Pogačar Hits Out After Vuelta Officials Deny Him Water in Finale

Key Points:

• Tadej Pogačar criticized Vuelta a España officials for refusing to provide him a water bottle in the final 15km of a hot and grueling stage, despite temperatures reaching 34°C (93°F) with high humidity and gusting winds.
• The UCI race jury had set a feed zone cutoff at 20km remaining, preventing riders from receiving food or drink during the crucial final descent and run to the finish, which frustrated Pogačar.
• Pogačar narrowly avoided a crash on the steep and treacherous descent off Puerto El Bartolo after veering off course but managed to stay upright and continue racing.
• Confused by time gaps, Pogačar was unaware that Enric Mas was closing in on him near the summit, only realizing Mas’s presence when he suddenly appeared beside him, prompting a focused sprint to the finish.
• Despite the challenges, Pogačar won the stage in a two-up sprint against Mas, who moved into second overall, while UAE Emirates confirmed Pogačar did not suffer dehydration or hunger issues during the stage.