Vuelta breakthrough: Brenner claims Germany’s first stage win since 2023

Marco Brenner stretched out his arms at 1,800 meters above sea level after claiming the biggest victory of his career. The German rider produced a surprise win on the 14th stage of the Vuelta a España, taking the summit finish at Sierra de la Pandera.

Brenner, riding his third Grand Tour, emerged from a large breakaway group and left Colombia’s Santiago Buitrago behind in the uphill sprint after 154.5 kilometers. The victory marked Germany’s first stage win in the Spanish race since Lennard Kämna won three years ago.

The 24-year-old had already attracted attention in August by unexpectedly winning the Tour of Poland. “I can’t believe it. These are the days I became a professional cyclist for. Not many riders win a stage at a Grand Tour,” Brenner said.

Enric Mas retained the red jersey and strengthened his overall lead. The Spaniard finished 4 minutes and 12 seconds behind Brenner, but Primoz Roglic lost another 25 seconds and dropped behind Austria’s Felix Gall into third place. Mas now leads Gall by 2 minutes and 6 seconds.

The race opened up after five-time Tour de France champion Tadej Pogacar abandoned a week earlier following a serious crash. Mas, who has finished second three times and third once at the Vuelta, now has another chance to secure his first major overall victory. Sunday’s 189.7-kilometer stage from Palma del Rio to Cordoba includes three third-category climbs and is expected to favor breakaway riders.

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I can’t believe it. These are the days I became a professional cyclist for. Not many riders win a stage at a Grand Tour.