"We’ve had to adapt. I think I’m doing a good job of that" - Enric Mas matching Pogacar & Vingegaard in early stages of 2025 Tour de France
Cycling
The early stages of the 2025 Tour de France are already revealing plenty – not least the form of Enric Mas, whose performances are offering renewed optimism for the Movistar Team. After gaining 39 valuable seconds on most of the general classification contenders in Stage 1, finishing in the elite group with Tadej Pogacar and Jonas Vingegaard, the Mallorcan followed up with another assured ride on Stage 2.
It was a brutal finale – short, sharp climbs and a relentless pace that typically favours punchier riders. Mas, known more for his climbing consistency than explosive acceleration, dug deep to stay in touch. Despite fierce surges from Team Visma | Lease a Bike and UAE Team Emirates - XRG, he clung to the leading group, crossing the line alongside the favourites as Mathieu van der Poel powered to the stage win.
The Dutchman now leads the general classification, with Mas just 10 seconds adrift in sixth place – an excellent position at this stage of the race.
Mas rejoined the front group in the final five kilometres after a decisive split, crediting the support of his teammates for keeping him in contention. “There were a couple of moments where, thanks to the team, I managed to get back to the front. In the end, I felt really good – honestly. We’re building up gradually,” said a clearly satisfied Mas post-stage.
Reflecting on the fast and aggressive start to the Tour, Mas acknowledged the constant pressure being applied by the big teams. “From Stage 1, the favourites have been going full gas. They’re incredible riders, with serious firepower – and we’ve had to adapt. I think I’m doing a good job of that,” he added.
While the breakaway formed early in Stage 2, the peloton was quick to keep it on a short leash. Gone are the days of generous time gaps; the maximum advantage allowed on the day never exceeded three minutes. “I’ve been racing a few years now, and you can see the change. Breaks used to be allowed 15 minutes, no problem – now, if they get five, they’re suddenly a threat,” Mas observed.
With a sprint stage on the cards for Stage 3, Mas won’t be in the spotlight, but he remains well placed – and relaxed – heading into the next phase of the race. “We’ve got a good position for the team car tomorrow,” he joked, a nod to the small comforts that matter over three gruelling weeks.
Two stages in, and Enric Mas is doing more than just surviving – he’s right where he needs to be. For Movistar, and for Spanish cycling fans, that’s cause for genuine optimism.
Kieran WoodDeputy Editor-in-Chief
Kieran Wood is a sports journalist based in Wales and has been active in journalism since 2022. He regularly contributes to DartsNews.com and CyclingUpToDate.com, where he covers professional cycling and darts. In cycling, his work includes liveblogs from major races, including the Tour de France, the Giro d’Italia, and La Vuelta a España, alongside race reports and analysis. He has also conducted interviews with professional riders.
His reporting spans the full racing calendar, from one-day classics to stage races, with a focus on accurate, real-time coverage and clear contextual analysis. For statistics, results, and historical context, he regularly uses resources such as ProCyclingStats. To support reporting on rider activity and training context where relevant, he also references Strava.
In his work, Kieran places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles as new, verified information becomes available.
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DareDevil11-11-2026 - This is one of the reasons why Ineos is failing, G can comment on his pod but why has he not attracted talent from the peloton to Ineos. He has lot of inside track. Also ratcliffe handling of Man United is also disastrous.abstractengineer11-11-2026
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leedorney11-11-2026 - Hey @santiagobenites, that's why @leedorney is wrong. He doesn't see the bigger picture.PogiSloFans11-11-2026
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- for what?frieders311-11-2026
- Blah blah blah!frieders311-11-2026
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