Enric Mas comes out to get even for the climb to Calar Alto in 2017

Enric Masleader of the Vuelta, faces this Thursday’s stage ending in Calar Alto with the optimism of wearing the red jersey since the retirement of the Slovenian Tadej Pogacar, a circumstance “that changed the race.”

“Of course the Vuelta has changed without Tadej, now we are all at the same level. Tactically we are prepared for whatever comes. Tadej left alone when he wanted, and now I will have to calculate the movements because I don’t have his legs,” explained the leader at the Lorca finish line.

Although Mas did not expect to wear the leader’s jersey, looking like a leader “is something I like, I enjoy it and I hope to continue like this. Before tomorrow’s stage I hope nothing goes wrong, the team is plugged in and we are going to try to enjoy.”

Faced with this Thursday’s stage, with the leaders of Velefique and Calar Alto as judges, Mas did not specify whether he will offer an offensive or defensive version.

“It depends on the strength I have tomorrow, the fatigue is already noticeable. I have a pleasant, important income, let’s see how I feel, we have to go little by little,” he said.

Mas revealed that the climb to Calar Alto in the 2017 Vuelta brings back bad memories.

“I have really bad memories of the climb to Calar Alto, in 2017 because I was sick that day. We always make jokes with my masseuse, Juanjo Lobato. He was a sprinter, and under normal conditions I would have to climb better than him, but that day we arrived together, and he always jokes about it,” he commented.

Visit of Alejandro Valverde

The Movistar team received a visit in Cartagena from Alejandro Valverdenational cycling coach and still linked to the telephone squad.

“We have spoken little with Valverde. On the bus everyone goes to their own task, we have just enough time to meet and leave for the stage. It is always pleasant to have his presence, he is a friend, the coach and he has been on the team for many years,” he concluded.