‘A Bittersweet Feeling’: Enric Mas Refuses to Wear Red Jersey After Pogačar’s Vuelta Exit.
Enric Mas became the new leader of La Vuelta a España 2026 on Saturday, but the moment was marked by sadness rather than celebration.
The Movistar Team rider inherited the red jersey after Tadej Pogačar was forced to abandon the race following a crash during Stage 8.
However, Mas chose not to wear the famous red jersey during the podium ceremony.
Instead, the Spanish rider held the jersey in his hand in a gesture of respect for Pogačar, who had been leading the race before his dramatic exit.
“It is a bittersweet feeling,” Mas said after the stage, with the new race leader making clear that the circumstances surrounding his move into first place had taken away much of the usual celebration.
Pogačar had started Stage 8 as the overall leader and was firmly in control of the general classification. The Slovenian star had already built a significant advantage before crashing with just over 30 kilometres remaining.
Despite attempting to continue, Pogačar was unable to finish the stage and was forced to abandon La Vuelta.
The dramatic moment completely changed the general classification.
Mas now leads La Vuelta 2026 for Movistar Team, becoming the first Spanish rider to lead the race since 2018.
After Stage 8, Mas holds a one-minute advantage over Primož Roglič, while Félix Gall sits third, 1 minute and 11 seconds behind the new leader.
But for Mas, the red jersey arrived in circumstances nobody wanted.
His decision not to wear it on the podium was one of the most powerful images of Stage 8 and a reminder of the respect shared between riders in the peloton.
The race now continues with a new leader and a completely open battle for the overall title.
Mas will carry the responsibility of defending the red jersey as La Vuelta heads towards the mountains, while the cycling world waits for further updates on Pogačar following his crash.
SPORTVIAX will continue to follow every major development from La Vuelta 2026.
