Mas Extends Vuelta Lead; Omrzel and Van Aert Claim Stages Amid Heat

Enric Mas solidified his grip on the Vuelta a España lead with a decisive late attack on stage 12, a mountainous 166.6km ride to Calar Alto. The Movistar rider surged away from his general classification rivals, including Primoz Roglic and Felix Gall, to extend his advantage.

Slovenia's Jakob Omrzel announced his arrival on the Grand Tour scene by securing his first career stage win with a solo effort on the same day. The following day, Wout van Aert triumphed in a hilly stage 13, beating fellow breakaway rider Valentin Paret-Peintre amidst scorching heat in southern Spain, while Mas maintained his red jersey lead.