Tadej Pogacar extends Vuelta lead with solo victory

Tadej Pogacar has strengthened his position at the top of the Vuelta a España after turning a late attack into a clear stage victory. The Slovenian’s move ended the main challenge from the other overall contenders and gave him a larger advantage in the race for the red jersey.

Pogacar accelerated on the Beixalis climb with 50 kilometres still to cover. Felix Gall was the only rider from the leading group to respond immediately, but the Decathlon-CMA CGM rider managed to stay with Pogacar for only a few seconds. Pogacar then continued alone and produced a controlled descent on his way to the finish.

Jarno Widar and Gall arrived 2 minutes 39 seconds behind the winner, with Widar taking second place and Gall third. The gap also left Pogacar more than three minutes ahead of his new closest rival in the general classification, compatriot Primoz Roglic.

Roglic was part of the group that included Mattias Skjelmose, Sepp Kuss and Richard Carapaz as it tried to limit the damage. Their pursuit did not prevent Pogacar from taking substantial time, however. His result changes the balance of the Vuelta: Roglic is now the nearest challenger, while the other leading riders must recover ground after the Beixalis attack split the race.