Enric Mas: “My Confidence Is Sky-High”

Enric Mas says his confidence is “sky-high” as he approaches the decisive stages of the Vuelta a España. The race leader completed another transition stage on Tuesday, with five days remaining and the key tests still ahead.

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My confidence is sky-high.

Thursday brings a time trial in Jerez, followed by mountain stages on Friday and Saturday at Peñas Blancas and Collado del Alguacil. Mas said the race could still be won or lost in stages like Tuesday’s, but maintained that each day had so far been positive for his team.

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One day less, five remain. In stages like today’s, you can lose or gain time. Our confidence is sky-high and, for now, every day has been positive.

It was Mas’s eighth day in the red leader’s jersey, bringing another routine of podium appearances, anti-doping control and press conferences. He said those obligations did not create particular stress. “I hope I have to do it every day. The organization makes it easy and everything goes quickly,” he said.

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I hope I have to do it every day. The organization makes it easy and everything goes quickly.

Mas also urged people to attach less importance to Thursday’s time trial. “The Vuelta lasts 21 days and the time trial is just one more,” he said, adding that he was focusing on the stages still to come before it.

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The Vuelta lasts 21 days and the time trial is just one more.