Spanish cycling fans celebrated on Sunday as Enric Mas, the Movistar team leader, secured his first Grand Tour win by taking the red jersey in the Vuelta a España. The victory ends a series of near‑misses for Mas, who had finished second overall in 2018, 2021 and 2022, and third in 2024.
How the race unfolded
Mas inherited the race lead after five‑time Tour de France champion Tadej Pogačar crashed out on the eighth stage, where he had been ahead of Mas by 3 minutes, 50 seconds. From that point, Mas and his Movistar teammates controlled the peloton, defending the lead through the remaining stages.
In the final stage, a 102‑kilometer circuit through the historic city of Granada, Norwegian rider Tobias Johannessen won the stage in a two‑man sprint against Alessandro Romele. Mas crossed the finish line arm‑in‑arm with his six Movistar teammates, sealing a 2‑minute, 15‑second margin over four‑time Vuelta champion Primož Roglič, who finished second overall. Felix Gall rounded out the podium, finishing third, 2 minutes, 44 seconds behind Mas.
Significance for Spanish cycling
Mas’s triumph marks the most significant Grand Tour achievement for a Spanish rider since Alberto Contador’s Giro d’Italia win in 2015. Contador was also the last Spaniard to win the Vuelta, achieving that feat in 2014. The victory is a source of pride for Spanish fans and underscores the strength of the Movistar program.
Beyond the Vuelta, Mas has shown consistency in the sport’s biggest events, placing fifth in the 2020 Tour de France and sixth in 2021. His perseverance through multiple near‑wins demonstrates the dedication and resilience valued by the cycling community.
Looking ahead
With the Vuelta title secured, Mas and Movistar will set their sights on the upcoming season, including the Tour de France. The team’s depth, highlighted by the coordinated effort in Granada, suggests they will remain competitive in the world’s toughest races.
Fans can expect Mas to continue representing Spain on the international stage, inspiring the next generation of cyclists who look up to his perseverance and eventual triumph.
Original reporting: KSAT Sports (San Antonio) — read the source article.
