Enric Mas: “This is the happiest moment of my life, and I am enjoying moments I will never forget”

Enric Mas says he is living “the best moment” of his life after spending a week in the red leader’s jersey at the Vuelta a España. The Spanish rider is now dreaming of reaching Granada as the latest Spanish winner in the race’s history.

Speaking on the rest day, Mas said he felt strong and wanted to enjoy the moment after difficult experiences in recent months. “It is perhaps the best moment of my life and I will never forget it,” he said, while acknowledging the work behind his position at the top of the standings.

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It is perhaps the best moment of my life and I will never forget it.

Mas leads Austria’s Felix Gall by 2 minutes 6 seconds and Slovenia’s Primoz Roglic by 2 minutes 10 seconds. He said he trusted himself and his team, which he credited with keeping the race under control. He also said he was trying not to think about possible setbacks during the race.

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I had never worn the leader’s jersey in a race, so it is a very special feeling that has to be enjoyed.

The remaining stages include two important mountain days and a time trial, an event Mas said does not favor him. Still, he noted that he had gained time in the mountains and had no reason to fear the time trial. Roglic, the Olympic champion and a four-time Vuelta winner, remains the main rival in the fight, while Mas also warned against overlooking Gall and other riders.

Mas said wearing the red jersey had brought new responsibilities and routines, including post-stage protocols he had never previously handled. He is also imagining the possibility of celebrating in Granada with family and friends, while insisting that he will proceed one objective at a time.

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The Vuelta lasts 21 days, not just one time trial.