![\"PAL,](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/fTiz75ijUKraX6mpDH8sz.jpg\")
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2025-08-28T15:45:41.792Z<\/p>\n
Thanks for joining us today, for an exciting first GC sort out of the Vuelta. We\u2019ll get to do it all over again tomorrow, for an even more mountainous stage in the Pyrenees, including another big summit finish.<\/p>\n
The race for the red jersey has begun in earnest – be sure to return tomorrow to follow all the action.<\/p>\n
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(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/p>\n
2025-08-28T15:42:36.430Z<\/p>\n
Vingegaard and Ciccone briefly looked like the strongest riders on the climb when they attacked out of the group of favourites and got a gap, before being dragged back. Will that be a sign of things to come on the more selective summit finishes?<\/p>\n
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(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/p>\n
2025-08-28T15:39:39.083Z<\/p>\n
Ayuso’s collapse also means that Pelizzari takes over the best young rider.<\/p>\n
2025-08-28T15:38:05.412Z<\/p>\n
As for the other jerseys, Vine took enough points in winning the stage to lead the mountains classification, while Pedersen retains the green jersey.<\/p>\n
2025-08-28T15:36:13.276Z<\/p>\n
The group of favourites, as they approached the finish.<\/p>\n
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(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/p>\n
2025-08-28T15:33:08.463Z<\/p>\n
While Almeida was the only UAE rider to finish in the group of favourites, Visma-Lease a Bike had three, with Kuss and Jorgenson accompanying Vingegaard. It seems that not only do they have the strongest rider at this race, but also the strongest team – contrary to expectations of how UAE would ride.<\/p>\n
2025-08-28T15:29:52.808Z<\/p>\n
Juan Ayuso eventually finished with his teammate Felix Gro\u00dfschartner, a whole 7:32 after the group of favourites. That’s his red jersey aspirations well and truly over for another year, and he’ll surely revert to a domestique role in support of Almeida.<\/p>\n
2025-08-28T15:25:21.321Z<\/p>\n
Perhaps the story of the day is Torstein Tr\u00e6en. Just a few years ago the Norwegian was diagnosed with cancer. Thankfully it was diagnosed and treated quickly, but to go from there to leading one of cycling’s biggest races is some recovery.<\/p>\n
A year after testicular cancer, Torstein Tr\u00e6en on the attack at Tour of the Alps<\/a><\/p>\n 2025-08-28T15:22:22.584Z<\/p>\n In a group just under 30 seconds behind the group of favourites were Landa, Soler, Gadu, O’Connor and Buitrago.<\/p>\n 2025-08-28T15:19:07.996Z<\/p>\n Results powered by FirstCycling.com<\/a><\/p>\n <\/p>\n 2025-08-28T15:18:25.240Z<\/p>\n The 12 riders who finished together in the red jersey group were: Vingegaard, Almeida, Ciccone, Bernal, Hindley, Pellizari, Tiberi, Gall, Pidcock, Riccitello, Jorgenson and Kuss.<\/p>\n 2025-08-28T15:14:59.807Z<\/p>\n \n (Image credit: Getty Images)<\/p>\n 2025-08-28T15:14:44.867Z<\/p>\n It’s confirmed that Torstein Tr\u00e6en has taken the red jersey from Jonas Vingegaard.<\/p>\n 2025-08-28T15:14:19.957Z<\/p>\n A group containing Gaudu and O’Connor arrive, a few seconds behind.<\/p>\n 2025-08-28T15:14:00.986Z<\/p>\n Almeida leads the sprint for the line, but doesn’t force a gap. All 11 riders finish on the same time.<\/p>\n 2025-08-28T15:13:13.354Z<\/p>\n Jorgenson takes over as the enter the final few hundred metres.<\/p>\n 2025-08-28T15:12:55.109Z<\/p>\n As is Tiberi and Jorgenson.<\/p>\n 2025-08-28T15:12:36.177Z<\/p>\n Pidcock, Hindley, Ricitello are all here.<\/p>\n 2025-08-28T15:12:18.078Z<\/p>\n Kuss leads the group for Vingegaard. There are about 12 riders in it.<\/p>\n 2025-08-28T15:11:53.951Z<\/p>\n Another attack sees Almeida, Vingegaard, Ciccone, Bernal, Gall go clear briefly, but are brought back by the rest of the group.<\/p>\n 2025-08-28T15:11:19.992Z<\/p>\n Vingegaard and Ciccone were dragged back by a group containing Almeida, and now there are about ten riders in the group of favourites.<\/p>\n 2025-08-28T15:10:44.629Z<\/p>\n Meanwhile the man currently wearing red, Vingegaard, has been caught by the chase group.<\/p>\n 2025-08-28T15:10:19.771Z<\/p>\n Tr\u00e6en finishes second, 54 seconds later. That will surely be enough for the red jersey.<\/p>\n 2025-08-28T15:09:53.337Z<\/p>\n Now here comes Torstein Tr\u00e6en for second place.<\/p>\n 2025-08-28T15:09:26.914Z<\/p>\n Jay Vine crosses the line, and has time to celebrate as he takes the stage win!<\/p>\n VINE WINS<\/p>\n 2025-08-28T15:08:43.673Z<\/p>\n There are about a dozen riders in the chase group behind Vingegaard and Ciccone.<\/p>\n 2025-08-28T15:08:04.222Z<\/p>\n Vine only has 1km to ride, he’s nearing the stage win. Tr\u00e6en is riding for the second and into the red jersey.<\/p>\n 1KM TO GO<\/p>\n 2025-08-28T15:07:30.742Z<\/p>\n Vingegaard is taking a turn, he’s happy to work with Ciccone as they try to ride away.<\/p>\n 2025-08-28T15:07:04.745Z<\/p>\n Buitrago, Tiberi and Kuss are in a small group behind Ciccone and Vingegaard.<\/p>\n 2025-08-28T15:06:16.576Z<\/p>\n The first attack from the peloton has been made! Vingegaard is on Ciccone’s wheel.<\/p>\n CICCONE ATTACKS<\/p>\n 2025-08-28T15:05:21.317Z<\/p>\n Only 2km left for Vine. His lead over Tr\u00e6en has gone down to just over 40 seconds, but it’s not coming down quickly enough to deny Vine the stage win.<\/p>\n 2025-08-28T15:04:36.327Z<\/p>\n Ayuso is the only major GC favourites to have been dropped out of the peloton.<\/p>\n 2025-08-28T15:03:33.330Z<\/p>\n The peloton is thinning now after the work done from Lidl. There are only about 30 riders left.<\/p>\n 2025-08-28T15:01:23.501Z<\/p>\n Vine’s 3km from the top, and still has a lead of 50 seconds over Tr\u00e6en.<\/p>\n 2025-08-28T15:00:14.275Z<\/p>\n Lidl continue to set the pace in the peloton, and are burning through riders, Verona the latest to swing off. It seems they’re setting something up for Ciccone.<\/p>\n 2025-08-28T14:58:57.984Z<\/p>\n The peloton is still very large, with dozens of riders still in it and the pace still relatively low. Ayuso must be on a really bad day.<\/p>\n 2025-08-28T14:57:52.648Z<\/p>\n Ayuso is indeed struggling – he’s been dropped!<\/p>\n AYUSO DROPPED<\/p>\n 2025-08-28T14:57:23.445Z<\/p>\n Even if he doesn’t catch Vine, Tr\u00e6en does still stand to become the new new overall leader.<\/p>\n 2025-08-28T14:56:48.007Z<\/p>\n Tr\u00e6en has made some inroads on Vine, but not by much – he’s still 50 seconds behind.<\/p>\n 2025-08-28T14:56:08.240Z<\/p>\n Juan Ayuso is right at the back of the peloton. Is he struggling, or just happier to ride there?<\/p>\n 2025-08-28T14:55:03.010Z<\/p>\n Tr\u00e6en attacks from the chase group, and has a gap.<\/p>\n 2025-08-28T14:53:58.204Z<\/p>\n Lidl-Trek take over at the front of the peloton for the first time on this climb.<\/p>\n 2025-08-28T14:53:37.993Z<\/p>\n He’s not managed to though, and Fortunato takes over the pace-setting.<\/p>\n 2025-08-28T14:53:16.989Z<\/p>\n Castrillo’s attack brought the chase group down to 6 riders, and he’s attacking again to try and further reduce it.<\/p>\n 2025-08-28T14:52:40.672Z<\/p>\n The peloton are climbing, but the pace still isn’t too high. They won’t be contesting the stage win today.<\/p>\n 2025-08-28T14:50:14.802Z<\/p>\n The chase group all came back together after those attacks, but Castrillo is trying again to force a selection.<\/p>\n 2025-08-28T14:49:07.739Z<\/p>\n Jay Vine at the front of the race, who’s increased his lead yet more to one minute.<\/p>\n \n (Image credit: Getty Images)<\/p>\n 2025-08-28T14:47:51.092Z<\/p>\n Decathlon have taken over at the front of the peloton as they near the start of the climb. Their leader Felix Gall must be feeling good.<\/p>\n 2025-08-28T14:46:45.458Z<\/p>\n Shaw also joins them.<\/p>\n 2025-08-28T14:46:31.742Z<\/p>\n Fortunato and Tr\u00e6en follow Castrillo, and Ryan bridges up to them.<\/p>\n 2025-08-28T14:45:52.115Z<\/p>\n Finally there’s movement in the chase group as they begin the climb, with Castrillo attacking.<\/p>\n 2025-08-28T14:45:29.652Z<\/p>\n Vine’s on the final climb now, which will rise at 6.5% for 9.6km.<\/p>\n FINAL CLIMB – PAL<\/p>\n 2025-08-28T14:44:39.818Z<\/p>\n Vine leads by 55 seconds over the chase group, and 4:52 over the peloton. He’s the hot favourite for the stage win as things stand.<\/p>\n 10KM TO GO<\/p>\n 2025-08-28T14:43:54.105Z<\/p>\n The gradient\u2019s eased off, just before the official start of the final climb.<\/p>\n 2025-08-28T14:42:49.394Z<\/p>\n Vine\u2019s lead is getting bigger and bigger. It\u2019s now at 45 seconds, even before the official start of the climb. Those in the group behind will have to respond soon if they have hopes of still winning this stage.<\/p>\n 2025-08-28T14:41:09.169Z<\/p>\n Red Bull are challenging Visma for the space at the front of the peloton, as they approach the start of the climb.<\/p>\n 2025-08-28T14:39:34.446Z<\/p>\n Visma-Lease a Bike continue to control the peloton.<\/p>\n \n (Image credit: Getty Images)<\/p>\n 2025-08-28T14:38:16.162Z<\/p>\n 30 seconds now for Vine.<\/p>\n 2025-08-28T14:36:46.388Z<\/p>\n Vine’s growing his lead, up to 20 seconds. He’s the best climber in the break on paper, and is showing it already. The only question is whether he’s gone too early.<\/p>\n 2025-08-28T14:36:07.746Z<\/p>\n The break’s finished descending already, and are climbing again, on an uphill section just before the official start of the final climb.<\/p>\n 2025-08-28T14:34:29.247Z<\/p>\n Ra\u00fal Garc\u00eda Pierna’s brief venture is over, as he’s brought back by the peloton.<\/p>\n 2025-08-28T14:32:32.676Z<\/p>\n Vine himself has a lead of about 10 seconds over the rest of the break..<\/p>\n 2025-08-28T14:32:15.278Z<\/p>\n Vine’s pressing on, perhaps out of fear of the peloton – they’ve brought the rest of the break down to four minutes now.<\/p>\n 20KM TO GO<\/p>\n 2025-08-28T14:30:55.709Z<\/p>\n Meanwhile at the front, Almeida\u2019s UAE teammate Jay Vine was first over the summit on the climb, and has continued pressing on, and is now alone at the front.<\/p>\n KOM – ALTO DE LA COMELLA <\/p>\n 2025-08-28T14:30:02.649Z<\/p>\n Hold on – it seems Almeida’s problem was merely a mechanical one. He’s just changed bikes, and looks happy.<\/p>\n 2025-08-28T14:29:30.343Z<\/p>\n We’ve seen him do this kind of thing many times, preferring to ride at his own pace, but this is very early for him to be dropped, and the pace in the peloton isn’t especially high, with many riders still in it.<\/p>\n 2025-08-28T14:28:35.667Z<\/p>\n A potentially big development here – Jo\u00e3o Almeida has been dropped out of the peloton.<\/p>\n ALMEIDA DROPPED<\/p>\n 2025-08-28T14:27:40.102Z<\/p>\n Armirail is struggling to hang on at the back of the group.<\/p>\n 2025-08-28T14:27:23.969Z<\/p>\n The break is near the summit, they’ll be sprinting for the points soon.<\/p>\n 2025-08-28T14:23:38.790Z<\/p>\n Pedersen’s work is done, and he drops out the back of the peloton.<\/p>\n 2025-08-28T14:23:19.496Z<\/p>\n On the climb, Visma have taken over control again. The gap to the break decreased a lot in that quick run-in to the foot, down another minute to 4:10. The break aren’t guaranteed the stage win\u2026<\/p>\n 2025-08-28T14:21:59.447Z<\/p>\n Ra\u00fal Garc\u00eda Pierna has attacked from the peloton as they begin the climb. Does he not know that there’s a break so far up the road?<\/p>\n 2025-08-28T14:21:07.861Z<\/p>\n The rain has started pouring again on this climb.<\/p>\n 2025-08-28T14:20:52.142Z<\/p>\n Actually, Pedersen is more interested in working for his GC leader Ciccone than the sprint. He didn’t sprint for any points, but did lead the peloton afterwards with the Italian on his wheel.<\/p>\n 2025-08-28T14:19:20.343Z<\/p>\n Fortunato went through the intermediate sprint first, but there wasn\u2019t interest in the group for it. There is interest in the peloton for the few points still available, however – Mads Pedersen\u2019s Trek team are keeping him near the front as they approach it.<\/p>\n 2025-08-28T14:17:33.362Z<\/p>\n A DNF to report – Koen Bouwman of Jayco AlUla.<\/p>\n 2025-08-28T14:16:48.577Z<\/p>\n The GC teams are battling for position in the peloton, and the gap is as a result coming down, for the first time in a while – it\u2019s at 5:20.<\/p>\n 2025-08-28T14:15:38.224Z<\/p>\n The break swings right and the gradient ramps up, as they officially begin the Alto de la Comella.<\/p>\n 2025-08-28T14:12:49.457Z<\/p>\n The break is only a couple of kilometres away from the start of the climb. It rises for 4.2km at 8% – steep enough perhaps for the stronger climbers in it to stop distancing the weaker ones.<\/p>\n 2025-08-28T14:10:38.817Z<\/p>\n One more GC man to keep an eye out for today – Felix Gall. He\u2019s well set in 12th at 25 seconds, and if he\u2019s not too fatigued from his effort to finish fifth at the Tour de France last month, should be up there on the final climb.<\/p>\n 2025-08-28T14:09:00.851Z<\/p>\n One of the pre-race favourites for the red jersey, Antonio Tiberi, has had a difficult start to his GC bid, finishing just outside of the big main group of favourites on stage two\u2019s first uphill finish. That\u2019s left him with some ground to make up already, down in 25th place at 58 seconds; if he\u2019s still lacking form, his teammate Santiago Buitrago could take over as Bahrain\u2019s GC leader.<\/p>\n 2025-08-28T14:08:06.700Z<\/p>\n 6:45 is the break’s lead, as they continue the draggy approach to the foot of the day’s penultimate climb – the category two Alto de la Comella.<\/p>\n 30KM TO GO<\/p>\n 2025-08-28T14:04:06.182Z<\/p>\n Is Mikel Landa really prioritising stage wins over GC at this Vuelta? That\u2019s what he said at the beginning of the race, but he\u2019s quietly been finishing towards the back of the group of favourites on the uphill finishes so far, and even after Soudal-QuickStep\u2019s low finish of 18th yesterday, is still a not too distant 56 seconds down on GC. Today could be definitive on whether he is going to be a GC contender, or lose enough tim to start targeting breaks.<\/p>\n 2025-08-28T14:00:52.359Z<\/p>\n The break\u2019s just crossed the border out of Spain and into Andorra – the fourth different country the race has visited this edition.<\/p>\n 2025-08-28T13:57:59.564Z<\/p>\n This is set to be a big day in Tomas Pidcock\u2019s hoped-for GC bid. The Brit has had a disappointing race so far in terms of stage-hunting, but remains up there on the overall classification in 13th at 30 seconds, after a solid team time trial by his Q36.5 team.<\/p>\n Big mountain days like this are his main weakness when it comes to GC challenges, and, although today\u2019s is neither the longest or steepest they will take on this Vuelta, if he can stay with the favourites on it it will be a big boost for his ambitions.<\/p>\n ‘The last 5 kilometres were horrible’ \u2013 Tom Pidcock embraces pain as Q36.5 Pro Cycling punch above weight in Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a team time trial<\/a><\/p>\n 2025-08-28T13:54:09.018Z<\/p>\n The slowing in the pace is reflected in the gap, which is now at 6:15. The road will soon change from a very gradual downhill to a very gradual uphill.<\/p>\n 40KM TO GO<\/p>\n 2025-08-28T13:50:13.155Z<\/p>\n The pace is slow enough in the peloton for many raiders to engage in relaxed conversations. Mads Pederser and Jonas Vingegaard are exchanging words, very conspicuously in their respective green and red jerseys.<\/p>\n 2025-08-28T13:48:12.841Z<\/p>\n Yesterday\u2019s red jersey wearer David Gaudu lost some ground yesterday as his Groupama team finished down in ninth on the team time trial, but has looked in fine knick. He\u2019s got great punchy legs – but how are his climbing legs? We\u2019ll find out today.<\/p>\n 2025-08-28T13:43:36.480Z<\/p>\n More riders are dropping back in the peloton to their team cars to shed some rain gear. The weather does appear very changeable though, so they may be back sometime to retrieve it again.<\/p>\n 2025-08-28T13:41:09.877Z<\/p>\n 5:30 now for the break. The peloton aren’t committing to a chase on this gentle downhill in the valley.<\/p>\n 50KM TO GO<\/p>\n 2025-08-28T13:37:10.140Z<\/p>\n Egan Bernal slipped a few places on GC from fourth to tenth following Ineos\u2019 underwhelming finish at yesterday\u2019s team time trial, but remains firmly in contention for a high overall finish, and has been one of the most impressive riders of the Vuelta so far.<\/p>\n The cycling world would collectively love the Colombian to return to his best – following his seventh overall at the Giro, today\u2019s stage will give us the best indication yet of whether he has indeed improved some more.<\/p>\n ‘We couldn’t maintain it to the finish’ \u2013 Ineos Grenadiers fade to fifth after rapid start to Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a TTT, but ‘it was a really brave ride’<\/a><\/p>\n 2025-08-28T13:30:11.734Z<\/p>\n A reminder that Torstein Tr\u00e6en is the best placed rider on GC in the break, in 26th at 58 seconds.<\/p>\n 2025-08-28T13:28:58.177Z<\/p>\n The break’s lead is nearly at five minutes now, with 60km to go. Visma continue to lead the peloton, but seem happy to let the break have the stage win today – and possibly also the red jersey.<\/p>\n 60KM TO GO<\/p>\n 2025-08-28T13:27:06.310Z<\/p>\n The rain has eased off for now, and riders have been shedding layers.<\/p>\n 2025-08-28T13:24:39.345Z<\/p>\n Many eyes will be on Giulio Ciccone on the final climb. Excellent pre-race form saw him bigged up as a potential red jersey contender, and he\u2019s supported that idea with a strong start to the race, which sees him begin the stage today in fifth overall. But he\u2019s never before managed to put together a sustained GC bid at a Grand Tour, with a career-high finish of 11th at the Tour de France last year.<\/p>\n Whether or not this year will be different could become much more apparent based on how well he does on today\u2019s stage.<\/p>\n \n (Image credit: Getty Images)<\/p>\n 2025-08-28T13:19:13.082Z<\/p>\n Things are still looking promising for the break. They’re lead’s gone up a bit more as they ride the shallower part of this descent, to 4:15.<\/p>\n 70KM TO GO<\/p>\n 2025-08-28T13:15:04.507Z<\/p>\n A few issues for Fortunato in the break as he tries to sort something with his shoe. This bad weather is making everything more difficult and stressful for the riders.<\/p>\n 2025-08-28T13:12:00.806Z<\/p>\n It will be interesting to see how Red Bull-Bora Hansgrohe go today. They\u2019ve ridden a good race so far, with fourth in yesterday\u2019s team time trial (despite Matteo Sobrero\u2019s crash) helping keep their GC men Jai Hindley and Giulio Pellizzari up there on GC, in eighth and ninth respectively. We\u2019ll get a good idea today of whether either rider are genuine contenders for the red jersey.<\/p>\n ‘You’re on a knife-edge, mistakes can and do happen’ \u2013 Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe regroup to fourth after nasty Sobrero crash in Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a TTT<\/a><\/p>\n \n (Image credit: Getty Images)<\/p>\n 2025-08-28T13:07:25.380Z<\/p>\n The rain has eased a bit, while the break’s lead grows to four minutes – the biggest it’s been all day.<\/p>\n 80KM TO GO<\/p>\n 2025-08-28T13:03:53.630Z<\/p>\n Vingegaard also said that he anticipates being attacked today – but from who? Certainly UAE Team Emirates are the most likely candidates, with Almeida, Ayuso and Soler all poised to give him headaches.<\/p>\n \n (Image credit: Getty Images)<\/p>\n 2025-08-28T13:00:40.135Z<\/p>\n The rain is fluctuating in how heavy it\u2019s falling. Right now it\u2019s pouring heavily on the break, making this descent very complicated. Thankfully for them, it\u2019s not too steep a gradient.<\/p>\n 2025-08-28T12:59:41.421Z<\/p>\n Still a healthy lead of 3:50 for the break as they continue to descend.<\/p>\n 90KM TO GO<\/p>\n 2025-08-28T12:59:11.742Z<\/p>\n Visma-Lease a Bike have controlled the stage for much of the day. Jonas Vingegaard has identified this as an important GC day, s owe can ecepct him to make a move on the final climb.<\/p>\n ‘Thursday is the first proper hard stage’ – Jonas Vingegaard looks ahead to mountains after regaining Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a lead in team time trial<\/a><\/p>\n \n (Image credit: Getty Images)<\/p>\n 2025-08-28T12:50:48.694Z<\/p>\n 3:45 now for the break as they go down this descent.<\/p>\n 100KM TO GO<\/p>\n 2025-08-28T12:49:42.627Z<\/p>\n Vervaeke was the first rider to the summit of the climb, meaning he now leads the King of the Mountains. Vine, Fortunato, Garofoli and Shaw took the rest of the points, meaning the virtual classification looks like this:<\/p>\n 1 Vervaeke 20<\/p>\n 2 Nicolau 11<\/p>\n 3 Quinn 9<\/p>\n 4 Vine 9<\/p>\n 5 Verre 8<\/p>\n KOM – COLLADA DE TOSES<\/p>\n 2025-08-28T12:46:34.996Z<\/p>\n The riders have crested the climb, the break 3:40 ahead of the peloton. Now comes a long, gradual descent.<\/p>\n 2025-08-28T12:44:15.280Z<\/p>\n \n (Image credit: Getty Images)<\/p>\n 2025-08-28T12:40:22.121Z<\/p>\n Not long now until the break reaches the summit.<\/p>\n 2025-08-28T12:35:14.992Z<\/p>\n Around 3:30 now for the leaders as they near the top of the climb. The peloton are happy to have them up the road for now.<\/p>\n 110KM TO GO<\/p>\n 2025-08-28T12:31:39.648Z<\/p>\n \n (Image credit: Getty Images)<\/p>\n 2025-08-28T12:25:21.463Z<\/p>\n The break’s lead has grown a little more, now up to almost three minutes.<\/p>\n 2025-08-28T12:23:52.170Z<\/p>\n The weather has taken a bit of a turn, as you can see from the wet roads and different outerwear.<\/p>\n \n (Image credit: Getty Images)<\/p>\n 2025-08-28T12:18:30.977Z<\/p>\n Visma Lease-a-Bike are leading the peloton at a steady pace on this climb. They’ve been at the front of t for much of the day.<\/p>\n 2025-08-28T12:12:55.466Z<\/p>\n Incidentally, Torstein Tr\u00e6en is currently the virtual red jersey, down only 58 seconds on GC. In fact, he, Armirail, Vervaeke and Fortunato are all within two minutes of Vingegaard. This could make their survival to the finish difficult, if the GC teams are feeling cautious and worried about the threat they might pose if allowed too much time.<\/p>\n 2025-08-28T12:10:58.700Z<\/p>\n The Collada de Toses is very long, lasting 24.4km, but the average gradient of just 3.5% isn\u2019t proving to be selective.<\/p>\n 2025-08-28T12:09:14.803Z<\/p>\n The race is in a holding pattern on this mountain, the break maintaining a lead of about 2:30 over the peloton, from which no attacks have been made.<\/p>\n 120KM TO GO<\/p>\n 2025-08-28T12:00:52.123Z<\/p>\n Things are looking good for the break. Their lead is growing as they ascend the lower slopes of the climb, and now have about 2:15 over the peloton.<\/p>\n 2025-08-28T11:57:08.253Z<\/p>\n \n (Image credit: Getty Images)<\/p>\n 2025-08-28T11:54:06.717Z<\/p>\n The riders have spent the past few kilometres going uphill again, and will soon be officially on the Collada de Toses. The break\u2019s lead has grown to 1:50, which might be small enough to encourage some teams and riders who have missed out to attempt their own move.<\/p>\n 130KM TO GO<\/p>\n 2025-08-28T11:47:15.545Z<\/p>\n The ten riders in the day’s break.<\/p>\n \n (Image credit: Getty Images)<\/p>\n 2025-08-28T11:43:55.923Z<\/p>\n The break’s lead has grown some more, but not by much – as they ride through the valley, it’s at about 1-20.<\/p>\n 140KM TO GO<\/p>\n 2025-08-28T11:43:01.427Z<\/p>\n It\u2019l be fascinating to see how UAE use their three-pronged GC attack against Vingegaard and the rest of the field today. Will they be able to make use of their numerical advantage, or is this a recipe for disharmony? They were certainly delighted with how yesterday went, but will want to build on that success today.<\/p>\n ‘I kept smashing at the pedals’ – Jo\u00e3o Almeida and Juan Ayuso close on leader Jonas Vingegaard at Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a after UAE claim spectacular TTT victory<\/a><\/p>\n \n (Image credit: Getty Images)<\/p>\n 2025-08-28T11:35:40.459Z<\/p>\n Jay Vine\u2019s presence in the break is interesting in terms of his UAE team\u2019s strategy. The team moved three riders into the top four on GC following yesterday\u2019s team time trial stage win, but Vine himself is way down having lost time in the opening stages. He won\u2019t therefore be able to put pressure directly on Vingegaard, but could help his teammates Ayuso, Almeida and Soler later in the stage if they need it.<\/p>\n 2025-08-28T11:31:22.237Z<\/p>\n The break has increased its lead on the descent and subsequent flat roads, to just over a minute. This could be the break of the day – although things could still change on the upcoming category one Collada de Toses, if it hasn\u2019t built enough of a lead by then.<\/p>\n 150KM TO GO<\/p>\n 2025-08-28T11:27:08.126Z<\/p>\n Weather-wise it\u2019s a warm, pleasant day in the saddle, with the temperature at a bit more than 20 degrees.<\/p>\n 2025-08-28T11:23:41.731Z<\/p>\n Vervaeke has already been chasing KOM points, and is closing in on Joel Nicolau\u2019s lead. But if Vine is putting his mind to it, he\u2019ll be a real candidate for the jersey given his climbing calibre. Here are the new rankings:<\/p>\n 1 Nicolau 11<\/p>\n 2 Vervaeke 10<\/p>\n 3 Quinn 9<\/p>\n 4 Verre 8<\/p>\n 5 Vingegaard 5<\/p>\n 2025-08-28T11:21:38.945Z<\/p>\n Jay Vine won the sprint at the top of the summit, with Vervaeke in second and Fortunato in third.<\/p>\n 2025-08-28T11:19:56.771Z<\/p>\n These are all ten of the riders in the break, which now leads by about 20 seconds:<\/p>\n Pablo Castrillo<\/p>\n Jay Vine<\/p>\n Bruno Armirail<\/p>\n Lorenzo Fortunato<\/p>\n Archie Ryan<\/p>\n James Shaw<\/p>\n Torstein Tr\u00e6en<\/p>\n Ramses Debruyne<\/p>\n Louis Vervaeke<\/p>\n Gianmarco Garofoli<\/p>\n 2025-08-28T11:18:21.592Z<\/p>\n The riders are over the top of the mountain and are now descending back down it.<\/p>\n KOM – COLLADA DE SENTIGOSA <\/p>\n 2025-08-28T11:15:34.162Z<\/p>\n Giro King of the Mountains winner Lorenzo Fortunato is also in this breakaway. You’d imagine he has his eyes on the KOM points coming up soon at the summit.<\/p>\n 2025-08-28T11:14:38.161Z<\/p>\n This group of riders have about 15 seconds on the peloton, as they near the top of the climb.<\/p>\n 160KM TO GO<\/p>\n 2025-08-28T11:13:03.709Z<\/p>\n Former Vuelta stage winners Jay Vine and Pablo Castrillo are also in it.<\/p>\n 2025-08-28T11:12:28.678Z<\/p>\n A few riders have a gap now, of about 10 seconds. Breakaway specialist Bruno Armirail is among them.<\/p>\n 2025-08-28T11:11:27.212Z<\/p>\n There still hasn\u2019t been a breakaway success at this year\u2019s Vuelta, but you sense today could be the best chance so far. Much will depend on the strength of the group that does eventually form, and the appetite among the GC contenders to chase them, but the riders will be fighting to get into this break knowing they\u2019re in with a shot.<\/p>\n 2025-08-28T11:07:58.502Z<\/p>\n There have been more attacks, but nothing has succeeded yet.<\/p>\n 2025-08-28T11:01:28.835Z<\/p>\n Collada de Sentigosa only rises at 4.2%, but will go on for a whole 11.1km, providing a decent amount of time for a break to try and form.<\/p>\n 2025-08-28T11:00:54.721Z<\/p>\n A quartet of riders broke clear on the early slopes of this time, but were quickly brought back.<\/p>\n 2025-08-28T11:00:10.154Z<\/p>\n The jersey wearers, at the unofficial start.<\/p>\n \n (Image credit: Getty Images)<\/p>\n 2025-08-28T10:57:08.714Z<\/p>\n And they’re off!<\/p>\n![\"PAL,](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/cAn62MwdZcojmTX8MTnANQ.jpg\")
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