"At stages where you least expect it, there is sometimes full-on war" - Enric Mas is ready for anything that may happen on Sunday

While the first Pyrenees stage resulted in an unparalleled show by Jumbo-Visma, the classification riders kept a low profile in the second stage through the mountains, including Enric Mas. The Movistar leader had expected more, as he told Esciclismo afterwards.

"It was not the war we expected. However, the stage was ridden at a high speed," Mas confirms. "Our tactics did not work out well," continues the three-time runner-up at the Vuelta. "We wanted to send riders forward in the opening phase, but that didn't work."

"Now we focus on Sunday's stage," said Mas. The fifteenth stage takes the peloton from Pamplona to Lekunberri. In the final the riders have to brave the Puerto de Zuarrarrate twice. At first glance, the climb does not seem tough enough for the classification riders, but according to Mas you never know. "At stages where you least expect it, there is sometimes full-on war."

Positions four to seven in GC are occupied by Spaniards. Mas does see added value in concluding an alliance with a fellow countryman if the interests match. "With Ayuso, Landa or Soler, maybe even with one of the Jumbo riders," Mas predicts possible disagreement between the three leaders of Jumb-Visma, who lead the rankings.