Van Aert Wins Again as Extreme Heat Shortens the Vuelta | Stage 15 Breakdown

The Vuelta a España takes on one of its most extreme days yet as temperatures force organisers to dramatically shorten Stage 15.

Originally scheduled to cover 181km from Palma del Río to Córdoba, the stage was reduced to just 110.2km under the race's high-temperature protocol, removing a huge chunk of the route and much of the day's planned climbing. Even with the reduction, the riders were facing temperatures around 40°C, with Matthew Brennan reporting conditions of up to 44°C on the opening climb.

Despite the shortened route, the racing was anything but straightforward. The fight for the breakaway was fierce from the start, before the day's escape was gradually whittled down on the climbs. As the peloton fragmented, Wout van Aert launched his own move to join the front group, setting himself up for another chance at victory.

Van Aert then had to survive a series of late attacks from his breakaway rivals before beating Thibau Nys in the sprint in Córdoba, with Alessandro Romele taking second. It's Van Aert's second stage win of this Vuelta and his eighth victory of the season.Behind, the GC contenders finished safely together, meaning Enric Mas retains the red jersey with the overall top 10 unchanged.

We get into the extreme heat, the decision to shorten the stage, the brutal racing despite the reduced distance, Van Aert's perfectly judged finish and what was another important day for the GC battle.

We also hear from Ned Boulting on the ground at Stage 5 of the Men's Lloyds Tour of Britain.

Pete Kennaugh and David Millar break down Stage 15 of the Vuelta a España.

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