Enric Mas took a commanding step toward capturing the Vuelta a España title on Thursday, keeping his overall lead intact following a demanding individual time trial won by Swiss specialist Stefan Küng, according to race reports. With only three stages remaining in the three-week grand tour, the race tackled a 32-kilometer route stretching from El Puerto de Santa María to Jerez de la Frontera.
Stefan Küng Dominates the Jerez Time Trial
Stefan Küng delivered the standout performance of the day, mastering the course to secure the stage victory. Behind the Swiss rider, the general classification battle shifted into its final phase as the main contenders fought for every second on the road.
Mas Protects His Lead Against Roglic
Enric Mas minimized his losses against his closest challenger, ceding just 33 seconds to Primoz Roglic over the course.
That preserved the core of the leader’s advantage, leaving the Spanish rider in prime position heading into the final weekend of racing. Following Thursday’s time trial, Enric Mas sits comfortably at the top of the overall standings with just three stages left on the race calendar.
The GC Battle Enters Its Final Weekend
Primoz Roglic occupies second place in the general classification, trailing the leader by 1 minute and 37 seconds, as reported by daily sports coverage.
Stage 17 Heading to Peñas Blanca
The race route turns sharply back toward the high mountains on Friday. According to race organizers and regional sports reports, Stage 17 sends the peloton over a 190-kilometer trek from Velez Málaga to the summit of Peñas Blanca, high above the coastal town of Estepona.
The stage features three mountain passes that will provide Primoz Roglic and other challengers a final high-altitude launching pad to test the race leader before the Vuelta concludes.
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