La Vuelta yields to the requests of the riders in the final stage and neutralizes the general classification 9.8 km from the finish

After the pressure from the Professional Cyclists Association (ACP), the organization of La Vuelta a España 2026 has confirmed a last-minute change for stage 21 in Granada. The times for the general classification will be neutralized at 9.8 kilometers from the finish line, before starting the final lap of the circuit. A decision that makes Enric Mas the virtual winner of La Vuelta. 

The general classification of La Vuelta will be frozen at 9.8 km from the finish

After more than a day of discussions between teams, riders, and the organization regarding the safety of the final circuit in Granada, Unipublic has confirmed the solution agreed upon with the UCI Commissaires' College.

The times for the general classification will be taken when the riders cross the finish line for the penultimate time, at 9.8 kilometers from the end. From that point on, any differences that may occur will no longer affect the general classification.

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The stage, however, will not be neutralized. The riders will continue to compete normally during the final lap and the victory in Granada will still be at stake, as well as the points for the points classification. Time bonuses at the finish will not affect the general classification.

The decision responds to complaints from some about a circuit that includes narrow roads, technical descents, delicate asphalt areas, and the partially cobbled climb to the Alhambra. Several riders had warned of the risk that a fall, a puncture, or a mechanical issue could decide a classification built over three weeks in just a few kilometers.

Enric Mas, virtual winner of La Vuelta a España 2026

The new regulation leaves Enric Mas as the virtual winner of La Vuelta 2026. The Mallorcan starts the final stage with 2:15 advantage over Primož Roglič and 2:44 over Felix Gall, so he will only need to reach the neutralization point at 9.8 kilometers from the finish while maintaining his position at the front of the general classification.

From that moment on, no attack, fall, or mechanical issue during the final lap can change the classification.

Mas is thus less than a stage away from confirming the most important victory of his career and bringing Spanish cycling its first triumph in La Vuelta since Alberto Contador in 2014.