Enric Mas wins 2026 Vuelta a España for first Grand Tour title

Enric Mas has won the 2026 Vuelta a España, securing his first Grand Tour victory after a three-week race defined by the early exit of pre-race favorite Tadej Pogačar. The Spanish rider for Movistar claimed the overall title in Granada, finishing 2 minutes 15 seconds ahead of second-place Primož Roglič and 2 minutes 44 seconds ahead of third-place Felix Gall. Mas inherited the red leader's jersey after Pogačar crashed and abandoned on stage 8. He then defended the lead for the final 13 stages, demonstrating consistent strength to hold off challenges from Roglič and Gall. The victory marks Spain's first win in the men's Vuelta since Alberto Contador in 2014 and Movistar's first Grand Tour triumph since 2019. The final stage, a 112-kilometer circuit in Granada, was largely ceremonial for the general classification. The race for the stage win was decided in a sprint, with Tobias Halland Johannessen of UnoX Mobility taking the victory. "I really didn't expect it today," Johannessen said. "I've been knocking on that door for a long time, well over three years since the last time, and it feels really special to do it today.