Vuelta stage 15 shortened due to extreme heat, Mas consolidates lead
JAÉN, (Spain): Vuelta a Espana organisers said they were shortening Sunday’s stage 15 route from Palma del Rio to Cordoba by around 80 kilometres because of extreme heat.
Jaén, Spain: The Vuelta a Espana has trimmed the length of Sunday's stage 15 due to scorching temperatures, marking the second Grand Tour race this year to make such a decision. The 189.7km route was reduced to 110.2km, as organizers Unipublic activated the extreme weather protocol. Temperatures are expected to soar up to 39°C in Cordoba, prompting the move to safeguard riders' health and ensure optimal competition conditions.
Spain's meteorological agency issued an orange alert for extreme heat on Sunday, with potential highs of 40°C. Overall leader Enric Mas widened his lead on Saturday, finishing the 14th stage 25 seconds ahead of Primoz Roglic, who dropped to third overall behind Felix Gall. The extreme weather situation has become a growing concern in Grand Tour races, with the Giro d'Italia recently facing hazardous snow and ice in mountain stages.
Last July, Tour organizers ASO cut 30km from stage 9 due to a severe heatwave. Riders resorted to various cooling methods, including ice vests and drinks, to combat the heat.
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