Wittenberg

Stage 1 (ITT)  »  Monaco  ›  Monaco

And we're off for the third leg. We started with very short time trial in the streets (and tunnels) of Monaco. A very technical parcours with quite a lot of corners. One of the main favourites was Joshua Tarling (GHS/CHX/BDC), who earlier this month lost his brother Finlay in a terrible accident in the tour of Portugal. Despite this tragedy Tarling did start today and finished in third place.

The fastest however, by nine hundredth of a second, was GC favourite Pogacar (9 out of 11 teams), who already takes the red jersey after stage 1. Chamberlain (CJO) finished 7th, followed by Van Aert (CJO/CHX) in 8th.

As a result it is Cyclohexane who take an early lead, followed by GHST and BdC. After getting very close to a win in the second leg, Els Talossaes Rexhital now have a disappointing start and are in last place. Granada is still very far though.

Unfortunately the script Lüc made for the standings isn't working anymore, so I'm going to have to do this the old fashioned way for now.

Standings after stage 1:

1. Cyclohexane (CHX) - 586
2. Luca (GHS) - 546
3. Cézembre Caçeirs dals Mailintzarăs (BDC) - 518
4. Maritiimi-Maxhestic Mençeis (MMM) - 345
5. Cézembre Fieschā (CFA) - 316
6. The Manilows (MAN) - 287
7. Port Maxhestic AC (PTM) - 262
8. Velociposse Florencia (VFL) - 262
9. Dirnalaiset Mortescu (DED) - 262
10. Naziun Cjovani (CJO) - 217
11. Els Talossaes Rexhital (REX) - 46

Today TCAT heads to France for a hilly stage that could end in a succesful attack, a bunch sprint or some sort of reduced sprint. I imagine a lot of riders who did well in the TT (including punchy sprinters like Van Aert and Pedersen) see an opportunity to take the red jersey today.

Stage 2  »  Monaco  ›  Manosque

Uphill sprint finish saw Wout van Aert (CHX/CJO) attack with two kilometres to spare to try and snatch the red leader's jersey from Tadej Pogacar, but the effort was unsuccessful and it was his teammate Matthew Brennan (BDC/GHS/MAN) who instead sprinted to a dominant first place ahead of Pogacar in third, who keeps his red jersey and already a 30"ish lead on his closest actual competitors for the overall win, and Pedersen (CFA/MMM/REX) in fourth.

Among the three Brennan teams it is the Manilows who get the stagewin - their first ever - thanks to Tobias Halland Johannessen in 6th (also of CJO/VFL), while second placed BDC gets the overall lead.

Standings after stage 2:

Pos	±		Team	Pts Ove	Pts Today
1st	(+2)	(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/CZ.webp)	Cézembre Caçeirs dals Mailintzarăs (BDC)	1099	+581
2nd	(=)	(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/BE.webp)	Gordon Hiatus Support Team (GHS)	1043	+505
3rd	(-2)	(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/BE.webp)	Cyclohexane (CHX)	973	+387
4th	(+2)	(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/MA.webp)	The Manilows (MAN)	938	+651
5th	(-1)	(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/MM.webp)	Maritiimi-Maxhestic Mençeis (MMM)	821	+476
6th	(-1)	(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/CZ.webp)	Cézembre Fieschā (CFA)	689	+381
7th	(=)	(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/MM.webp)	Port Maxhestic AC (PTM)	601	+339
8th	(=)	(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/FL.webp)	Velociposse Florencia (VFL)	601	+339
9th	(=)	(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/VD.webp)	Dirnalaiset Mortescu (DED)	548	+286
10th	(=)	(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/BE.webp)	Naziun Cjovani (CJO)	454	+237
11th	(=)	(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/MA.webp)	Els Talossaes Rexhital (REX)	263	+217

Tomorrow we have our first summit finish - a long flattish approach to back-to-back category 1 and category 2 climbs. The outcome depends on who tries to get away in the early stages; a strong group of climbers would have a chance at staving off the GC favourites in the peloton, and perhaps even temporarily steal Pogacar's GC lead, while a weak breakaway will all but ensure the main GC contenders will dominate the top of the standings.

Stage 3   »   Gruissan - Aude  ›  Font Romeu (Cancelled)


The peloton was surprised by the weather today as they face heavy rain and hail on the final climb. The conditions were bad enough that the riders decided collectively not to continue and the stage was cancelled as a result. We therefore only get classification points today (and a few breakaway/kom/sprint points collected on the way). This does give us a nice insight into who is collecting the most classification points at the moment. Turns out its...

The Menceis.

Similar to last edition they are raking in a whole bunch of assist points from picking Pogacar teammates. This time it gets them the stagewin, although without stagepoints today was too low scoring to affect the standings much.


Standings after stage 3:

Pos	±		Team	Pts Ove	Pts Today
1st	(=)	(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/CZ.webp)	Cézembre Caçeirs dals Mailintzarăs (BDC)	1220	+121
2nd	(=)	(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/BE.webp)	Gordon Hiatus Support Team (GHS)	1162	+119
3rd	(=)	(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/BE.webp)	Cyclohexane (CHX)	1096	+123
4th	(=)	(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/MA.webp)	The Manilows (MAN)	1037	+99
5th	(=)	(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/MM.webp)	Maritiimi-Maxhestic Mençeis (MMM)	985	+164
6th	(=)	(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/CZ.webp)	Cézembre Fieschā (CFA)	768	+79
7th	(=)	(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/MM.webp)	Port Maxhestic AC (PTM)	696	+95
8th	(=)	(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/FL.webp)	Velociposse Florencia (VFL)	666	+65
9th	(=)	(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/VD.webp)	Dirnalaiset Mortescu (DED)	600	+52
10th	(=)	(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/BE.webp)	Naziun Cjovani (CJO)	539	+85
11th	(=)	(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/MA.webp)	Els Talossaes Rexhital (REX)	314	+51

Tomorrow we get a proper Pyrenean mountain stage around another micronation (Andorra). Even though the stage ends with a long downhill (interrupted by a short category 3 climb) this still looks like one for the climbers and GC favourites.

Edit: Just realised its really short as well (100km) so might be pretty explosive.

Stage 4  »  Andorra la Vella  ›  Andorra la Vella

Copypasted from PCS:

In the shortest stage of Vuelta 2026, multiple attacks unfolded early on the Port d'Envalira climb. Felix Gall and Tadej Pogačar broke clear with 50 km remaining, with Pogačar launching a solo attack to claim the stage win. He extended his overall lead, strengthening his hold on the Red leader jersey. Jarno Widar and Gall finished second and third respectively.

BDC get the stagewin and end their longest stagewin drought ever, at 26 winless stages - just longer than their previous winless streak of 25 between stage 20 of TCAT Italy 2024 and stage 5 of TCAT Spain 2024; an edition which they won, and they're certainly looking like the strongest contender to win this one as well, at the moment.

Pos	±		Team	Pts Ove	Pts Today
1st	(=)	(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/CZ.webp)	Cézembre Caçeirs dals Mailintzarăs (BDC)	2142	+922
2nd	(=)	(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/BE.webp)	Gordon Hiatus Support Team (GHS)	1975	+813
3rd	(=)	(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/BE.webp)	Cyclohexane (CHX)	1711	+615
4th	(=)	(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/MA.webp)	The Manilows (MAN)	1570	+533
5th	(+2)	(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/MM.webp)	Port Maxhestic AC (PTM)	1530	+834
6th	(-1)	(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/MM.webp)	Maritiimi-Maxhestic Mençeis (MMM)	1499	+514
7th	(+1)	(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/FL.webp)	Velociposse Florencia (VFL)	1290	+624
8th	(-2)	(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/CZ.webp)	Cézembre Fieschā (CFA)	1207	+439
9th	(=)	(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/VD.webp)	Dirnalaiset Mortescu (DED)	1094	+494
10th	(=)	(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/BE.webp)	Naziun Cjovani (CJO)	1033	+494
11th	(=)	(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/MA.webp)	Els Talossaes Rexhital (REX)	772	+458

Today, what should be a sprint finish, as TCAT Spain finally actually enters Spain. A bunch of hills in the final quarter might however drop some of the heaviest sprinters, and the final stretch is slightly uphill. Maybe one for the puncheurs (like stage 2) rather than the pure sprinters.

Stage 5   »   Falset. Costa Daurada  ›  Roquetes. Terres de l'Ebre

Today was mostly flat and therefore suited for a bunch sprint. However, a category 3 climb not far from the finish proved to much for some of the sprinters including Groves (PTM/DED), De Schuyteneer (CHX), and, surprisingly, Pedersen (REX/MMM/CFA). This provided ideal circumstances for Brennan (GHS/BDC/MAN), who got his second stagewin. Albanese (CJO/DED) finished third, Dainese (VFL) seventh, and Van Aert (CHX/CJO) tenth.

The result is a narrow stagewin for BdC again

Standings after stage 5:

Pos	±		Team	Pts Ove	Pts Today
1st	(=)	(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/CZ.webp)	Cézembre Caçeirs dals Mailintzarăs (BDC)	2512	+370
2nd	(=)	(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/BE.webp)	Gordon Hiatus Support Team (GHS)	2342	+367
3rd	(=)	(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/BE.webp)	Cyclohexane (CHX)	1912	+201
4th	(=)	(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/MA.webp)	The Manilows (MAN)	1910	+340
5th	(=)	(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/MM.webp)	Port Maxhestic AC (PTM)	1695	+165
6th	(=)	(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/MM.webp)	Maritiimi-Maxhestic Mençeis (MMM)	1665	+166
7th	(=)	(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/FL.webp)	Velociposse Florencia (VFL)	1490	+200
8th	(+2)	(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/BE.webp)	Naziun Cjovani (CJO)	1393	+360
9th	(=)	(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/VD.webp)	Dirnalaiset Mortescu (DED)	1336	+242
10th	(-2)	(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/CZ.webp)	Cézembre Fieschā (CFA)	1298	+91
11th	(=)	(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/MA.webp)	Els Talossaes Rexhital (REX)	889	+117

Tomorrow is a typical Spain up-and-down medium mountain kind of stage. Again, without an uphill finish, so we might not see big differences in the GC-behind-Pogacar being made. Could be a day for a succesful break.

Stage 6  »  Alcossebre  ›  Castelló

Another win for Pogacar (all but CJO/REX), the third in five completed stages, but for the first time in many, many mountain stages he took part in, he didn't look unbeatable.

The early break included among others Konrad (MAN/MMM), van Aert (CHX/CJO), Albanese (CJO/DED) and Bilbao (DED/REX), but by the time of the major climb of the day they were all caught by the GC favourites. Of course Pogacar was the one to attack first, but surprisingly Enric Mas (BDC/MAN/REX/VFL) was able to regather him and even cross the summit first. The surprises weren't over, as Pogacar made a mistake in the tricky, narrow descent, causing him to go wide off course, thankfully with no consequences except having to slip back behind Mas.

Pogacar and Mas then rode the ~20 km to the finish together, with the Slovenian easily outsprinting the Spaniard for the stagewin. 46" behind, Carapaz (GHS/REX) took fourth, second in a 5-man chasing group that also included Gall (CJO, 6th) and Roglic (CJO/PTM/VFL, 7th). A further 50" behind, Rodríguez (DED/REX/VFL) took 8th ahead of a disappointed Skjelmose (CFA/GHS, 10th), Kuss (CJO/PTM/REX, 11th) and Onley (BDC/CHX/DED/PTM 12th).

So a good day for Mas (and Carapaz, Gall, Rodríguez and Roglic comparatively), and a bad day for Skjelmose, Kuss and Onley, but also for other minor GC top 10 contenders like Widar, Vine, Brenner and Johannessen, who didn't feature at all today. Also not featuring is Almeida, who sadly looks like he is far from his best shape and probably targeting a return to full form for next year.

The stagewin goes to Velociposse, one of three teams with Pogacar and Mas but the only one who managed to place other riders in the daily top 10. The other two, BDC and the Manilows, have to settle for second and third respectively, with three more teams within 20 points of the latter. Minor shuffling in the overall standings, but today's results make it look like anyone in the top 6 has a shot at winning this edition, which will hopefully make this an interesting leg to follow.

A final note is unfortunately the withdrawal of time trial specialist Joshua Tarling (BDC/CHX/GHS), who took the start of the Vuelta despite losing his younger brother in a car collision only the previous week. He still managed to get third in the inaugural time trial, and would have been expected to win the longer second ITT planned for stage 18, but obviously given the circumstances he mustn't have been in a good enough mental state to continue. He joins Cian Uijtdebroeks (DED) among the two early TCAT abandons.

Standings after stage 6:

Pos	±		Team	Pts Ove	Pts Today
1st	(=)	(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/CZ.webp)	Cézembre Caçeirs dals Mailintzarăs (BDC)	3143	+631
2nd	(=)	(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/BE.webp)	Gordon Hiatus Support Team (GHS)	2908	+566
3rd	(+1)	(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/MA.webp)	The Manilows (MAN)	2496	+586
4th	(-1)	(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/BE.webp)	Cyclohexane (CHX)	2372	+446
5th	(=)	(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/MM.webp)	Port Maxhestic AC (PTM)	2269	+574
6th	(+1)	(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/FL.webp)	Velociposse Florencia (VFL)	2230	+725
7th	(-1)	(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/MM.webp)	Maritiimi-Maxhestic Mençeis (MMM)	2138	+473
8th	(=)	(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/BE.webp)	Naziun Cjovani (CJO)	1827	+424
9th	(=)	(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/VD.webp)	Dirnalaiset Mortescu (DED)	1817	+477
10th	(=)	(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/CZ.webp)	Cézembre Fieschā (CFA)	1683	+385
11th	(=)	(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/MA.webp)	Els Talossaes Rexhital (REX)	1472	+583

More GC action sure to come today with 5 categorised climbs, 3 of which, of increasing difficulty, are in the latter 50km of the 150km parcours. Very interesting to see whether yesterday's patterns hold - including whether Pogacar is indeed a bit out of steam as it might have seemed at times - or if more surprises are in store.

Stage 7   »   Vall d'Alba  ›  Aramón Valdelinares

With the sprint stages so far being won by Brennan and everything else by Pogacar one might start to wonder if these are the only two who are gonna win stages this edition. However, today ended their streak as a break managed to get away. This was actually never one complete front group but multiple groups chasing each other, which included a lot of the riders who have been fairly invisible so far, like Tobias Halland Johannessen (VFL/CJO/MAN), Valentin Paret-Peintre (CHX), Zana (CFA), Martin (CFA), Omrzel (BDC/PTM), De Jong (GHS), Armirail (REX/CJO), Brenner (CHX/REX/MAN) and Bilbao (REX/DED).

Also present: two contenders for the points classification, Pedersen (REX/MMM/CFA) and Van Aert (CHX/CJO). However, while Van Aert won the intsprint, Pedersen did not manage to be in the front group when they got there. This was not the end of the day for Van Aert, who has previously shown pretty strong climbing skills as well and at the bottom of the final climb he and Johannessen were in a group of 6 riders in front. It was another rider, Leknessund, who was the strongest on the final climb and won the stage followed by Johannessen in second and Van Aert in third. Out of the remainder of the break Omrzel was the strongest behind those 3. Paret-Peintre, Zana and Martin finished 11th, 12th and 14th respectively.

There weren't massive time differences made in the group of GC riders, where Pogacar was again the strongest. Biggest losers for GC were Carapaz (GHS), who dropped from 4th to 7th in the standings and Widar (GHS/BDC) who dropped from 11th to 15th.

With both Van Aert and Johannessen in their team Naziun Cjovani won the day and climb one place in the standings. BdC extend their lead over GHST.

Standings after stage 7:

Pos	±		Team	Pts Ove	Pts Today
1st	(=)	(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/CZ.webp)	Cézembre Caçeirs dals Mailintzarăs (BDC)	3434	+291
2nd	(=)	(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/BE.webp)	Gordon Hiatus Support Team (GHS)	3033	+125
3rd	(=)	(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/MA.webp)	The Manilows (MAN)	2833	+337
4th	(=)	(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/BE.webp)	Cyclohexane (CHX)	2733	+361
5th	(+1)	(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/FL.webp)	Velociposse Florencia (VFL)	2578	+348
6th	(-1)	(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/MM.webp)	Port Maxhestic AC (PTM)	2556	+287
7th	(+1)	(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/BE.webp)	Naziun Cjovani (CJO)	2372	+545
8th	(-1)	(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/MM.webp)	Maritiimi-Maxhestic Mençeis (MMM)	2274	+136
9th	(=)	(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/VD.webp)	Dirnalaiset Mortescu (DED)	1899	+82
10th	(=)	(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/CZ.webp)	Cézembre Fieschā (CFA)	1873	+190
11th	(=)	(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/MA.webp)	Els Talossaes Rexhital (REX)	1559	+87

Tomorrow looks pretty similar to stage 5. Mostly flat and suited for a sprint, but with a category 3 climb not far from the finish that could perhaps catch some of the pure sprinters off guard. There may also well be riders thinking of some attempt to attack there.

Pogacar abandon!!! He crashed and is unable to continue. He was sure to win otherwise. Thats gonna have some impact

Well, major shocker!

Tadej Pogacar just crashed out of TCAT Spain with 30km remaining in what was supposed to be a mostly uneventful and boring sprint stage. Other riders also went down but got up quickly, except for MAN's Tulett, who seemed to take quite a hit (unsure how he is doing atm)

According to PCS, this is the first stage race Pogacar abandons in his whole pro career, out of 51 he started, and just the second time he wears a leader's jersey but doesn't end up winning a stage race.

This definitely hands a huge chance to Cjovani to win their second TCAT edition, with REX also sure to have an easier time lifting off the bottom of the standings now that everyone else is without their star rider.

Quote from: Sir Lüc on August 29, 2026, 10:23:39 AMWell, major shocker!

Tadej Pogacar just crashed out of TCAT Spain with 30km remaining in what was supposed to be a mostly uneventful and boring sprint stage. Other riders also went down but got up quickly, except for MAN's Tulett, who seemed to take quite a hit (unsure how he is doing atm)

According to PCS, this is the first stage race Pogacar abandons in his whole pro career, out of 51 he started, and just the second time he wears a leader's jersey but doesn't end up winning a stage race.

This definitely hands a huge chance to Cjovani to win their second TCAT edition, with REX also sure to have an easier time lifting off the bottom of the standings now that everyone else is without their star rider.

Does this mean he is done for the rest of the race or just this stage?

Quote from: Tric'hard Lenxheir on August 29, 2026, 12:08:41 PM

Quote from: Sir Lüc on August 29, 2026, 10:23:39 AMWell, major shocker!

Tadej Pogacar just crashed out of TCAT Spain with 30km remaining in what was supposed to be a mostly uneventful and boring sprint stage. Other riders also went down but got up quickly, except for MAN's Tulett, who seemed to take quite a hit (unsure how he is doing atm)

According to PCS, this is the first stage race Pogacar abandons in his whole pro career, out of 51 he started, and just the second time he wears a leader's jersey but doesn't end up winning a stage race.

This definitely hands a huge chance to Cjovani to win their second TCAT edition, with REX also sure to have an easier time lifting off the bottom of the standings now that everyone else is without their star rider.

Does this mean he is done for the rest of the race or just this stage?

Rest of the race, with the world championships coming up in three weeks in major doubt.

This is crazy.

Stage 8  »  Puçol  ›  Xeraco

Fuller update later but the main news, Pogacar's retirement, is already out anyway.

REX wins the stage thanks to Pedersen finally getting a result on the board (2nd behind non-TCAT Coquard at his first grand tour stage victory at 34). Brennan only managed 10th due to poor positioning; De Jong got 15th. The final of many crashes took out Groves and De Schuyteneer.

Standings after stage 8:

Pos	±		Team	Pts Ove	Pts Today
1st	(=)	(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/CZ.webp)	Cézembre Caçeirs dals Mailintzarăs (BDC)	3578	+144
2nd	(=)	(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/BE.webp)	Gordon Hiatus Support Team (GHS)	3192	+159
3rd	(=)	(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/MA.webp)	The Manilows (MAN)	2957	+124
4th	(=)	(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/BE.webp)	Cyclohexane (CHX)	2795	+62
5th	(=)	(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/FL.webp)	Velociposse Florencia (VFL)	2654	+76
6th	(=)	(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/MM.webp)	Port Maxhestic AC (PTM)	2635	+79
7th	(=)	(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/BE.webp)	Naziun Cjovani (CJO)	2513	+141
8th	(=)	(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/MM.webp)	Maritiimi-Maxhestic Mençeis (MMM)	2472	+198
9th	(+1)	(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/CZ.webp)	Cézembre Fieschā (CFA)	2118	+245
10th	(-1)	(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/VD.webp)	Dirnalaiset Mortescu (DED)	1923	+24
11th	(=)	(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/MA.webp)	Els Talossaes Rexhital (REX)	1836	+277

Stage 9  »  La Vila Joiosa/Villajoyosa  ›  Alto de Aitana. Costa Blanca
It was a weird day as the race to win the vuelta basically started anew, after Pogacar abandoned and Mas took over the red jersey. Instantly we went from one possible winner to at least six. And we immediately got a mountain stage with an uphill finish to test out the new contenders.

There was more bad news along the way as Groves (PTM) abandoned the race after his crash yesterday and Torres (MMM) also abandoned for reasons I don't know. Terrible news for the Menceis as Torres was basically the only rider they had left with any sort of standing in GC. After a very similar strategy got them the win last edition, the Menceis may well end up last this time.

Before we got to the final we started with a breakaway, which included Zana (CFA), Sivakov (MMM), Vermaerke (MMM), Camprubi (CHX), Paret-Peintre (CHX), Armirail (REX/CJO) and Calzoni (BDC). For a while it look like some of them might have a chance at a stagewin, but they were all caught on the final climb and from then it was up to the GC contenders.

New red jersey wearer Mas (REX/VFL/BDC/MAN) proved why he now gets to wear the red jersey with Pogacar gone by winning the stage, followed immediately by Onley (CHX/BDC/PTM/DED). Roglic (VFL/CJO/PTM) followed not far behind. Gall (CJO) came in fourth, followed by Christian Rodriguez (REX/VFL/DED), Skjelmose (GHS/CFA) and Widar (GHS/BDC). Carapaz (GHS/REX) disappointed again by coming 9th, but the biggest disappointment was Kuss (REX/CJO/PTM), who finished 11th, 1 minute 44 seconds behind Mas and dropped 3 places in GC. Also in the top 20: Omrzel (BDC/PTM) 15th, Zana 17th and Sivakov 20th.

The win by Mas and strong performances by Onley, Widar and Omrzel meant that BdC win the stage and further extend their lead. After the Pogacar dropout, there was a good chance today Naziun Cjovani would emerge as the favourites heading into week 2, with a full team including 3 of the new GC top 4, but that didn't happen yet. Instead the Kuss loss in GC meant they lost ground to BdC in both the stage and potential end-of-tour points. Els Talossaes Rexhital did manage to leave last place behind, handing over the red lantern to Dirnalaiset Mortescu, appropriately enough.

Standings after stage 9:

Pos	±		Team	Pts Ove	Pts Today
1st	(=)	(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/CZ.webp)	Cézembre Caçeirs dals Mailintzarăs (BDC)	4233	+655
2nd	(=)	(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/BE.webp)	Gordon Hiatus Support Team (GHS)	3527	+335
3rd	(+2)	(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/FL.webp)	Velociposse Florencia (VFL)	3249	+595
4th	(-1)	(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/MA.webp)	The Manilows (MAN)	3248	+291
5th	(+1)	(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/MM.webp)	Port Maxhestic AC (PTM)	3141	+506
6th	(-2)	(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/BE.webp)	Cyclohexane (CHX)	3077	+282
7th	(=)	(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/BE.webp)	Naziun Cjovani (CJO)	2995	+482
8th	(=)	(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/MM.webp)	Maritiimi-Maxhestic Mençeis (MMM)	2538	+66
9th	(+2)	(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/MA.webp)	Els Talossaes Rexhital (REX)	2417	+581
10th	(-1)	(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/CZ.webp)	Cézembre Fieschā (CFA)	2292	+174
11th	(-1)	(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/VD.webp)	Dirnalaiset Mortescu (DED)	2265	+342

New General Classification top 15:
1. Mas (REX/VFL/BDC/MAN)
2. Roglic (VFL/CJO/PTM) +1'18"
3. Gall (CJO) +1'39"
4. Onley (CHX/BDC/PTM/DED) +2'20"
5. Carapaz (GHS/REX) +3'26"
6. Skjelmose (GHS/CFA) +3'55"
7. Kuss (REX/CJO/PTM) + 4'09"

10. Omrzel (BDC/PTM) +8'05"

12. Widar (GHS/BDC) + 9'34"
13. Christian Rodriguez (REX/VFL/DED) + 9'42"
14. Martin (CFA) +12'58"

Tomorrow: the first rest day. After a tumultuous week (and stage 8 in particular) the remaining riders may well need it.

(For those who haven't done so yet, a good opportunity to vote on the General Election and the Talossan Music Top 20 (https://wittenberg.talossa.com/index.php?topic=5351.msg44906#msg44906).)

Up two ranks for the Posse. I like where this is headed.

Well, for me, on one hand I can now only pretty much hope I can preserve my lead in the season standings. Unless one of the GC riders I don't own drops off massively, pretty sure five teams are better placed than me in the long run; it's hard to see how BDC loses this without Mas or Onley crashing out.

On the other hand, now that there is no unbeatable star rider, stage 9 was a nailbiter. Not gonna lie, it's gonna be pretty exciting to see what happens in the rest of the Vuelta.

Stage 10  »  Alcaraz  ›  Elche de la Sierra

Pretty unpredictable sprint finish after many attacks in the final stages. Ultimately only Van Aert (CJO/CHX, 4th) and Albanese (CJO/DED, 11th) really featured in the sprint, with Bilbao, Camprubí, Carapaz and Zana getting a few points as well.

Low scoring for everyone but Naziun Cjovani and Cyclohexane, who both lift themselves closer to third place.

Standings after stage 10:

Pos	±		Team	Pts Ove	Pts Today
1st	(=)	(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/CZ.webp)	Cézembre Caçeirs dals Mailintzarăs (BDC)	4321	+88
2nd	(=)	(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/BE.webp)	Gordon Hiatus Support Team (GHS)	3593	+66
3rd	(=)	(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/FL.webp)	Velociposse Florencia (VFL)	3329	+80
4th	(=)	(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/MA.webp)	The Manilows (MAN)	3306	+58
5th	(+2)	(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/BE.webp)	Naziun Cjovani (CJO)	3289	+294
6th	(=)	(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/BE.webp)	Cyclohexane (CHX)	3273	+196
7th	(-2)	(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/MM.webp)	Port Maxhestic AC (PTM)	3216	+75
8th	(=)	(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/MM.webp)	Maritiimi-Maxhestic Mençeis (MMM)	2546	+8
9th	(=)	(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/MA.webp)	Els Talossaes Rexhital (REX)	2543	+126
10th	(+1)	(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/VD.webp)	Dirnalaiset Mortescu (DED)	2377	+112
11th	(-1)	(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/CZ.webp)	Cézembre Fieschā (CFA)	2340	+48

Today a pretty straightforward sprint stage. Unfortunately Mads Pedersen, who has been ill for the past few days, has withdrawn from TCAT and will not start. He leaves REX, MMM and CFA - all quite delayed - one more man down, with Cjovani the only team still sporting a full roster (though among their own, Almeida has shown very little so far for how expensive he was).

Oof, this is brutal.

Quote from: Baron Alexandreu Davinescu on September 02, 2026, 09:53:22 AMOof, this is brutal.

Yeah, and unfortunately it's not gonna get better. With your strongest riders having abandoned (or in the case of Almeida: being in very poor form) you basically have no point scoring opportunities anymore. And the assist point strategy doesn't really work when there's no one to assist. At this point this edition is basically over for the Menceis  and it's only a matter of time until they drop to last place (unless some crazy miracle happens).

Quite a big change from last edition when the same strategy got you the win! I guess it must be high risk, high reward.

Stage 11   »   Cartagena  ›  Lorca

As predicted, today ended in a bunch sprint. Brennan (GHS/BDC/MAN) won his third stage. Van Aert (CHX/CJO) continued to 5th place after his leadout. Albanese (CJO/DED), Elosegui (VFL), Alleno (DED) and Porter (PTM) all finished much further back, scoring limited points. A fairly low scoring stage where BdC got the most points.

I don't know if we've ever seen a +0 on the board. If we did it would likely have been in some first week (team) time trial stage.

Standings after stage 11:

Pos	±		Team	Pts Ove	Pts Today
1st	(=)	(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/CZ.webp)	Cézembre Caçeirs dals Mailintzarăs (BDC)	4629	+308
2nd	(=)	(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/BE.webp)	Gordon Hiatus Support Team (GHS)	3871	+278
3rd	(+1)	(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/MA.webp)	The Manilows (MAN)	3586	+280
4th	(+1)	(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/BE.webp)	Naziun Cjovani (CJO)	3573	+284
5th	(+1)	(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/BE.webp)	Cyclohexane (CHX)	3451	+178
6th	(-3)	(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/FL.webp)	Velociposse Florencia (VFL)	3425	+96
7th	(=)	(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/MM.webp)	Port Maxhestic AC (PTM)	3303	+87
8th	(+1)	(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/MA.webp)	Els Talossaes Rexhital (REX)	2637	+94
9th	(-1)	(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/MM.webp)	Maritiimi-Maxhestic Mençeis (MMM)	2546	+0
10th	(=)	(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/VD.webp)	Dirnalaiset Mortescu (DED)	2455	+78
11th	(=)	(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/CZ.webp)	Cézembre Fieschā (CFA)	2370	+30

Tomorrow should be more interesting, as we get a mountain stage with an uphill finish that should suit climbers. It could be a good opportunity for a break, but I also expect to see some timegaps among the GC contenders.

Welp, there go my good feelings about this leg of Season 5 for the Posse. It was nice while it lasted though.

Stage 12  »  Vera  ›  Calar Alto

Summary lifted from PCS: After 40km, a breakaway formed containing Wout van Aert, Santiago Buitrago, and Jakob Omrzel. Omrzel gained time for the general classification, virtually moving to second place. Attacks among favorites occurred on climbs, with Enric Mas gaining 27 seconds. Omrzel soloed to victory, becoming the second youngest stage winner in Vuelta history.

BDC gets the stagewin and gains 100pts on its most likely direct (distant) competitor for the final win, Naziun Cjovani.

Standings after stage 12:

Pos	±		Team	Pts Ove	Pts Today
1st	(=)	(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/CZ.webp)	Cézembre Caçeirs dals Mailintzarăs (BDC)	5123	+494
2nd	(=)	(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/BE.webp)	Gordon Hiatus Support Team (GHS)	4017	+146
3rd	(+1)	(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/BE.webp)	Naziun Cjovani (CJO)	3967	+394
4th	(-1)	(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/MA.webp)	The Manilows (MAN)	3835	+249
5th	(+2)	(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/MM.webp)	Port Maxhestic AC (PTM)	3760	+457
6th	(=)	(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/FL.webp)	Velociposse Florencia (VFL)	3746	+321
7th	(-2)	(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/BE.webp)	Cyclohexane (CHX)	3589	+138
8th	(=)	(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/MA.webp)	Els Talossaes Rexhital (REX)	3003	+366
9th	(=)	(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/MM.webp)	Maritiimi-Maxhestic Mençeis (MMM)	2664	+118
10th	(=)	(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/VD.webp)	Dirnalaiset Mortescu (DED)	2592	+137
11th	(=)	(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/CZ.webp)	Cézembre Fieschā (CFA)	2445	+75

Stage 13   »   Almuñécar  ›  Loja

After yesterday's epic stage win by Omrzel (BDC/PTM), today was more of a classics type stage suited for attackers. Indeed we got a large break with all team represented, which was eventually reduced to a smaller group. Towards the end several riders tried to break free, but the only one who succeeded, about 5 km before the finish was Van Aert (CHX/CJO), along with Paret-Peintre (CHX), who bravely tried to sprint against Van Aert, but of course was no match for him. In the group that followed Brennan (GHS/BDC) won the sprint for third place, ahead of Widar (GHS/BDC) and Albanese (CJO/DED). Vermaerke (MMM) finished seventh, at least preventing the Menceis from another zero on the board, and Zana (CFA) finished tenth.

On a less fortunate note, yesterday brought more bad news for GHST, BdC and Cyclohexane as Vine abandoned. Today it was more misery for the menceis as Sivakov dropped out.

The stage today was won by Naziun Cjovani. They continue their surge and climb to second place in the standings and will now presumably set their sights on overtaking first place as well. With a full roster (compared to the 6 riders worth 54 credits BdC has left) and 8 stages to go that might not be as impossible as the 1100 point gap makes it seem. BdC still hold the advantage, but this is not over yet.

Standings after stage 13:

Pos	±		Team	Pts Ove	Pts Today
1st	(=)	(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/CZ.webp)	Cézembre Caçeirs dals Mailintzarăs (BDC)	5560	+437
2nd	(+1)	(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/BE.webp)	Naziun Cjovani (CJO)	4463	+496
3rd	(-1)	(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/BE.webp)	Gordon Hiatus Support Team (GHS)	4422	+405
4th	(=)	(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/MA.webp)	The Manilows (MAN)	4091	+256
5th	(+2)	(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/BE.webp)	Cyclohexane (CHX)	4044	+455
6th	(=)	(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/FL.webp)	Velociposse Florencia (VFL)	3876	+130
7th	(-2)	(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/MM.webp)	Port Maxhestic AC (PTM)	3847	+87
8th	(=)	(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/MA.webp)	Els Talossaes Rexhital (REX)	3158	+155
9th	(+1)	(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/VD.webp)	Dirnalaiset Mortescu (DED)	2819	+227
10th	(-1)	(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/MM.webp)	Maritiimi-Maxhestic Mençeis (MMM)	2779	+115
11th	(=)	(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/CZ.webp)	Cézembre Fieschā (CFA)	2592	+147

Tomorrow a mountain stage with an uphill finish that could be one for the gc riders or for some adventurous climber.

Stage 14  »  Jaén  ›  Sierra de la Pandera

A day for the breakaway - 45 riders from all teams (except GHS) rode far in front of the peloton with Vermaerke (MMM) going solo midway through. Alas it was not to be. After multiple attacks from different riders, it was Marco Brenner (CHX/MAN/REX/VFL) who finally unlocked himself and got the stagewin. Rodriguez (DED/REX/VFL) got 3rd ahead of several other TCAT riders: Paret-Peintre (CHX, 5th), Zana (CFA, 8th), Calzoni (BDC, 9th), a much anticipated Almeida (CFA/CJO/MMM/REX, 10th) and Martin (CFA, 11th).

Among the GC favourites, Gall overtook Roglic for second by gaining 17" on him, alongside Mas, while Carapaz paid a further 6" more, showing he doesn't seem to have the strength to get to the GC podium. Even worse news for Onley, who dropped much earlier and seems also to have to settle for a place outside the podium, and Kuss, who lost two places in GC and is now a lowly 10th. Conversely, Rodriguez's third place 4 whole minutes before Mas gained him two places and a spot in the top 10.

The stagewin goes to REX with Brenner, Rodriguez and Almeida; this is their 11th win this season, tying GHS. High scores for VFL (also with Brenner and Rodriguez) and CHX (Brenner and Paret-Peintre), the latter rising to fourth with only a small gap to 3rd.

Luckily no TCAT riders among the five who abandoned the competition yesterday. It seems like attrition due to illness and/or heat and/or crashes is getting pretty significant.

Pos	±		Team	Pts Ove	Pts Today
1st	(=)	(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/CZ.webp)	Cézembre Caçeirs dals Mailintzarăs (BDC)	5715	+155
2nd	(=)	(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/BE.webp)	Naziun Cjovani (CJO)	4622	+159
3rd	(=)	(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/BE.webp)	Gordon Hiatus Support Team (GHS)	4477	+55
4th	(+1)	(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/BE.webp)	Cyclohexane (CHX)	4437	+393
5th	(-1)	(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/MA.webp)	The Manilows (MAN)	4372	+281
6th	(=)	(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/FL.webp)	Velociposse Florencia (VFL)	4360	+484
7th	(=)	(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/MM.webp)	Port Maxhestic AC (PTM)	3930	+83
8th	(=)	(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/MA.webp)	Els Talossaes Rexhital (REX)	3707	+549
9th	(=)	(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/VD.webp)	Dirnalaiset Mortescu (DED)	3056	+237
10th	(=)	(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/MM.webp)	Maritiimi-Maxhestic Mençeis (MMM)	2879	+100
11th	(=)	(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/CZ.webp)	Cézembre Fieschā (CFA)	2810	+218

Today's stage will be considerably shorter than planned as a result of the heat. It will likely be an affair for punchy sprinters, with Van Aert surely a primary contender.

Stage 15   »   Palma del Río  ›  Córdoba

Lücs prediction was correct. There was a break involving Van Aert (CHX/CJO). None of the pure sprinters were able to get involved, while Van Aert beat those who did at the line.

The result is a low scoring stage for everyone except Cyclohexane and Naziun Cjovani who win the stage and chop off nearly 300 points from the gap with BdC (who according to anonymous sources are starting to get very nervous).

Standings after stage 15:

Pos	±		Team	Pts Ove	Pts Today
1st	(=)	(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/CZ.webp)	Cézembre Caçeirs dals Mailintzarăs (BDC)	5801	+86
2nd	(=)	(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/BE.webp)	Naziun Cjovani (CJO)	4994	+372
3rd	(+1)	(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/BE.webp)	Cyclohexane (CHX)	4701	+264
4th	(-1)	(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/BE.webp)	Gordon Hiatus Support Team (GHS)	4539	+62
5th	(+1)	(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/FL.webp)	Velociposse Florencia (VFL)	4466	+106
6th	(-1)	(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/MA.webp)	The Manilows (MAN)	4453	+81
7th	(=)	(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/MM.webp)	Port Maxhestic AC (PTM)	4025	+95
8th	(=)	(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/MA.webp)	Els Talossaes Rexhital (REX)	3815	+108
9th	(=)	(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/VD.webp)	Dirnalaiset Mortescu (DED)	3100	+44
10th	(=)	(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/MM.webp)	Maritiimi-Maxhestic Mençeis (MMM)	2973	+94
11th	(=)	(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/CZ.webp)	Cézembre Fieschā (CFA)	2847	+37

Restday tomorrow. Stay tuned for more analysis (maybe)

Did a quick (possibly not completely accurate) count of the current virtual end-of-tour points based on current classifications:

REX 1495
BDC 1455
CJO 1425

VFL 1340

PTM 1185

MAN 800
GHS 790

DED 690

CHX 535
CFA 460

MMM 25

Adding these to the current scores it's really hard to see anyone other than Banqeu de Cézembre or Naziun Cjovani winning this edition.


Several teams could still finish in third however. VFL, GHST, Manilows and Cyclohexane (in that order would be my best guess) are all still very much in the race for podium, but Els Talossaes Rexhital and even Port Maxhestic still have chances at the third place as well.

Miraculously The Menceis still are not in last place yet, but eventually that does feel unavoidable. Perhaps the more interesting question there is whether they can avoid the all time low score of 3776. That would require about 125 points per stage remaing, slightly more than they have been getting the last few days, despite the efforts of Vermaerke in particular. Maybe Almeida could make a difference in the last week though.

Tomorrow we get a stage that actually features more vertical meters than yesterday, but it's still mostly flat and with a lot of the hills early in a stage thats pretty long the expectation is still that it will be a bunch sprint.


The coming three days might actually be more important in determining who wins TCAT than youd think based on the fairly unexciting stage profiles. BdC needs Brennan to win in the sprints to further extend their lead. That might be needed because on thursday the time trial could well see Naziun Cjovani make big gains. Naziun Cjovani will therefore hope for a break to succeed or Van Aert or Albanese to get sprint points as well just to stay within reach of first place and make their move on thursday and possibly the final three stages as well.

Stage 16  »  Cortegana  ›  La Rábida. Palos de la Frontera

Welcome to week 3, the last one of the season! Fairly standard sprint stage which unsurprisingly saw Matthew Brennan (BDC/GHS) get a fourth stagewin. Though it is not a Brennan team who prevails today, but rather Naziun Cjovani, with Van Aert and Albanese respectively 6th and 8th, and many assists from Brennan's first place. A bit disappointing for BDC, who no doubt was hoping to gain back a few points, and for GHS, who got very close to finally winning a stage thanks to De Jong in 14th, but has to settle for second.

Not much to report otherwise and today is likely going to be similar, with the final pure sprint stage of this edition.

Standings after stage 16: (Edit: fixed after I used wrong overall/swings)

Pos	±		Team	Pts Ove	Pts Today
1st	(=)	(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/CZ.webp)	Cézembre Caçeirs dals Mailintzarăs (BDC)	6101	+300
2nd	(=)	(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/BE.webp)	Naziun Cjovani (CJO)	5307	+313
3rd	(=)	(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/BE.webp)	Cyclohexane (CHX)	4907	+206
4th	(=)	(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/BE.webp)	Gordon Hiatus Support Team (GHS)	4843	+304
5th	(+1)	(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/MA.webp)	The Manilows (MAN)	4721	+268
6th	(-1)	(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/FL.webp)	Velociposse Florencia (VFL)	4611	+145
7th	(=)	(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/MM.webp)	Port Maxhestic AC (PTM)	4100	+75
8th	(=)	(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/MA.webp)	Els Talossaes Rexhital (REX)	3915	+100
9th	(=)	(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/VD.webp)	Dirnalaiset Mortescu (DED)	3220	+120
10th	(=)	(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/MM.webp)	Maritiimi-Maxhestic Mençeis (MMM)	3014	+41
11th	(=)	(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/CZ.webp)	Cézembre Fieschā (CFA)	2880	+33

Random stuff to spice up update:

- This will in all likelihood be the first season in which all three editions were won by three different teams, except for the very first 2022 season, which however only had two legs and seven participants.

- Should BDC or CHX win two more stages, and/or CJO win three more stages, this will be the first season with more than two teams on double digit stage wins. CJO has also recently became the sixth team to win 20 or more stages in the history of TCAT, and currently sits at 22 wins, one fewer than third placed Cyclohexane.

- GHS and REX are already on double digits at 11 apiece; REX has a real chance to be the first team to win the most stages in a season without winning any legs of the season, while GHS has increasingly little chances left to win their maiden stage in this edition, and continue their perfect streak of always winning at least a stage in each edition they entered.

Stage 17  »  Dos Hermanas  ›  Sevilla

Another long day in the Andalusian heat, which went pretty much entirely as predicted, ending in a bunchsprint, won by Brennan (GHS/BDC/MAN). De Schuyteneer (CHX) finally got involved in the sprint this time and finished 5th.

Unlike yesterday, BdC did get what they want this time. With Albanese and Van Aert further back, BdC won the stage and increased their lead over Naziun Cjovani, which might prove important considering the stages that are yet to come. GHST again fell just short of a stagewin as De Jong didn't make the top 20 to provide the points to put them ahead.


Standings after stage 17:

Pos	±		Team	Pts Ove	Pts Today
1st	(=)	(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/CZ.webp)	Cézembre Caçeirs dals Mailintzarăs (BDC)	6399	+298
2nd	(=)	(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/BE.webp)	Naziun Cjovani (CJO)	5452	+145
3rd	(+1)	(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/BE.webp)	Gordon Hiatus Support Team (GHS)	5115	+272
4th	(-1)	(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/BE.webp)	Cyclohexane (CHX)	5087	+180
5th	(=)	(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/MA.webp)	The Manilows (MAN)	4993	+272
6th	(=)	(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/FL.webp)	Velociposse Florencia (VFL)	4742	+131
7th	(=)	(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/MM.webp)	Port Maxhestic AC (PTM)	4179	+79
8th	(=)	(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/MA.webp)	Els Talossaes Rexhital (REX)	4015	+100
9th	(=)	(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/VD.webp)	Dirnalaiset Mortescu (DED)	3260	+40
10th	(=)	(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/MM.webp)	Maritiimi-Maxhestic Mençeis (MMM)	3014	+0
11th	(=)	(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/CZ.webp)	Cézembre Fieschā (CFA)	2909	+29

Mas currently holds a 2'06" lead in the general classification while BdC is leading TCAT by 947 points. Those look like pretty comfortable margins, but tomorrow they could well shrink significantly, as the riders will be faced with a 32km mostly flat time trial.

Mas (REX/VFL/BDC/MAN) is not particularly known for his time trial skills. Gall (CJO), who is currently in second but almost certainly will not be after tomorrow, even less so. Roglic (VFL/PTM/CJO), does have a strong time trial and can realistically be expected to between 1 and 2 minutes of his deficit, putting him well back in the race for the red jersey.

Others who are expected to do well tomorrow include Van Aert (CHX/CJO), Armirail (REX/CJO), Skjelmose (GHS/CFA), Almeida (REX/MMM/CFA/CJO), Chamberlain (CJO), Oliveira (MMM) (although he crashed yesterday) with De Pestel (GHS) and Barta (PTM) also among the outsiders along with several GC favourites.

That means Naziun Cjovani has at least 5 serious contenders for a spot in the top 10 tomorrow, while most of the competitors have a lot fewer, especially due to Pogacar, Tarling and Vine, who all would have been possible favourites tomorrow, all having dropped out earlier. Realistically that should be enough to make big gains tomorrow. Whether that will be enough to stay in the race for a second TCAT win (or even become the favourites if things go especially well) remains to be seen.

Stage 18 (ITT)  »  El Puerto de Santa María  ›  Jerez de la Frontera

The second and longer individual team trial was, as predicted, a Cjovani-led affair; the Belacostan team had the potential to put as many as five or six riders in the points, to most other teams's one or two. And indeed, while non-TCAT riders got first and second, CJO placed Almeida in third, Roglic in fourth, van Aert in fifth, Armirail in seventh and Chamberlain in thirteenth, winning the stage by a wide margin and making back almost 500 points on BDC.

The stage result is deceptive, though: GC leader Enric Mas, thought to be doomed to dropping around 1:30 minutes to (much more competent time trialist) Primoz Roglic, actually limited his losses to just 33 seconds from the Slovene, placing 12th in a performance that could very well seal the deal in his bid to win the general classification. This is very good news for BDC, of course, as is the good performance of Oscar Onley, who placed 17th after somewhat struggling during the second week. Conversely, Felix Gall and Richard Carapaz performed about as expected and limited their losses, while Matthias Skjelmose, initially thought to be the other somewhat competent time trialist other than Roglic, floundered to a lowly 28th, losing time to all other GC riders except for Kuss.

This all means that, while the score delta between Cjovani and BDC is about what was to be expected, the situation in the general classification has not changed enough for Cjovani to have an advantage in End of Tour points (worsened a bit, actually, because of Sepp Kuss losing time). If the Belacostans want to win their second TCAT edition more than four years after their first, they will have to get 450 more stage points in the remaining three stages, plain and simple.

Standings after stage 18:

Pos	±		Team	Pts Ove	Pts Today
1st	(=)	(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/CZ.webp)	Cézembre Caçeirs dals Mailintzarăs (BDC)	6531	+132
2nd	(=)	(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/BE.webp)	Naziun Cjovani (CJO)	6080	+628
3rd	(+1)	(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/BE.webp)	Cyclohexane (CHX)	5259	+172
4th	(-1)	(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/BE.webp)	Gordon Hiatus Support Team (GHS)	5154	+39
5th	(=)	(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/MA.webp)	The Manilows (MAN)	5077	+84
6th	(=)	(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/FL.webp)	Velociposse Florencia (VFL)	4996	+254
7th	(=)	(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/MM.webp)	Port Maxhestic AC (PTM)	4403	+224
8th	(=)	(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/MA.webp)	Els Talossaes Rexhital (REX)	4386	+371
9th	(=)	(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/VD.webp)	Dirnalaiset Mortescu (DED)	3309	+49
10th	(=)	(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/MM.webp)	Maritiimi-Maxhestic Mençeis (MMM)	3254	+240
11th	(=)	(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/CZ.webp)	Cézembre Fieschā (CFA)	3093	+184

Unfortunately I don't have time for proper update today. The stagewin went to Cézembre Fiescha. For the race for overall winner no change is very good news for BdC, who are getting very close to the win with only two stages to go.

Standings after stage 19:

Pos	±		Team	Pts Ove	Pts Today
1st	(=)	(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/CZ.webp)	Cézembre Caçeirs dals Mailintzarăs (BDC)	6679	+148
2nd	(=)	(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/BE.webp)	Naziun Cjovani (CJO)	6254	+174
3rd	(=)	(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/BE.webp)	Cyclohexane (CHX)	5452	+193
4th	(=)	(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/BE.webp)	Gordon Hiatus Support Team (GHS)	5237	+83
5th	(=)	(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/MA.webp)	The Manilows (MAN)	5143	+66
6th	(=)	(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/FL.webp)	Velociposse Florencia (VFL)	5123	+127
7th	(=)	(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/MM.webp)	Port Maxhestic AC (PTM)	4553	+150
8th	(=)	(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/MA.webp)	Els Talossaes Rexhital (REX)	4532	+146
9th	(=)	(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/VD.webp)	Dirnalaiset Mortescu (DED)	3376	+67
10th	(=)	(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/MM.webp)	Maritiimi-Maxhestic Mençeis (MMM)	3345	+91
11th	(=)	(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/CZ.webp)	Cézembre Fieschā (CFA)	3293	+200

Tomorrow the Queen stage with loads of climbing and many vertical meters.

Quote from: Glüc on September 11, 2026, 05:06:35 PMThe stagewin went to Cézembre Fiescha.

Yo!! Fear y'all, la Fieschā is back to win!

Stage 20  »  La Calahorra  ›  Collado del Alguacil

The queen stage of this edition saw a stunning reversal of fortunes, as Naziun Cjovani almost entirely made up its current points gap to BdC while simultaneously getting a significant boost in End of Tour points.

It wasn't a TCAT rider who won today, but Tobias Halland Johannessen (CJO/MAN/VFL) came second, in a first significant boost to the Belacostan team's fortunes; and also significantly, eighth came Sepp Kuss (CJO/PTM/REX), who had been losing time in GC lately but managed to attack midway through and to get assisted by teammates Van Aert and Nordhagen in making back as much time as possible. His efforts were rewarded with a 6 places bump in GC to 5th, which will more than double his EoT points intake.

This also means Oscar Onley (BDC/CHX/DED/PTM) and Jakob Omrzel (BDC/PTM) get bumped down a place in GC; they finished 19th and 20th, but way down on time, as they got dropped from the GC leaders group midway through. No changes in the remaining top spots of GC: Enric Mas (BDC/MAN/REX/VFL, 14th in the stage) is confirmed to be the winner of the 2026 Vuelta, despite losing a little time to Felix Gall (CJO, 13th). The Austrian also gained more time on Primoz Roglic (CJO/PTM/VFL, 15th), but not enough to replace him at second place. Fourth will remain Richard Carapaz (GHS/REX, 18th), who tried to attack numerous times throughout the stage in an effort to make a bid for the podium, but was unsuccessful.

Naziun Cjovani is of course far and away the winner of the day (9th stagewin this season and 24th overall - now alone at third most ever).

Standings after stage 20:

Pos	±		Team	Pts Ove	Pts Today
1st	(=)	(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/CZ.webp)	Cézembre Caçeirs dals Mailintzarăs (BDC)	6903	+224
2nd	(=)	(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/BE.webp)	Naziun Cjovani (CJO)	6827	+573
3rd	(=)	(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/BE.webp)	Cyclohexane (CHX)	5573	+121
4th	(+2)	(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/FL.webp)	Velociposse Florencia (VFL)	5496	+373
5th	(=)	(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/MA.webp)	The Manilows (MAN)	5453	+310
6th	(-2)	(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/BE.webp)	Gordon Hiatus Support Team (GHS)	5335	+98
7th	(=)	(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/MM.webp)	Port Maxhestic AC (PTM)	4743	+190
8th	(=)	(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/MA.webp)	Els Talossaes Rexhital (REX)	4737	+205
9th	(=)	(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/VD.webp)	Dirnalaiset Mortescu (DED)	3444	+68
10th	(=)	(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/MM.webp)	Maritiimi-Maxhestic Mençeis (MMM)	3422	+77
11th	(=)	(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/CZ.webp)	Cézembre Fieschā (CFA)	3326	+33

The final stage, later today, is a short, Montmartre-like final stage which will favour punchy sprinters. Wout van Aert is the likely favourite.

Position battles when accounting for End of Tour points follow.

The podium is basically set in stone:

• BdC needs approximately 270 stage points more than Cjovani to keep the lead. This necessarily implies WvA being tired and Visma-LAB's efforts shifting to Brennan instead. Not impossible, but also Cjovani can score assist points with Kuss, WvA and Armirail, so even Brennan winning would not be enough.
• Velociposse is basically guaranteed third place - wide virtual gaps in front and back. It currently sits amidst a podium fight group of four, but is going to score way more EoT points than MAN, GHS and CHX.

Bit muddier for fourth to eighth:

• Fourth place is likely either going to REX or MAN. As above, REX is going to score way more EoT points than MAN, GHS and CHX - actually, the second most of anyone, just 85 fewer than Cjovani. Both REX and MAN have Brenner so he's not going to factor in; MAN has Brennan (as above), REX has Bilbao (a surprise attempt in his last career Vuelta stage?)
• Sixth to eighth, 125 points behind MAN, we find PTM, CHX and GHS in little more than 100 points. Any permutation is possible depending on how today goes. CHX is the other team with Van Aert - if he wins, maybe with some Camprubi points, and there's little going for the others, they may well finish fifth or even fourth.

Ninth, tenth and eleventh, DED, CFA and MMM, almost certainly in this order. Unless Vermaerke saves MMM!

Final points still to come, but congrats @Iason Taiwos for winning TCAT Spain 2026! Commiserations to BdC and Velociposse, who finish on the podium, and congratulations to the Manilows for the final stagewin and a best-ever fourth place in the edition.

It briefly seemed like there was some hope for BdC, with Visma going for Brennan instead of van Aert, and Widar also featuring at the front - but not only Brennan missed the opportunity to join the three riders who attacked last and sprinted for the win, only finishing fourth, Cjovani's Tobias Johannessen was also somehow able to recover from his effort yesterday and managed a stunning stage victory.

Yes, congrats to Naziun Cjovani! (Update later)

Stage 21 (Final)   »   Carrefour Granada  ›  Granada


Van Aert (CHX/CJO) was the big favourite for the final stage. However, it was Brennan (GHS/BDC/MAN) who was joining the attacks in the final kilometers, along with Johannessen (VFL/CJO/MAN), Widar (GHS/BDC) and Vermaerke (MMM) and several others. Surprisingly, it was Johannessen who was the strongest in the end, winning the final stage after being in the break many times. Brennan finished fourth.

The result is a stagewin for the Manilows, who climb to third in the stage and secure a fourth place overall. BdC remain in the lead for now, but they were faced with the near impossible task of gaining more than 220 points on Cjovani to compensate for the EoT points that Naziun Cjovani will score after the gains they made saturday and instead ended up losing more point. BdC has been ahead for the entire edition, but they have felt the breath of Naziun Cjovani in their neck ever since the crash of Pogacar and in the end losing Pogacar, Tarling, Vine proved too much in the final sprint.



Standings after stage 21 (NOT including end of tour points!!!):
These are not the final standings

Pos	±		Team	Pts Ove	Pts Today
1st	(=)	(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/CZ.webp)	Cézembre Caçeirs dals Mailintzarăs (BDC)	7155	+252
2nd	(=)	(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/BE.webp)	Naziun Cjovani (CJO)	7151	+324
3rd	(+2)	(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/MA.webp)	The Manilows (MAN)	5930	+477
4th	(=)	(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/FL.webp)	Velociposse Florencia (VFL)	5855	+359
5th	(-2)	(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/BE.webp)	Cyclohexane (CHX)	5718	+145
6th	(=)	(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/BE.webp)	Gordon Hiatus Support Team (GHS)	5561	+226
7th	(+1)	(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/MA.webp)	Els Talossaes Rexhital (REX)	4994	+257
8th	(-1)	(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/MM.webp)	Port Maxhestic AC (PTM)	4816	+73
9th	(=)	(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/VD.webp)	Dirnalaiset Mortescu (DED)	3610	+166
10th	(=)	(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/MM.webp)	Maritiimi-Maxhestic Mençeis (MMM)	3439	+17
11th	(=)	(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/CZ.webp)	Cézembre Fieschā (CFA)	3365	+29

Quote from: Glüc on September 16, 2026, 03:45:38 PMBdC has been ahead for the entire edition, but they have felt the breath of Naziun Cjovani in their neck ever since the crash of Pogacar and in the end losing Pogacar, Tarling, Vine proved too much in the final sprint.

If I had one louis for every time a team has lead from stage 2 to 21 and then lost on EoT I would have 2 louis. Which is weird etc etc

FINAL RESULT:

Pos	±		Team	Pts Ove	Pts Today
1st	(+1)	(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/BE.webp)	Naziun Cjovani (CJO)	8746	+1595
2nd	(-1)	(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/CZ.webp)	Cézembre Caçeirs dals Mailintzarăs (BDC)	8445	+1290
3rd	(+1)	(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/FL.webp)	Velociposse Florencia (VFL)	7280	+1425
4th	(-1)	(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/MA.webp)	The Manilows (MAN)	6735	+805
5th	(+2)	(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/MA.webp)	Els Talossaes Rexhital (REX)	6524	+1530
6th	(=)	(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/BE.webp)	Gordon Hiatus Support Team (GHS)	6221	+660
7th	(-2)	(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/BE.webp)	Cyclohexane (CHX)	6208	+490
8th	(=)	(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/MM.webp)	Port Maxhestic AC (PTM)	6136	+1320
9th	(=)	(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/VD.webp)	Dirnalaiset Mortescu (DED)	4240	+630
10th	(+1)	(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/CZ.webp)	Cézembre Fieschā (CFA)	3745	+390
11th	(-1)	(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/MM.webp)	Maritiimi-Maxhestic Mençeis (MMM)	3484	+45

The Menceis basically had no one left in GC (except Vermaerke at place 28) as a result drop to the expected last placed, having not succeeded at beating the previous all time worst score of 3776.

Cézembre Fieschā actually did not perform much better, as Skjelmose dropped further in the final mountain stages. Martin actually ended up their highest GC rider, but still outside the top 10.

Cyclohexane looked like they were competing for podium at some point, but drop to 7th in the end due to having only Onley in the top 10, who dropped to 6th in the final mountain stage. They do get points for Van Aert winning PC and finishing second in KOM

Dirnalaiset Mortescu were always too far behind the top 8, but not in any real danger of finishing last. Onley in 6th, Rodriguez in 9th and Aparicio surprisingly in 14th are not enough for a big end-of-tour points haul

GHST also suffer from Skjelmoses poor performance in the final week (in addition to Widar not really competing for GC after the first week), leaving Carapaz, who did get a respectable 4th place as their only top 10 GC rider. Of course they do also get PC points from Brennan, who won a whopping 5 stages. That is good for stage points of course, but not so much for end of tour points.

The Manilows did well in their second TCAT participation but fall just short of the podium. They are one of four teams to pick Mas, the overall winner, but without any other top 10 GC picks there aren't enough eot points to be gained to stay on the podium.

Banqeu da Cézembre also picked the overall winner (Mas), along with 6th place (Onley) and a very impressive 7th place (Omrzel) and the winner of the most stages (Brennan). However without Pogacar or Vine this wasn't enough in the end against a still complete Naziun Cjovani.

Port Maxhestic finished with the fourth largest eot total, even if its not enough to climb to 7th place. PTM ended with 4 riders in the top 10 GC: Roglic (2nd), Kuss (5th), Onley (6th) and Omrzel (7th) Unfortunately due to Groves early crash they never managed to score a lot of points in the flat stages.

Velociposse climb to the podium due to having the top 2 on their team (Mas and Roglic), along with Rodriguez in 9th.

Perhaps unsurprisngly, the two teams who were not affected by the Pogacar crash got the biggest eot score. Els Talossaes Rexhital, like PTM had 4 riders in the top 10 gc, including the winner (Mas), along with the 4th (Carapaz), 5th (Kuss) and 9th (Rodriguez) placed riders. As a result they climb two places to finish in 5th overall.

Naziun Cjovani are the only team to finish this edition complete. Van Aert was the biggest scorer this time and he gets KOM and PC eot points as well. 3 of their riders made it to top 10, but all of these ended up in the top 5: Roglic (2nd), Gall (3rd) and Kuss (5th). Additionally there are quite a bit of assist points for Cjovani, due to the efforts of Gall and Chamberlain. After a strong final week, including a big victory in the TT, the end of tour points are enough to overtake BdC and win TCAT for the second time since the very first edition!

Posse on the podium, nice. I am going to try and nudge Crement early for the next round.

Customary pair of tables to round out the edition (and season):

ALL-TIME STAGE WINNERS

Cjovani won the most stages in this edition, 7, which are enough to propel it to all-time third most stage wins.

GHST did not win any stage in an edition for the first time ever, but remains the team with the most stagewins over the season for the second time in a row  - this time shared with els Talossaes Rexhitais, who in turn are the fourth different team to win the most stages in a season, and the sixth to win double digit stagewins in a season.

BdC achieved the funny Talossan number and is therefore forbidden from winning any more stages (/s).

By winning their first two stages, the Manilows leave Ardita as the only team who ever took part in TCAT without winning a stage. By winning the 44th stage they took part in, they equal the Cabana Boys (who sadly didn't feature this season) in taking the most stages of any other team before finally winning one.

	Team	Stage Wins	2022	2023	2024	2025	2026
(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/CZ.webp)	Banqeu da Cézembre (BDC)	59	11	15	20	5	8
(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/BE.webp)	Gordon Hiatus Support Team (GHS)	46	6	5	11	13	11
(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/BE.webp)	Naziun Cjovani (CJO)	24	12	2	0	1	9
(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/BE.webp)	Cyclohexane (CHX)	23	-	8	2	5	8
(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/FL.webp)	Velociposse Florencia (VFL)	22	3	4	4	6	5
(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/MM.webp)	Mençeis/Gagnheirs (MMM)	20	5	11	-	-	4
(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/MM.webp)	Port Maxhestic AC (PTM)	17	-	3	9	5	0
(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/CZ.webp)	Cézembre Fieschă (CFA)	17	-	2	9	5	1
(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/MA.webp)	Rexhitais/Cantzelerïă (REX)	17	-	1	1	4	11
(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/MA.webp)	Maricopa Cabana Boys (MCB)	13	-	7	3	3	-
(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/VD.webp)	Dead Last (DED)	12	-	3	4	5	0
(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/BE.webp)	Esqipă Velocostă (EVC)	11	-	-	-	10	1
(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/FV.webp)	Kinetic Racing (KIN)	4	3	0	-	1	-
(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/FL.webp)	Team In The Wind (KIN)	3	-	-	-	-	3
(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/MM.webp)	els Averatxeirs (ATX)	2	-	2	-	0	-
(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/BE.webp)	Valcürïăs (VAL)	2	2	0	-	-	-
(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/MA.webp)	Manilows (MAN)	2	-	-	0	0	2

One team, Ardita, took part in one TCAT leg but did not win a stage.

Lastly:

SEASON STANDINGS

(± ignores non-returning teams)

Pos	±		Team	Pts
1st	(=)	(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/BE.webp)	Gordon Hiatus Support Team (GHS)	27203
2nd	(+1)	(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/MA.webp)	Els Talossaes Rexhital (REX)	25442
3rd	(+3)	(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/CZ.webp)	Cézembre Caçeirs dals Mailintzarăs (BDC)	25328
4th	(-2)	(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/BE.webp)	Cyclohexane (CHX)	25321
5th	(=)	(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/FL.webp)	Velociposse Florencia (VFL)	24363
6th	(-2)	(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/MM.webp)	Maritiimi-Maxhestic Mençeis (MMM)	22152
7th	(=)	(https://database.talossa.com/static/img/CZ.webp)	Cézembre Fieschā (CFA)	17391

After two seasons at second place, Gordon Hiatus Support Team finally does one better and wins TCAT 2026. It was an underwhelming edition compared to the recent past, but their performance in the previous two editions were more than enough to comfortably stay in first place.

REX gets by far their best season result - they will certainly look to carry this to a maiden edition win for them and Maricopa next year - and BdC round off the podium by just 7 points over CHX, confirming third place from last year. Cyclohexane will regret those few points, but overall they have still improved their point tally every year.

I'm very pleased to come in second place in a sport I barely understand!

-Txec R