More
Checking your session
Tadej Pogacar secures a commanding victory in the fourth stage of the Vuelta a Espana, extending his lead in the general classification.
New Delhi, India Aug 25, 2026 ALN: Tadej Pogacar took a huge step towards winning the Vuelta a Espana for the first time and completing his Grand Tour collection as he powered to a resounding victory in the fourth stage on Tuesday.
The Slovenian sped away from his rivals with 50km remaining in Andorra la Vella and finished the 104.8km mountainous stage in two hours 40 minutes 35 seconds, two minutes and 39 seconds ahead of Jarno Widar - the largest margin of victory of Pogacar's Grand Tour career. This performance not only underscores Pogacar's exceptional climbing ability but also highlights his tactical acumen, as he managed to time his attack perfectly, capitalizing on the fatigue of his competitors.
Pogacar began the day at the top of the general classification with a narrow nine-second lead. By the end of the stage, he had extended that advantage to an impressive three minutes and 21 seconds. This commanding lead places him in an enviable position as he looks to secure his first Vuelta title, which would round out his collection of Grand Tour victories. Winning all three Grand ToursâTour de France, Giro d'Italia, and Vuelta a Espanaâwould solidify his status as one of the 's all-time greats.
"It's super good because now I can be calm and confident for the next days," said Pogacar, who remains on course to become the first rider since 1994 to lead a Grand Tour from start to finish. This statement reflects his mental state as he navigates the pressures of leading a major event. The psychological aspect of is often as crucial as physical prowess, and Pogacar's confidence could play a significant role in his performance in the coming stages.
"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 added, emphasizing his approach of taking the race one day at a time. This methodical mindset can help mitigate the overwhelming nature of a multi-stage race, where each day presents new challenges and potential pitfalls.
Pogacar's decisive move came after a cautious start to the stage. Following the abandonment of the third stage due to severe hailstorms in the French Pyrenees, riders had to adapt quickly to the changing conditions. Pogacar sat in the third peloton, about 32 seconds behind the leading group, before making his move. Lorenzo Fortunato of UCI WorldTeam XDS Astana led across the summit of the first mountain pass to collect the mountain points, showcasing the competitive nature of the race and the importance of climbing skills in stage wins.
With 50km remaining, the UAE Team Emirates-XRG rider surged uphill, showcasing his exceptional climbing talent. He began his descent from the second climb with a lead of 90 seconds, a significant gap that he would build upon as he raced alone towards the finish line. This victory marks the longest Grand Tour solo win of his career, surpassing the previous record he set on the Col du Tourmalet during the Tour de France. Such performances not only enhance his reputation but also serve as a testament to his training and preparation leading up to this event.
At one point during the stage, Pogacar's lead stretched to nearly three minutes, demonstrating his superiority over the competition that day. However, a chasing group that included Widar and fellow Slovenian Primoz Roglic managed to claw back some time, highlighting the relentless nature of professional where competitors are always looking for opportunities to close gaps.
Roglic, a seasoned competitor, replaced Wout van Aertâwho finished 24 minutes and 35 seconds off the paceâin second place in the general classification. This change in standings reflects the dynamic nature of the race, where fortunes can shift dramatically from one stage to the next. Spaniard Enric Mas currently sits in third place, also vying for a podium finish in this prestigious event.
Looking ahead, the Vuelta a Espana continues with stage five, which spans 173.3km and begins in Falset near Tarragona, an area that also experienced severe hail on Monday. The stage will test the riders as they navigate the hilly terrain before finishing in Roquetes. Each stage presents unique challenges, and the riders must remain vigilant and adaptable to maintain their positions in the overall classification.
Vuelta a Espana stage four results:
As the Vuelta continues, all eyes will be on Pogacar to see if he can maintain his lead and make history by leading from start to finish, a feat that has not been accomplished in nearly three decades. The implications of his performance extend beyond just this race; they could redefine expectations for future Grand Tours and elevate Pogacar's status within the community.
To learn more about the latest developments in Cycling, stay updated with our exclusive reports and analyses on AILensNews.