Life is about seizing the opportunities that arise, taking what is within your reach, living in the present, and enjoying your luck. Orphaned of the unbeatable Pogacar, the Vuelta needed another leader and found it in Aitana perhaps where least expected, in a cyclist who seems like a different person. Enric Mas turned the consternation that had settled over the Spanish tour into a breath of fresh air and a surge of hope for a fanbase that hasn’t celebrated a Spanish victory in the general classification of a grand tour for more than a decade, since Alberto Contador’s Giro d’Italia win in 2015.
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The 31-year-old Mallorcan has before him probably the opportunity of his sporting life and has transformed into the new boss of the race. Because there was a power vacuum to fill after the farewell of the five-time Tour winner, but also because he feels strong.
In great form
It was the first time he wore red and he was up to the task. He raced with responsibility and ambition to win 1,429 days after the 2022 Giro dell’Emilia
In an unrecognizable version for the Movistar climber, who had never been seen wearing the leader’s jersey in a grand tour, the garment did not overwhelm him. Not at all. Mas was up to the responsibility. He showed himself as tough as a rock to defend against attacks but also fierce and brave to be offensive. He attacked with ambition, almost like never before, hurt with his legs, and finally won. The perfect combination to erode the confidence of those who should put him in trouble.
The leader controlled, was seen reacting and taking the wheel almost without flinching, arriving seated, glancing sideways to see the faces when they caught Gall’s attacks, three without much conviction, and Carapaz’s, too early. And when he stood up and accelerated, only Onley could follow him. No one else.
Who saw him (2025 was a disastrous year) and who sees him now. He is an unknown Mas but one who makes you dream. It had been 1,429 days waiting for that moment, since the 2022 Giro dell’Emilia, his previous success. They will say, because without Pogacar it is easier, that Vingegaard and Evenepoel are missing, but when it came down to it, the only one who did it was him.
“Honestly, I am very cautious because I have taken many hits in my career but these are the best feelings I have ever had”
Enric Mas
Movistar cyclist
Despite everything, the Artà native still doesn’t believe it, or prefers not to. He holds back, although he seems like a kid with new shoes, all in red. “Now I understand Tadej: the jersey gives you wings. I started excited from the start like a little kid. Being able to win wearing the leader’s jersey is a special feeling,” he says with a very revealing smile about the good legs he has. “But honestly, I am very cautious because I have taken many hits in my career but these are the best feelings I have ever had.”
Everything levels out in the Vuelta and everyone sees themselves with chances that were previously remote. The veteran Roglic, the valiant Carapaz, the promising Onley, the confident Gall, the mature Mas… The horizon has opened for all of them. And the five line up side by side occupying the width of the road with 4 km to the summit of Aitana (22 km of endless ascent with Mont Ventoux vibes in its finale).
It seems they are all similar. But no. Mas takes care of separating the wheat from the chaff. Gall has the best team and lacks instinct. Carapaz intimidates and rushes. Roglic gaps and watch out for him in the Jerez time trial. Onley resists but yields in the sprint where Enric can shout hallelujah! It is a shout of joy and release. It is another Mas, the incredible Mas
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