Evenepoel wins third stage to take overall lead at Spanish Vuelta

ANDORRA — Remco Evenepoel dominated the first summit finish at the Spanish Vuelta on Monday, winning the third stage and taking over the red jersey.

Evenepoel sped to the front inside the final 200 meters (650 feet) to secure the victory after the 158-kilometer (98-mile) mountainous ride from Súria to Andorra.

“It was the perfect tactics from us to be patient, to wait," Evenepoel said. "I felt super good on the final climb with a long but very strong sprint so I’m super happy with this stage win. I felt I had a big punch still in my legs. I’m gonna enjoy the red jersey. It’s a beautiful victory here in Andorra, at high altitude. It shows my preparation was good and that I’m ready for the next three weeks.”

Evenepoel, of team Soudal Quick-Step, won the stage ahead of a group of riders that included Enric Mas of Movistar, Lenny Martinez of Groupama-FDJ, and Primoz Roglic and Jonas Vingegaard, both of team Jumbo-Visma.

Mas was second in the overall standings behind Evenepoel, while Martinez was third.

Tuesday's fourth stage into Tarragona should favor the sprinters.