“I trust more in arriving alone” – Iván Romeo turns tactics into Gran Camino stage win after difficult month

Ivan Romeo turned aggression into reward on Stage 3 of O Gran Camiño 2026, producing a solo attack to take victory in Padrón and underline his return to form after a difficult spell.

The Movistar Team rider made his move inside the final 10 kilometres, distancing his rivals from a select front group before holding on to the finish. “I always try to avoid a sprint when I can. I trust my sprint, but I trust more in arriving alone,” Romeo said after the stage. “There you have a 100% chance of winning.”

Romeo’s victory was built on a clear approach from the start of the decisive phase. After helping to split the race on the Pico Muralla, he remained active in the front group before choosing his moment to go solo.

The move came after a series of accelerations had already reduced the race to a small group of contenders, allowing him to take advantage of hesitation behind and commit fully to his effort. “Super happy to finish off the team’s work like this today,” he added, pointing to the collective effort that set up the winning move.

The win continues a strong run for Movistar Team, following Carlos Canal’s victory on Stage 2.

In the final, the team again played a key role, with Canal stepping aside on the decisive climb to allow Romeo to take his chance. “Carlos said he wasn’t feeling good and that he gave me the green light,” Romeo explained.

The decision proved crucial, allowing Romeo to commit fully at the front without hesitation as the race split apart.

The performance carries added significance given Romeo’s recent struggles. After crashes and a lack of continuity, the Spaniard admitted he did not expect to be at this level so soon. “The last month has been very complicated and I didn’t expect to be this good,” he said.

That contrast was evident in the aftermath, with the victory marking not just a result, but a return to confidence after a difficult period.

Despite the strong position gained on Stage 3, Romeo was clear that the general classification was not a priority heading into the race. “I didn’t have the general classification in mind,” he said.

With two stage wins already secured by the team, the pressure has shifted. “With two wins we can already go home happy and everything that comes will be positive.”

Romeo’s victory in Padrón not only confirms his resurgence, but also reinforces the momentum building within O Gran Camiño as the race heads into its final stages.