Enric Mas confirms World Championships absence because of imminent fatherhood: “Life is short – I have to enjoy it too”

Stage 9 of the 2025 Tour de France may have ended in a sprint victory for Tim Merlier, but one of the most significant headlines of the day came not from the podium, but from the team buses. After the stage, Enric Mas confirmed that he will not compete in the UCI Road World Championships in Rwanda later this year — choosing instead to prioritise a milestone in his personal life.

The Movistar leader, currently aiming for a top-ten finish at the Tour, explained his decision with heartfelt clarity. “I’m going to be a father again,” Mas told reporters. “The due date is the same week as the Worlds. Life is short — and I have to enjoy it on a personal level as well.”

Mas had already requested to be left out of Spain’s Worlds squad, and his absence is now official. National coach Alejandro Valverde will have to look elsewhere for leadership — most likely turning to Carlos Rodríguez or Juan Ayuso, with Mikel Landa also unavailable due to injury.

The decision comes at a moment when Mas is juggling personal priorities with the demands of the Tour. Stage 9, though flat on paper, was far from a rest day for the GC contenders. An early attack by Mathieu van der Poel pushed the peloton into overdrive, and the pace never relented.

“It’s been incredibly fast this year,” said Mas. “Today was especially hard — there was a lot of wind, and both Alpecin riders went all-in. I honestly don’t even know who won. For us, the focus was just staying out of trouble and looking ahead to tomorrow.”

That focus now shifts to the first major mountain test in the Massif Central, where Mas hopes to move back into the top 10 overall. While the Spaniard may not be chasing the rainbow jersey this year, his commitment to the Tour — and to life beyond racing — says plenty about the kind of rider and person he is.

“Cycling is my job, and I give it everything,” Mas added. “But there are things in life that only happen once — or twice, in this case. I didn’t want to miss it.”