Extreme weather forced race organizers to neutralize and ultimately cancel the third stage of La Vuelta a España, as a fierce hailstorm struck the Pyrenees during the ascent to Mont Louis and Font-Romeu. With 15 kilometers remaining in the 174-kilometer route from Gruissan-Aude, Tadej Pogačar and fellow riders stepped off their bikes as heavy ice pellets and torrential rain made the tarmac impassable, according to race reports.
The stage, which was slated to feature the first finish in alto of the tour, quickly deteriorated into a scene of survival in the Eastern Pyrenees. As the pack approached the final climbs, a sudden storm unleashed a massive wall of hail and a drop in temperature that covered the road in a dense layer of white ice and rushing water.
According to reports, the worsening conditions created an imminent danger of mass crashes on tight mountain bends. Pogačar, wearing the race leader’s red jersey, raised his hand at the front of the bunch to signal for a halt. Supported by other team leaders and directors, the peloton put their feet on the ground with roughly 15 kilometers left to race, seeking emergency shelter in nearby roadside buildings to protect themselves from the punishing ice.
Race direction and the UCI commissaires panel consulted on-site conditions before issuing a formal cancellation. The official communication from La Vuelta organizers stated that the stage was called off due to safety hazards, declaring no stage winner and holding no podium ceremony.
Under extreme weather protocols, race officials froze the general classification standings at the exact moment of the stoppage. Pogačar retains the red jersey with a nine-second lead over Wout van Aert, as the overall standings remained unchanged by the day’s events.
What Lies Ahead in Andorra for Stage 4
The Vuelta peloton shifts focus to an explosive, entirely Andorrana fourth stage designed to test climbers immediately after the weather interruption. Spanning 104.8 kilometers with nearly 3,000 meters of vertical gain, the route tackles the Port d’Envalira, the Collada de Beixalis, and the Col d’Ordino in rapid succession.
For Pogačar, the shortened and intensely mountainous profile offers a prime opportunity to press his advantage on familiar training roads. With fresh legs following the cancellation, the Slovenian contender enters the Andorrana test looking to consolidate his overall lead and capture his first stage win of this edition.
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