On August 25, the 2026 Vuelta a España returned to racing with Stage 4, a demanding mountain stage held entirely in Andorra. After Stage 3 was cancelled because of extreme weather, the riders faced their first major mountain test of the race.
The 104.8-kilometre stage started and finished in Andorra la Vella and featured four major climbs, with approximately 2,953 metres of elevation gain. The short distance, steep climbs and relentless terrain created ideal conditions for the general classification contenders to battle directly.
Tadej Pogačar of UAE Team Emirates-XRG delivered a dominant performance. The Slovenian attacked on the Collada de Beixalis with around 50 kilometres remaining and quickly distanced his rivals. He completed the stage in 2 hours, 40 minutes and 35 seconds, securing his second stage victory of this year's Vuelta.
A 50-Kilometre Attack Changes the Race
The race began at a high pace, with riders immediately facing the demanding climbs of the Andorran mountains. Because of the short stage distance, the peloton had little opportunity to settle, while several riders attempted to form an early breakaway.
As the race reached the key climbing sections, the pace intensified and the general classification contenders began to move to the front.
Pogačar made his decisive move on the Collada de Beixalis. With approximately 50 kilometres remaining, the race leader accelerated away from his main rivals. Felix Gall was initially able to follow the Slovenian, but he could stay with Pogačar for only a short time before being dropped.
Pogačar then continued his attack alone. He extended his advantage on the Coll d'Ordino and maintained an extremely high pace through the final climbs. By the final ascent, his lead over the chasing group had grown to more than three minutes.
He eventually crossed the finish line alone in Andorra la Vella, completing one of the most dominant long-range solo rides of his Grand Tour career.
Widar Takes Second, Gall Finishes Third
While Pogačar raced alone at the front, the battle for the remaining podium places continued among the chasing riders.
Belgian youngster Jarno Widar produced an impressive performance to take second place. The 20-year-old won the sprint from the chasing group and finished 2 minutes and 39 seconds behind Pogačar.
Felix Gall crossed the line in third, also 2 minutes and 39 seconds behind the stage winner. The result represented a major performance from Widar on one of the toughest stages of the early Vuelta.
Stage 4 Top Three:
Tadej Pogačar — UAE Team Emirates-XRG
Jarno Widar — Lotto, +2:39
Felix Gall — Decathlon CMA CGM, +2:39
Pogačar's victory was not only another stage win but also a powerful statement to his rivals in the overall classification. His long-range attack created a significant time gap at a very early stage of the three-week race.
Pogačar Extends His Red Jersey Lead
The victory allowed Pogačar to strengthen his position at the top of the general classification.
He now leads four-time Vuelta champion Primož Roglič by 3 minutes and 21 seconds, while Enric Mas sits in third place. The large gap gives Pogačar a substantial advantage after only four stages.
Oscar Onley, Richard Carapaz and the other major overall contenders also lost significant time during the Andorran mountain test.
For Pogačar, the result is another important step toward his ambition of completing the Grand Tour collection. Having already won the Giro d'Italia and Tour de France, a Vuelta victory would give him all three Grand Tour titles.
Stage 3 Cancellation Makes the Mountain Battle Even More Important
The previous day had been marked by extraordinary weather conditions.
Stage 3, originally scheduled to finish at Font-Romeu, was cancelled after a severe hailstorm struck the race approximately 15 kilometres from the finish. The extreme weather created dangerous road conditions and forced the organisers to abandon the stage.
As a result, Stage 4 became the first major opportunity for the overall contenders to fight for significant time differences after the race resumed.
Pogačar took full advantage of the opportunity. His performance in Andorra demonstrated that he had retained his form and immediately established himself as the rider to beat in the general classification.
Pogačar Takes Another Major Step Toward Vuelta Glory
The 2026 Vuelta a España remains a long race, with many difficult mountain stages, time trials and tactical battles still ahead. Although Pogačar has already created a sizeable advantage, his rivals still have plenty of opportunities to fight back.
Roglič, Enric Mas, Carapaz, Onley and other GC contenders will need to find ways to reduce the deficit in the coming stages. Meanwhile, Pogačar and UAE Team Emirates-XRG will face the challenge of defending the red jersey over the remaining weeks.
For now, however, the Slovenian has seized control of the race.
On August 25, Pogačar turned the Andorran mountains into his own stage, launching a devastating attack with around 50 kilometres to go and finishing alone with a 2-minute-39-second advantage over his closest rivals. His performance not only secured another stage victory but also established a commanding lead in the overall classification.
With the Vuelta still in its early stages, the biggest question now is whether any of his rivals can find a way to stop the race leader.
