The 'package' who lost his fear of falling and has won the Vuelta a España: Enric Mas achieves the greatest success of his career at the most unexpected moment

Enric Mas has won the 2026 Vuelta a España, marking the most significant achievement of his professional cycling career. The Spanish rider secured the red jersey following the withdrawal of Slovenian cyclist Tadej Pogacar, who abandoned the race after a crash during the eighth stage. Following Pogacar's exit, Mas assumed the lead and maintained his position through the remainder of the competition.

This victory follows a series of previous podium finishes for Mas, who had previously placed second three times and third once in the Vuelta. His performance in this edition was characterized by a newfound level of consistency and confidence, overcoming past difficulties and public scrutiny regarding his previous racing style and the high expectations placed upon him by Spanish cycling fans.