Spanish cyclist Enric Mas has declared himself the main favorite to win La Vuelta a Espana after taking the race lead for Movistar Team during the opening stages of the three-week Grand Tour.
Speaking to presenter Juanma Castano on the Spanish sports radio show El Partidazo de COPE during a race rest day in Albacete, the Balearic Islands rider reflected on his feelings wearing the red jersey. Mas took overall leadership of the race after winning at the summit of Alto de Aitana, ending a Grand Tour stage victory drought that had stretched back to 2018.
La Vuelta a Espana is one of professional cycling's three annual Grand Tours alongside the Tour de France and Giro d'Italia, with the overall race leader wearing the red jersey, known as the maillot rojo. Movistar Team is Spain's long-standing flagship WorldTour cycling team.
Rest day training and team discipline
Despite the peloton enjoying an official rest day in Albacete, Mas chose not to relax completely. Instead, he completed a 70-kilometre training ride lasting approximately two hours to maintain his competitive rhythm before the race resumed in the mountains.
Mas explained that his squad operates with high precision during major tours, describing Movistar riders as privileged because the team chef and nutritionist weigh every meal down to the exact millimetre. He added that he is approaching his position at the top of the standings with calm, noting that the road ultimately puts every rider in their proper place.
Championship ambitions and the threat of Roglic
The race dynamic shifted significantly after former leader Tadej Pogacar abandoned the competition while holding the red jersey. Asked who he viewed as the chief contender for final victory following Pogacar's departure, Mas gave an emphatic answer, stating that he considers himself the favorite because a rider must believe in himself first.
However, the Spanish team leader maintained a cautious attitude regarding Slovenian star Primoz Roglic, who has previously won La Vuelta four times. Mas acknowledged that he must build as large a time buffer as possible over Roglic in the mountain stages ahead of the crucial individual time trial scheduled in Jerez.
Tactical approach and fan support
Addressing his racing strategy, Mas ruled out attempting long-range solo attacks launched tens of kilometres from the finish line in the style of Pogacar. He explained that he does not currently possess Pogacar's legs, understands his own capabilities and position, and must calculate his efforts mathematically to secure overall victory. Nevertheless, he noted that he intends to ride offensively whenever race circumstances and his physical strength allow.
Mas also highlighted the emotional impact of spectator support along the course during climbs. He said that even though riders are pushing at maximum effort when crowds narrow the road to form a human corridor, hearing his name shouted repeatedly by fans gives him goosebumps and a surge of adrenaline.
Personal life and road safety concerns
Beyond the race, Mas reflected on the personal demands of elite cycling and the daily hazards faced during open-road training. As a father of two young children aged almost three and one year old, he emphasized the importance of safety when training among traffic.
Although Mas noted that 99 percent of drivers show respect to cyclists on public roads, he described daily training in open traffic as dangerous. The Movistar leader made the remarks as he prepares for upcoming mountain tests, including demanding summit finishes at Calar Alto and the Sierra de La Pandera.
