Enric Mas wins 2026 Vuelta a Espana in Granada for first Grand Tour title

Victory in Granada

Spanish rider Enric Mas won the 2026 Vuelta a Espana on Sunday, concluding the 21-stage race in Granada to secure the first Grand Tour victory of his career. The 31-year-old Movistar Team leader completed the race with a 2-minute-15-second cushion over second-placed Primoz Roglic of Red Bull Bora, while Austria's Felix Gall finished third, 2 minutes and 44 seconds back. Norway's Tobias Johannessen won the 21st and final stage, where general classification times were neutralized over the final 10 kilometers. Mas succeeded 2025 champion Jonas Vingegaard on the top step of the podium, ending a 12-year drought for Spanish riders at the Vuelta since Alberto Contador's triumph in 2014.

That was our goal and this year we achieved two. Here, Enric was super strong, without weaknesses in three weeks, defending perfectly. And Roglic is a very good rider. It is the right order, my rivals were stronger.

Turning points in the mountains

The general classification battle pivoted on 29 August during stage 8, when race leader Tadej Pogacar crashed and abandoned the competition. Mas moved into the red jersey and consolidated his position the following day by winning stage 9 at Alto de Aitana. Over the subsequent two weeks, Mas defended the race lead through the mountain stages, sealing his virtual victory on Saturday at Collado del Alguacil. His performance generated over 168,000 euros in official race prize money, comprising 150,000 euros for winning the general classification, 11,000 euros for the stage 9 victory, and 7,000 euros for spending 14 days in the red jersey.

Overcoming career setbacks

The Mallorcan rider, born in Arta, entered the race following four previous podium finishes at the Vuelta, having placed second in 2018, 2021, and 2022, and third in 2024. Mas had faced physical setbacks over recent seasons, including a fractured scapula at the 2023 Tour de France and thrombophlebitis in his left leg in October 2025. Ahead of the 2026 season, he adjusted his position on the bicycle forward by several millimeters, delayed his racing debut, and altered his racing calendar by competing in the Giro d'Italia instead of the Tour de France.

After the process we have been through, there have been difficult moments, hitting rock bottom. But thanks to my people, the team, to everyone, we have made a dream come true.

Team success and future schedule

The result provided Movistar Team with its first Vuelta victory in a decade, following Nairo Quintana's win in 2016. Roglic, who had entered the race recovering from an accident, acknowledged the winner's superiority while securing his own podium finish.

Definitely, this is a victory for me. It was difficult, but I wanted to be part of this. But I could not beat Enric, who really deserves it.

Mas will now take a period of rest before representing Spain at the Road World Cycling Championships, scheduled to begin in 14 days.