The Vuelta resumes its march with a stage suitable for adventurers

“I think that with the history that Roglic has in La Vuelta, he is the one that worries me the most personally facing Granada“Enric Mas has before him a golden opportunity to make the leap in quality that has been so requested of him until now.

The Mallorcan faces the second half of the Spanish round as leader after a couple of exhibitions that have inflamed the spirits of the fans. “Nothing has changed. I have simply continued doing what I was already doing, training well, taking care of myselftry to do everything perfect and enjoy the process. But changing, nothing has changed” he explained in his appearance before the media in Albacete during the day of rest.

Given what remains of the Vuelta, Mas admitted to not being very aware of the remaining stages until Granada. “Tell you the truth? I have no idea. We haven’t had the meeting yet. There are a few stages that are clear that will be crucial for the general classification, but from yesterday to today I haven’t had time for anythingI haven’t looked at anything. Before starting I do like to make a statement about LaVuelta, but right now I haven’t looked at anything,” he summarized.

And he denied that he feels stress or fear about being able to win the Vuelta: “It’s not that I’m afraid. It’s just that, if I spend all day thinking about how I can win the Vuelta, in the end it’s an accumulated stress that I don’t want to have right now. Now I just enjoy the moment, I enjoy wearing the red, I enjoy the team and we have to focus on what’s coming this week. Little more.”

Mas admitted that the enjoyment on the bike is the same as in past times: “Yesterday I said in front of the cameras that maybe I am another Enric, but the Enric who is with family, friends and the team is normally an Enric who makes jokes and laughs. It’s the Enric that you saw yesterday after the finish line” concluded the Mallorcan cyclist.

All this before the return of the competition today with a winding, demanding day, between the towns of Alcaraz and Elche de la Sierra, of 184.7 kilometers with almost 3,000 meters of elevation gain that will give options to adventurers.

Through Albacete territory the route offers 3 third category difficulties. The getaway will have serious options, and the favorites will be able to save some strength. The first difficulty will be Puerto del Peralejo (3rd, 5.2 km at 4.3%), followed by Puerto de Ayna (3rd, 7.7 km at 4) and the last difficulty will be the Socovos stop (3rd, 9.8 km at 3.5), 21 kilometers from the finish line. The finish will be at the end of an ideal slope for finishers.