Pogacar takes charge of peloton as extreme weather stops Vuelta stage
Tadej Pogačar took matters into his own hands during a chaotic finale to stage 3 of the Vuelta a España, moving to the front of the peloton and signalling for the race to stop as a severe hailstorm hit the Col de Mont-Louis.
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Heavy rain began with around 25 kilometres remaining before conditions deteriorated rapidly, with golf ball sized hailstones hitting the riders. Members of the red jersey group started seeking shelter in buildings along the roadside as continuing became increasingly unsafe.
Pogačar moved to the head of the race and appeared to take on the role of peloton patron, signalling that it was time to stop.
Shortly afterwards, organisers officially abandoned the stage with around 16 kilometres remaining.
It was not the first time Pogačar had stepped forward as the peloton’s unofficial patron.
At Tre Valli Varesine in October 2024, the race was hit by extreme rain and flooded roads, with Pogačar speaking to fellow riders, the UCI commissaire and race organisers as conditions worsened.
Shortly afterwards, the peloton came to a standstill, with Pogačar prominently positioned at the front as the riders decided it was no longer safe to continue.
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