Pogacar fights off Mas challenge to win stage six

Tadej Pogacar fought off Enric Mas to secure his third victory at the 2023 Vuelta a España. Initially leading on the final climb, Mas managed to overtake Pogacar on the final meters of the ascent. Despite the initial advantage, Pogacar, the defending world champion, did not heed Mas's warning to take it cautiously and quickly regained his lead.

However, Pogacar overcooked the next corner, skidding on small rocks and losing some speed. Despite the setback, he was able to continue and eventually won the stage by sprinting away from Mas. The result puts Pogacar's lead in the general classification at three minutes and 34 seconds. Meanwhile, Welsh rider Josh Tarling decided to abandon the race with about 120km remaining, citing his brother Finlay's recent passing.