'We came here to see the race but nothing could be done' - Eyewitness account of how Vuelta a España stage 3 ground to a halt

When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Spectators take cover near the finish line of stage 3 following the cancellation of the stage due to a hailstorm. Marie and Pierre, two French fans, summed up the predicament: 'We wanted to come here to see the race, but there was nothing to be done.' The hailstorm abruptly canceled stage 3 of the Vuelta a España, forcing immediate safety concerns over rider and spectator wellbeing. Fans, journalists, and race organizers scrambled to manage the overflowing press room, with photographers battling to dry their equipment and race staff coordinating responses. The mayor of Font Romeu, Alain Luneau, held impromptu interviews explaining local efforts. Outside, the hailstorm turned the ground white, and winds caused infrastructure swaying. Riders like Tadej Pogačar halted the peloton, and organizers canceled the stage due to poor visibility, strong winds, and icy roads. Visma-Lease a Bike team management praised the decision for safety. The rapid weather change was unexpected, with temperatures plummeting from warm to freezing. In 2013, a similar hailstorm led to rider abandonments due to hypothermia. Pogačar had previously acted as a patron during weather-related suspensions. Spectators, including Pierre and Marie, were stranded due to a malfunctioning ski lift, with buses taking hours to rescue them. The mayor emphasized the necessity of stopping the race to avoid injuries. The weather is expected to improve to 20 degrees and sunshine by Tuesday, with no rain forecast for the next stage in Andorra. Fans, including Pierre and Marie, plan to return for future stages.