UCI strips Marc Soler of overall victory at the 2026 Vuelta a Murcia

Today, Tuesday, the UCI decided to strip Marc Soler of his overall victory in the 2026 Vuelta a Murcia. The Spanish cyclist from UAE Team Emirates - XRG had initially been declared the winner after the cancellation of the second stage of the race.

The Vuelta a Murcia (class 2.1) was scheduled to have two stages. However, the race organisers, in agreement with the commissaires, cancelled the second stage a few minutes after it started due to extremely strong winds affecting the region. It should be noted that bad weather affected the entire Iberian Peninsula last week and suspended some races in both Portugal and Spain.

The first stage had already been affected by the weather conditions, starting late and being shortened. On that day, a breakaway of 10 men formed with Marc Soler and Julius Johansen, who were later joined by Tim Wellens. The peloton completely dispersed shortly before regrouping.

With 40 kilometres to go, Soler and Johansen attacked and stayed in front until the final climb, where Soler left his teammate behind and took the stage victory. Tom Pidcock launched a strong attack and finished third. On this day, the wind was strong, but it allowed the cyclists to complete the stage safely.

The second day headed onto the road for the queen stage of the race, but right in its first moments, strong gusts were literally blowing riders out of the road. It was not possible to race in such conditions safely and the race was neutralized.

The organization has confirmed its decision through a message: "Due to strong winds, and as it is impossible to continue, the peloton will move to Santomera to ride a 10 km neutralized urban circuit. Times will not be recorded, but there will be a stage winner and the jerseys will be awarded".

However, the UCI refused to ratify the result. According to the regulations, an overall classification can only be awarded if a race includes more than one stage.

Marc Soler sees his name as the winner of stage 1 in his list of achievements. Fabio Christen, from Pinnarello Q36.5 Por Cycling Team, remains on the throne of the Spanish race for another year, after winning the 2025 edition of the race.