Tadej Pogacar took a major step towards winning the Vuelta a Espana for the first time by securing a resounding victory in the fourth stage on Tuesday. The Slovenian rider finished the 104.8km mountainous stage in two hours 40 minutes 35 seconds, 2 minutes and 39 seconds ahead of Jarno Widar.
Pogacar's solo effort, which began with 50km remaining in Andorra la Vella, marks the largest margin of victory in his Grand Tour career. He now leads the general classification by 3 minutes and 21 seconds, replacing Wout van Aert with Primoz Roglic in second place.
The stage followed Monday's third stage, which was abandoned due to severe hailstorms. Pogacar expressed confidence, stating, "It's super good because now I can be calm and confident for the next days."
Stage five, a 173.3km hilly route, is scheduled to start in Falset near Tarragona and conclude in Roquetes as the Vuelta continues south along Spain's east coast.