Enric Mas red jersey duties began in unusual and emotional circumstances after stage 8 of the Vuelta a España.
The Movistar rider became race leader when Tadej Pogačar crashed with about 33km remaining. Pogačar clipped a rock and went down while wearing the Maillot Rojo.
Mas did not put on the leader’s jersey during the podium ceremony. Instead, he held it in his hands as a gesture toward Pogačar and his team.
“We decided to make this gesture in honor of Tadej and his team,” Mas said afterward. He called the crash “a real shame” and wished Pogačar a quick recovery.
Enric Mas red jersey comes after sudden reversal
The change transformed the Vuelta standings within seconds. Mas had looked strong earlier in the race, but not close enough to threaten red before the crash.
He had climbed to second overall on stage 6 after finishing runner-up to Pogačar. That ride included one of the most striking moments of the race so far.
Pogačar attacked on the Puerto el Bartolo and seemed to be distancing every rival. Mas recovered, closed the gap, then passed him near the summit.
Even so, Pogačar’s earlier gains left Mas 3:34 behind at the end of that stage. Mas then lost another 16 seconds the following day.
That gap made the race lead appear beyond reach until Saturday’s crash reshaped the general classification. Pogačar has since been diagnosed with concussion and fractures to his neck and collarbone.
Mas said Pogačar should remain calm and trust his medical care. He added that he hoped the Slovenian would recover as soon as possible.
Long road back for Spain’s leading contender
Mas now leads his home Grand Tour after a complicated run of seasons. He has long ranked among Spain’s best stage-race riders.
He made his Vuelta debut in 2017 and took third on a stage. One year later, he won a stage and finished second overall.
Mas also placed second at the Vuelta in 2021 and 2022. In 2022, he won the Giro dell’Emilia and finished second to Pogačar in a sprint at Il Lombardia.
His progress later stalled, despite finishing third overall at the 2024 Vuelta. Crashes and health problems disrupted other major objectives.
Mas crashed out of the 2023 Tour de France. In 2025, he also failed to finish after falling on the descent of the Múr-de-Bretagne.
Doctors later diagnosed thrombophlebitis, possibly linked to that crash. The condition, caused by a blood clot, resembles varicose veins.
It ended his season early. Mas underwent surgery last October and began another rebuild toward Grand Tour contention.
His current season did not immediately silence doubts. Although he finished second in his first race, his Giro d’Italia was comparatively quiet.
Movistar boss Eusebio Unzué criticized him sharply in May, telling AS that Mas had earned “a fail” in racing tests.
Alto de Aitana offers first major defense
The Vuelta continues Sunday with one of its hardest stages. The route features six climbs and finishes on the Alto de Aitana.
Mas expects to wear the jersey then, after declining it on the podium Saturday. He also knows the responsibility arrives immediately.
“We’ll try to keep the jersey,” Mas said. He added that the team must take the race day by day.
The 31-year-old starts the stage one minute ahead of Primož Roglič of Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe. Roglič has won the Vuelta four times.
Felix Gall of Decathlon CMA CGM sits 1:11 behind. Sepp Kuss, Onley and Richard Carapaz trail between 2:15 and 2:22.
Mas has a useful advantage, but the race remains young. Sunday’s mountain test should quickly show whether he can defend red.
He framed the challenge simply after an extraordinary day. Mas said he must see whether he can take the jersey “for real” and fight for the Vuelta.
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