CASTELO BRANCO (Portugal): Wout van Aert secured a thrilling victory in the third stage of the Vuelta a España on Monday, outpacing Kaden Groves in a dramatic bunch sprint finish. The Belgian rider completed the 191.2-kilometre stage from Lousa to Castelo Branco in Portugal, finishing ahead of Australian Groves and Spaniard Jon Aberasturi.
Van Aert, who retained the red jersey as the general classification leader, clocked in at four hours, 40 minutes, and 42 seconds. This victory marks his 10th Grand Tour stage win and his first since February, having previously finished third and second on the opening two days of the Vuelta.
Reflecting on his win, Van Aert said, “It’s worth it to be patient. It’s been quite a while since I could raise my hands [in celebration], and this feels so good.” He praised his team for their support, which enabled him to secure the perfect sprint position.
Looking ahead to stage four, Van Aert will take on a supporting role for his team-mate and reigning champion Sepp Kuss, as the race transitions to the general classification phase. “Unfortunately, the fun is over,” Van Aert noted. “Tomorrow, I’ll be happy to hand over the leadership role to Sepp and Cian [Uijtdebroeks], and enjoy wearing the red jersey one more time.”
Kuss trails Van Aert by one minute and six seconds, while three-time Vuelta champion Primoz Roglic is 30 seconds behind.
In stage three, Spanish riders Ibon Ruiz and Luis Angel Mate initiated an early breakaway, joined later by Unai Iribar and Xabier Isasa. Despite their efforts, the peloton caught Isasa with about 20 kilometres remaining, setting up another bunch sprint that Van Aert dominated.
The race now moves to Spain for stage four, covering 170.5 kilometres from Plasencia to Pico Villuercas in the Extremadura region.
On Sunday, Kaden Groves won the second stage in a similar bunch sprint, finishing ahead of Van Aert and Corbin Strong.
