Pogacar holds off Mas to claim Vuelta stage six victory

Castellon de la Plana witnessed a thrilling Vuelta stage six victory, as Tadej Pogacar out-sprinted Enric Mas to secure the win. The Slovenian rider and Mas outperformed their rivals on the final climb, with Pogacar holding off the Spaniard to extend his general classification lead. Pogacar, a five-time Tour de France winner and the favorite for the Vuelta, aims to complete a Grand Tour grand slam after also claiming the Giro d'Italia in 2024.

Ramses Debruyne secured the third spot on the podium, finishing 46 seconds behind the leaders. Pogacar now leads Mas by 3 minutes and 34 seconds overall, while compatriot Roglic trails by 4 minutes and 21 seconds. Mas admitted he was surprised on the summit of the last climb when Pogacar passed him like a rocket, but appreciated their mutual commitment to the finish line.

Pogacar narrowly avoided a scare while off the road on the final descent, but recovered swiftly to finish ahead of Mas. The race took place over a 177.5km route from Alcossebre, with a 15-rider breakaway forming before the final climb.