Enric Mas, Richard Carapaz, Mikel Landa... Who will make it to the final podium at La Vuelta?

With just five stages remaining in the 2024 Vuelta a Espana, the spotlight is fixed on Primož Roglic's pursuit of Ben O’Connor for the coveted red jersey. Yet, the battle for the podium is far from over. Enric Mas, Richard Carapaz, and Mikel Landa are all within striking distance of each other, each with their sights set on a place in Madrid’s top three.

Let’s take a closer look at these three contenders as the race heads into its final, decisive stages.

Over the past two mountain stages, Enric Mas has arguably been the strongest rider in the peloton. On stage 15’s brutal ascent of Cuitu Negru, Roglič initially distanced the main GC contenders, but Mas was not to be outdone. Mas showed his form and resilience as he clawed his way back, even momentarily distancing the Slovenian. Yesterday, on the unforgiving slopes of Lagos de Covadonga, Mas once again took the initiative in the final kilometres, forcing Roglič to respond rather than attack.

Currently sitting in third place, just 1 minute 25 seconds behind the overall leader Ben O’Connor, Mas is in a prime position. Should O’Connor falter, and if Roglič is not as his imperious best, Mas could seize his moment.

This wouldn't be the first time Mas has demonstrated his mettle in a Grand Tour. At the 2021 Vuelta a España, Mas displayed similar grit, finishing second overall after a series of consistent performances in the high mountains. His ability to endure the toughest climbs and remain focused through the final stages makes him a formidable contender as the race approaches its climax.

Richard Carapaz has steadily grown into this Vuelta, and now, as the race enters its final act, he appears to be in the same blistering form that saw him light up the mountain stages of the Tour de France in July. On stage 15, the Ecuadorian finished just 9 seconds behind Roglič and Mas, and on stage 16, he was right there with them again.

Carapaz is currently fourth overall, just 1 minute 46 seconds behind O’Connor and 21 seconds adrift of Mas in third. A podium finish is well within his grasp, and Carapaz is no stranger to delivering when it counts.

One need only look back to the 2019 Giro d’Italia, where Carapaz stormed to overall victory. His decisive move on stage 14, a solo attack that saw him claim the pink jersey, was a masterclass in timing and strength. Carapaz’s ability to peak in the third week of a Grand Tour makes him a serious threat to the podium contenders ahead of him.

Mikel Landa comes into this Vuelta off the back of a crucial role in supporting Remco Evenepoel at the 2024 Tour de France. His form in Spain, however, suggests he’s more than capable of stepping out of the shadows and claiming a podium spot for himself. Currently sitting in fifth place, 2 minutes 18 seconds behind O’Connor, Landa remains within touching distance of the podium.

Stage 16’s climb up Lagos de Covadonga saw Landa launch an early attack, a bold move that ultimately didn’t pay off as he was reeled back in and lost time. However, the Basque rider’s aggressive approach is a sign of his excellent form. Should the riders ahead of him falter, Landa could well find himself in Madrid’s top three.

Landa’s tenacity has often seen him deliver strong performances in the closing stages of Grand Tours. For example, at the 2022 Giro d’Italia, Landa finished third overall after consistently riding with the leaders throughout the mountain stages. His ability to stay in the mix during the final stages of a Grand Tour, combined with his tactical nous, makes him a potential podium finisher in this Vuelta.

With just five stages left, the fight for the podium is far from over. Mas, Carapaz, and Landa all have the form, experience, and determination to claim a spot on the final podium in Madrid. As the race enters its final, most important stages, it’s anyone’s guess who will stand beside the red jersey winner in the Spanish capital. All we know for sure is that these three riders will leave everything on the road in pursuit of their moment of glory.