Enric Mas strengthens overall lead with mountaintop finish victory on stage 9 of the Vuelta a España
The Movistar rider held on to beat Oscar Onley in a two-up sprint atop the Alto de Aitana
Following Tadej Pogačar's withdrawal from the Vuelta a España, stage 9 witnessed a fierce contest for the general classification title atop Mount Alto de Aitana. Enric Mas emerged victorious, securing the red jersey and further solidifying his lead in the overall standings. This marked the first stage win for Movistar in five years, putting an end to the team's long-standing struggle in their home Grand Tour.
Mas' lead widened to a minute and eighteen seconds over Primož Roglič (Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe), who was unable to match Mas's relentless attacks on the final descent. Oscar Onley (Ineos Grenadiers), the only other rider in contention, could not close the gap in the critical moments and finished in second place, moving up to fourth in the overall standings.
Felix Gall (Decathlon CMA CGM) faced a disappointing day, despite his team's efforts to close the gap on the lower slopes of the Alto de Aitana. He was unable to keep pace with Mas, Onley, and Roglič, losing time during the decisive stages.
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