Veteran Coquard wins chaotic Vuelta stage; Pogačar's exit reshapes overall race

Bryan Coquard secured his first Grand Tour stage victory on Saturday, edging Mads Pedersen in a sprint finish marred by multiple crashes. The day's biggest development was Tadej Pogačar's abandonment after a crash, which ended his near-four-minute lead. Enric Mas now tops the general classification, with Primož Roglič one minute behind.

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Coquard's victory came after a chaotic afternoon in which six separate crashes disrupted the peloton, forcing four riders out of the race. The decisive incident occurred 400 meters from the line, splitting the field and eliminating stage favorite Matthew Brennan's leadout support. Coquard launched from deep and used a strong bike throw to edge Pedersen.

Pogačar's exit transforms the general classification. Mas inherits the red jersey but declined to wear it out of respect for the fallen champion. The race now features several viable contenders, including Roglič, who trails by