Tadej Pogačar Wins Fourth Stage of Spanish Vuelta

Tadej Pogačar took a big step toward winning the Spanish Vuelta for the first time by dominating the fourth stage on Tuesday. The defending Tour de France champion completed a long solo run and finished nearly three minutes ahead of his rivals in a tough mountain stage in Andorra.

Pogačar opened a significant lead over Primoz Roglic, with Enric Mas following closely behind. He expressed relief after the race, saying he now feels calm and confident for the remaining stages.

The previous day’s third stage was canceled due to hail near its end, leaving no winner. Pogačar’s victory came in a short but challenging 105-kilometer route through the Andorran mountains, which featured four climbs favoring top riders.

Pogačar attacked early on and built a strong lead, surpassing his previous solo run record from the Tour de France. He had also won the first stage of the Vuelta earlier in the race.

The next stage takes place in Spain, with a hilly route starting in Catalonia. Pogačar entered the fourth stage leading the general classification by nine seconds over Wout van Aert.

Aged 25, Pogačar made his Grand Tour debut at the Vuelta in 2019 and has since become one of cycling’s biggest stars. He won the Tour de France for a third straight year in July and is aiming to complete all three Grand Tours by winning the Giro d’Italia next year.

The Spanish Vuelta concludes on September 13 in Granada.