Severe Hailstorm Forces Abandonment Of Vuelta a España Stage In France

A sudden and severe hailstorm has brought the 2026 Vuelta a España to a dramatic halt in Font-Romeu, France. Thick layers of hailstones blanketed the roads around the Col de Mont-Louis, creating dangerous racing conditions and severely reducing visibility. With around 15 kilometres remaining, riders, including race leader Tadej Pogačar, signaled for the race to be stopped as heavy hail continued to fall. The peloton sought shelter in nearby hotels and buildings before organizers officially canceled Stage 3 on safety grounds. No stage winner or time bonuses were awarded, meaning the general classification remained unchanged, with Pogačar retaining the red jersey ahead of Stage 4 in Andorra.