‘Can’t take new ones every day’ – Van Aert jokes he’s ‘not like Pogacar’ after losing glasses
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The Belgian was instrumental in Brennan‘s success, expertly leading the young Brit out to the sprint finish with the help of Christophe Laporte.But Van Aert‘s eyes were left unprotected from the elements in the final kilometres of the stage, and he made reference to rival and race leader Tadej Pogacar when discussing his glasses.
“What a shame, I got new shades just before the race,” he said.
“I thought they were already a bit loose on my head, and then, when I looked behind, they flew away.
“I’m not like Pogacar that I can take new glasses every day, so if somebody finds them please bring them back!”
Van Aert won three stages at La Vuelta in 2024, but has taken a more selfless role at this year’s La Vuelta, and he gave his thoughts on the satisfaction of helping Brennan to the line.
Asked if it felt as good as winning himself, he said: “Yeah, it comes close.”
Van Aert is currently fifth in the points standings on 49, with the imperious Pogacar out in front on 82.Pogacar – ‘I better not say anything’
Pogacar has already established a lead of more than three minutes in La Vuelta, and appears on course to become just the ninth man to win all three Grand Tours.
The UAE Team Emirates-XRG star was in formidable form at the Tour de France in July as he secured a fifth title, but he remained coy when asked to compare the shape he is in at La Vuelta to the Tour.
“I better not say anything,” he said, after a moment of hesitation.
‘I better not say anything’ – Pogacar tight-lipped in response to Tour-Vuelta comparison
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On his Stage 5 performance, Pogacar said: “It was a pretty hard stage. I was a little bit nervous in moments, then the climb was pretty steep. It was a hard day, but we did really good with the team and I am happy.”
Asked if he can relax having established a significant lead, he added: “Any advantage is good, I always say, but more is better. If you have more advantage, you can go more calm into the next days.
“We will see. I feel good, but tomorrow is another hard day. You never know.”
How to watch La Vuelta 2026 on TV and live streamWatch every stage of La Vuelta live on TNT Sports and HBO Max.
Orla Chennaoui will once again front the live coverage, with Adam Blythe and Matt Stephens on analysis duty throughout the race.
Rob Hatch, Sean Kelly and Matt Winston will join Blythe and Stephens in the commentary booth, while Robbie McEwen arrives in week three.
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