Vuelta a España GC challenger Enric Mas (Movistar) regained almost a minute on flagging chief Ben O’Connor (Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale) on the relentlessly tough ascent of Ancares, and the Spaniard was something however content material on the end.
To date, Mas has been the one rider who has been capable of stick to Primož Roglič (Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe), whether or not or not it’s on the viciously-steep slopes of Villuercas and Cazorla or the a lot punchier ascent on the stage to Padron. Not solely that, on the stage to Sierra Nevada final Sunday, Mas was even capable of drop Roglič and acquire almost a minute earlier than getting reeled in on the lengthy descent again into Granada.
However, on stage 13 on the ultimate ascent of Ancares when Roglič went on the rampage in his newest try and put a dent into O’Connor’s lead, it proved to be a really totally different story for the Spaniard. Mas managed to stay with Roglič for nearly a kilometre after the Red Bull chief went clear on Ancares’ horrendously steep slopes, however that was nearly as good because it bought.
Losing 58 seconds on the Slovenian by the summit, Mas’ unhealthy day was significantly worsened by the 23 seconds he ceded to Spanish GC challengers Mikel Landa (T Rex-Quick-Step) and 14 seconds to Carlos Rodríguez (Ineos Grenadiers). Mas continues to be 12 seconds forward of his closest rival for the rostrum, Richard Carapaz (EF Education-EasyPost), however additional down GC, the gaps are shrinking.
“I hope it was only a unhealthy day,” Mas stated. “I felt empty from the foot of the climb and that’s why I didn’t attempt to take turns once I bought away with Primož.
“Up till then I’ve felt nice within the race, however maybe I overdid it by even making an attempt to observe him. But I’m going to maintain on making an attempt, that’s for positive.”
Mas definitely on the restrict of his energy as he approached the road, his eyes gazing fixedly forward as he battled with the ache. Yet regardless of his first setback of the race, Mas added pugnaciously, “I’m nonetheless going to attempt to win the Vuelta”, and the triple runner-up total (2018, 2021 and 2022) continues to be solely 3:01 down on O’Connor.
However, he’s not the one rider from south of the Pyrenees nonetheless within the working for a high spot within the Spanish Grand Tour. Basque Mikel Landa (T Rex-Quick-Step), who was capable of depend on breakaway teammate Kasper Asgreen to present him assist on the Ancares, continues to be mendacity fifth total, at 3:20.
Landa had a gradual begin on the climb however was regularly capable of make up misplaced floor and he thanked Asgreen profusely on the end.
“Having anyone with me who pressured me to push a bit deeper was actually key,” Landa stated, “as a result of I used to be proper on my restrict. Primož is certainly a bit stronger than the remainder of us, however there’s nonetheless a whole lot of Vuelta left to race.”
Ineos Grenadier GC contender Rodríguez was equally content material after considered one of his finest performances up to now within the 2024 Vuelta, using at his personal tempo to stay in sixth total.
“We knew that it was a really powerful ascent, and also you needed to deal with your energy very rigorously,” stated Rodríguez, presently main the most effective younger rider’s rating by 17 seconds on Roglič’s teammate Florian Lipowitz.
“Bora actually put the hammer down from the beginning of the climb and I didn’t suppose I may deal with it. But I stored the identical tempo and depth all the best way up the climb and I feel I did that very nicely. I’ve misplaced time on Roglič and Landa, however I’m completely satisfied.”
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