Enric Mas Rests With the Red Jersey: “I’m Not Afraid to Win the Vuelta”

Enric Mas says he is no longer afraid of the possibility of winning the Vuelta a España. Wearing the red leader’s jersey, the Movistar rider told reporters during the race’s first rest day that he felt calm and remained "the same Enric as always."

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I’m not afraid to win.

Mas inherited the lead after Tadej Pogačar withdrew and now carries Spain’s hopes of a home winner into the remaining stages toward Granada. He said the pressure had not changed his basic approach. "Nothing has changed. I simply keep doing what I used to do most: training well, taking care of myself, trying to do everything perfectly and enjoying the process," he said.

The Spaniard acknowledged that recent months had been difficult, including problems with his health and morale. He said he had struggled to recover his form but was now happy to be back in the race and smiling again. Mas rejected the idea that he had become a different person, explaining that he remains playful with his family, friends and team.

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Recently I went through difficult moments, but they have not been the worst of my professional life.

His main concern is Primož Roglič, the Red Bull-Bora rider and four-time Vuelta winner. "Given Roglič’s history in the Vuelta, he is the one who worries me most personally on the way to Granada," Mas said. Roglič could surpass Roberto Heras’ record and become a five-time winner.

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Nothing has changed. I simply keep doing what I used to do most: training well, taking care of myself, trying to do everything perfectly and enjoying the process.

The red jersey has also given Mas and Movistar a new responsibility. The team must now control the race while defending the lead. Mas said a discussion on the team bus had focused on moving past the previous stage and approaching the rest of the Vuelta with composure.

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Given Roglič’s history in the Vuelta, he is the one who worries me most personally on the way to Granada.