Vuelta Espana: Van Aert Triumphs Amidst Intense Competition

Vuelta Espana Stage Overview

Kaden Groves has been narrowly beaten to a second successive stage win in the Vuelta Espana with race leader Wout van Aert avenging the Australian's second stage success. The Belgian (Visma-Lease a Bike) was pipped to the line by Groves (Alpecin-Deceuninck) on Sunday, but he reversed the standings on Monday, also ensuring he held on to the leader's jersey. As the stage reached a climax, Van Aert latched on to Groves' wheel, enabling him to get the jump on Groves as the pair went for the line.

Key Performances

• Van Aert: Increased overall lead to 13 seconds over American Brandon McNulty
• Aberasturi Izaga: Finished third in a bunch sprint
• Groves: Currently second in the points race

The early part of the stage was dominated by a four-man breakaway group, which included Luis Angel Mate, the oldest rider in the race at 40. But it was his Euskaltel-Euskadi colleague, Xabier Isasa, who held out the longest, being finally reeled in with 20 kilometers left to ride, setting up the expected sprint finish.

Looking Ahead

With precious few sprint stages left in the Vuelta Espana, Van Aert pulled out all the stops to ensure he was not denied for a second successive stage. Tuesday's stage four brings the race to Spain after the opening period in Portugal, covering 170.5 km from Plasencia to Pico Villuercas. Van Aert remarked, 'Unfortunately, the fun is over; tomorrow I'll be happy to give the role of team leader over to Sepp and Cian.'