Stage three of the Vuelta a Espana was abandoned with 15km left to race on Monday, 24 August 2026, due to severe hailstorms. The 174km stage, which began in Gruissan-Aude, encountered heavy rain and hailstorms as riders entered the Pyrenees for the final third of the stage.
Race organisers confirmed the cancellation, stating: “For the security of the riders, stage three has been cancelled due to hail and severe weather. There will be no winner and no podium ceremony.” Live broadcast coverage was also affected by the conditions.
Race leader Tadej Pogacar was observed instructing riders to slow down and divert after cresting the Col de Mont-Louis, leading to the neutralisation of the race. General classification times and positions remain as they were after stage two, with Pogacar holding a nine-second lead over Wout van Aert.