Huge gaps between the general classification contenders on the fourth day.
Andorra-la-Vella, the country’s capital, returned at the Spanish Grand Tour after an 11-year hiatus, at the end of a short but grueling stage four. Port d’Envalira, Collada de Beixalis, Coll d’Ordino and Alto de la Comella were all packed in just 105 kilometers, making for the first real test of the race after Monday’s summit finish was cancelled due to a hailstorm.
Halfway through the stage, race leader Tadej Pogacar (UAE Team Emirates) attacked and distanced all the other riders, arriving alone at the finish, where he took the win. Mikel Landa, who is racing his tenth Vuelta, concluded as the first Soudal Quick-Step rider home, showing promising signs despite the gap that separated him from the top ten.
La Vuelta continues Wednesday with a stage to Terres de l’Ebre. The small hills coming in quick succession in the final hour of the race are perfect for a breakaway, especially as from the top of the last climb only 26 kilometers remain until the finish.
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