Tadej Pogačar produced a remarkable display of strength in the mountains to win Stage 4 of the 2026 Vuelta a España alone and significantly increase his advantage in the general classification. The Slovenian launched his decisive attack with around 50 kilometres remaining and never looked back.
The UAE Team Emirates-XRG rider made his move on the second climb, the Collada de Beixalis, where he quickly distanced his main rivals. Felix Gall initially attempted to respond, but Pogačar soon established a substantial gap and continued to extend it over the remaining climbs.
Pogačar completed the 104.8km mountain stage in Andorra la Vella with a winning margin of 2 minutes and 39 seconds. Jarno Widar took second after winning the sprint from the chasing group, while Gall finished third.
The victory strengthened Pogačar's position at the top of the overall standings. Primož Roglič is now his closest challenger at 3 minutes and 21 seconds, with Enric Mas another 11 seconds further back.
The performance came after Stage 3 was abandoned because of a severe hailstorm in the Pyrenees. Pogačar had already taken the red jersey by winning the opening individual time trial, and his latest triumph has further underlined his ambition to complete the set of Grand Tour overall victories.
The Andorran stage also carried special significance for Pogačar. He won his first Grand Tour stage in the same region during the 2019 Vuelta, and Tuesday's victory marked his longest solo effort in a three-week race.
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