Cycling: Spaniard Enric Mas wins his first Vuelta a España.

Published on: 13/09/2026 - 19:56Updated on: 13/09/2026 - 22:26

4 min Reading time

At 31 years old, the emaciated Majorcan achieved his greatest feat at a time when very few believed he could still play a role in a three-week competition.

A former great hope, he finished second in the Vuelta three times, in 2018, 2021, and 2022, and was third just three years ago. The Movistar climber had been marginalized throughout a career marked by several serious falls, difficulties in descending, and a venous thrombosis that required surgery.

His unexpected rise is all the more impressive, and it was arm in arm with his teammates that he crossed the finish line wearing the red jersey during the 21st and final stage, which was won by Norwegian Tobias Johannessen in Granada.

“It has been a long wait and a long road to get here,” said Mas. “Every Vuelta is special, but this one is even more so. This day will be etched in my memory forever; it was wonderful. We enjoyed every kilometer of today’s stage.”

Many absentees

Mas wins the 81st edition that seemed destined for Tadej Pogacar before the Slovenian withdrew after a fall during the 8th stage, leaving the red jersey to the Spaniard, who never relinquished it.

He finished with a 2:15 lead over Primoz Roglic, who at 36 failed in his quest for a record fifth Vuelta, and 2:44 ahead of Felix Gall, who secured his second podium of the year in a Grand Tour after finishing second at the Giro in May.

In addition to Pogacar's withdrawal, Mas benefited from the absence of other major contenders. Defending champion Jonas Vingegaard, Remco Evenepoel, Isaac Del Toro, and Paul Seixas all skipped this third Grand Tour, which was also marked this year by five stage wins from British rider Matthew Brennan of Visma-Lease a bike.

However, his victory is entirely deserved, and he impressed with his mastery and outstanding performances. “I have never seen him this strong,” emphasized Alejandro Valverde, winner in 2009 and now coach of Spain.

Throughout the stages, Mas managed to change public opinion that had long labeled him a loser, in line with the reputation of his team Movistar, often criticized for its questionable tactical choices.

“An example”

His reserved personality, frail physique, cautious approach (only seven wins), and failures at the Tour de France, where he experienced three withdrawals, did not help improve his image in a country accustomed to the flamboyant exploits of Contador, the last Spanish winner of the Vuelta in 2014.

“The press has been particularly harsh on him these past two years when his performances suffered due to falls and his operation” for treating his phlebitis, said his sports director José Joaquin Rojas during this Vuelta to the TVE channel.

“With all this criticism, many athletes would have said: I’m done. At the last Giro, he was even questioned by his own team. But Enric persevered. He managed to reinvent himself to offer his best version. He is an example,” added Alberto Contador, who had supported the Majorcan by welcoming him into his foundation before he turned professional.

“I knew he had the talent and potential,” explained Contador to the daily As. “He quickly made a name for himself by finishing second in the Vuelta in 2018. After that, he struggled to finish, and that’s how sports work: if you don’t win, it feels like you’re worth nothing. By winning this Vuelta, cycling is giving justice to Enric Mas.”