Mallorca's Enric Mas wins Vuelta after 16 Grand Tours
Mallorca rider Enric Mas wins the 2026 Vuelta in Madrid on Sunday, taking the overall title in one of cycling’s three-week Grand Tours for the first time. The 31-year-old from Artà finishes in the red leader’s jersey after four previous Vuelta podiums. It is the breakthrough that had eluded him through 16 starts across the Giro, Tour and Vuelta.
Mas had twice finished second in the Spanish race, in 2018 and 2021, then again in 2022. He was third in 2024. Strong in the mountains, he was often criticised for riding too cautiously rather than attacking.
His route to Madrid also included serious setbacks. A crash left him with a fractured scaphoid in 2016, followed by a broken shoulder blade after a fall on the opening stage of the 2023 Tour de France. In 2025, thrombophlebitis in his left leg kept him out of racing for months.
This season began badly too. Mas finished 32nd in the Giro after aiming for the podium, and his Tour campaign fell short of expectations.
The Vuelta changed when Tadej Pogacar crashed and abandoned. Mas had attacked the Slovenian before taking the red jersey, but he still had to protect his lead all the way to Madrid.
Movistar Team controlled the race, shielding its captain and setting the pace when needed. Mas also won stage nine. He now has eight professional victories and five Vuelta podiums, but this is the one that changes his record: Mallorca’s long-time contender is now a Grand Tour winner.
Source: Europa Press / Mallorca.com