Matthew Brennan Claims His Third Stage Win at the Vuelta a España

Matthew Brennan has turned his first appearance in a Grand Tour into an immediate breakthrough. The 21-year-old British sprinter claimed his third stage victory at the Vuelta a España on Wednesday, winning a mass sprint in Lorca.

The Visma-Lease a Bike rider finished ahead of France’s Bryan Coquard and Belgium’s Jordi Meeus after a flat 153.8-kilometre run from Cartagena to Lorca. His team controlled the closing kilometres, with Wout van Aert making the final lead-out move in the last kilometre before Brennan delivered the finish.

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I’m in a team full of huge champions. You have guys who have been on the podium of Grand Tours and won them, and you also have guys who have won major classics.

Brennan had already won the second and fifth stages. His third victory makes him the first rider since Tadej Pogačar at the 2019 Vuelta to win three stages on a first appearance in a Grand Tour.

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The guys did a fantastic job in those last 10 km to keep us in the right place, in the right position, away from trouble. And we crossed the line first, so we’re super happy.

“I’m in a team full of huge champions. You have guys who have been on the podium of Grand Tours and won them, and you also have guys who have won major classics,” Brennan said. He praised the team’s work over the final 10 kilometres and said he was grateful that his teammates continued to support him.

Enric Mas remains the race leader, but his defense of the red jersey faces a major test on Thursday. Riders will cover 167 kilometres from Vera to Calar Alto, including five climbs. The final 30 kilometres feature the first-category Alto de Velefique and the climb to Calar Alto, where the finish will stand. Primož Roglič is 1 minute 18 seconds behind Mas, Felix Gall is 1:39 back, and Richard Carapaz sits fifth overall at 3:26.

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The fact that they back me every time is an incredible opportunity, and I’m very grateful that they give everything for me.