Vuelta lead on line as Enric Mas faces Jerez time trial

Enric Mas keeps the Vuelta a España lead after reaching Sevilla safely on Wednesday, but Thursday's 32.1-kilometre time trial to Jerez de la Frontera could reshape the race.

Matthew Brennan won the 185-kilometre sprint from Dos Hermanas to Sevilla for Team Visma | Lease a Bike. The British rider beat Jordi Meeus and Magnus Cort for his fifth stage win of this Vuelta, all of them in sprint finishes.

Paleni caught close to the line

Enzo Paleni, Sinuhé Fernández and Fredrik Dversnes Lavik formed the day's breakaway. Fernández dropped back with 15 kilometres remaining, leaving Paleni alone out front.

Paleni still had 13 seconds at 5.5 kilometres to go, but the peloton caught him 3.2 kilometres from the finish. Visma then set up Brennan, with Wout van Aert helping his team-mate into position for the sprint.

Jerez time trial puts Mas under pressure

Thursday brings an individual time trial, cycling's race against the clock, from El Puerto de Santa María to Jerez de la Frontera. The 32.1-kilometre route is flat and long, and Mas is not among the favourites according to the source.

The Spanish Movistar Team rider aims to finish with a margin of about 1:30 minutes over his nearest rivals. Felix Gall is second at 2:06 minutes, with Primoz Roglic third at 2:10.

The time trial opens the final fight at the summit finishes of Peñas Blancas and Collado del Alguacil.

Topics: Sport

Source: Europa Press / Mallorca.com