Movistar's boss Eusebio Unzue praise Enric Mas - "Enric has shown himself to be a real guy this Vuelta. He has it in him to compete with the top riders"

Team Movistar's boss Eusebio Unzue had some harsh words for Enric Mas after he failed to provide the team with stage wins in the Tour de France. But Mas proved him wrong with his spectacular Vuelta a Espana performance.

Unzue was not too pleased with Mas’ performance in the Tour de France. He went on to say Mas was not leader material. "His mental block during the Tour is not normal. But it did help us because it is clear that at the age of 27, he still does not have the ability to lead a team. He is not yet ready to take on the responsibility of a team and the dreams of a country. We have to be patient with that, too," expressed Unzue.

But the scenario has completely changed in Vuelta a Espana. Not only did Mas secure the second position in GC, but he was also responsible for dragging the team out of danger by gaining enough UCI points.

This time only sweet words came out of Unzúe’s lips," Enric has shown himself in the Vuelta". Not only did he acknowledge his performance, but he also had to take back his statement about his leadership skill, especially since Alejandro Valverde will not be leading the team after his retirement. "It is not an option for us to focus on multiple leaders, but we are confident that Enric will assert himself as a leader. The team will be built around him.” Unzue told Cyclism'Actu.

Unzue further added that Mas’ performance has proved him to be a consistent rider and not some fluke. "Enric has shown himself to be a real guy this Vuelta. He is not a spectacular rider, but he is very consistent. He has it in him to compete with the top riders, and that is very important," concluded Unzue.