Vuelta stage three abandoned after hailstorm in Pyrenees

The third stage of the Vuelta a España was abandoned on Monday after a torrential hailstorm struck the French Pyrenees, forcing riders off the course with 15 km remaining. The 174-km stage from Gruissan to Font-Romeu was halted as huge hailstones pelted the peloton near the summit of the Col de Mont-Louis, with race leader Tadej Pogacar signalling the group to pull off. Organisers ASO confirmed the stage would not resume, leaving fans at the finish frustrated as thick hail blanketed the road. Source: CNA Source: The Guardian

The reaction

Riders sought shelter in a hotel as conditions deteriorated, and the abandonment was confirmed shortly after. The Guardian reported that drenched riders were seen shuffling into shelter, while CNA noted that a five-man breakaway had been ahead earlier in the warm, sunny conditions. Source: The Guardian Source: CNA

What's next

Pogacar, aiming to complete his Grand Tour collection with a first Vuelta win, retains his overall lead of nine seconds over Wout van Aert, with Matt Brennan ten seconds back. Stage four on Tuesday features three first-category climbs as the race starts and finishes in Andorra la Vella, offering Pogacar a chance to underline his superiority. Source: CNA