Enric Mas is close to winning on stage 20 of the Tour de France: "I'm leaving very happy. Now we're going to do our best in La Vuelta"

In the 20th and penultimate stage of the Tour de France 2024, where the breakaway and climbers not in contention for the general classification had one last chance for victory, Enric Mas came close but ultimately fell just short in the end.

The Movistar Team rider crossed the finish line in 5th position, 1:07 behind the stage winner Tadej Pogacar and behind Jonas Vingegaard, Richard Carapaz and Remco Evenepoel, after being caught when he was leading with 1.9 km to go.

"It's been a very short time. I've really enjoyed this week of the race. It's been a very different Tour for me, very difficult, but I'm very happy with these last few days. I've learned a lot from the best of the team, from the great people here, and I hope to 'start' La Vuelta here. There's no time to disconnect; we're going for everything, to give our best in La Vuelta. The team expects the maximum from me and that's how we have to perform," said Mas in conversation with Alberto Contador for the Eurosport microphones after the arrival.

At least Enric Mas was able to stand on the day's podium as Most Combative Rider for all his efforts during stage 20 of the Tour de France.