Wout van Aert calls Visma finish a model exercise

Wout van Aert strengthened his position in the Vuelta a España’s green-jersey race after helping Visma-Lease a Bike deliver another stage victory for Matthew Brennan. The Belgian described the team’s execution in the finale as a textbook piece of work, with every rider following the planned positions before the finish.

Brennan won the 11th stage in Lorca for his third victory in the 2026 race. Van Aert finished fifth and added points from third place at the intermediate sprint, held at the top of the day’s only climb. The result gave the 21-year-old Briton three wins in his first Grand Tour, a feat no debutant sprinter had achieved since Fernando Gaviria at the 2017 Giro d’Italia.

The finish required particular care because the route included a U-turn 400 metres before the line. Christophe Laporte was tasked with taking the team into the final bend in the first two positions, while Van Aert stayed behind him as the last lead-out rider. Once the Belgian saw that rivals could not come past, he completed his role and still secured fifth place.

Van Aert said the green jersey remains a firm target, even though the race has reached its midpoint. He also noted that the standings can change quickly, leaving him focused on defending the advantage built through the opening 11 stages.