“They’re all special, but this one is a ‘Special One’” - Enric Mas basks in Vuelta a Espana glory after incredible red jersey win
CyclingSunday, 13 September 2026 at 21:01
Enric Mas can now say he is the winner of the Vuelta a España. The Movistar Team rider put the final seal on Sunday to a race he had chased for years and finally conquered, becoming the first Spaniard to win the general classification of a Grand Tour since Alberto Contador in 2014. Four podiums later, at last the top step.
The Mallorcan lived a finale full of emotions alongside his teammates, with whom he was able to celebrate the triumph before crossing the line in Granada. A day that, despite the toned-down competitive edge due to the neutralisation of the GC times, will remain forever in the Movistar rider’s memory.
“Simply special, very special, ‘special one’. It was a day to remember, it was special, something wonderful,” Mas said after completing the final stage of the Vuelta.
Mas had to wait a long time to secure the biggest win of his career. The Mallorcan had finished second at the Vuelta a España on three occasions, but had always fallen just short of the overall title. In 2026, he finally changed that story.
A long wait to fulfil the dream
The rider himself acknowledged that the wait to reach this moment had been long, while also highlighting the way he and the whole team experienced the final day.
“There’s always that tension, uncertainty. We’re very happy, we enjoyed every kilometre today,” said the new winner of the Vuelta a España.
Movistar cross the line victorious
That feeling also summed up Movistar’s role throughout the day. The Spanish team dressed entirely in red to accompany their leader on a historic day, setting aside their traditional blue for one stage and turning Granada into the stage for a long-awaited celebration.
“This has been the most special”
For Mas, every Vuelta he has raced has carried special meaning, but none compares to 2026. After years of attempts, podiums, and criticism, the Mallorcan finally achieved the goal he had set himself.
“It’s been a long wait until today. The Vueltas were always special, but this has been the most special, a Special One,” he said.
Mas’s words reflect the personal dimension of a triumph that goes far beyond a sporting victory. The Movistar rider had to live for years with the tag of eternal contender and the pressure of having come close on several occasions. Now that story has changed.
Enric Mas is the winner of the Vuelta a España 2026, and his name now sits alongside Alberto Contador’s as the most recent Spaniards capable of conquering the general classification of a Grand Tour. After such a long wait, the Mallorcan finally has his major victory.
Juan LarraCycling Journalist
Juan Larra is a writer for Cyclinguptodate and editor-in-chief of Ciclismoaldia, where he has played a central role since its inception. Under his leadership, the website has become a trusted source for professional cycling coverage, offering in-depth analysis, news, and feature stories.
A sports journalist with over 20 years of experience, Juan earned his degree in Journalism from the University of Seville in 2007. He began his career covering a wide range of sports—including football, basketball, Formula 1, MotoGP, tennis, and cycling—for platforms such as the official La Liga app, Vodafone and Movistar websites, NBA Blogdebasket, and Cadena Cope, honing his skills in writing and editorial management.
In addition to his work at Ciclismoaldia, Juan contributes to Cyclinguptodate and serves as editor-in-chief for the tennis-focused site Tenisaldia. Throughout his career, he has conducted exclusive interviews with cyclists and sports figures, provided detailed analysis of competitions ranging from local Spanish races to major international events, and acted as a special correspondent at prestigious races including Paris-Roubaix, the Tour de France, and the Vuelta a España.
Juan’s combination of experience, expertise, and direct access to athletes has established him—and the platforms he leads—as authoritative voices in professional cycling.
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