio &#8211; Lutsenko, Zana and Bisiaux. They&#8217;re bearing down on the leaders, bringing the gap down to 45 seconds, while the peloton remains active only a handful of seconds behind, with more attacks being made. This has developed into a breathless start.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-28T12:09:49+00:00\">2026-08-28T12:09:49.421Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-5f132bf2-a2d9-11f1-8d45-e120757d8ac0\">Vader can&#8217;t keep up with the pace, and has been dropped by Van Aert and Leknessund.<\/p>\n<p>They&#8217;re having to go very hard to fend off the peloton, which is now only just over a minute behind them. The attacks keep coming out of it, and though nobody has gone clear, the pace is well up and spelling danger for the two leader&#8217;s chances.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-28T12:04:22+00:00\">2026-08-28T12:04:22.379Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-9c316c7a-a2d8-11f1-bc78-63b2ac75dfdb\">The chase group has been caught, leaving just Van Aert, Leknessund and Vader out front. But the pace is back up in the peloton as more riders show intent to attack, and consequently the gap to the three leaders has been almost halved, back down to 1:20 This could yet be a long time before this settles down!<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-9c316d10-a2d8-11f1-8265-939ad88b6fef\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AHVQSncha5RNhRtC5bUHnJ-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AHVQSncha5RNhRtC5bUHnJ-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AHVQSncha5RNhRtC5bUHnJ-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AHVQSncha5RNhRtC5bUHnJ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AHVQSncha5RNhRtC5bUHnJ-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AHVQSncha5RNhRtC5bUHnJ-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-28T11:58:01+00:00\">2026-08-28T11:58:01.480Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-b9282e50-a2d7-11f1-98c5-5f395ee6af89\">The three riders leading the race. As it stands, this might be the break of the day &#8211; the four chasers still have a non inconsiderable 1:20 to make up if they&#8217;re to join them, and the group doesn&#8217;t have big names that we know for sure have the power to bridge up to them. Whereas the front group has a certain Wout van Aert.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-b9282eb4-a2d7-11f1-bd69-63423f10b1f5\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4dsYJw583vTpidiU6vkbJS-682-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4dsYJw583vTpidiU6vkbJS-682-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4dsYJw583vTpidiU6vkbJS-682-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4dsYJw583vTpidiU6vkbJS-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4dsYJw583vTpidiU6vkbJS-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4dsYJw583vTpidiU6vkbJS-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-28T11:51:38+00:00\">2026-08-28T11:51:38.501Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-d4d60e70-a2d6-11f1-8957-ed76cf4f88b1\">Milan Vadar is the third rider at the front with Van Aert and Leknessund, and they have a lead of over two minutes already over the peloton already.<\/p>\n<p>Things aren&#8217;t done yet, though. Behind that trio is a quartet of Ourselin, Cobo, Roosen and Wilksch chasing, and behind them more riders are jumping clear of the peloton. But even that first chase group has a minute to make up.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-28T11:45:42+00:00\">2026-08-28T11:45:42.949Z<\/time><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-official-start\"><span>OFFICIAL START<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-01470870-a2d6-11f1-b85a-f1641932d9da\">And they&#8217;re off! And the very first rider to attack from the flag is none other than Wout van Aert, who has got up the road with both Andreas Leknessund and one other rider, and has a gap.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-28T11:39:11+00:00\">2026-08-28T11:39:11.922Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-17fb8db2-a2d5-11f1-9186-15e6c368096c\">The riders have just started, moving behind the race car through the neutralised section. The parcours and circumstances today do feel encouraging for the breakaway, which could see a first win go the breakaway today &#8211; so there will therefore likely be a big fight today once the flag drops.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-28T11:31:57+00:00\">2026-08-28T11:31:57.001Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-14986d6c-a2d4-11f1-8592-41d2fa444b1e\">Yesterday\u2019s stage saw a predictable result, but in an unpredictable fashion. Tadej Poga\u010dar did his usual attack on the final climb, but rather than disappear into the distance never to be seen again, he was reeled back by Enric Mas. He might still have won, but had to outsprint the impressive Spaniard to do so, and displayed rare signs of weakness, even crashing on the descent.<\/p>\n<p>Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a: Tadej Poga\u010dar survives near-crash on descent for third victory of the race on stage 6<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-14986dda-a2d4-11f1-996d-755f09aa042a\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yceUY7Dc83tB7bnGGRL2m3-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yceUY7Dc83tB7bnGGRL2m3-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yceUY7Dc83tB7bnGGRL2m3-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yceUY7Dc83tB7bnGGRL2m3-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yceUY7Dc83tB7bnGGRL2m3-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yceUY7Dc83tB7bnGGRL2m3-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-28T11:23:41+00:00\">2026-08-28T11:23:41.513Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-ed378934-a2d2-11f1-ae8e-f1319e8a94d0\">It might still be the first week of the Vuelta, but already a clear hierarchy has been formed at the top of the GC, with minutes separating them. That could become yet clearer today, for what is yet another stage in the mountains.<\/p>\n<p>Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a 2026 stage 7 preview &#8211; A second summit finish that could either solidify or shake up the podium battle<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<p id=\"elk-0d7aa846-98cb-11f1-b518-3b7295288eaf\">Hello and welcome to stage seven of the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a!<\/p>\n<\/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=\"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>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"widgetArea17\" class=\"widget-area md:basis-1\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-1-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-1-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-1-3 page-widget-area-17\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"dynamic\" id=\"mostpopular\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-dynamic widget-mostpopular widget-dynamic-mostpopular widget-dynamic-fter-popular-box\">\n<div class=\"wdn-fte-pb pos-relative space-t20\n\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"slice-container popular-box-slice\">\n<section class=\"popular-box\" data-component-name=\"Slice:PopularBox\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label__tab popular-box__label__tab--active\" role=\"heading\">\nLATEST ARTICLES\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<ol class=\"popular-box__articles-list popular-box__articles-list--active\">\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__image-wrapper\">\n<div>\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yt79PW2pJtSFxkDjt7Nz65-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yt79PW2pJtSFxkDjt7Nz65-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yt79PW2pJtSFxkDjt7Nz65-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yt79PW2pJtSFxkDjt7Nz65-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"99vw\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">1<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>&#8216;I wasn&#8217;t angry at all&#8217; &#8211; Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a leader Tadej Poga\u010dar denies he attacked on Aram\u00f3n Valdelinares finish because he was upset<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">2<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>&#8216;I didn&#8217;t have confidence in myself&#8217; \u2013 Wout van Aert bags green jersey but regrets missed opportunity in Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a breakaway<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">3<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>&#8216;I\u2019ll probably need a season where I spend more time on the mountain bike&#8217; &#8211; Mathieu van der Poel realistic ahead of the UCI Mountain Bike World Championships<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">4<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a: Andreas Leknessund, Tobias Johannessen solo away from Wout van Aert in Uno-X Mobility 1-2 on stage 7<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">5<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>Did dehydration play a role in Tadej Poga\u010dar&#8217;s failed solo move at Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a? World champion says no but was denied a bottle and has a few fuelling fails to his name<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<div 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 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: win goes to the breakaway and more gaps among the GC riders on stage 7 of the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a<\/h1>\n<h2>Vall d&#8217;Alba to Aram\u00f3n Valdelinares, 149.8 km<br \/>\n<\/h2>\n<div class=\"vds-byline-block flex flex-row flex-nowrap my-1.5 gap-2 text-left items-start justify-start\" data-component-name=\"Article:BylineBlock\">\n<p>Live-reports<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-auto vds-simple-byline\"><span class=\"inline-block vds-author\"><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nStephen Puddicombe <\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex gap-1 vds-byline-with-avatar__meta\"><span class=\"vds-date block font-normal tracking-normal normal-case text-xs\"><br \/>\nLast updated<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-08-28T16:16:01Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n28 August 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/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-7-live-tadej-pogacars-form-to-be-tested-in-the-mountains\/\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"socialite\">\n<ul class=\"socialite-widget-ul\">\n<li class=\"socialite-widget-item social-facebook\">\n<li class=\"socialite-widget-item social-twitter\">\n<li class=\"socialite-widget-item social-pinterest\">\n<li class=\"socialite-widget-item social-email\"><\/ul>\n<p><span class=\"text-[color:var(--comment-count-text-color,inherit)]\"><span>0<\/span><span class=\"visible hidden sm:inline-block\">Comments<\/span><\/span><span class=\"text-[color:var(--comment-count-text-color,inherit)] hidden visible sm:inline-block\">Join the conversation<\/span><\/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<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bym8jYS9JW8mpBYUbbBTP4-1024-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bym8jYS9JW8mpBYUbbBTP4-1024-80.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bym8jYS9JW8mpBYUbbBTP4-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bym8jYS9JW8mpBYUbbBTP4-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bym8jYS9JW8mpBYUbbBTP4-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bym8jYS9JW8mpBYUbbBTP4-750-80.jpg.webp 750w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bym8jYS9JW8mpBYUbbBTP4-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bym8jYS9JW8mpBYUbbBTP4-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bym8jYS9JW8mpBYUbbBTP4-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 600px, 100vw\" \/><figcaption class=\"font-article-copy text-(--image--text--color) font-article-copy mt-2\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: \u00a9 Getty Images)<\/span><\/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: win goes to the breakaway and more gaps among the GC riders on stage 7 of the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a<\/h1>\n<h2>Vall d&#8217;Alba to Aram\u00f3n Valdelinares, 149.8 km<br \/>\n<\/h2>\n<div class=\"vds-byline-block flex flex-row flex-nowrap my-1.5 gap-2 text-left items-start justify-start\" data-component-name=\"Article:BylineBlock\">\n<p>Live-reports<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-auto vds-simple-byline\"><span class=\"inline-block vds-author\"><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nStephen Puddicombe <\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex gap-1 vds-byline-with-avatar__meta\"><span class=\"vds-date block font-normal tracking-normal normal-case text-xs\"><br \/>\nLast updated<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-08-28T16:16:01Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n28 August 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/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-7-live-tadej-pogacars-form-to-be-tested-in-the-mountains\/\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"socialite\">\n<ul class=\"socialite-widget-ul\">\n<li class=\"socialite-widget-item social-facebook\">\n<li class=\"socialite-widget-item social-twitter\">\n<li class=\"socialite-widget-item social-pinterest\">\n<li class=\"socialite-widget-item social-email\"><\/ul>\n<p><span class=\"text-[color:var(--comment-count-text-color,inherit)]\"><span>0<\/span><span class=\"visible hidden sm:inline-block\">Comments<\/span><\/span><span class=\"text-[color:var(--comment-count-text-color,inherit)] hidden visible sm:inline-block\">Join the conversation<\/span><\/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<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bym8jYS9JW8mpBYUbbBTP4-1024-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bym8jYS9JW8mpBYUbbBTP4-1024-80.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bym8jYS9JW8mpBYUbbBTP4-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bym8jYS9JW8mpBYUbbBTP4-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bym8jYS9JW8mpBYUbbBTP4-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bym8jYS9JW8mpBYUbbBTP4-750-80.jpg.webp 750w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bym8jYS9JW8mpBYUbbBTP4-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bym8jYS9JW8mpBYUbbBTP4-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bym8jYS9JW8mpBYUbbBTP4-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 600px, 100vw\" \/><figcaption class=\"font-article-copy text-(--image--text--color) font-article-copy mt-2\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: \u00a9 Getty Images)<\/span><\/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><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-0d72b618-98cb-11f1-bdc7-3bcd9d1009a6\"><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 id=\"elk-0d72b618-98cb-11f1-bdc7-3bcd9d1009a6-2\"><strong>Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a 2026 &#8211; Contenders<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a 2026 &#8211; stage 7 preview<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>How to watch the 2026 Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a<\/strong><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-0d72b672-98cb-11f1-bbcb-613c7be72150\"><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<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-results\"><span>RESULTS<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-46c9324e-a2fc-11f1-9c45-8b47df288707\">Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a: Andreas Leknessund, Tobias Johannessen solo away from Wout van Aert in Uno-X Mobility 1-2 on stage 7<\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-have-your-say\"><span>Have your say<\/span><\/h3>\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 class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-28T16:16:01+00:00\">2026-08-28T16:16:01.473Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-c3b90244-a2fb-11f1-b99a-fbac18225fff\">Thanks for joining us today! At last, we have a stage winner that is neither Tadej Poga\u010dar, nor Matthew Brennan. The former might have a stranglehold on the GC, but there remains much to play for at this Vuelta, with many stages to be won.<\/p>\n<p>The next opportunity comes tomorrow, although it is another chance for Brennan to land a third stage. Whether or not it&#8217;s a sprint or another one for the breakaway will depend upon how the final climb goes crested about 30km from the finish &#8211; be sure to log in tomorrow when we&#8217;ll bring you all the action.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-c3b902b2-a2fb-11f1-a962-c94601bc40de\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/W4UKZTEEnPxbF6tzo8fdDb-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/W4UKZTEEnPxbF6tzo8fdDb-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/W4UKZTEEnPxbF6tzo8fdDb-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/W4UKZTEEnPxbF6tzo8fdDb-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/W4UKZTEEnPxbF6tzo8fdDb-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/W4UKZTEEnPxbF6tzo8fdDb-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-28T16:03:58+00:00\">2026-08-28T16:03:58.786Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-14a1080c-a2fa-11f1-a1b6-bddbd36cad2e\">Here&#8217;s what en emotional Andreas Leknessund had to say at the finish, after at last winning the Grand Tour stage he has spent these past few years so unluckily chasing.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;I didn&#8217;t expect it to be this emotional, but for sure there&#8217;s so much feelings around this. I&#8217;ve been fighting really hard, and it means a lot.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;It was such a special day, going from the start with Wout [van Aert]; we were going really hard, so fast, Tobias [Johannessen] came up and it gave me confidence when he was there that we could win. I believe he was the best climber in the group, but we had ambition that one of us had a gap on the final climb; he let my wheel go and basically gave me the win \u2013 I&#8217;m really proud and grateful.&#8221;<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-14a10884-a2fa-11f1-b468-ffd4902d2060\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZXEFFu2uXaqHuvph2C2XG4-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZXEFFu2uXaqHuvph2C2XG4-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZXEFFu2uXaqHuvph2C2XG4-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZXEFFu2uXaqHuvph2C2XG4-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZXEFFu2uXaqHuvph2C2XG4-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZXEFFu2uXaqHuvph2C2XG4-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-28T15:52:32+00:00\">2026-08-28T15:52:32.033Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-7c57f106-a2f8-11f1-a6f0-4f6fe2119be4\">The consequence of those attacks in the GC group have been that Poga\u010dar has increased his lead on GC to 3:50 to Mas in second place, and 4:50 to Rogli\u010d in third place.<\/p>\n<p>The only change in positions is that Carapaz has tumbled from fourth to seventh leapfrogged by Gall, Kuss and Onley, but in remains very close, with both Kuss and Onley within just seven seconds of him.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-28T15:49:35+00:00\">2026-08-28T15:49:35.375Z<\/time><\/p>\n<div class=\"slice-container table-wrapper slice-container-table\" data-component-name=\"Slice:Table\" id=\"elk-12b51116-a2f8-11f1-8eb1-f522e8067cbc\">\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>19:32:37<\/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>Enric Mas (Spa) Movistar<\/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>3<\/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>0:04:50<\/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>F\u00e9lix Gall (Aut) Decathlon CMA CGM<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>0:05:01<\/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>Sepp Kuss (USA) Visma-Lease A Bike<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>0:06:05<\/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>Oscar Onley (GBr) Netcompany Ineos<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>0:06:06<\/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>Richard Carapaz (Ecu) EF Education-EasyPost<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>0:06:12<\/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>0:07:17<\/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>Harold Tejada (Col) XDS Astana<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>0:07:46<\/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>Gregor M\u00fchlberger (Aut) Decathlon CMA CGM<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>0:09:29<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-28T15:46:54+00:00\">2026-08-28T15:46:54.748Z<\/time><\/p>\n<div class=\"slice-container table-wrapper slice-container-table\" data-component-name=\"Slice:Table\" id=\"elk-b2f1177a-a2f7-11f1-9275-4b154e782dfa\">\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>Andreas Leknessund (Nor) Uno-X Mobility<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>3:49:47<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>2<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Tobias Johannessen (Nor) Uno-X Mobility<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>0:0:34<\/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>Wout Van Aert (Bel) Visma-Lease A Bike<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>0:0:47<\/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>Jakob Omrzel (Slo) Bahrain Victorious<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>0:0:58<\/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>Juan Felipe Rodriguez Contreras (Col) EF Education-EasyPost<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>0:01:13<\/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>Ivan Sosa (Col) Kern Pharma<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>0:01:16<\/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>Alexey Lutsenko (Kaz) NSN Cycling<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>0:01:44<\/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>Edward Dunbar (Irl) Pinarello-Q36.5<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>0:01:51<\/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>L\u00e9o Bisiaux (Fra) Decathlon CMA CGM<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>0:01:53<\/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>Raul Garcia (Spa) Movistar<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>0:02:14<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-28T15:43:41+00:00\">2026-08-28T15:43:41.978Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-408cc152-a2f7-11f1-89e9-9fb51e8519bb\">The day&#8217;s winner, Andreas Leknessund.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-408cc1b6-a2f7-11f1-86b6-3381e9321ec2\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bym8jYS9JW8mpBYUbbBTP4-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bym8jYS9JW8mpBYUbbBTP4-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bym8jYS9JW8mpBYUbbBTP4-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bym8jYS9JW8mpBYUbbBTP4-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bym8jYS9JW8mpBYUbbBTP4-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bym8jYS9JW8mpBYUbbBTP4-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-28T15:40:28+00:00\">2026-08-28T15:40:28.244Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-ccc8a8d0-a2f6-11f1-975b-1b3788058cf0\">Poga\u010dar finishes, and this time he&#8217;s put 6 seconds into Gall, 16 seconds into Mas, and 29 seconds into Roglic, Kuss and Onley. It&#8217;s a costly day for Carapaz, who finishes 1:22 after Pog.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-28T15:36:12+00:00\">2026-08-28T15:36:12.314Z<\/time><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-pogacar-attack\"><span>POGACAR ATTACK<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-34303390-a2f6-11f1-85c0-09e0f426f820\">The red jersey has made his move, and once again, nobody can respond! Gall is behind pursuing him, with Mas next on the road, and a trio of Roglic, Kuss and Onley together behind him.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-28T15:35:04+00:00\">2026-08-28T15:35:04.942Z<\/time><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-leknessund-wins\"><span>LEKNESSUND WINS<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-0c043754-a2f6-11f1-89ea-edaaa8a65c69\">At last, after no less than four runner-up finished at the Giro d&#8217;Italia, Andreas Leknessund is a Grand Tour stage winner! Better yet, his compatriot and teammate Tobias Halland Johannessen has completed a one-two for Uno-X, with Van Aert coming home third.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-28T15:33:27+00:00\">2026-08-28T15:33:27.669Z<\/time><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-1km-to-go\"><span>1KM TO GO<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-d298859c-a2f5-11f1-bbe2-c3eec7962a5d\">Johannessen has made a move and dropped the struggling Van Aert, but is till 45 seconds behind his teammate Leknessund. It looks as those the Norwegian is going to claim his first ever Grand Tour victory.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-28T15:32:20+00:00\">2026-08-28T15:32:20.259Z<\/time><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-gall-attacks\"><span>GALL ATTACKS<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-a9bcfd7e-a2f5-11f1-8ef8-39a96f4a1c58\">As the ten-or-so riders left in the peloton go under the 3km to go banner, the last of the Decathlon teammates swing off, and Gall attacks! Only Poga\u010dar and Mas have followed him.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-28T15:29:27+00:00\">2026-08-28T15:29:27.865Z<\/time><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-2km-to-go\"><span>2KM TO GO<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-430ecd50-a2f5-11f1-955b-959ff1286c9c\">Decathlon are now upping the pace in the peloton, and riders are being dropped &#8211; including the men ninth, tenth and eleventh respectively on GC, Skjelmose, Tejada and Widar.<\/p>\n<p>At the front, Leknessund&#8217;s lead has been cut a little, to 42 seconds. But he&#8217;s in a great position, with Van Aert having to do all the work by himself with Johannessen glued to his wheel.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-28T15:26:46+00:00\">2026-08-28T15:26:46.520Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-e2d716e0-a2f4-11f1-81f6-dd41eb5829aa\">In the peloton, Decathlon have formed a line of domestiques alongside UAE, keeping Gall well-positioned. No signs of any attacks yet, and the group remains big, but there&#8217;s still a lot of climbing to be done.<\/p>\n<p>Out front, Leknessund is still looking strong, and has grown his lead over Van Aert and his teammate Johannessen (Lutsenko has been dropped) to 45 seconds. He&#8217;s looking good for the win at this rate&#8230;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-28T15:22:16+00:00\">2026-08-28T15:22:16.581Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-441ef93c-a2f4-11f1-a7f4-832cf8b9ee33\">Leknessund is building a big lead! He&#8217;s got over 20 seconds over the chase group. In that chase group, Lutsenko and Van Aert are having to do all of the work, as Johannessen is Leknessund&#8217;s teammate.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-28T15:17:46+00:00\">2026-08-28T15:17:46.158Z<\/time><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-leknessund-attack\"><span>LEKNESSUND ATTACK<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-a10bddaa-a2f3-11f1-8f7d-6526c3392435\">For the first time all day, there&#8217;s been an attack in the lead group, and it&#8217;s come from Leknessund. He&#8217;s got a few seconds on the others, while Dunbar has been dropped.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-28T15:12:47+00:00\">2026-08-28T15:12:47.106Z<\/time><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-kom-aramon-valdelinares\"><span>KOM &#8211; ARAMON VALDELINARES <\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-ee7d5d4e-a2f2-11f1-a944-d7e417b8a311\">The leading group are climbing again already, and it&#8217;s the hardest one of the day, averaging 5.9% for 9.8km. This will be where the stage is decided! And potentially cause some gaps in the GC race&#8230;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-28T15:08:30+00:00\">2026-08-28T15:08:30.288Z<\/time><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-kom-puerto-de-san-rafeal\"><span>KOM &#8211; PUERTO DE SAN RAFEAL <\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-56ee2dbe-a2f2-11f1-b415-c5393c11c3d9\">Van Aert leads the group over the climb, and is still looking strong. The five riders are all still together, and lead the chasers by just over a minute. With just a short descent, and then one final climb to the finish, to come, it seems like the stage is going to one of them. But which one?<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-56ee2e4a-a2f2-11f1-8c0d-0dd31302fd41\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PvgdJXssrddKeyVac5q2BG-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PvgdJXssrddKeyVac5q2BG-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PvgdJXssrddKeyVac5q2BG-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PvgdJXssrddKeyVac5q2BG-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PvgdJXssrddKeyVac5q2BG-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PvgdJXssrddKeyVac5q2BG-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-28T15:02:44+00:00\">2026-08-28T15:02:44.033Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-86ed8588-a2f1-11f1-a494-c718eb5f2d6e\">How will Enric Mas go on these final climbs? He looked better than he has done in years yesterday, entering a very select club of riders who have managed to close down Poga\u010dar after an attack. For his efforts, he now wears the King of the Mountains jersey, and is up to second overall on the GC &#8211; but could he try and make more inroads today?<\/p>\n<p>&#8216;A good day, but let&#8217;s not give it too much importance&#8217; &#8211; Enric Mas remains cautious after matching Tadej Poga\u010dar on Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a gravel climb<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-86ed863c-a2f1-11f1-9206-65c8d6189f81\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5Zf6DEMd6z6BUCme2LoYCQ-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5Zf6DEMd6z6BUCme2LoYCQ-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5Zf6DEMd6z6BUCme2LoYCQ-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5Zf6DEMd6z6BUCme2LoYCQ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5Zf6DEMd6z6BUCme2LoYCQ-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5Zf6DEMd6z6BUCme2LoYCQ-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-28T14:55:28+00:00\">2026-08-28T14:55:28.418Z<\/time><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-20km-to-go\"><span>20KM TO GO<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-8385daa4-a2f0-11f1-bac1-bf3489ef8a37\">The chasers are losing more ground on the leaders as they climb up the hill, falling to 1:45 behind. Bisiaux is taking the initiative to try and give them hope, upping the pace and dropping some riders out the back, but he ha a lot of ground to make up.<\/p>\n<p>Meanwhile the peloton is still going at a steady tempo, UAE happy to let the gap grow to seven minutes.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-28T14:49:18+00:00\">2026-08-28T14:49:18.127Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-a6b8b38a-a2ef-11f1-b203-1f81788dfbac\">The riders are climbing again, and will spend almost all of the day 23km doing so. First up is the Puerto de San Rafael (11.2km at 4.4%), then, after a very short descent, the 9.8km Aram\u00f3n Valdelinares, which rises at 5.9% to the finish.<\/p>\n<p>Luca Van Boven will ride the climb behind the peloton, after crashing in the peloton, colliding into an Astana rider.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-28T14:43:12+00:00\">2026-08-28T14:43:12.076Z<\/time><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-intermediate-sprint\"><span>INTERMEDIATE SPRINT<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-ccc91c78-a2ee-11f1-a10e-c355eb7d1812\">Wout van Aert is allowed to take the points at the intermediate sprint. Despite not having taken part in the bunch sprints, in which he&#8217;s played the role of lead-out man instead for teammate Brennan, Van Aert is now a clear second in the points classification, ahead of Brennan and behind only Poga\u010dar.<\/p>\n<p>Here are the new rankings:<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-ccc91c78-a2ee-11f1-a10e-c355eb7d1812-2\">1 Poga\u010dar 102 points<\/p>\n<p>2 Van Aert 89<\/p>\n<p>3 Brennan 60<\/p>\n<p>4 Hayter 57<\/p>\n<p>5 Laporte 52<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-28T14:35:44+00:00\">2026-08-28T14:35:44.440Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-c194edce-a2ed-11f1-a12d-0b90afb5adee\">If this does indeed come down to the leading five for the stage win, we could be in for an exciting, unpredictable finish.<\/p>\n<p>On paper, Johannessen is probably the best climber, but hasn\u2019t been in the same form so far at this Vuelta that saw him place 6th overall at the Tour last year. Dunbar has similar Grand Tour stages on their palmares, so know how to win from this situation; as does Lutsenko, albeit from a long time ago, while Leknessund came very close multiple times at this year\u2019s Giro. And though this finish might be a little hard for Van Aert, you can never discount the Belgian, and he\u2019s looked strong all day having attacked from the flag.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-c194ee32-a2ed-11f1-afd6-3fa25ca72c5c\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2BFTUiL4xCrUT2mCPp6r9F-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2BFTUiL4xCrUT2mCPp6r9F-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2BFTUiL4xCrUT2mCPp6r9F-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2BFTUiL4xCrUT2mCPp6r9F-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2BFTUiL4xCrUT2mCPp6r9F-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2BFTUiL4xCrUT2mCPp6r9F-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-28T14:31:25+00:00\">2026-08-28T14:31:25.616Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-274e3798-a2ed-11f1-a73a-6dc8f68d688a\"><em><strong>For unbeatable coverage across road, gravel and tech, subscribe to Cyclingnews. You&#8217;ll get comprehensive race coverage of La Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a, subscriber-exclusive analysis from our expert columnists, in-depth features and industry-leading tech insight. Plus, the Cyclingnews app lets you follow the action wherever you go!<\/strong><\/em><em><strong> Join today<\/strong><\/em><em><strong>.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-28T14:25:15+00:00\">2026-08-28T14:25:15.826Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-4aed6332-a2ec-11f1-a610-d7289b62d1b9\">The peloton doesn\u2019t look as though they will be riding for the stage win, but there\u2019s still plenty of GC action on the cards.<\/p>\n<p>Oscar Onley will therefore be wanting a much better day than yesterday, when he was dropped by his GC rivals and lost time, after going too deep to try to follow Tadel Poga\u010dar. It\u2019s a lesson many others have learned the hard way in the past, and Scott is hoping to bounce back today in pursuit of a podium finish.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-4aed6332-a2ec-11f1-a610-d7289b62d1b9-2\">&#8216;I was pretty useless&#8217; \u2013 Oscar Onley &#8216;overcooks&#8217; gravel climb at Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a and pays the price<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-28T14:19:20+00:00\">2026-08-28T14:19:20.127Z<\/time><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-kom-fuente-de-rubielos\"><span>KOM &#8211; FUENTE DE RUBIELOS <\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-76e6e66c-a2eb-11f1-a259-5f65bd443959\">The five leaders crest the climb, led by Van Aert from Lutsenko and Dunbar. Once again, there isn&#8217;t any interest shown in chasing the KO points.<\/p>\n<p>The chasers have failed to make any more inroads over the rest of the climb, and are back down to 1:20 behind, while the peloton remain at over five minutes. A long plateau will now take the riders to to the foot of the penultimate climb, the long category two Puerto de San Rafael.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-28T14:12:49+00:00\">2026-08-28T14:12:49.252Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-8df849dc-a2ea-11f1-ad8c-c96b345e5e37\">The pace is up in the chase group on this climb, and some can&#8217;t keep up with the pace &#8211; including Pedersen&#8217;s who&#8217;s dropped. They&#8217;re making up some ground on the leaders, who are now just over a minute ahead, but still have lots of work to do.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-28T14:05:37+00:00\">2026-08-28T14:05:37.709Z<\/time><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-50km-to-go\"><span>50KM TO GO<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-8ca5a224-a2e9-11f1-965c-f1196e1872b3\">They&#8217;re climbing again! The first of the remaining three climbs, Alto Fuente de Rubielos, is the easiest of the three, but will still test their legs and potentially start breaking up the race more.<\/p>\n<p>The leaders have a big advantage, almost five minutes on the peloton. The chase group is closer, at 1:35, but anyone hoping to win the stage in that group will need to jump clear soon and hunt them down.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-8ca5a328-a2e9-11f1-9869-595d06151542\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UDC5kGTUGVw87YsmVjnNHS-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UDC5kGTUGVw87YsmVjnNHS-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UDC5kGTUGVw87YsmVjnNHS-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UDC5kGTUGVw87YsmVjnNHS-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UDC5kGTUGVw87YsmVjnNHS-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UDC5kGTUGVw87YsmVjnNHS-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-28T13:58:38+00:00\">2026-08-28T13:58:38.332Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-92b777ba-a2e8-11f1-b939-b1192d331d3e\"><em><strong>For unbeatable coverage across road, gravel and tech, subscribe to Cyclingnews. You&#8217;ll get comprehensive race coverage of La Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a, subscriber-exclusive analysis from our expert columnists, in-depth features and industry-leading tech insight. Plus, the Cyclingnews app lets you follow the action wherever you go!<\/strong><\/em><em><strong> Join today<\/strong><\/em><em><strong>.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-28T13:53:15+00:00\">2026-08-28T13:53:15.990Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-d2a1147c-a2e7-11f1-8890-913d5245cf0e\">The chasers haven\u2019t been working well together, and they keep attacking each other. Five of them did manage to get a small gap for a while, but have been brought back again, once again taking the impetus out of the chase. They\u2019re 1:45 behind the five leaders now, and are watching any hope of winning the stage disappear up the road.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-28T13:47:59+00:00\">2026-08-28T13:47:59.035Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-158ccb7e-a2e7-11f1-a1f6-d199d47bb348\">As usual, UAE are controlling the peloton, but aren&#8217;t showing as much intent to chase down the break as they have in previous stages. The gap&#8217;s now grown to over four minutes &#8211; we might be poised for our first breakaway win of this year&#8217;s Vuelta.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-158ccbec-a2e7-11f1-bd1e-45a6b8c8303f\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KuGqhrZnRvyGeBFPh22Z55-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KuGqhrZnRvyGeBFPh22Z55-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KuGqhrZnRvyGeBFPh22Z55-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KuGqhrZnRvyGeBFPh22Z55-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KuGqhrZnRvyGeBFPh22Z55-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KuGqhrZnRvyGeBFPh22Z55-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-28T13:38:59+00:00\">2026-08-28T13:38:59.963Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-d478ac08-a2e5-11f1-9f50-ad78132d7718\">The race is in more of a holding patter now, a plateau and now descent seeing the gaps remain much the same. The five leaders have 1:35 over the chase group, and 3:50 over the peloton.<\/p>\n<p>There&#8217;s some distance &#8217;till the third climb of the day, but upon reaching the foot of it there&#8217;s barely a kilometre from there to the finish that isn&#8217;t uphill.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-28T13:32:58+00:00\">2026-08-28T13:32:58.364Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-fcfd8f1e-a2e4-11f1-a950-e916b119c948\">Poga\u010dar\u2019s team were quick to claim that his being caught yesterday was down to an uncharacteristic lack of legs, but instead due to a race communication fault which meant they did not receive accurate time gaps &#8211; implying that, had they known Mas was closer than reported, Pog would have upped the pace to stay clear of him.<\/p>\n<p>Regardless, the way the race unfolded will still give rivals hope that he can be competed against.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-fcfd8f1e-a2e4-11f1-a950-e916b119c948-2\">&#8216;We didn&#8217;t know that Enric was so close&#8217; &#8211; Inaccurate time gaps explain how Tadej Poga\u010dar was caught during Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a attack<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-28T13:26:45+00:00\">2026-08-28T13:26:45.641Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-1e9d00a6-a2e4-11f1-97bb-095ec55c9652\">It\u2019s looking like we could well have a battle for the stage win among the breakaway group today, the way the day is panning out.<\/p>\n<p>But will we have a battle for the GC, too? The terrain is potentially difficult enough, with a category one uphill finish, and yesterday suggested Tadej Poga\u010dar isn\u2019t quite at the alien level we\u2019re used to seeing him at. That\u2019s raised the eyebrows of his rivals &#8211; could they try to test him today with attacks?<\/p>\n<p>&#8216;We don&#8217;t know if he was racing at 100%&#8217; \u2013 Rival sports director believes Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a leader Poga\u010dar&#8217;s failure to finish solo on stage 6 delivers mixed messages<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-1e9d010a-a2e4-11f1-9ab2-0ba15a22c834\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cMKT28p4CWqFbmU5NEwfo6-683-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cMKT28p4CWqFbmU5NEwfo6-683-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cMKT28p4CWqFbmU5NEwfo6-683-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cMKT28p4CWqFbmU5NEwfo6-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cMKT28p4CWqFbmU5NEwfo6-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cMKT28p4CWqFbmU5NEwfo6-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-28T13:19:42+00:00\">2026-08-28T13:19:42.519Z<\/time><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-kom-alto-de-zucaina\"><span>KOM &#8211; ALTO DE ZUCAINA <\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-226bf5b2-a2e3-11f1-9217-afdda764b374\">This one wasn&#8217;t a long climb, lasting just 5.5km at at a reasonable gradient of 4.8% &#8211; harder tests are to come later.<\/p>\n<p>The five-man lead group remain together, and are working well, not even sprinting against each other for the KOM points. The chasers are falling further behind, to 1:25, while the peloton is holding steady at about 3:30.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-28T13:10:46+00:00\">2026-08-28T13:10:46.738Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-e305a180-a2e1-11f1-9a57-f9a554d68bb3\">The riders are descending, but won&#8217;t be for much longer. Once they reach the bottom they&#8217;ll start ascending the Alto de Zucaina, the second of the day&#8217;s five climbs.<\/p>\n<p>The five leaders have grown their lead on this descent on the chasers to 55 seconds, and to the peloton, almost three and a half minutes. It doesn&#8217;t appear UAE are chasing hard &#8211; not for now, at least.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-e305a1ee-a2e1-11f1-b205-c14fb478685c\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/De4jjAAKMJnfs5oQjRjzYi-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/De4jjAAKMJnfs5oQjRjzYi-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/De4jjAAKMJnfs5oQjRjzYi-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/De4jjAAKMJnfs5oQjRjzYi-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/De4jjAAKMJnfs5oQjRjzYi-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/De4jjAAKMJnfs5oQjRjzYi-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-28T13:01:37+00:00\">2026-08-28T13:01:37.127Z<\/time><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-kom-puerto-el-remolcador\"><span>KOM &#8211; PUERTO EL REMOLCADOR <\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-9dbde05c-a2e0-11f1-b610-eb86263c79b5\">Dunbar, Johannessen and Lutsenko catch Van Aert and Leknessund before the top of the climb, and the quintet reach the top 35 seconds before the large chase group (which, among others, includes V Paret-Peintre, Bilbao, and, to nobody&#8217;s surprise, Mads Pedersen). Leknessund took five KOM points, Lutsenko 3 and Johannessen 1.<\/p>\n<p>The peloton is now over two minutes behind, and being led by UAE at a steady tempo. This big question now is whether they will allow the leaders a be enough gap to contest the stage, or reel it in to attempt yet another win for Poga\u010dar.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-28T12:55:24+00:00\">2026-08-28T12:55:24.793Z<\/time><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-100km-to-go\"><span>100KM TO GO<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-bd98078c-a2df-11f1-8331-d50636967d19\">A natural selection is beginning to form in the chase group. Three of the best climbers, Johannessen, Dunbar and Lutsenko, have gone clear of the rest, and are closing in on Van Aert and Leknessund. They&#8217;re 25 seconds behind them, ten seconds ahead of the rest of the chase group, and now over two minutes ahead of the peloton, which appears to have sat up.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-28T12:48:30+00:00\">2026-08-28T12:48:30.795Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-c706cd40-a2de-11f1-971c-0bb0d53d15c2\">This is some of the chase group in between the leading duo and the peloton. They&#8217;re about 30 seconds behind the former, and 25 seconds ahead of the latter, with half of the climb still to ride up.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-c706cda4-a2de-11f1-a8e8-719184fef8e4\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hhYSY7723KU3c4dexXruLW-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hhYSY7723KU3c4dexXruLW-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hhYSY7723KU3c4dexXruLW-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hhYSY7723KU3c4dexXruLW-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hhYSY7723KU3c4dexXruLW-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hhYSY7723KU3c4dexXruLW-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-28T12:43:10+00:00\">2026-08-28T12:43:10.955Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-081bfafe-a2de-11f1-9deb-67f891553620\"><em><strong>For unbeatable coverage across road, gravel and tech, subscribe to Cyclingnews. You&#8217;ll get comprehensive race coverage of La Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a, subscriber-exclusive analysis from our expert columnists, in-depth features and industry-leading tech insight. Plus, the Cyclingnews app lets you follow the action wherever you go!<\/strong><\/em><em><strong> Join today<\/strong><\/em><em><strong>.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-28T12:37:55+00:00\">2026-08-28T12:37:55.633Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-4c1b73fc-a2dd-11f1-9b50-25f515648dab\">For the first time today, the riders are now climbing, up the category two Puerto El Remolcador (12.4km at 4.4%). And they&#8217;re not going to soft-peddle up it &#8211; the race remains very much on.<\/p>\n<p>Lutsenko, Zana and Bisiaux have been absorbed into the chase group, which contains about 20 riders, and they&#8217;re 50 seconds behind the peloton, and just under a minute over the peloton, where still the attacks keep coming. It seems like half the peloton wants to get into the break today.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-4c1b7474-a2dd-11f1-8928-cf68cf2a2b60\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jPLwXHPZhMmtsvTubjXUxE-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jPLwXHPZhMmtsvTubjXUxE-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jPLwXHPZhMmtsvTubjXUxE-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jPLwXHPZhMmtsvTubjXUxE-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jPLwXHPZhMmtsvTubjXUxE-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jPLwXHPZhMmtsvTubjXUxE-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-28T12:31:15+00:00\">2026-08-28T12:31:15.621Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-5dc48d9c-a2dc-11f1-b3bb-2f4b1a1c2847\">Lutsenko, Zana and Bisiaux (all pictured) are close to being caught by a large group of chasers, which appears to have at least a dozen riders in it, including Tobias Halland Johannessen, Eddie Dunbar, Marco Brenner and Pello Bilbao. The peloton appears more content with this group, too, and has eased up a little to fall 30 seconds behind them.<\/p>\n<p>Meanwhile, Van Aert and Leknessund are still going hard, and lead the chasers by about 30 seconds.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-5dc48e32-a2dc-11f1-86a3-81cadf466f86\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XzmfGXFztAgGemkx4aupzn-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XzmfGXFztAgGemkx4aupzn-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XzmfGXFztAgGemkx4aupzn-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XzmfGXFztAgGemkx4aupzn-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XzmfGXFztAgGemkx4aupzn-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XzmfGXFztAgGemkx4aupzn-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-28T12:22:47+00:00\">2026-08-28T12:22:47.857Z<\/time><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-120km-to-go\"><span>120KM TO GO<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-2f0ed332-a2db-11f1-8d05-d7c1f9cccae0\">The race remains still very close together. Van Aert and Leknessund are just 35 seconds ahead of Lutsenko, Zana, Bisiaux, who are themselves just ten seconds ahead of a chasing duo of Martin and Ra\u00fal Garc\u00eda Pierna, with the peloton just another ten seconds behind. This could all yet come back together, or they escapees could form one big group &#8211; it&#8217;s a very open situation.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-28T12:16:20+00:00\">2026-08-28T12:16:20.742Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-4848f4dc-a2da-11f1-9713-9d7e4356a204\">Three riders have successfully escaped from the peloton, and it&#8217;s a strong trio &#8211; Lutsenko, Zana and Bisiaux. They&#8217;re bearing down on the leaders, bringing the gap down to 45 seconds, while the peloton remains active only a handful of seconds behind, with more attacks being made. This has developed into a breathless start.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-28T12:09:49+00:00\">2026-08-28T12:09:49.421Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-5f132bf2-a2d9-11f1-8d45-e120757d8ac0\">Vader can&#8217;t keep up with the pace, and has been dropped by Van Aert and Leknessund.<\/p>\n<p>They&#8217;re having to go very hard to fend off the peloton, which is now only just over a minute behind them. The attacks keep coming out of it, and though nobody has gone clear, the pace is well up and spelling danger for the two leader&#8217;s chances.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-28T12:04:22+00:00\">2026-08-28T12:04:22.379Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-9c316c7a-a2d8-11f1-bc78-63b2ac75dfdb\">The chase group has been caught, leaving just Van Aert, Leknessund and Vader out front. But the pace is back up in the peloton as more riders show intent to attack, and consequently the gap to the three leaders has been almost halved, back down to 1:20 This could yet be a long time before this settles down!<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-9c316d10-a2d8-11f1-8265-939ad88b6fef\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AHVQSncha5RNhRtC5bUHnJ-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AHVQSncha5RNhRtC5bUHnJ-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AHVQSncha5RNhRtC5bUHnJ-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AHVQSncha5RNhRtC5bUHnJ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AHVQSncha5RNhRtC5bUHnJ-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AHVQSncha5RNhRtC5bUHnJ-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-28T11:58:01+00:00\">2026-08-28T11:58:01.480Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-b9282e50-a2d7-11f1-98c5-5f395ee6af89\">The three riders leading the race. As it stands, this might be the break of the day &#8211; the four chasers still have a non inconsiderable 1:20 to make up if they&#8217;re to join them, and the group doesn&#8217;t have big names that we know for sure have the power to bridge up to them. Whereas the front group has a certain Wout van Aert.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-b9282eb4-a2d7-11f1-bd69-63423f10b1f5\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4dsYJw583vTpidiU6vkbJS-682-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4dsYJw583vTpidiU6vkbJS-682-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4dsYJw583vTpidiU6vkbJS-682-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4dsYJw583vTpidiU6vkbJS-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4dsYJw583vTpidiU6vkbJS-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4dsYJw583vTpidiU6vkbJS-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-28T11:51:38+00:00\">2026-08-28T11:51:38.501Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-d4d60e70-a2d6-11f1-8957-ed76cf4f88b1\">Milan Vadar is the third rider at the front with Van Aert and Leknessund, and they have a lead of over two minutes already over the peloton already.<\/p>\n<p>Things aren&#8217;t done yet, though. Behind that trio is a quartet of Ourselin, Cobo, Roosen and Wilksch chasing, and behind them more riders are jumping clear of the peloton. But even that first chase group has a minute to make up.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-28T11:45:42+00:00\">2026-08-28T11:45:42.949Z<\/time><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-official-start\"><span>OFFICIAL START<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-01470870-a2d6-11f1-b85a-f1641932d9da\">And they&#8217;re off! And the very first rider to attack from the flag is none other than Wout van Aert, who has got up the road with both Andreas Leknessund and one other rider, and has a gap.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-28T11:39:11+00:00\">2026-08-28T11:39:11.922Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-17fb8db2-a2d5-11f1-9186-15e6c368096c\">The riders have just started, moving behind the race car through the neutralised section. The parcours and circumstances today do feel encouraging for the breakaway, which could see a first win go the breakaway today &#8211; so there will therefore likely be a big fight today once the flag drops.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-28T11:31:57+00:00\">2026-08-28T11:31:57.001Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-14986d6c-a2d4-11f1-8592-41d2fa444b1e\">Yesterday\u2019s stage saw a predictable result, but in an unpredictable fashion. Tadej Poga\u010dar did his usual attack on the final climb, but rather than disappear into the distance never to be seen again, he was reeled back by Enric Mas. He might still have won, but had to outsprint the impressive Spaniard to do so, and displayed rare signs of weakness, even crashing on the descent.<\/p>\n<p>Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a: Tadej Poga\u010dar survives near-crash on descent for third victory of the race on stage 6<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-14986dda-a2d4-11f1-996d-755f09aa042a\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yceUY7Dc83tB7bnGGRL2m3-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yceUY7Dc83tB7bnGGRL2m3-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yceUY7Dc83tB7bnGGRL2m3-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yceUY7Dc83tB7bnGGRL2m3-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yceUY7Dc83tB7bnGGRL2m3-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yceUY7Dc83tB7bnGGRL2m3-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-28T11:23:41+00:00\">2026-08-28T11:23:41.513Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-ed378934-a2d2-11f1-ae8e-f1319e8a94d0\">It might still be the first week of the Vuelta, but already a clear hierarchy has been formed at the top of the GC, with minutes separating them. That could become yet clearer today, for what is yet another stage in the mountains.<\/p>\n<p>Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a 2026 stage 7 preview &#8211; A second summit finish that could either solidify or shake up the podium battle<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<p id=\"elk-0d7aa846-98cb-11f1-b518-3b7295288eaf\">Hello and welcome to stage seven of the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a!<\/p>\n<\/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=\"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>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\" article-body \">\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-28T16:16:01+00:00\">2026-08-28T16:16:01.473Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-c3b90244-a2fb-11f1-b99a-fbac18225fff\">Thanks for joining us today! At last, we have a stage winner that is neither Tadej Poga\u010dar, nor Matthew Brennan. The former might have a stranglehold on the GC, but there remains much to play for at this Vuelta, with many stages to be won.<\/p>\n<p>The next opportunity comes tomorrow, although it is another chance for Brennan to land a third stage. Whether or not it&#8217;s a sprint or another one for the breakaway will depend upon how the final climb goes crested about 30km from the finish &#8211; be sure to log in tomorrow when we&#8217;ll bring you all the action.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-c3b902b2-a2fb-11f1-a962-c94601bc40de\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/W4UKZTEEnPxbF6tzo8fdDb-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/W4UKZTEEnPxbF6tzo8fdDb-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/W4UKZTEEnPxbF6tzo8fdDb-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/W4UKZTEEnPxbF6tzo8fdDb-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/W4UKZTEEnPxbF6tzo8fdDb-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/W4UKZTEEnPxbF6tzo8fdDb-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-28T16:03:58+00:00\">2026-08-28T16:03:58.786Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-14a1080c-a2fa-11f1-a1b6-bddbd36cad2e\">Here&#8217;s what en emotional Andreas Leknessund had to say at the finish, after at last winning the Grand Tour stage he has spent these past few years so unluckily chasing.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;I didn&#8217;t expect it to be this emotional, but for sure there&#8217;s so much feelings around this. I&#8217;ve been fighting really hard, and it means a lot.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;It was such a special day, going from the start with Wout [van Aert]; we were going really hard, so fast, Tobias [Johannessen] came up and it gave me confidence when he was there that we could win. I believe he was the best climber in the group, but we had ambition that one of us had a gap on the final climb; he let my wheel go and basically gave me the win \u2013 I&#8217;m really proud and grateful.&#8221;<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-14a10884-a2fa-11f1-b468-ffd4902d2060\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZXEFFu2uXaqHuvph2C2XG4-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZXEFFu2uXaqHuvph2C2XG4-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZXEFFu2uXaqHuvph2C2XG4-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZXEFFu2uXaqHuvph2C2XG4-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZXEFFu2uXaqHuvph2C2XG4-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZXEFFu2uXaqHuvph2C2XG4-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-28T15:52:32+00:00\">2026-08-28T15:52:32.033Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-7c57f106-a2f8-11f1-a6f0-4f6fe2119be4\">The consequence of those attacks in the GC group have been that Poga\u010dar has increased his lead on GC to 3:50 to Mas in second place, and 4:50 to Rogli\u010d in third place.<\/p>\n<p>The only change in positions is that Carapaz has tumbled from fourth to seventh leapfrogged by Gall, Kuss and Onley, but in remains very close, with both Kuss and Onley within just seven seconds of him.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-28T15:49:35+00:00\">2026-08-28T15:49:35.375Z<\/time><\/p>\n<div class=\"slice-container table-wrapper slice-container-table\" data-component-name=\"Slice:Table\" id=\"elk-12b51116-a2f8-11f1-8eb1-f522e8067cbc\">\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>19:32:37<\/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>Enric Mas (Spa) Movistar<\/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>3<\/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>0:04:50<\/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>F\u00e9lix Gall (Aut) Decathlon CMA CGM<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>0:05:01<\/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>Sepp Kuss (USA) Visma-Lease A Bike<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>0:06:05<\/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>Oscar Onley (GBr) Netcompany Ineos<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>0:06:06<\/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>Richard Carapaz (Ecu) EF Education-EasyPost<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>0:06:12<\/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>0:07:17<\/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>Harold Tejada (Col) XDS Astana<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>0:07:46<\/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>Gregor M\u00fchlberger (Aut) Decathlon CMA CGM<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>0:09:29<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-28T15:46:54+00:00\">2026-08-28T15:46:54.748Z<\/time><\/p>\n<div class=\"slice-container table-wrapper slice-container-table\" data-component-name=\"Slice:Table\" id=\"elk-b2f1177a-a2f7-11f1-9275-4b154e782dfa\">\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>Andreas Leknessund (Nor) Uno-X Mobility<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>3:49:47<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>2<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Tobias Johannessen (Nor) Uno-X Mobility<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>0:0:34<\/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>Wout Van Aert (Bel) Visma-Lease A Bike<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>0:0:47<\/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>Jakob Omrzel (Slo) Bahrain Victorious<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>0:0:58<\/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>Juan Felipe Rodriguez Contreras (Col) EF Education-EasyPost<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>0:01:13<\/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>Ivan Sosa (Col) Kern Pharma<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>0:01:16<\/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>Alexey Lutsenko (Kaz) NSN Cycling<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>0:01:44<\/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>Edward Dunbar (Irl) Pinarello-Q36.5<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>0:01:51<\/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>L\u00e9o Bisiaux (Fra) Decathlon CMA CGM<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>0:01:53<\/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>Raul Garcia (Spa) Movistar<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>0:02:14<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-28T15:43:41+00:00\">2026-08-28T15:43:41.978Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-408cc152-a2f7-11f1-89e9-9fb51e8519bb\">The day&#8217;s winner, Andreas Leknessund.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-408cc1b6-a2f7-11f1-86b6-3381e9321ec2\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bym8jYS9JW8mpBYUbbBTP4-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bym8jYS9JW8mpBYUbbBTP4-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bym8jYS9JW8mpBYUbbBTP4-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bym8jYS9JW8mpBYUbbBTP4-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bym8jYS9JW8mpBYUbbBTP4-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bym8jYS9JW8mpBYUbbBTP4-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-28T15:40:28+00:00\">2026-08-28T15:40:28.244Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-ccc8a8d0-a2f6-11f1-975b-1b3788058cf0\">Poga\u010dar finishes, and this time he&#8217;s put 6 seconds into Gall, 16 seconds into Mas, and 29 seconds into Roglic, Kuss and Onley. It&#8217;s a costly day for Carapaz, who finishes 1:22 after Pog.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-28T15:36:12+00:00\">2026-08-28T15:36:12.314Z<\/time><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-pogacar-attack\"><span>POGACAR ATTACK<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-34303390-a2f6-11f1-85c0-09e0f426f820\">The red jersey has made his move, and once again, nobody can respond! Gall is behind pursuing him, with Mas next on the road, and a trio of Roglic, Kuss and Onley together behind him.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-28T15:35:04+00:00\">2026-08-28T15:35:04.942Z<\/time><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-leknessund-wins\"><span>LEKNESSUND WINS<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-0c043754-a2f6-11f1-89ea-edaaa8a65c69\">At last, after no less than four runner-up finished at the Giro d&#8217;Italia, Andreas Leknessund is a Grand Tour stage winner! Better yet, his compatriot and teammate Tobias Halland Johannessen has completed a one-two for Uno-X, with Van Aert coming home third.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-28T15:33:27+00:00\">2026-08-28T15:33:27.669Z<\/time><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-1km-to-go\"><span>1KM TO GO<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-d298859c-a2f5-11f1-bbe2-c3eec7962a5d\">Johannessen has made a move and dropped the struggling Van Aert, but is till 45 seconds behind his teammate Leknessund. It looks as those the Norwegian is going to claim his first ever Grand Tour victory.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-28T15:32:20+00:00\">2026-08-28T15:32:20.259Z<\/time><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-gall-attacks\"><span>GALL ATTACKS<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-a9bcfd7e-a2f5-11f1-8ef8-39a96f4a1c58\">As the ten-or-so riders left in the peloton go under the 3km to go banner, the last of the Decathlon teammates swing off, and Gall attacks! Only Poga\u010dar and Mas have followed him.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-28T15:29:27+00:00\">2026-08-28T15:29:27.865Z<\/time><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-2km-to-go\"><span>2KM TO GO<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-430ecd50-a2f5-11f1-955b-959ff1286c9c\">Decathlon are now upping the pace in the peloton, and riders are being dropped &#8211; including the men ninth, tenth and eleventh respectively on GC, Skjelmose, Tejada and Widar.<\/p>\n<p>At the front, Leknessund&#8217;s lead has been cut a little, to 42 seconds. But he&#8217;s in a great position, with Van Aert having to do all the work by himself with Johannessen glued to his wheel.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-28T15:26:46+00:00\">2026-08-28T15:26:46.520Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-e2d716e0-a2f4-11f1-81f6-dd41eb5829aa\">In the peloton, Decathlon have formed a line of domestiques alongside UAE, keeping Gall well-positioned. No signs of any attacks yet, and the group remains big, but there&#8217;s still a lot of climbing to be done.<\/p>\n<p>Out front, Leknessund is still looking strong, and has grown his lead over Van Aert and his teammate Johannessen (Lutsenko has been dropped) to 45 seconds. He&#8217;s looking good for the win at this rate&#8230;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-28T15:22:16+00:00\">2026-08-28T15:22:16.581Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-441ef93c-a2f4-11f1-a7f4-832cf8b9ee33\">Leknessund is building a big lead! He&#8217;s got over 20 seconds over the chase group. In that chase group, Lutsenko and Van Aert are having to do all of the work, as Johannessen is Leknessund&#8217;s teammate.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-28T15:17:46+00:00\">2026-08-28T15:17:46.158Z<\/time><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-leknessund-attack\"><span>LEKNESSUND ATTACK<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-a10bddaa-a2f3-11f1-8f7d-6526c3392435\">For the first time all day, there&#8217;s been an attack in the lead group, and it&#8217;s come from Leknessund. He&#8217;s got a few seconds on the others, while Dunbar has been dropped.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-28T15:12:47+00:00\">2026-08-28T15:12:47.106Z<\/time><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-kom-aramon-valdelinares\"><span>KOM &#8211; ARAMON VALDELINARES <\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-ee7d5d4e-a2f2-11f1-a944-d7e417b8a311\">The leading group are climbing again already, and it&#8217;s the hardest one of the day, averaging 5.9% for 9.8km. This will be where the stage is decided! And potentially cause some gaps in the GC race&#8230;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-28T15:08:30+00:00\">2026-08-28T15:08:30.288Z<\/time><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-kom-puerto-de-san-rafeal\"><span>KOM &#8211; PUERTO DE SAN RAFEAL <\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-56ee2dbe-a2f2-11f1-b415-c5393c11c3d9\">Van Aert leads the group over the climb, and is still looking strong. The five riders are all still together, and lead the chasers by just over a minute. With just a short descent, and then one final climb to the finish, to come, it seems like the stage is going to one of them. But which one?<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-56ee2e4a-a2f2-11f1-8c0d-0dd31302fd41\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PvgdJXssrddKeyVac5q2BG-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PvgdJXssrddKeyVac5q2BG-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PvgdJXssrddKeyVac5q2BG-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PvgdJXssrddKeyVac5q2BG-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PvgdJXssrddKeyVac5q2BG-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PvgdJXssrddKeyVac5q2BG-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-28T15:02:44+00:00\">2026-08-28T15:02:44.033Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-86ed8588-a2f1-11f1-a494-c718eb5f2d6e\">How will Enric Mas go on these final climbs? He looked better than he has done in years yesterday, entering a very select club of riders who have managed to close down Poga\u010dar after an attack. For his efforts, he now wears the King of the Mountains jersey, and is up to second overall on the GC &#8211; but could he try and make more inroads today?<\/p>\n<p>&#8216;A good day, but let&#8217;s not give it too much importance&#8217; &#8211; Enric Mas remains cautious after matching Tadej Poga\u010dar on Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a gravel climb<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-86ed863c-a2f1-11f1-9206-65c8d6189f81\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5Zf6DEMd6z6BUCme2LoYCQ-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5Zf6DEMd6z6BUCme2LoYCQ-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5Zf6DEMd6z6BUCme2LoYCQ-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5Zf6DEMd6z6BUCme2LoYCQ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5Zf6DEMd6z6BUCme2LoYCQ-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5Zf6DEMd6z6BUCme2LoYCQ-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-28T14:55:28+00:00\">2026-08-28T14:55:28.418Z<\/time><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-20km-to-go\"><span>20KM TO GO<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-8385daa4-a2f0-11f1-bac1-bf3489ef8a37\">The chasers are losing more ground on the leaders as they climb up the hill, falling to 1:45 behind. Bisiaux is taking the initiative to try and give them hope, upping the pace and dropping some riders out the back, but he ha a lot of ground to make up.<\/p>\n<p>Meanwhile the peloton is still going at a steady tempo, UAE happy to let the gap grow to seven minutes.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-28T14:49:18+00:00\">2026-08-28T14:49:18.127Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-a6b8b38a-a2ef-11f1-b203-1f81788dfbac\">The riders are climbing again, and will spend almost all of the day 23km doing so. First up is the Puerto de San Rafael (11.2km at 4.4%), then, after a very short descent, the 9.8km Aram\u00f3n Valdelinares, which rises at 5.9% to the finish.<\/p>\n<p>Luca Van Boven will ride the climb behind the peloton, after crashing in the peloton, colliding into an Astana rider.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-28T14:43:12+00:00\">2026-08-28T14:43:12.076Z<\/time><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-intermediate-sprint\"><span>INTERMEDIATE SPRINT<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-ccc91c78-a2ee-11f1-a10e-c355eb7d1812\">Wout van Aert is allowed to take the points at the intermediate sprint. Despite not having taken part in the bunch sprints, in which he&#8217;s played the role of lead-out man instead for teammate Brennan, Van Aert is now a clear second in the points classification, ahead of Brennan and behind only Poga\u010dar.<\/p>\n<p>Here are the new rankings:<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-ccc91c78-a2ee-11f1-a10e-c355eb7d1812-2\">1 Poga\u010dar 102 points<\/p>\n<p>2 Van Aert 89<\/p>\n<p>3 Brennan 60<\/p>\n<p>4 Hayter 57<\/p>\n<p>5 Laporte 52<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-28T14:35:44+00:00\">2026-08-28T14:35:44.440Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-c194edce-a2ed-11f1-a12d-0b90afb5adee\">If this does indeed come down to the leading five for the stage win, we could be in for an exciting, unpredictable finish.<\/p>\n<p>On paper, Johannessen is probably the best climber, but hasn\u2019t been in the same form so far at this Vuelta that saw him place 6th overall at the Tour last year. Dunbar has similar Grand Tour stages on their palmares, so know how to win from this situation; as does Lutsenko, albeit from a long time ago, while Leknessund came very close multiple times at this year\u2019s Giro. And though this finish might be a little hard for Van Aert, you can never discount the Belgian, and he\u2019s looked strong all day having attacked from the flag.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-c194ee32-a2ed-11f1-afd6-3fa25ca72c5c\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2BFTUiL4xCrUT2mCPp6r9F-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2BFTUiL4xCrUT2mCPp6r9F-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2BFTUiL4xCrUT2mCPp6r9F-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2BFTUiL4xCrUT2mCPp6r9F-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2BFTUiL4xCrUT2mCPp6r9F-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2BFTUiL4xCrUT2mCPp6r9F-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-28T14:31:25+00:00\">2026-08-28T14:31:25.616Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-274e3798-a2ed-11f1-a73a-6dc8f68d688a\"><em><strong>For unbeatable coverage across road, gravel and tech, subscribe to Cyclingnews. You&#8217;ll get comprehensive race coverage of La Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a, subscriber-exclusive analysis from our expert columnists, in-depth features and industry-leading tech insight. Plus, the Cyclingnews app lets you follow the action wherever you go!<\/strong><\/em><em><strong> Join today<\/strong><\/em><em><strong>.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-28T14:25:15+00:00\">2026-08-28T14:25:15.826Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-4aed6332-a2ec-11f1-a610-d7289b62d1b9\">The peloton doesn\u2019t look as though they will be riding for the stage win, but there\u2019s still plenty of GC action on the cards.<\/p>\n<p>Oscar Onley will therefore be wanting a much better day than yesterday, when he was dropped by his GC rivals and lost time, after going too deep to try to follow Tadel Poga\u010dar. It\u2019s a lesson many others have learned the hard way in the past, and Scott is hoping to bounce back today in pursuit of a podium finish.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-4aed6332-a2ec-11f1-a610-d7289b62d1b9-2\">&#8216;I was pretty useless&#8217; \u2013 Oscar Onley &#8216;overcooks&#8217; gravel climb at Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a and pays the price<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-28T14:19:20+00:00\">2026-08-28T14:19:20.127Z<\/time><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-kom-fuente-de-rubielos\"><span>KOM &#8211; FUENTE DE RUBIELOS <\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-76e6e66c-a2eb-11f1-a259-5f65bd443959\">The five leaders crest the climb, led by Van Aert from Lutsenko and Dunbar. Once again, there isn&#8217;t any interest shown in chasing the KO points.<\/p>\n<p>The chasers have failed to make any more inroads over the rest of the climb, and are back down to 1:20 behind, while the peloton remain at over five minutes. A long plateau will now take the riders to to the foot of the penultimate climb, the long category two Puerto de San Rafael.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-28T14:12:49+00:00\">2026-08-28T14:12:49.252Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-8df849dc-a2ea-11f1-ad8c-c96b345e5e37\">The pace is up in the chase group on this climb, and some can&#8217;t keep up with the pace &#8211; including Pedersen&#8217;s who&#8217;s dropped. They&#8217;re making up some ground on the leaders, who are now just over a minute ahead, but still have lots of work to do.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-28T14:05:37+00:00\">2026-08-28T14:05:37.709Z<\/time><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-50km-to-go\"><span>50KM TO GO<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-8ca5a224-a2e9-11f1-965c-f1196e1872b3\">They&#8217;re climbing again! The first of the remaining three climbs, Alto Fuente de Rubielos, is the easiest of the three, but will still test their legs and potentially start breaking up the race more.<\/p>\n<p>The leaders have a big advantage, almost five minutes on the peloton. The chase group is closer, at 1:35, but anyone hoping to win the stage in that group will need to jump clear soon and hunt them down.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-8ca5a328-a2e9-11f1-9869-595d06151542\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UDC5kGTUGVw87YsmVjnNHS-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UDC5kGTUGVw87YsmVjnNHS-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UDC5kGTUGVw87YsmVjnNHS-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UDC5kGTUGVw87YsmVjnNHS-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UDC5kGTUGVw87YsmVjnNHS-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UDC5kGTUGVw87YsmVjnNHS-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-28T13:58:38+00:00\">2026-08-28T13:58:38.332Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-92b777ba-a2e8-11f1-b939-b1192d331d3e\"><em><strong>For unbeatable coverage across road, gravel and tech, subscribe to Cyclingnews. You&#8217;ll get comprehensive race coverage of La Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a, subscriber-exclusive analysis from our expert columnists, in-depth features and industry-leading tech insight. Plus, the Cyclingnews app lets you follow the action wherever you go!<\/strong><\/em><em><strong> Join today<\/strong><\/em><em><strong>.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-28T13:53:15+00:00\">2026-08-28T13:53:15.990Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-d2a1147c-a2e7-11f1-8890-913d5245cf0e\">The chasers haven\u2019t been working well together, and they keep attacking each other. Five of them did manage to get a small gap for a while, but have been brought back again, once again taking the impetus out of the chase. They\u2019re 1:45 behind the five leaders now, and are watching any hope of winning the stage disappear up the road.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-28T13:47:59+00:00\">2026-08-28T13:47:59.035Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-158ccb7e-a2e7-11f1-a1f6-d199d47bb348\">As usual, UAE are controlling the peloton, but aren&#8217;t showing as much intent to chase down the break as they have in previous stages. The gap&#8217;s now grown to over four minutes &#8211; we might be poised for our first breakaway win of this year&#8217;s Vuelta.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-158ccbec-a2e7-11f1-bd1e-45a6b8c8303f\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KuGqhrZnRvyGeBFPh22Z55-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KuGqhrZnRvyGeBFPh22Z55-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KuGqhrZnRvyGeBFPh22Z55-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KuGqhrZnRvyGeBFPh22Z55-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KuGqhrZnRvyGeBFPh22Z55-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KuGqhrZnRvyGeBFPh22Z55-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-28T13:38:59+00:00\">2026-08-28T13:38:59.963Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-d478ac08-a2e5-11f1-9f50-ad78132d7718\">The race is in more of a holding patter now, a plateau and now descent seeing the gaps remain much the same. The five leaders have 1:35 over the chase group, and 3:50 over the peloton.<\/p>\n<p>There&#8217;s some distance &#8217;till the third climb of the day, but upon reaching the foot of it there&#8217;s barely a kilometre from there to the finish that isn&#8217;t uphill.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-28T13:32:58+00:00\">2026-08-28T13:32:58.364Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-fcfd8f1e-a2e4-11f1-a950-e916b119c948\">Poga\u010dar\u2019s team were quick to claim that his being caught yesterday was down to an uncharacteristic lack of legs, but instead due to a race communication fault which meant they did not receive accurate time gaps &#8211; implying that, had they known Mas was closer than reported, Pog would have upped the pace to stay clear of him.<\/p>\n<p>Regardless, the way the race unfolded will still give rivals hope that he can be competed against.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-fcfd8f1e-a2e4-11f1-a950-e916b119c948-2\">&#8216;We didn&#8217;t know that Enric was so close&#8217; &#8211; Inaccurate time gaps explain how Tadej Poga\u010dar was caught during Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a attack<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-28T13:26:45+00:00\">2026-08-28T13:26:45.641Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-1e9d00a6-a2e4-11f1-97bb-095ec55c9652\">It\u2019s looking like we could well have a battle for the stage win among the breakaway group today, the way the day is panning out.<\/p>\n<p>But will we have a battle for the GC, too? The terrain is potentially difficult enough, with a category one uphill finish, and yesterday suggested Tadej Poga\u010dar isn\u2019t quite at the alien level we\u2019re used to seeing him at. That\u2019s raised the eyebrows of his rivals &#8211; could they try to test him today with attacks?<\/p>\n<p>&#8216;We don&#8217;t know if he was racing at 100%&#8217; \u2013 Rival sports director believes Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a leader Poga\u010dar&#8217;s failure to finish solo on stage 6 delivers mixed messages<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-1e9d010a-a2e4-11f1-9ab2-0ba15a22c834\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cMKT28p4CWqFbmU5NEwfo6-683-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cMKT28p4CWqFbmU5NEwfo6-683-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cMKT28p4CWqFbmU5NEwfo6-683-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cMKT28p4CWqFbmU5NEwfo6-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cMKT28p4CWqFbmU5NEwfo6-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cMKT28p4CWqFbmU5NEwfo6-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-28T13:19:42+00:00\">2026-08-28T13:19:42.519Z<\/time><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-kom-alto-de-zucaina\"><span>KOM &#8211; ALTO DE ZUCAINA <\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-226bf5b2-a2e3-11f1-9217-afdda764b374\">This one wasn&#8217;t a long climb, lasting just 5.5km at at a reasonable gradient of 4.8% &#8211; harder tests are to come later.<\/p>\n<p>The five-man lead group remain together, and are working well, not even sprinting against each other for the KOM points. The chasers are falling further behind, to 1:25, while the peloton is holding steady at about 3:30.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-28T13:10:46+00:00\">2026-08-28T13:10:46.738Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-e305a180-a2e1-11f1-9a57-f9a554d68bb3\">The riders are descending, but won&#8217;t be for much longer. Once they reach the bottom they&#8217;ll start ascending the Alto de Zucaina, the second of the day&#8217;s five climbs.<\/p>\n<p>The five leaders have grown their lead on this descent on the chasers to 55 seconds, and to the peloton, almost three and a half minutes. It doesn&#8217;t appear UAE are chasing hard &#8211; not for now, at least.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-e305a1ee-a2e1-11f1-b205-c14fb478685c\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/De4jjAAKMJnfs5oQjRjzYi-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/De4jjAAKMJnfs5oQjRjzYi-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/De4jjAAKMJnfs5oQjRjzYi-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/De4jjAAKMJnfs5oQjRjzYi-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/De4jjAAKMJnfs5oQjRjzYi-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/De4jjAAKMJnfs5oQjRjzYi-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-28T13:01:37+00:00\">2026-08-28T13:01:37.127Z<\/time><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-kom-puerto-el-remolcador\"><span>KOM &#8211; PUERTO EL REMOLCADOR <\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-9dbde05c-a2e0-11f1-b610-eb86263c79b5\">Dunbar, Johannessen and Lutsenko catch Van Aert and Leknessund before the top of the climb, and the quintet reach the top 35 seconds before the large chase group (which, among others, includes V Paret-Peintre, Bilbao, and, to nobody&#8217;s surprise, Mads Pedersen). Leknessund took five KOM points, Lutsenko 3 and Johannessen 1.<\/p>\n<p>The peloton is now over two minutes behind, and being led by UAE at a steady tempo. This big question now is whether they will allow the leaders a be enough gap to contest the stage, or reel it in to attempt yet another win for Poga\u010dar.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-28T12:55:24+00:00\">2026-08-28T12:55:24.793Z<\/time><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-100km-to-go\"><span>100KM TO GO<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-bd98078c-a2df-11f1-8331-d50636967d19\">A natural selection is beginning to form in the chase group. Three of the best climbers, Johannessen, Dunbar and Lutsenko, have gone clear of the rest, and are closing in on Van Aert and Leknessund. They&#8217;re 25 seconds behind them, ten seconds ahead of the rest of the chase group, and now over two minutes ahead of the peloton, which appears to have sat up.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-28T12:48:30+00:00\">2026-08-28T12:48:30.795Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-c706cd40-a2de-11f1-971c-0bb0d53d15c2\">This is some of the chase group in between the leading duo and the peloton. They&#8217;re about 30 seconds behind the former, and 25 seconds ahead of the latter, with half of the climb still to ride up.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-c706cda4-a2de-11f1-a8e8-719184fef8e4\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hhYSY7723KU3c4dexXruLW-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hhYSY7723KU3c4dexXruLW-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hhYSY7723KU3c4dexXruLW-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hhYSY7723KU3c4dexXruLW-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hhYSY7723KU3c4dexXruLW-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hhYSY7723KU3c4dexXruLW-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-28T12:43:10+00:00\">2026-08-28T12:43:10.955Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-081bfafe-a2de-11f1-9deb-67f891553620\"><em><strong>For unbeatable coverage across road, gravel and tech, subscribe to Cyclingnews. You&#8217;ll get comprehensive race coverage of La Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a, subscriber-exclusive analysis from our expert columnists, in-depth features and industry-leading tech insight. Plus, the Cyclingnews app lets you follow the action wherever you go!<\/strong><\/em><em><strong> Join today<\/strong><\/em><em><strong>.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-28T12:37:55+00:00\">2026-08-28T12:37:55.633Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-4c1b73fc-a2dd-11f1-9b50-25f515648dab\">For the first time today, the riders are now climbing, up the category two Puerto El Remolcador (12.4km at 4.4%). And they&#8217;re not going to soft-peddle up it &#8211; the race remains very much on.<\/p>\n<p>Lutsenko, Zana and Bisiaux have been absorbed into the chase group, which contains about 20 riders, and they&#8217;re 50 seconds behind the peloton, and just under a minute over the peloton, where still the attacks keep coming. It seems like half the peloton wants to get into the break today.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-4c1b7474-a2dd-11f1-8928-cf68cf2a2b60\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jPLwXHPZhMmtsvTubjXUxE-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jPLwXHPZhMmtsvTubjXUxE-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jPLwXHPZhMmtsvTubjXUxE-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jPLwXHPZhMmtsvTubjXUxE-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jPLwXHPZhMmtsvTubjXUxE-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jPLwXHPZhMmtsvTubjXUxE-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-28T12:31:15+00:00\">2026-08-28T12:31:15.621Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-5dc48d9c-a2dc-11f1-b3bb-2f4b1a1c2847\">Lutsenko, Zana and Bisiaux (all pictured) are close to being caught by a large group of chasers, which appears to have at least a dozen riders in it, including Tobias Halland Johannessen, Eddie Dunbar, Marco Brenner and Pello Bilbao. The peloton appears more content with this group, too, and has eased up a little to fall 30 seconds behind them.<\/p>\n<p>Meanwhile, Van Aert and Leknessund are still going hard, and lead the chasers by about 30 seconds.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-5dc48e32-a2dc-11f1-86a3-81cadf466f86\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XzmfGXFztAgGemkx4aupzn-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XzmfGXFztAgGemkx4aupzn-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XzmfGXFztAgGemkx4aupzn-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XzmfGXFztAgGemkx4aupzn-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XzmfGXFztAgGemkx4aupzn-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XzmfGXFztAgGemkx4aupzn-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-28T12:22:47+00:00\">2026-08-28T12:22:47.857Z<\/time><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-120km-to-go\"><span>120KM TO GO<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-2f0ed332-a2db-11f1-8d05-d7c1f9cccae0\">The race remains still very close together. Van Aert and Leknessund are just 35 seconds ahead of Lutsenko, Zana, Bisiaux, who are themselves just ten seconds ahead of a chasing duo of Martin and Ra\u00fal Garc\u00eda Pierna, with the peloton just another ten seconds behind. This could all yet come back together, or they escapees could form one big group &#8211; it&#8217;s a very open situation.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-28T12:16:20+00:00\">2026-08-28T12:16:20.742Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-4848f4dc-a2da-11f1-9713-9d7e4356a204\">Three riders have successfully escaped from the peloton, and it&#8217;s a strong trio &#8211; Lutsenko, Zana and Bisiaux. They&#8217;re bearing down on the leaders, bringing the gap down to 45 seconds, while the peloton remains active only a handful of seconds behind, with more attacks being made. This has developed into a breathless start.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-28T12:09:49+00:00\">2026-08-28T12:09:49.421Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-5f132bf2-a2d9-11f1-8d45-e120757d8ac0\">Vader can&#8217;t keep up with the pace, and has been dropped by Van Aert and Leknessund.<\/p>\n<p>They&#8217;re having to go very hard to fend off the peloton, which is now only just over a minute behind them. The attacks keep coming out of it, and though nobody has gone clear, the pace is well up and spelling danger for the two leader&#8217;s chances.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-28T12:04:22+00:00\">2026-08-28T12:04:22.379Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-9c316c7a-a2d8-11f1-bc78-63b2ac75dfdb\">The chase group has been caught, leaving just Van Aert, Leknessund and Vader out front. But the pace is back up in the peloton as more riders show intent to attack, and consequently the gap to the three leaders has been almost halved, back down to 1:20 This could yet be a long time before this settles down!<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-9c316d10-a2d8-11f1-8265-939ad88b6fef\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AHVQSncha5RNhRtC5bUHnJ-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AHVQSncha5RNhRtC5bUHnJ-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AHVQSncha5RNhRtC5bUHnJ-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AHVQSncha5RNhRtC5bUHnJ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AHVQSncha5RNhRtC5bUHnJ-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AHVQSncha5RNhRtC5bUHnJ-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-28T11:58:01+00:00\">2026-08-28T11:58:01.480Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-b9282e50-a2d7-11f1-98c5-5f395ee6af89\">The three riders leading the race. As it stands, this might be the break of the day &#8211; the four chasers still have a non inconsiderable 1:20 to make up if they&#8217;re to join them, and the group doesn&#8217;t have big names that we know for sure have the power to bridge up to them. Whereas the front group has a certain Wout van Aert.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-b9282eb4-a2d7-11f1-bd69-63423f10b1f5\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4dsYJw583vTpidiU6vkbJS-682-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4dsYJw583vTpidiU6vkbJS-682-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4dsYJw583vTpidiU6vkbJS-682-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4dsYJw583vTpidiU6vkbJS-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4dsYJw583vTpidiU6vkbJS-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4dsYJw583vTpidiU6vkbJS-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-28T11:51:38+00:00\">2026-08-28T11:51:38.501Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-d4d60e70-a2d6-11f1-8957-ed76cf4f88b1\">Milan Vadar is the third rider at the front with Van Aert and Leknessund, and they have a lead of over two minutes already over the peloton already.<\/p>\n<p>Things aren&#8217;t done yet, though. Behind that trio is a quartet of Ourselin, Cobo, Roosen and Wilksch chasing, and behind them more riders are jumping clear of the peloton. But even that first chase group has a minute to make up.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-28T11:45:42+00:00\">2026-08-28T11:45:42.949Z<\/time><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-official-start\"><span>OFFICIAL START<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-01470870-a2d6-11f1-b85a-f1641932d9da\">And they&#8217;re off! And the very first rider to attack from the flag is none other than Wout van Aert, who has got up the road with both Andreas Leknessund and one other rider, and has a gap.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-28T11:39:11+00:00\">2026-08-28T11:39:11.922Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-17fb8db2-a2d5-11f1-9186-15e6c368096c\">The riders have just started, moving behind the race car through the neutralised section. The parcours and circumstances today do feel encouraging for the breakaway, which could see a first win go the breakaway today &#8211; so there will therefore likely be a big fight today once the flag drops.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-28T11:31:57+00:00\">2026-08-28T11:31:57.001Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-14986d6c-a2d4-11f1-8592-41d2fa444b1e\">Yesterday\u2019s stage saw a predictable result, but in an unpredictable fashion. Tadej Poga\u010dar did his usual attack on the final climb, but rather than disappear into the distance never to be seen again, he was reeled back by Enric Mas. He might still have won, but had to outsprint the impressive Spaniard to do so, and displayed rare signs of weakness, even crashing on the descent.<\/p>\n<p>Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a: Tadej Poga\u010dar survives near-crash on descent for third victory of the race on stage 6<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-14986dda-a2d4-11f1-996d-755f09aa042a\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yceUY7Dc83tB7bnGGRL2m3-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yceUY7Dc83tB7bnGGRL2m3-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yceUY7Dc83tB7bnGGRL2m3-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yceUY7Dc83tB7bnGGRL2m3-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yceUY7Dc83tB7bnGGRL2m3-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yceUY7Dc83tB7bnGGRL2m3-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-28T11:23:41+00:00\">2026-08-28T11:23:41.513Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-ed378934-a2d2-11f1-ae8e-f1319e8a94d0\">It might still be the first week of the Vuelta, but already a clear hierarchy has been formed at the top of the GC, with minutes separating them. That could become yet clearer today, for what is yet another stage in the mountains.<\/p>\n<p>Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a 2026 stage 7 preview &#8211; A second summit finish that could either solidify or shake up the podium battle<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<p id=\"elk-0d7aa846-98cb-11f1-b518-3b7295288eaf\">Hello and welcome to stage seven of the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a!<\/p>\n<\/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=\"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>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/live\/vuelta-a-espana-stage-7-live-tadej-pogacars-form-to-be-tested-in-the-mountains\/&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bym8jYS9JW8mpBYUbbBTP4-1024-80.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-2116741","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\/2116741","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=2116741"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2116741\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2116741"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=2116741"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=2116741"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}