18km
13:54
Still no group found
The search for the group of the day is still ongoing. People were never satisfied with the previous constellations. And so many drivers try it again and again. But none of the ventures bear fruit.
13km
13:49
Heiduk attacks
Now Kim Heiduk is seeking salvation by fleeing. The German from Ineos Grenadiers has opened up a small gap. But it certainly won’t work alone; companions should be found soon. But that doesn’t happen, the peloton is back quickly.
11km
1:45 p.m
Etxauri
For now we are moving roughly in a westerly direction and will veer slightly to the southwest over the next few kilometers. The Rio Arga will be a companion to professional cyclists for some time. Our path repeatedly leads along the banks of the river. Now we roll through the town of Etxauri.
7 km
13:42
First attempt to escape fails
As is often the case with the big country tours, the speed is really high in the first few kilometers. There is unrest. All teams want to be represented in the escape group of the day. In the meantime, Matevž Govekar and Andreas Kron catch up with Evenepoel, but shortly afterwards this trio’s venture fails.
4km
13:36
Evenepoel again
Incredible! After his resurrection yesterday, Remco Evenepoel still hasn’t had enough. The Belgian champion is still one of the first racing drivers to ride an attack. And the time trial world champion is indeed gaining ground.
1 km
13:33
Sharp start
At this moment the race is released. The hunt begins over 158.5 kilometers to Lekunberri.
13:29
Pamplona
Pamplona is the capital of the northern Spanish province and autonomous community of Navarre. The place is just over 400 meters above sea level and has a population of around 200,000. The most beautiful sights include the distinctive cathedral of Santa Maria la Real, the Magdalen Bridge over the Rio Arga and the Frankentor, essentially the entrance to the old town.
13:23
It’s rolling
Meanwhile, the peloton is rolling through Pamplona at a neutral pace. After the Estonian Rein Taaramäe dropped out of Intermarché-Circus-Wanty yesterday, we still have 155 professional cyclists in the field – from 176 previously.
13:18
Other jerseys
What applies to the color red also applies to the white shirt of the best young driver. Here Juan Ayuso is building a lead of almost three minutes and should be on the safe side today. And since there are a maximum of 13 points on the road for the mountain jersey, its wearer Remco Evenepoel with 24 points credit is not at risk mathematically. The same applies to Green Kaden Groves, whose cushion is 87 points – and at best 50 are up for grabs today. Consequently, jersey changes are not expected on this 15th stage. Remco Evenepoel deservedly wears the golden starting number of yesterday’s most combative driver.
13:08
Red jersey
The overall classification will probably not be fine-tuned today. The Jumbo Visma phalanx at the top with Sepp Kuss in the red jersey doesn’t have too much to fear. But the Dutch team, which also leads the team rankings with a lead of more than ten minutes, could not hold a candle to the competition even on more difficult terrain. In the meantime, the awe should be so great that probably hardly anyone dares to attack the top 3.
12:58
Stage profile
After the topographical difficulties in the Pyrenees over the past two days, there is far less scrambling required today. It’s always hilly, but the three mountains of the day only belong to the second and third categories. These climbs are all on the second part of the route. The final mountain, about nine kilometers from the finish, could decide whether to win the day, and bonus seconds are also offered there. The stage seems tailor-made for a breakaway group.
12:48
Welcome
Welcome to the Vuelta a España! Today’s 15th stage of the Tour of Spain covers a distance of 158.5 kilometers between Pamplona and Lekunberri. The sharp start is scheduled to take place around 1:30 p.m.