A violent hailstorm in Font-Romeu stopped LaVuelta with 15 km left. Cyclists abandoned their bikes and sought shelter. The stage was neutralized and the podium ceremony cancelled due to safety concerns.
LaVuelta faced an abrupt interruption in Font-Romeu after a sudden and intense hailstorm made it impossible for the race to continue safely. As the peloton climbed toward the finish, a heavy downpour quickly escalated into a barrage of hail, forcing riders to dismount and seek immediate shelter in nearby buildings. The storm, accompanied by thunder and a sharp drop in temperature, created hazardous conditions that left organizers with no choice but to neutralize the stage with 15 kilometers remaining.
Race officials acted swiftly as the weather deteriorated, prioritizing the safety of all participants. Tadej Pogacar, leading the general classification, was seen signaling for the race to stop as the group approached the final climb. The severity of the hailstorm left cyclists scattered, many taking refuge in restaurants and private homes along the route. The two breakaway riders, Lorenzo Fortunato (XDS Astana Team) and Mats Wenzel (Equipo Kern Pharma), were also halted by race judges and escorted to safety.
The impact of the storm extended beyond the race itself. The traditional podium ceremony was cancelled, and the times from the stage will not count toward the overall standings. Pogacar retains the red jersey, with Wout van Aert trailing by nine seconds. Among the Spanish riders, Pablo Torres and Carlos Rodríguez remain the best placed, both 31 seconds behind Pogacar as the race heads toward Andorra.
Unpredictable weather has affected several sporting events in the region this season. Earlier, a rare Atlantic storm brought heavy rains and weather alerts to northern Spain, disrupting plans and prompting authorities to issue warnings for Catalonia and the Balearic Islands. More details on recent weather disruptions can be found in this report on severe August storms in northern Spain.
Looking ahead, forecasts suggest a return to sunny conditions for the next stage in Andorra. Organizers and teams will be monitoring the weather closely, as sudden changes have already demonstrated their ability to reshape the race. The events in Font-Romeu highlight the unpredictable nature of mountain stages and the importance of rapid decision-making to protect athletes and staff.
