Primoz Roglic Claims First Mountain Stage at Vuelta a Espana

Former champion Primoz Roglic triumphed in the first mountain stage of the Vuelta a Espana. During a scorching 170km fourth stage crossing from Portugal into Spain, Roglic overtook Lennert van Eetvelt at the finish line. Roglic moved into the overall race lead, with notable performances by Joao Almeida and Enrique Mas.

Three-time former champion Primoz Roglic clinched victory in the first mountain stage of this year's Vuelta a Espana, showcasing his strength at the conclusion of a grueling climb to Pico Villuercas.

In a scorching 170km fourth stage that saw the peloton cross from Portugal into Spain, Roglic surged ahead of Lennert van Eetvelt (Lotto Dstny), who prematurely celebrated what could have been a maiden Grand Tour stage win. Belgium's Van Eetvelt, after raising his arm in triumph, was overtaken by Red Bull-Bora Hansgrohe rider Roglic, causing visible frustration.

Slovenian Roglic claimed the overall race lead for the first time, donning the red jersey previously worn by Belgium's Wout Van Aert. Speaking to Eurosport, Roglic said, "It was not the main objective of the day (to win the stage), but when you see the guys fighting hard in this heat I was happy to finish it off." Other notable performances included Joao Almeida (UAE Team Emirates) finishing third on the stage and second overall, with Spain's Enrique Mas close behind.

(With inputs from agencies.)