"I haven't 'won' the red jersey" - Enric Mas' classy Tadej Pogacar gesture after Vuelta a Espana crash and change of red jersey
CyclingSunday, 30 August 2026 at 12:16
Enric Mas doesn't feel like he has earned the right to wear the Vuelta a Espana red jersey after he stepped onto the podium in the absence of Tadej Pogacar - who dramatically crashed out of the race following a crash during Saturday's stage 8.
The Spanish rider, second in the general classification behind Pogacar before his crash, is now the de-facto leader of the race. However, in a classy gesture towards the Slovenian, Mas refused to don the jersey during the podium ceremony in the immediate aftermath of the stage.
Pogacar, dominating GC by almost four minutes after just a week of racing, crashed hard during the stage and his injuries have been confirmed: a broken collarbone, broken vertebrae and a concussion. The UAE rider is currently hospitalised in Barcelona and is set to undergo surgery.
Further south, stage 9 is set to get underway and Mas will wear the red jersey. He leads Primoz Roglic by 1:00 and Felix Gall by 1:11, with just over two minutes separating the top six riders - initiating a new phase of the race that will see a renewed GC fight.
“It is such a terrible shame. Firstly, that there are crashes; secondly, that they are so serious; and finally, that it happens to Tadej. He was wearing the red jersey, and it is a real pity,” Mas said.
Mas admits it should be Pogacar wearing the red jersey
Pogacar paid tribute to Pogacar and wished him well in recovery. He claimed he wanted to show his respect by not wearing the jersey, but rather holding the jersey on the top step of the podium.
"I hope he recovers quickly. There are still a few matches [races this season, Ed.] to go and I hope he can be back soon. I don't know exactly what is wrong, but I am convinced that he is in the best hands with the best doctors.
“I know this is the sport, but Tadej crashed, so I haven't 'won' the red jersey. By not wearing the jersey now, I want to show him respect."
What's next for Mas? At the time of the interview, the dust had not settled on the fact that he and Movistar now lead the race. However, Mas made it clear that his intention is to now go on and win it.
Tadej Pogacar
What's next for Mas and Movistar?
“To be honest, I haven’t spoken to anyone on the team yet. We will simply take our responsibility tomorrow, as usual. We are going to do everything we can to keep that red jersey."
On Saturday evening, UAE provided an update on his condition: “Unfortunately, Tadej Pogacar suffered a heavy crash during today’s stage and was unable to continue the race."
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"He is stable, and following a thorough medical assessment at hospital, Tadej has been diagnosed with a concussion, displaced left clavicle fracture, a stable C7 cervical fracture, and multiple abrasions. Fortunately, no other major injuries and no neurological fallout.
"He will require clavicle surgery which will be delayed due to concussion precautions.
Tadej remains under the care of our medical team and we’ll provide further updates following the surgery.”
Gavin QuinnCycling Journalist
Gavin Quinn is a cycling journalist and ultra-distance cyclist with a BA in Journalism from Dublin City University. Formerly the Press & Communications Officer for Cycling Ireland, Gavin has worked inside the national team at the World Championships and has reported for the Irish Mirror, Mirror UK, and The42.
His expertise is backed by elite-level access, having interviewed stars like Sam Bennett and Ben Healy, as well as immense personal endurance. In 2025, he completed a 12,000km solo cycle from Ireland to Vietnam, following a 4,600km tour across Europe. From the cobbles of Paris-Roubaix to the gradients of the Tourmalet, Gavin’s writing focuses on the "romance and brutality" of the sport. Having visited 50+ countries, he brings a global, cultural perspective to his coverage of the pro peloton for CyclingUpToDate.
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- It's incredibly optimistic to think that Tadej can ride the World's this year, but I just can't see that happening, given the severity of the injuries. Perhaps he could make the start of Lombardia at best, but I think that we'll be seeing a new winner at that race this year.
santiagobenites30-08-2026 - He may very well treat them like that. I wouldn't know. He is not an idiot though. He is hardly likely to get Pogacar - his star world class rider, best ever road race cyclist, back racing for short term gain is he?Cyclingsbestfan30-08-2026
- Awaken, you!
Rafionain-Glas30-08-2026 - There is no way to make cycling races safe. From idiot race organizers to rider actions. Idiot fans. Its a shamecaptmike30-08-2026
- the guy with a vested interest in his client being up and at races. seems reliable and unbiased hey hahawrsty30-08-2026
- Thing is, Gianetti is the kind to treat his riders as gladiatorsRafionain-Glas30-08-2026
- Absolutely advice that makes sense. although for the wrong reason .I am not worried about the the C7 bone fracture itself, since it is not dislocated and should normally heal within 8-10 weeks, and when completely healed the fractured location is usually stronger than before or at least as strong. Bone health among bikers are not as good as most other atlethes due the restricted cost and low body mass. Complete healing can be secured by CT- scan and/or other imaging devices. My concern is rather, that Tadej for sure, has signs and symptoms of a Whiplash Associated Disorder in the severe category with neck pain and vertebra fracture. In other words he has had a concussion of the cervical spine in addition to concussion of the the brain. Thus to avoid longterm or even life long consequences of these concussions, the time horizon for safe rehabilitation is quite long, and premature come back will be a hazard for Tadejs lifetime health. Stop talking about a speedy comeback in this case, hope is not a strategy. Pro riders risk their health and life every day on the road to entertain us. They should not be treated as gladiators who can be returned to the Colosseum as soon as possible. Fortunately the prognosis for Tadej is good but he needs time.Jakob30-08-2026
- True, I'm a citizen of the USA but not an American if my parents and grandparents are Slovenian. It's also called "birthright citizenship" This rule is also known as "right of the soil." It applies no matter what citizenship your parents hold. So if a husband and wife from China get a baby during their stay in the US, the baby becomes an American citizen, but he's realy Chineese. Ad acta.PogiSloFans30-08-2026
- Highly doubt Rogla will take the win, I think his time is done. But if I’m wrong, all respect to Rogla. In an entirely biased opinion, I am rooting for Mas.anonymouscyclist30-08-2026
- His shoulder looked awful, the immediate and sheer bruising is a worry. I can see this being the end of his season, at a minimum. I hope he recovers okay.anonymouscyclist30-08-2026
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