Enric Mas, first Spanish leader of the Vuelta a España since 2018

Enric Mas (Movistar) has become the start of the ninth stage of the Vuelta a España from Vila Joiosa in the first Spaniard with the red jersey of the event since 2018.

Although the Balearic cyclist placed first in the general classification after the fall suffered by the Slovenian Tadej Pogacar, which led to his withdrawal from the race this Saturday, Mas took the podium as a new red jersey, but he did not put on the garment, and only showed it to the public at the awards ceremony out of respect for the leader’s abandonment.

Since Jesús Herrada, currently racing in Vuelta 26 with Burgos-Burpellet-BH, wore red for two stages in the 2018 edition after entering a successful breakaway on the way to Faro de Estaca de Bares, no Spaniard had been the overall leader.

Mas will defend his leadership position in the ninth stage that takes place between La Vila Joiosa and Alto de Aitana, a key high mountain day where the general favorites will appear in the absence of Pogacar.