The race organizers decided to shorten the planned route by 79.5 km due to the heatwave affecting Andalusia. Under these conditions, an initial breakaway of 11 riders formed, with Norway's Andreas Leknessund (Uno-X Mobility) being one of the most dangerous before the Puerto de la Forestal.
Later, Germany's Georg Steinhauser (EF Education-EasyPost) counter-attacked and joined the escape, gaining an advantage over the peloton where Spain's Enric Mas (Movistar Team) rode calmly. At 36.6 km from the finish, Leknessund extended his lead over riders like Xabier Mikel Azparren (Pinarello-Q36.5), Fabian Weiss (Tudor), and Reuben Thompson (Lotto-Intermarché).
Despite Azparren's efforts on the Puerto Artafi, Leknessund appeared strong. However, Wout van Aert (Visma-Lease a Bike) launched an attack in the intermediate sprint of Santa María de Trassierra, managing to catch the escapees.
Van Aert's move, joined by his compatriot Thibau Nys (Lidl-Trek) and Italy's Alessandro Romele (XDS Astana), reshaped the leading group. With 7 km remaining, this quintet held a 1:11 advantage over the chasers and 2:11 over the main peloton.
In the final kilometers, Van Aert demonstrated his superior sprinting ability, winning the stage and securing a repeat victory in this edition of La Vuelta. He completed the day's course in 2h35:00, finishing 2:45 ahead of the peloton.
Spanish cyclist Enric Mas comfortably maintained his lead in the general classification of the race.
