The third stage of the 81st Vuelta was abandoned on the final climb due to a severe storm. This was announced by the organisers of the cycle race. Due to the weather conditions, it was impossible to continue the stage to Font-Romeu in the Pyrenees, France. The race had been neutralised 15 kilometres before the first mountain finish of the Tour of Spain.
"For safety reasons", the stage had been cancelled due to hail and severe weather, the organisers went on to say on the X platform. "There will be no winner and no prize-giving ceremony."
TV footage showed heavy rain and large hailstones pelting down on the cyclists. Other footage showed shivering professional cyclists seeking shelter in and around buildings and pulling jackets on as they shivered.
Severe weather conditions affected roughly the last 25 of the 174 kilometres between Gruissan and Font Romeu. At times, the TV broadcast of the professionals’ race no longer showed any live footage.
Tadej Pogacar, the winner of the opening time trial in Monaco and third on the previous day, remains at the top of the overall standings.
On the fourth day, the professional cyclists face a challenging mountain stage, starting and finishing in the microstate of Andorra. Three Category 1 climbs, amongst other challenges, await Pogacar and his team-mates. It is not until the fifth day of the Vuelta that the race enters Spanish territory. The tour concludes on 13 September in Granada.
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