Enric Mas Claims First Spanish Vuelta Title Since 2014
Enric Mas clinched his first Vuelta a España title on Sunday after a dramatic three‑week race that saw him finish three times in second place before finally taking the red jersey. The 31‑year‑old Spaniard secured the overall victory after taking the lead following Tadej Pogacar’s abandonment on stage eight, and he held off four‑time champion Primož Roglic to finish ahead. The win makes Mas the first Spanish rider to win the Vuelta since Alberto Contador in 2014.
The final stage in Granada finished with a sprint that saw Norwegian Tobias Johannessen claim the 21st and last stage win, while Mas maintained his advantage in the general classification. Johannessen’s victory capped a challenging race for the Norwegian, who had been in contention for the podium but ultimately finished outside the top three. Mas’s triumph, built on perseverance after three near‑misses, underscores the unpredictable nature of Grand Tour racing.
With Mas’s victory and Johannessen’s stage win, the Vuelta a España concluded on a high note, adding another chapter to Spain’s storied history in the race and highlighting the resilience of its top competitors. The event’s finish in Granada marked the end of a grueling tour that tested riders’ endurance, strategy, and determination.