Enric Mas: “Many of us agreed to shorten the stage because of the heat”

Enric Mas welcomed the decision to shorten the Vuelta a España stage because of the heat, saying many riders had agreed with the move.

“On the issue of the heat, many of us agreed, and the organization deserves thanks for deciding to shorten the route,” Mas said at the finish. He added that three riders had attended a meeting, although he stayed out of it to focus on the days ahead.

Mas said the Córdoba stage went to the rider who deserved to win, adding that the result would likely have been the same even if the stage had been 80 kilometers longer.

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On the issue of the heat, many of us agreed, and the organization deserves thanks for deciding to shorten the route.

The Movistar rider also spoke positively about wearing the red jersey in the race he enjoys most. “I really like racing in Spain. I feel a lot of support from the people, and I hope it continues through Granada. Wearing the red jersey is always special. This is my race, the one I like most all year,” he said.

Mas said the team had planned to let a breakaway go and leave Visma and Cofidis to control the race until the finish. That plan changed after Wout van Aert attacked in the intermediate sprint, but Mas said almost everything had remained under control since the previous Sunday.

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I really like racing in Spain. I feel a lot of support from the people, and I hope it continues through Granada. Wearing the red jersey is always special. This is my race, the one I like most all year.