Enric Mas absolutely flexed on Primož Roglič in the Spanish Vuelta’s mountainous 12th stage yesterday, extending his lead and making a serious statement. While Jakob Omrzel snagged the stage win, all eyes are on Mas, who just cranked up the pressure on the four-time champ in a big way. The Movistar leader didn’t just hold his ground, he dropped Roglič cold on the brutal final 10 kilometers of that summit finish. Now, Mas’s advantage over his Red Bull Bora Hansgrohe rival is a full 1 minute, 45 seconds, and man, that’s getting tough to close.
Mas Means Business: The Vuelta Challenger Is Rising
Look, we all know Primož Roglič is a legend, a four-time Vuelta winner. But Mas is riding like a man possessed, and you can practically feel the determination. This guy has been the runner-up three times, in 2018, 2021, and 2022. He’s been close, so close, and now he’s making his move to be the first Spanish rider to win his home race since Alberto Contador did it back in 2014. It feels like Mas smelled blood in the water on those back-to-back category-one climbs through the dry, sun-baked southern mountains. He’s been leading the three-week race since Tour de France winner Tadej Pogačar dramatically withdrew after a crash while wearing the red leader’s jersey on Saturday. The 31-year-old Mas is seizing his moment, and it’s electrifying to watch.
Omrzel’s Breakthrough Win Lights Up Calar Alto
While Mas was making his big move on Roglič, 20-year-old Slovenian phenom Jakob Omrzel was out there making history of his own. This kid just claimed his first-ever win at a grand tour, shedding his fellow breakaway riders to conquer the 166-kilometer stage in an impressive four hours, 29 minutes. His nearest competitor wasn’t even close, crossing the Calar Alto summit finish line nearly two minutes later. Omrzel’s confidence after the win was just awesome: “I am not surprised because I know how much work I have put in, I knew it would happen sooner or later,” he said. “I am just enjoying the moment.” You gotta love that kind of self-belief when it pays off big.
Tomorrow, riders face a hilly 13th stage, covering 192 kilometers from Almuñécar to Loja. This year’s Vuelta is sticking entirely to southern Spain, no classic mountain finishes in the greener north. It all wraps up in Granada on September 13th. The question now is, can Mas hold onto this lead and finally claim the top spot? Roglič isn’t going to roll over, but Mas looks absolutely dialed in. Get ready for more fireworks.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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