The third stage of the Vuelta a España was abandoned on Monday without a winner after severe hail forced organisers to halt the race. Riders were observed taking shelter in shops and restaurants along the route with approximately 15km remaining of the 174km stage from Gruissan to Font-Romeu.
Organisers neutralised and subsequently suspended the race as the peloton ascended the Col de Mont-Louis, where large hailstones began to fall, creating icy road conditions and posing a lightning threat. Race organisers stated that the cancellation was for the security of the riders due to hail and severe weather, confirming there would be no winner or podium ceremony.
Heavy rain had already affected the peloton around 25km from the finish. Despite the abandonment, Tadej Pogacar remains the overall race leader after three stages.