Brennan Criticises Heat as Van Aert Wins Shortened Vuelta Stage

The Vuelta a España’s 15th stage in Córdoba was cut short by soaring temperatures, with Wout van Aert of Visma‑Lease a Bike taking the sprint finish. The stage, originally planned to cover a longer distance, was reduced after riders and officials expressed concern over the extreme heat. Van Aert crossed the line first, securing a win for his team and adding another victory to his season.

British rider Matthew Brennan, who was in the lead group on the early climb, described the conditions as “41 °C average, 44 °C at the summit.” He said the heat forced riders to question whether it was safe to continue, comparing the temperature to a typical office thermostat. The Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) officials reportedly set their office climate to 20 °C, underscoring the stark contrast between the race environment and everyday conditions.

Enric Mas has retained the red leader’s jersey after the shortened stage, maintaining his advantage in the overall classification. The Vuelta will resume with the next stage, but the heatwave has prompted renewed discussions about rider safety and race protocols in extreme weather.