“We have 54 seconds… we have to use it” – Ivan Romeo targets Sunday as Movistar defend Andalucia yellow

Ivan Romeo’s grip on the 2026 Vuelta a Andalucia tightened on Stage 3, as Movistar Team delivered a textbook defence of the yellow jersey to keep their leader clear of danger with two days remaining.

After claiming overall leadership with his Stage 2 victory, the Spaniard faced his first real test in control rather than aggression. Movistar rode at the front for much of the day, carefully managing the breakaway and ensuring no rival close on general classification gained ground.

The move that went clear featured only non-threats to the overall standings, exactly as the team had hoped. When Cofidis increased the pace late on, and the escape was caught 11 kilometres from the finish, Movistar’s priority was already achieved. Milan Fretin went on to win the stage in Lopera, but Romeo crossed safely in the bunch, his advantage intact.

“Honestly, the day went very well. The break went exactly how we wanted, and behind that, the work was done well. The finale was crazy, with a lot of tension. There was a descent with eight kilometres to go that made things a bit complicated, but it was fine,” said the race leader afterwards.

Romeo now holds a 54-second advantage over the rest of the main favourites, a buffer that could prove decisive heading into the final weekend.

“We have 54 seconds over the rest of the favourites, and we have to use that. We will try to carry it through to Sunday, because they will surely try to make it difficult for us. But that is the objective,” he explained.

Saturday is expected to favour the sprinters once again, meaning the real pressure may arrive on the final stage, which features repeated climbs and a more selective profile.

“There are two stages left, and they are going to be tough. Especially the last one, with many short climbs and mountain passes, which will make it a hard day. Hopefully, we can get through Saturday well so we can focus our energy on Sunday,” Romeo concluded.

With momentum on their side and their leader riding confidently in yellow, Movistar now enter the closing days in control. The challenge shifts from gaining time to defending it, but for now, the Spanish team’s plan continues to unfold exactly as intended.