In a thrilling 12th stage of the Spanish Vuelta held on Thursday, Enric Mas further solidified his lead in the overall standings, while Jakob Omrzel celebrated a significant milestone by winning his first stage at a grand tour. The stage, which spanned 166 kilometers (103 miles) through the rugged terrain of southern Spain, concluded with a demanding ascent to the summit of Calar Alto.
Mas, riding for Movistar, demonstrated his climbing prowess as he managed to pull away from his closest rival, Primož Roglič of Red Bull Bora Hansgrohe, during the final 10 kilometers (6 miles) of the race. This decisive move allowed Mas to extend his lead to 1 minute and 45 seconds over the four-time Vuelta champion, Roglič, who has been a formidable competitor throughout the event.
Young Slovenian cyclist Jakob Omrzel, just 20 years old, showcased his potential by breaking away from the pack and securing victory in a time of four hours and 29 minutes. His performance was particularly impressive as he crossed the finish line nearly two minutes ahead of the next competitor. Reflecting on his achievement, Omrzel expressed confidence in his abilities, stating, “I am not surprised because I know how much work I have put in, I knew it would happen sooner or later. I am just enjoying the moment.”
The stage was characterized by challenging climbs, including back-to-back category-one ascents, which tested the riders' endurance and strategy. Mas, who has previously finished as the runner-up in the Vuelta three times (2018, 2021, and 2022), is aiming to become the first Spanish cyclist to win the prestigious race since Alberto Contador's victory in 2014.
Mas has been in the leader's role since Tour de France champion Tadej Pogačar withdrew from the race after a crash while wearing the red jersey. This withdrawal opened the door for Mas, who is now focused on maintaining his lead as the competition progresses.
Looking ahead, the riders will face a challenging 13th stage on Friday, which will cover 192 kilometers (119 miles) from Almuñécar to Loja. This year’s Vuelta is unique as it takes place entirely in southern Spain, lacking the traditional mountain finishes found in the country's greener northern regions. The race is set to conclude in Granada on September 13, with Mas aiming to secure his first Vuelta title.
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