“The Garmin showed 42–43” - Scorching heat proves to be no obstacle for Enric Mas at La Vuelta
CyclingTuesday, 08 September 2026 at 19:10
Enric Mas came through stage 16 of La Vuelta a España 2026 without incident and keeps the red jersey with five days to go. The Movistar Team rider managed a stage defined by extreme heat and the threat of attacks from his rivals, although the wind never blew hard enough to create splits.
The race leader admitted at the finish, in comments to Eurosport, that conditions were especially demanding, but manageable in the context of the race. “All good, as you saw, it was very hot. At one point the Garmin showed 42–43, but, as we said, we’re in the south, it’s summer, so that’s what you expect,” Mas explained.
The Mallorcan also addressed the possibility that Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe would try to use the wind to put the GC contenders under pressure. However, Mas stressed that Movistar Team had precisely identified the sections where something could happen. “No surprises, because we’ve studied the race well,” said the leader, making clear the team was ready to respond to any move.
Mas acknowledged there was a specific point on the route where rivals could try to split the bunch, although the weather ultimately played into the Spanish team’s hands. “We did know there was a key point, but you saw there wasn’t the wind we wanted, so it wasn’t possible,” he said. The lack of wind prevented a different tactical scenario and allowed the red jersey to complete the day with no major changes in the standings.
Enric Mas ahead of Stage 15 at the 2026 Vuelta a Espana
The leader already looks to the time trial
With stage 16 in the books, Mas is beginning to focus on the run-in to Madrid. The Movistar Team rider knows the next days will be decisive, especially the time trial, which looms as one of the race’s major turning points. “Tomorrow will be another stage to get through and then we’ll wait for that day in the TT,” he said.
Stage 17 shapes up, precisely, as another chance to save energy before the decisive days. Mas expects an especially flat day and, therefore, one where the favourites will likely hold fire again. “Tomorrow is a completely flat day, I think it’s the flattest of the whole Vuelta,” the leader noted.
The goal is clear: get through the day cleanly and bank as much energy as possible for the finale. “Nothing special, get through like today and tackle the last three days,” Mas summed up, aware that each stage brings Movistar Team closer to defending the red jersey all the way to Madrid.
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Mas unbothered by red jersey responsibility
Beyond tactics and GC gaps, the leader’s mindset also matters at this point in the race. Mas admits the situation is new for him, particularly being in front of a Grand Tour with so few days left to the final finish.
“I’m good. It’s a new situation for me, wearing the jersey with so few days to go, but I’m enjoying it,” he said. His words reflect his current moment: fully aware of the responsibility that comes with defending the lead, yet determined to enjoy a privileged position that lets him approach La Vuelta’s closing stages on his own terms.
Javier RampeCycling Journalist
Javier Rampe is a sports analyst with more than 15 years of experience. He holds a degree in Economics from the University of Rome and a Diploma in Business Studies from the University of Cádiz. Despite coming from an academic background not particularly associated with cycling, his passion for both cycling and journalism was instilled in him from an early age. He grew up following Miguel Indurain and José María “El Chava” Jiménez. An admirer of Michael Robinson’s communication style and journalistic approach, he was inspired to pursue a degree in Journalism at the University of Buenos Aires, which he is currently completing.
He has always maintained close ties with the worlds of sport and culture, contributing from a young age to sports blogs and film and music review websites. His work has appeared in media outlets such as Cope, RAI, and Radio Con Vos. He is also the founder of the cycling-focused podcast El Contraanálisis and the football interview channel Días De Fútbol, dedicated to conversations with professional footballers.
In addition to his work at Ciclismoaldia, Javier has interviewed some of the most influential figures in modern cycling, including Alejandro Valverde and Tadej Pogačar, as well as key voices in anti-doping policy such as Alberto Yelmo, David Varillas, and Marcelo Milano. Marcos Maynar, in relation to the ‘Operación Ílex’ case, is also among the personalities he has interviewed. He enjoys conducting in-depth analysis of the cycling ecosystem and has attended major events such as Strade Bianche, the Vuelta a Andalucía, and Itzulia, as well as numerous national cyclo-cross races.
His background in economics, combined with extensive experience in marketing and corporate communications, drives his continuous study of positioning strategies and ensures that he always keeps his focus on crafting compelling and evocative headlines.
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