Wout van Aert claimed his fourth career stage win at the Vuelta a España on Friday, amid high temperatures in southern Spain. The Belgian rider completed the hilly 192km (119m) route from Almuñécar to Loja, stopping the clock after four and a half hours of racing.
Enric Mas, the Movistar leader, retained the red jersey, maintaining a lead of one minute 45 seconds over Primoz Roglic. Mas has led the race since Tadej Pogacar withdrew last Saturday.
Riders faced challenging conditions, with thermometers recording 36C (97 F) in Loja, the stage finish location. The three-week race is entirely in southern Spain this year and will conclude on 13 September in Granada.
Meanwhile, Olav Kooij secured a stage win at the Tour of Britain in Beverley, edging out Tim Merlier in a sprint finish. Lewis Askey continues to lead the overall classification in the Tour of Britain.