Enric Mas Says He Has No Fear of Winning the Vuelta

Enric Mas says the red jersey has not made him afraid of winning the Vuelta a España. On the race's first rest day in Albacete, the Movistar leader said he felt calm and believed he could contend for his first overall title.\n\nMas said he had recently gone through difficult health and emotional periods, but had begun smiling again at the race. "Recently I have gone through difficult moments, but they have not been the worst of my professional life," he said. "It did take me a while to get out of there and get back into shape, but today I am happy to be here, with the form I have, and to be smiling again at La Vuelta."\n\nHe attributed the change to consistency rather than a new formula. Mas said he had continued training well, looking after himself, trying to do everything perfectly and enjoying the process. He also said the rider seen joking with his family, friends and team was still the same Enric Mas.\n\nFor the final stages toward Granada, Mas named Primoz Roglic of Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe as his main concern. Roglic has won the Vuelta four times and could become the race's five-time champion. Mas said Movistar had discussed moving on after crashes the previous day and now had to accept the responsibility of defending the lead. The team expects help from other riders on sprint and breakaway days, while maintaining its composure.

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Recently I have gone through difficult moments, but they have not been the worst of my professional life. It did take me a while to get out of there and get back into shape, but today I am happy to be here, with the form I have, and to be smiling again at La Vuelta.