Spain’s Enric Mas asserted his hold on the leader’s red jersey with a commanding win in Sunday’s ninth stage of the Vuelta a Espana.
Having inherited the red jersey following the withdrawal of race leader Tadej Pogacar, the 31-year-old refused to wear it on Saturday’s podium out of respect for his opponent, who is in hospital and requires surgery after crashing on the eighth stage.
With overwhelming favourite Pogacar out of contention the race was poised for a shake-up on a 187km uphill toil to the summit of Aitana, and climber Mas excelled to claim his Movistar team’s first win on home territory in five years.
Three kilometres from the line, the three-time Vuelta runner-up attacked, holding off the threat of British rider Oscar Onley and celebrating emphatically as he crossed the finish.
“Now I understand Tadej Pogacar, the red jersey gives you wings,” said Mas.
“This morning I was as excited as a little boy. Winning while wearing the red jersey is very special.”
Mas extended his lead at the head of the general classification to one minute 18 seconds over Primoz Roglic, who crossed third, followed by Felix Gall, who gave up 18 seconds but remains third in the overall standings.
Though he couldn’t get round Mas on the final sprint, 23-year-old Onley edged closer to a podium place by moving up to fourth, 41 seconds behind Gall.
On Monday, the riders have their first rest day before the race continues with the 10th stage, featuring three category-three climbs across 184km between Alcaraz and Elche de la Sierra.
Earlier on Sunday, Pogacar posted a photo on social media of him in a hospital bed wearing a neck brace, with the image accompanied by the Bee Gees’ hit Stayin’ Alive.
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