Cyclists take cover as hailstorm forces La Vuelta stage cancellation

A sudden and intense hailstorm brought the third stage of the Vuelta a España cycling race to an abrupt halt in the French Pyrenees. The stage, covering 174 kilometers from Gruissan to Font-Romeu, was abandoned with just 15 kilometers left as massive hailstones began pelting the riders and covering the tarmac.

As the peloton approached the summit of the Col de Mont-Louis, the weather turned dramatically. Riders, including race leader Tadej Pogacar, were seen signaling to stop. Those caught in the downpour dismounted their bikes and sought refuge in a nearby hotel as the road became impassable.

Race organizers, ASO, officially announced the stage would not resume, leaving spectators at the finish line frustrated. Despite the chaotic end, Pogacar, representing UAE Emirates-XRG, maintained his overall lead of nine seconds over Wout van Aert of Dutch Visma-Lease a Bike. Matt Brennan of Great Britain trails by 10 seconds.

The unexpected weather event curtailed what was anticipated to be a challenging stage with several climbs. Pogacar, aiming to win the Vuelta for the first time, will have another opportunity to extend his lead on Tuesday during stage four, which features three first-category climbs and will start and finish in Andorra la Vella.