Mixed emotions for Mas as Valverde retires but he steps out of his shadow

Enric Mas (Movistar) attacks on a climb during Il Lombardia
Enric Mas (Movistar) attacks on a climb during Il Lombardia (Image credit: Getty Images Sport)

Enric Mas smiled on the Il Lombardia podium next to winner Tadej Pogačar and third-placed Mikel Landa but admitted he was more sad than happy.

Mas was impressive as he attacked Pogačar several times on the Civiglio and Fermo della Battaglia climbs. He took on the Slovenian in the sprint and was a close second at the line. Yet his performance and the second place offered little consolation on a sad day for Spanish cycling.

Stephen Farrand
Head of News

Stephen is the most experienced member of the Cyclingnews team, having reported on professional cycling since 1994. He has been Head of News at Cyclingnews since 2022, before which he held the position of European editor since 2012 and previously worked for Reuters, Shift Active Media, and CyclingWeekly, among other publications.