“I’m one of the favourites to win the Vuelta” - Enric Mas embraces growing belief ahead of decisive La Pandera showdown
CyclingFriday, 04 September 2026 at 18:11
Enric Mas is no longer shying away from his position at the head of the 2026 Vuelta a Espana, openly describing himself as one of the favourites for overall victory after safely retaining the red jersey on Stage 13.
The Movistar Team leader came through another frantic day without losing ground to Primoz Roglic, Felix Gall or Oscar Onley, before immediately turning his attention towards Saturday’s summit finish at La Pandera.
“To enjoy wearing red, to enjoy having the opportunity to be one of the favourites to win the Vuelta, and that’s how it will surely be tomorrow,” Mas said after the finish.
That confidence follows another strong spell from the Spaniard in the mountains, with Mas having already strengthened his position over several of his main rivals before one of the toughest finishes of the race.
“The plan was clear”
Stage 13 itself was dominated by a huge breakaway battle, with Mattias Skjelmose’s presence up the road briefly introducing another GC complication. Mas admitted the day had again been anything but straightforward. “Today was a crazy stage, as we’re seeing every day at La Vuelta,” he said.
For Movistar, however, the composition of the break ultimately helped reduce the amount of work they needed to do behind. “As you saw, the plan was clear, and it worked out very well for us that Mattias Skjelmose could get in there,” Mas explained. “We only used one rider to pull, and the other teams came to help us.”
That left Movistar able to preserve several riders ahead of La Pandera rather than carrying the full responsibility of controlling a stage eventually won from the break by Wout van Aert.
Mas will now start Stage 14 in red as the race heads towards the 11.8-kilometre final climb, averaging 7.5 per cent, where Roglic, Gall and the other GC contenders will again have an opportunity to test the race leader.
“If you want, we can finish the Vuelta tomorrow”
The extreme heat expected around the race also became a major topic after the stage. Asked about the possibility of conditions forcing changes to the race, Mas initially responded with a joke. “If you want, we can finish the Vuelta tomorrow.”
He quickly followed that with a more serious assessment of the risks riders could face if temperatures become excessive. “In the end, we have to look after everyone’s wellbeing. If there is extreme heat, then obviously we’ll have to talk among ourselves, reach an agreement with the organisation, with the UCI, with the CPA, with everyone. But obviously we can’t mess around with things like that either, because it’s dangerous.”
Mas was also reminded of his comments from the previous day about the race effectively turning into “heaters” because of the temperatures, and was jokingly asked whether he wanted them switched off. “No, like I said before, we’re getting on with it. Yes, being summer, I think it was to be expected,” he replied with a laugh.
The joking will stop once the road begins climbing again on Stage 14, with Mas taking the red jersey into La Pandera as the rider every one of his principal GC rivals now has to dislodge.
Kieran WoodDeputy Editor-in-Chief
Kieran Wood is a sports journalist based in Wales and has been active in journalism since 2022. He regularly contributes to DartsNews.com and CyclingUpToDate.com, where he covers professional cycling and darts. In cycling, his work includes liveblogs from major races, including the Tour de France, the Giro d’Italia, and La Vuelta a España, alongside race reports and analysis. He has also conducted interviews with professional riders.
His reporting spans the full racing calendar, from one-day classics to stage races, with a focus on accurate, real-time coverage and clear contextual analysis. For statistics, results, and historical context, he regularly uses resources such as ProCyclingStats. To support reporting on rider activity and training context where relevant, he also references Strava.
In his work, Kieran places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles as new, verified information becomes available.
claps 0visitors 0
Just in
Popular news
Latest comments
- So what is the point of the fines if it is not worth collect the money? It doesn't effect the rider. The teams pay the fine. The points deduction thing is more effective but also a bit harsh on a rider and team that has worked hard to get those points.1stpastthepost04-09-2026
- In the UK the police doa great rolling road closure. Thats not a set route though like a tt. In this case in germany its obvious that road junction was missed and not down to teenagers playing up or drunk driving as both cars/van stopped right away1stpastthepost04-09-2026
- Of course the uci can't account for all eventualties. So jj you'r saying sh.t happens and that's it?1stpastthepost04-09-2026
- So what do think can be done about the problem of cars getting on to the course?Cyclingsbestfan04-09-2026
- Agreed, with the warning (from experience) that even a barrier, a warning, and not even a marshal are enough to prevent some people from just driving on (marshals have no legal powers over citizens). If you can’t understand you’re just out of touch with reality. Do you really think joyriding teens used to race up the wrong side of motorways, or upset drunks (some of numerous examples I could pick) are going to sit and wait or turn around when stumbling upon a light barrier with some writing on it?Jumpyjohn04-09-2026
- UCI annual report shows historically-high "reserves" of CHF 76.1 million. They can afford it alright. I mean look at how much money the make from riders not having their socks pulled up to the right height. Your right somebody has to be paid to do that job.Cyclingsbestfan04-09-2026
- Global GDP down from 8% to less than 4 in 30y, almost as bad as Japan. What do both have in common and what is the trend for US allies vs. others?Jumpyjohn04-09-2026
- I think not, I think he has a more realistic idea of what Swiss employees and their travel costs and the enormous overheads of large institutions.Jumpyjohn04-09-2026
- I know that. I was waiting on MrM informing us. Regarding it not being worth collecting? The UCI could use that money to employ more marshals or buy a few more barriers and road closure notice boards.................Cyclingsbestfan04-09-2026
- Somebody has boobed on the road closer. There should have been a barrier at every junction with the course. There should have been notices up and a marshal at every junction. This is down to the UCI not doing their job properly.Cyclingsbestfan04-09-2026
Loading
Write a comment