Can Enric Mas put Pogačar under pressure again? Key points from stage 7 of La Vuelta

The seventh stage of La Vuelta a España 2026 once again tests the general classification riders with a mountain day of 149.8 kilometers between Vall d'Alba and Aramón Valdelinares. After Pogačar's exhibition in Andorra and Enric Mas's great performance at El Bartolo, the race faces a very demanding chained finish that could open up significant gaps again.

Stage 7 of La Vuelta 2026: five climbs and a summit finish in Valdelinares

• Date: Friday, August 28, 2026
• Start: Vall d'Alba
• Finish: Aramón Valdelinares
• Distance: 149.8 km
• Type of stage: mountain
• Start time: 13:40
• Estimated arrival: between 17:19 and 17:43
• Total ascent: 3,597 m
• Puerto El Remolcador: 2nd category, 12.4 km at 4.3%
• Alto de Zucaina: 3rd category, 5.5 km at 5%
• Puerto Fuente de Rubielos: 3rd category, 6 km at 6.3%
• Puerto de San Rafael: 2nd category, 11.1 km at 4.3%
• Aramón Valdelinares: 1st category, 9.8 km at 5.9%
• Finish altitude: 1,963 m
• Favorites: Tadej Pogačar, Enric Mas, Felix Gall, Primož Roglič, Richard Carapaz, and Oscar Onley

  

The last 50 kilometers concentrate almost all the difficulty

The first part of the stage will be relatively manageable. The peloton will traverse rolling terrain before facing the Puerto El Remolcador, a long climb but with moderate gradients that could be important for forming the breakaway.

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Shortly after, the Alto de Zucaina will arrive, also without extreme ramps. The real change of pace will begin in the last 50 kilometers with the Puerto Fuente de Rubielos, which is six kilometers at 6.3%.

From there, there will be very little terrain to recover. The route will continue to gain altitude until reaching the Puerto de San Rafael, whose average of 4.3% hides a rather irregular profile. Its first kilometers hover around 6.6%, the central area softens, and the last 1.7 kilometers approach 7% again.

Its summit will be just 13.5 kilometers from the finish. A short descent will lead directly to the start of the final climb towards Aramón Valdelinares.

Valdelinares has 9.8 kilometers at 5.9%, but the steepest ramps appear in the first half and reach approximately 13%. After that, the gradient gradually eases until the finish located at 1,963 meters.

This distribution could greatly influence the race. Those who want to open gaps will likely have to attack relatively early, as the last kilometers offer less gradient and may favor a small group staying together.

Mas re-emerges as Pogačar's main rival

Tadej Pogačar starts again as the reference after adding three victories in the first six stages. The big question will be whether UAE wants to control the breakaway again to contest the win or if the Slovenian is content to defend his large lead.

After what happened at El Bartolo, Enric Mas appears as the most interesting rival. The Spaniard was able to recover ground and catch up to Pogačar from behind during the climb, and Valdelinares will offer a new opportunity to see if that performance was a one-off or if he can really stay close to the leader.

Felix Gall, Primož Roglič, Richard Carapaz, and Oscar Onley form the next group of candidates. All have favorable terrain to try to consolidate positions in the general classification, although none can afford to wait too long if Pogačar accelerates again.

The breakaway may also have options if UAE decides not to take control. Lorenzo Fortunato, Santiago Buitrago, Jay Vine, Jarno Widar, or Jørgen Nordhagen are some of the names with more leeway to attempt it from afar.

With five climbs and almost 3,600 meters of ascent, Valdelinares will be another important day to confirm who can accompany Pogačar on the podium of La Vuelta 2026.