Wout van Aert and Matthew Brennan lead Visma | Lease a Bike at Vuelta a España

In the second stage of the Vuelta a España, Visma | Lease a Bike rider Matthew Brennan secured a stage victory following a strategic effort by teammate Wout van Aert. Van Aert launched a powerful attack approximately 2 kilometers from the finish to disrupt the peloton, though Tadej Pogačar of UAE Emirates-XRG was able to respond to the move.

Van Aert, who finished eighth in the opening technical time trial in Monaco, had aimed to challenge for the red leader's jersey. While he was unable to take the lead, his tactical move facilitated Brennan's win. Following the race, Van Aert jokingly remarked to Pogačar, “You always ride with everyone, except with me,” regarding the Slovenian's passive response to his attack.

The opening stage in Monaco was noted for its highly technical course, which Van Aert described as being “at the limit” due to its many curves and demanding terrain.