The hits keep coming for Wout van Aert. The Visma – Lease a Bike rider took a big win in Stage 3 of the Vuelta a España. It’s the Belgian’s first win since taking Kuurne-Brussel-Kuurne back in February. The third stage of the final Grand Tour of 2024 was 191.2 km in Portugal from Lousã to Castelo Branco.
Despite multiple attempts at breaks—including a last-gasp effort by Victor Campenaerts (Lotto Dstny) with 1 km to go—the sprinter’s teams, led by Visma – Lease a Bike and Alpecin-Deceuninck, set up a fast finale.
Stage 3 would be a reversal of Sunday’s race, with van Aert taking the win over Aussie Kaden Groves.
The first three days of the Vuelta have been in Portugal but will now head into Spain. With the win, van Aert keeps the leader’s jersey—the maillot rojo—and the points jersey, the maillot verde.
It was an important win for the Belgian. He was involved in a serious crash during the lead-up race to the Tour of Flanders on March 27. The incident also affected other favorites such as Jasper Stuyven and Biniam Girmay. The crash occurred shortly after the Berg Ten Houte climb. Crosswinds and the presence of the Lidl-Trek team at the front of the peloton caused splits in the field, and the climb itself further stretched the group. The significant crash involved around a dozen riders with 68 km remaining in the race.
Vuelta heads to Spain
The Vuelta continues Tuesday. Stage 4 does not look like one for the sprinters, however. The 170.5 km race heads from Plasencia to Pico Villuercas and features several tough climbs.
You can watch the Vuelta a España on FloBikes.com.
Results powered by FirstCycling.com
Click Here to Read the Full Original Article at Canadian Cycling Magazine…