Vuelta a España stage 8 LIVE: Can the sprinters survive a late climb?

140KM TO GO

Fernández has been given a huge lead over the peloton, almost up to 6 minutes. The peloton is taking thins easy, though Visma have taken control of the pace-setting, presumably for their sprinter Matthew Brennan.

DNF - IVAN SOSA

We have had a first abandon as a result of the pre-flag crash, and it's Kern Pharma's climber Diego Uriarte. That's a shame as he has been lively at this Vuelta, getting into the break on multiple occasions already.

Here was a glimpse of the chaotic aftermath following that incident earlier in the day.

This was the moment at the start of the day when Fernández attacked, ahead of a disinterested peloton He must surely have imagined he'd have so company when he made the move.

150KM TO GO

The peloton has already eased up, and allowed Fernández a lead of almost two and a half minutes already. The anticipated battle to get into the break has not materialised; and you wouldn’t expect Fernández to have any chance fending off an entire peloton by himself.

So far it's Burgos Burpellet BH showing most intent. Their rider Sinuhé Fernández has a gap of one minute after attacking from the flag, while his teammate José Luis Faura attempted to join him, before dropping back into the peloton.

OFFICIAL START

And they're off! Everyone has regrouped and regathered themselves after the crash, and the race has at last began.

The peloton are still behind the race car, as the start continues to be delayed as a result of the crash.

When things finally do kick off, expect a fierce battle for the break, on a day where their hopes of survival feel realistic.

There was a crash in the neutralised zone, which has delayed the official start of the stage. But hopefully we will be racing any moment.

The action is set to kick off any moment, but before it does, be sure to catch up with yesterday's stage, the first at this year's race to be won by the breakaway.

Vuelta a España: Andreas Leknessund, Tobias Johannessen solo away from Wout van Aert in Uno-X Mobility 1-2 on stage 7

The four jersey wearers at the start today - Onley, Pogačar, Van Aert and Leknessund.

The riders are off from the unofficial start, short of one rider who finished yesterday. Luca Van Boven has abandoned the race after his nasty crash yesterday.

For the first time since stage five, the sprinters have a chance to go for a stage win today - but it won’t be easy. There’s a tough climb crested within the final 30km, which is hard enough to potentially see some sprinters dropped, to see attacks go clear from the peloton. It’s a well-balanced parcours, that promises to be very exciting

Vuelta a España 2026 stage 8 preview - Can Matthew Brennan make it a hat trick of wins in Xeraco?

Hello and welcome to stage 8 of the Vuelta a España