Vuelta a España 2026: Stage 3 Cancelled After Historic Hailstorm Forces Riders to Seek Refuge

Unprecedented Hailstorm Forces Stage 3 Cancellation

During Monday’s stage from Gruissan-Aude to Font Romeu, a violent storm struck the peloton with roughly 16 kilometers remaining before the summit finish. What began as heavy rain quickly transformed into a barrage of large hailstones that completely coated the roadway in white. The sudden drop in temperature—plunging nearly 25 degrees from the start of the stage to the storm—created hazardous conditions on the road, forcing race organizers to halt proceedings immediately.

“Due to the extreme weather and hail, stage 3 of La Vuelta is canceled definitively to proteger la seguridad de los corredores,” race organizers announced through official channels, confirming there would be no stage winner and no podium ceremony. The first arrival in altitude of the race was wiped from the record books without general classification times recorded.

Riders Seek Shelter in Vans and Hotels

With the road impassable and the peloton scattered across the slopes of the Col de Mont-Louis, Tadej Pogačar raised his hand to signal an immediate stoppage. Riders immediately sought refuge wherever they could find cover under building overhangs, inside nearby residential properties, or within local establishments.

Wout van Aert described the chaotic scene to Sporza. “De repente estalló la tormenta y ya no se podía seguir compitiendo,” Van Aert said. “Habría sido muy peligroso, porque la carretera estaba llena de granizo. Primero me refugié en una furgoneta y después casi todos los corredores nos fuimos a un hotel cercano.”

The nearby hotel served as a main gathering point for stranded athletes and team staff. The establishment’s personnel provided towels, seating, and other amenities to riders who arrived shivering from the intense cold.

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