Slovenian cyclist Tadej Pogacar of UAE Team Emirates - XRG won the fourth stage of the 2026 Vuelta a España around Andorra la Vella on Tuesday, August 25, after launching a solo attack 50.3 kilometers from the finish line.
The 27-year-old overall race leader crossed the line well ahead of his competitors following a 104.8-kilometer mountain route through the Pyrenean principality. Belgian rider Jarno Widar of Lotto-Intermarché finished second, while Austrian rider Felix Gall of Decathlon CMA CGM took third place, both crossing 2 minutes and 39 seconds behind the stage winner.
Pogacar built his decisive move on the steep ascent of the Col de Beixalis. Set up by his UAE Team Emirates teammates early in the climb, the recent 2025 Tour de France champion launched his attack 50 kilometers from the finish. Gall initially attempted to match the acceleration before relenting, leaving Pogacar to ride clear for the remainder of the stage.
The aggressive tactical display followed frustration from the previous day. Stage three toward Font-Romeu on Monday was cancelled after a severe hail storm struck the final section of the course, forcing riders to seek shelter and preventing a battle for the stage win.
Overall standings and race jerseys
With his victory in Andorra la Vella, Pogacar extended his lead in the general classification. He now holds an advantage of more than three minutes over his nearest rivals on the overall podium, Primoz Roglic of Red Bull - Bora - Hansgrohe and Enric Mas of Movistar. The three-week race is scheduled to finish in Granada on September 13.
Tuesday's win marks Pogacar's second stage victory of the 2026 Vuelta, following his win in the opening individual time trial in Monaco, where he resides. The Slovenian maintains his grip on the leader's red jersey and the sprinter's green jersey while also taking leadership of the mountain classification's blue polka-dot jersey. He was additionally named the most aggressive rider of the day.
British rider Oscar Onley of Netcompany Ineos took over the white jersey as the new leader of the best young rider classification. The peloton will move to Spanish soil on Wednesday, August 26, for a hilly fifth stage covering the route from Falset to Roquetes, located south of Tarragona.
Retirements and broader cycling news
The wider cycling world has seen several major developments alongside the race. Former Vuelta a España and Giro d'Italia champion Nairo Quintana announced he will retire at the end of the season. Former two-time Tour de France winner Jonas Vingegaard ended his 2026 season early due to ongoing injury recovery.
French rider Julian Alaphilippe announced his immediate retirement from professional cycling, bringing an end to a career highlighted by five major victories, including stages at the Tour de France, the World Championships, and the Milan-San Remo classic.
In other news surrounding the race, South American broadcasters of the Vuelta faced criticism after missing Pogacar's finish line crossing during stage one. Meanwhile, a Belgian competitor entered the race after nearly withdrawing due to food poisoning caused by contaminated steak tartare, and an unnamed former Tour de France stage winner was forced to miss the entire season because of a persistent virus.
The sport also mourned the tragic death of young rider Finlay Tarling during the Tour of Portugal, which drew widespread tributes from his parents and the international cycling community.
