Mas returns to victory at the Vuelta

Enric Mas won the ninth stage of the Vuelta, 187.4 km from La Vila Joiosa/Villajoyosa to Alto de Aitana. The day's menu included six mountain climbs and over 5,000 meters of elevation gain.

In the first stage without the dominating Tadej Pogacar, who retired yesterday after a bad fall, the men in the general classification let go of a very large breakaway that gained a good lead.

On the last climb of the day towards the finish, Sivakov and Camprubì remain in front, with Vader, Buitrago, Paret-Peintre and Zana chasing them.

With 10 km to go, Sivakov remains alone while the red jersey's small group gains several minutes under the pressure of Decathlon. Gall attacks with seven kilometers to go, and all the top riders remain with him except Kuss, who drops away. Sivakov is caught, and then attempts to make a difference follow, but to no avail. Until Mas attacks, bringing Onley with him, with Roglic slightly behind. Those losing ground are Gall, who manages to defend, and Carapaz.

At the finish line, Mas beats Onley in the sprint, consolidating his red leader's jersey and returning to victory at the Vuelta after eight years. Tomorrow is a rest day.

Sprint Cycling Photos

Order of arrival

1 Mas Enric Movistar Team 5:10:40

2 Onley Oscar Netcompany INEOS,,

3 Roglič Primož Red Bull - BORA - hansgrohe 0:12

4 Gall Felix Decathlon CMA CGM Team 0:18

5 Rodríguez Cristián XDS Astana Team 0:20

6 Skjelmose Mattias Lidl - Trek ,,

7 Widar Jarno Lotto Intermarché 0:25

8 Carapaz Richard EF Education - EasyPost 0:33

9 Tejada Harold XDS Astana Team 0:54

10 Buitrago Santiago Bahrain - Victorious 1:41

General classification

1 Mas Enric Movistar Team 28:34:03

2 Roglič Primož Red Bull - BORA - hansgrohe 1:18

3 Gall Felix Decathlon CMA CGM Team 1:39

4 Onley Oscar Netcompany INEOS 2:20

5 Carapaz Richard EF Education - EasyPost 3:26

6 Skjelmose Mattias Lidl - Trek 3:55

7 Kuss Sepp Team Visma | Lease a Bike 4:09

8 Tejada Harold XDS Astana Team 4:39

9 Mühlberger Gregor Decathlon CMA CGM Team 7:33

10 Omrzel Jakob Bahrain - Victorious 8:05