Enric Mas ends Spain's wait to win Vuelta a España

Enric Mas has won the Vuelta a España. The Spaniard sealed his first Grand Tour title in Granada on 13 September, ending a 12-year wait for a home winner.

Mas finished 2min 15sec clear of Primož Roglič in the GC — the overall standings. Felix Gall was third, a further half-minute behind Roglič, according to The Guardian. It is Mas's first Vuelta title after finishing runner-up in 2018, 2021 and 2022.

He is the first Spaniard to win his home tour since Alberto Contador in 2014. For Movistar, it is a first Vuelta victory since Nairo Quintana won in 2016. Mas completed the three-week race in 73h 52' 55'', as listed by organisers.

The race turned on stage eight. Mas took the red jersey — the leader's jersey — after Tadej Pogačar abandoned following a crash. He defended it all the way to Andalusia.

He finally did it. After three second places, Mas did not let this chance slip.

The final stage went to Tobias Johannessen. The Uno-X Mobility Norwegian won stage 21, a 112km loop starting at Carrefour Granada and finishing in Granada, with circuits around the Alhambra palace.

Johannessen held off Alessandro Romele and Ramses Debruyne in a sprint finish. His winning time was 02h 54' 08''. It was a fast, technical finale through city streets.

The last 9.8km were neutralised, meaning times for the overall standings were frozen before the finish. Riders had raised safety concerns, and the decision was taken in agreement with the UCI, cycling's world governing body.

That meant no late drama for Mas. He could ride into Granada knowing the red jersey was safe, while the stage hunters fought for the day's win.

What makes this stand out is patience. Mas has been close for years. In Granada, in front of Spanish fans, he closed the job.