17/07/2024

"Today we found something of the Enric of yesteryear" - Enric Mas shows signs of return to form with 3rd place on stage 17 of 2024 Tour de France

Enric Mas finished third on stage 17 of the 2024 Tour de France, only being beaten at the finish by stage winner Richard Carapaz and Simon Yates, two former Grand Tour winners.

At the finish line, Mas spoke to Eurosport colleagues and in statements collected by his team, he made it clear that he is feeling better and hopes to continue to evolve positively. "There are days when I have a hard time thinking I can't be in contention for the overall," he admits. "But on stages like today I enjoy like a little kid being able to ride like this."

Classy Richard Carapaz finally takes first Tour de France stage win from breakaway on stage 17 as Pogacar, Vingegaard & Evenepoel continue to fight

Nevertheless, he regrets not having been able to take the win. "It's a great pity," Mas analyses. "Because the team has done a super job. It was 120 km to form the decisive group, a real madness. We have been attentive, in all the cuts we had people and in the end we were able to get Alex (Aranburu and me)".

As to why he was not able to keep up with the two in front, he makes it clear that there are no excuses, that it was a question of legs. "On the Col du Noyer there were simply no legs. We all spent a lot to be able to stay ahead in the breakaway; you saw what a group we were. It's a pity we didn't win, but the team is doing super well and we rode with gusto."

The Movistar Team rider emphasizes that he is gradually regaining his best sensations. "This Enric is not new; he is gradually becoming the Enric of before, and I am referring to his strength and legs. I hope I can progress and continue like this, and that these last two bad weeks have an explanation, because it has been hard for the team and for me. Today we found something of the Enric of yesteryear".

He talks about what's left before the final time trial in Nice in the 2024 Tour de France. "Tomorrow should be a day similar to today, with the breakaway as the protagonist, before two much worse days of pure mountains, Friday and Saturday. Let's continue to suffer and enjoy it.