Matthew Brennan of Team Visma-Lease a Bike secured his third stage victory at the Vuelta a España on Wednesday, becoming the first cyclist to win three stages in his debut Grand Tour since Tadej Pogacar in 2019. The 21-year-old Briton triumphed on the 11th stage, a mostly flat 153.8km route from Cartagena to Lorca.
Brennan's Hat-Trick and Historic Debut
Brennan, who also won the second and fifth stages, is now the youngest cyclist with multiple stage wins in the Vuelta since Pogacar's three victories in 2019. His achievement marks the first time a sprinter has claimed at least three wins in a maiden Grand Tour since Fernando Gaviria in the 2017 Giro d'Italia.
“We took the initiative today again,” Brennan said. “The boys pulled as hard as they could even after a tough day in the legs yesterday. We still went full gas. Coming into the final, we really held our own place and knew that we were all strong enough to kind of get to where we want to be.”
He added: “It's massive [to have won three stages]. I'm with a team full of massive champions. We've got guys who have podiumed in Grand Tours, and won them as well, and guys who've won classics and huge races. And the fact they go for me is an amazing opportunity. I'm really thankful that they go full gas for me.”
Mas Retains Lead as Roglic Chases Record
Enric Mas of Movistar Team, who took the overall lead after Pogacar's withdrawal, continues to lead the general classification. He holds a 1 minute 18 second advantage over Primoz Roglic of Red Bull Bora Hansgrohe, who is chasing a record fifth Vuelta title.
Pogacar had won three stages in this year's Vuelta before a crash on Saturday forced him to withdraw while holding a big overall lead. He fractured his left collarbone and could not continue his quest for a career sweep of the three Grand Tours.
Mountain Stage Ahead and Tour of Britain Result
On Thursday, riders will face the 12th stage, featuring a tough mountain route in southern Spain. The stage includes a traditional double climb at Velefique and Calar Alto, marking an important day for general classification contenders. The three-week Vuelta finishes in Granada on 13 September.
In other news, Britain's Lewis Askey won the opening stage of the Tour of Britain. The NSN rider attacked on the cobbles of the Michaelgate climb in Lincoln and rode clear to victory. Filippo Ganna of Netcompany Ineos came home second, two seconds down, while Tim Wellens of UAE Team Emirates-XRG was third.
“It feels amazing, especially to have my grandparents there at the finish line. It was super special,” said Askey. “I ride my bike to win races. It's great when you come second, come third and do good performances, but nothing matches managing to put your hands up in the air.”
