La Vuelta 2026 goes from sea to summit as it puts Vera and Calar Alto on the world stage

Andorran cycling sensation Tadej Pogacar delivered a stunning solo stage four triumph at the Vuelta a Espana on Tuesday, putting himself in a commanding position at the general classification. The 27-year-old Slovenian rider, who is aiming for a Grand Tour grand slam, unleashed an attack just over 50 kilometers from the finish line, leaving his rivals in the dust.

Jarno Widar and Felix Gall secured the day's podium in second and third place, respectively, each finishing 2 minutes and 39 seconds behind Pogacar. Pogacar, who already held the red jersey after winning the individual time trial on the opening stage, expressed his delight at the victory, stating that it has given him the confidence to face the challenges of the remaining stages.

The Spanish rider had previously faced setback on Monday when a hailstorm forced the abandonment of the third stage, causing the race to resume a day later. Pogacar's quest to become only the fourth rider to win both the Tour de France and Vuelta a Espana in the same season was reinvigorated by his impressive display.