Tadej Pogacar seized control of the Vuelta a España with a dominant 50.3-kilometer solo attack on a brutal mountain stage through Andorra, according to race reports. The road world champion launched his decisive move on the second of four categorized climbs during the 104.8-kilometer fourth stage, ultimately crossing the finish line in Andorra la Vella 2 minutes and 39 seconds ahead of 20-year-old Belgian rider Jarno Widar.
The ride marked the longest solo breakaway of Pogacar’s career in a Grand Tour. With the victory, the 27-year-old extended his overall lead in the general classification to 3 minutes and 21 seconds over Primož Roglič, firmly tightening his grip on the three-week Spanish tour following his earlier win in the opening time trial.
Speaking to reporters after the stage, Pogacar described the intense conditions that forced his hand on the mountain roads. “The speed was already very high, we were riding full gas,” Pogacar said, according to race coverage. “I didn’t have any teammates left. Presumably everyone would have raced against me, so I attacked. I just hoped I would survive that. That was very hard. I can now go into the next few days with confidence.”
Weather Drama and Rescheduled Racing
The commanding performance followed a dramatic interruption on the previous day of the Vuelta. A severe thunderstorm accompanied by a heavy hail shower forced race organizers to halt and ultimately cancel the third stage before it could be officially contested. Frightened and shivering professional riders sought emergency shelter in a nearby hotel, where staff supplied them with warm beverages and blankets until conditions stabilized.
Wednesday’s fifth stage offers the peloton a chance to catch its breath as the race departs the Pyrenäen mountains. Riders face a 173.3-kilometer route from Falset to Roquetes, where the terrain heavily favors the sprinters in the field.
The Vuelta a España continues Wednesday as the pack shifts focus from high-altitude climbing to coastal and flatlands sprint finishes.
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