Volta a Catalunya Stage 4 Shortened Due to High Winds
The fourth stage of the 2026 Volta a Catalunya, originally scheduled to finish at the Vallter ski resort, has been shortened due to a Level 3 VENCAT warning for high winds. Forecasts predict wind gusts of up to 90 km/h at the summit of Vallter on Thursday, March 26th.
Organizers announced that the stage, starting in Mataró, will now conclude in the town of Camprodon, effectively shortening the final climb to the resort. This decision mirrors a similar situation in 2025, where the queen stage was also altered due to severe weather conditions.
Current Standings
French champion Dorian Godon (Ineos Grenadiers) currently leads the Volta a Catalunya after winning stages 1 and 3. He holds an 11-second lead over Remco Evenepoel (Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe), who crashed late in stage 3. Tom Pidcock (Pinarello-Q36.5) is third, 16 seconds behind Godon, while Jonas Vingegaard (Visma-Lease a Bike) is fourth at 18 seconds.
Revised Stage Route
Camprodon is located approximately 150 kilometers into the planned 172.8-kilometer stage, at the base of the Vallter climb. This change avoids the steepest section of the ascent, which reaches gradients of up to 18%.
VENCAT Warning Details
The VENCAT alert, issued by Catalonia’s Civil Protection Agency, indicates that the entire Pyrenees and Pre-Pyrenees area will be under a wind warning. The strongest winds are expected at high altitudes in Ripollès, Pallars Sobirà, and Alta Ribagorça, with gusts potentially exceeding 90 km/h. The agency advises against outdoor leisure activities in wooded areas and on the coast.
Looking Ahead
The most challenging stage of the 2026 Volta a Catalunya is now scheduled for Friday, featuring a high-altitude finish on the Coll de Pal. A second summit finish awaits riders on Saturday at Queralt, before the race concludes on Sunday with a circuit around the Castell de Montjuïc in Barcelona.
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