Spain's Enric Mas secured a commanding victory in Sunday's ninth stage of the Vuelta a Espana, further solidifying his hold on the leader's red jersey. The Movistar rider, 31, outsprinted Britain's Oscar Onley to claim his team's first home win in five years on the 187km uphill climb to Aitana.
Mas, who inherited the red jersey after Tadej Pogacar's withdrawal due to a crash, extended his general classification lead to 1 minute and 18 seconds over Primoz Roglic. Roglic finished third in the stage, while Felix Gall, who placed fourth, remains third overall despite losing 18 seconds.
British rider Oscar Onley, 23, finished second in the stage, matching Mas's time, and has moved up to fourth in the overall standings, 41 seconds behind Gall. Mas expressed his excitement, stating, "Now I understand Tadej Pogacar, the red jersey gives you wings."
The riders will have their first rest day on Monday before the race continues with the 10th stage, featuring three category-three climbs over 184km between Alcaraz and Elche de la Sierra.