Mas 'fulfils his destiny' to win historic Vuelta
Enric Mas has finished second overall three times at his home grand tour, the Vuelta a España. But in 2026 he finally ended Spain's drought for a home-grown victor after 12 years.
Enric Mas clinched victory in the historic Vuelta a España, marking his first grand tour triumph. Competing for Movistar, the 31-year-old Spaniard finished 2 minutes and 15 seconds ahead of defending champion Primož Roglič, with Felix Gall of Austria rounding out the top three. This victory marked the first Spanish win at the Vuelta since Alberto Contador's win in 2014.
Mas had previously finished second in his home Vuelta in 2018, 2021, 2022 and third in 2024. The race took a dramatic turn when Tadej Pogačar, the overwhelming favorite, crashed out on stage eight, ending his season. Despite this, Mas showcased exceptional form to secure his historic win, fulfilling the expectations of Spanish cycling fans.
Pogačar's crash effectively ended his season, and Mas's victory was widely praised by former champion Alberto Contador, who called it "fair" due to Mas's hard work and form. Other notable achievements at the Vuelta included Santiago Buitrago of Colombia winning the king of the mountains jersey, British rider Oscar Onley claiming the white youth jersey, and Wout van Aert securing the green sprinter's jersey.
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