A shocking winner, a scorching Vuelta and a red alert: Even Mas called for a slowdown

A fountain park on the outskirts of Jaén offered at least the appearance of relief as temperatures climbed to 41 degrees Celsius at the start of the Vuelta's 14th stage.

Amid reports of more riders collapsing in the heat, cyclists debated what would happen next. The extreme conditions raised the question of whether the heatwave would overwhelm both the race and the riders, leaving them struggling as if on a hot stove.