Tadej Pogacar delivered a stunning performance during stage four of the Vuelta a España, achieving a solo victory in Andorra la Vella. The Slovenian cyclist, who is aiming to complete his Grand Tour collection by winning the Vuelta for the first time, broke away from the peloton with nearly 50 kilometers remaining, finishing the stage in a remarkable time of 2 hours, 40 minutes, and 35 seconds.
Race Highlights
Pogacar, who started the stage in the red jersey, demonstrated his climbing prowess by attacking on the road to the second climb. By the time he reached the final ascent, he had established a significant lead of 3 minutes and 12 seconds over his closest rivals. Jarno Widar secured second place, finishing 2 minutes and 39 seconds behind Pogacar, while Felix Gall took third.
General Classification
With this victory, Pogacar now leads the general classification by 3 minutes and 21 seconds over compatriot Primoz Roglic of Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe. Spain’s Enric Mas of Movistar trails Roglic by an additional 11 seconds.
Strategic Approach
Pogacar’s strategy during the race involved a patient start, as he remained in the third peloton for much of the opening climb, approximately 32 seconds behind the leading group. Early attackers were caught during the descent from the first mountain pass, where Lorenzo Fortunato of XDS Astana claimed maximum mountain points.
The Decisive Move
At the 50-kilometer mark, Pogacar made his decisive move, surging uphill and quickly distancing himself from a chasing group that included Mas, Roglic, Gall, Richard Carapaz, and Oscar Onley. This marked one of Pogacar’s longest solo attacks for a stage victory in a Grand Tour, reminiscent of his previous long-range efforts at the Tour de France and other Grand Tours.
Pogacar’s Reflections
After the race, Pogacar expressed his satisfaction with the outcome, stating, «It’s super good because now I can be calm and confident for the next days. We just keep going day by day and focus on each day after this, because it will be a little bit less stressful for sure.» He acknowledged the challenges of racing against other general classification contenders, emphasizing the importance of his successful attack.
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