'He's got that resilience' - Enric Mas stays out of trouble and on track at the Giro d'Italia with slow-burning GC bid

Enric Mas has embarked on his first Giro d’Italia campaign with cautious optimism, aiming to secure a podium finish in Rome. The Movistar rider, who has previously excelled in the Vuelta a España with four podiums, has kept a low profile following a challenging period marked by injury and recovery. After withdrawing from the Tour de France and undergoing surgery for thrombophlebitis, Mas has been quietly rebuilding form, and his consistent performance in the early stages of the Giro has reinforced Movistar’s belief in his general classification (GC) potential. Movistar’s co-director of racing, Matt White, emphasises Mas’s resilience and consistency as key strengths, especially in the gruelling third week of Grand Tours where many contenders falter. Currently positioned ninth overall and just seconds behind the leading group, Mas is well placed to challenge the likes of Jonas Vingegaard, Egan Bernal, and Jai Hindley, the three Grand Tour winners in the race. White notes that while Mas’s preparation was disrupted by injury and a subsequent setback, the rider has trained well and remains motivated to tackle the Giro’s unique challenges. Support for Mas is being carefully managed, with veteran Portuguese rider Nelson Oliveira acting as a trusted lieutenant on the flat stages, and climber Einer Rubio providing assistance in the mountains. Despite Rubio’s own strong Giro credentials, Movistar is clear that Mas is their sole protected rider and primary GC hope. This singular focus underlines the team’s confidence in Mas’s ability to navigate the race’s demanding terrain and tactical complexities, even as he adapts to the distinct style of the Giro compared to the Tour de France and Vuelta. One of the notable hurdles ahead for Mas will be the stage 10 time trial along the Tuscan coast, a discipline where he is expected to lose time to more proficient specialists. Sports director Max Sciandri acknowledges the challenge but remains pragmatic, aiming to limit losses and focus on the race in manageable sections rather than looking too far ahead. With the race’s pivotal moments anticipated on mountain stages such as the Blockhaus and Corno alle Scale, Mas’s endurance and tactical nous will be crucial as he seeks to convert his slow-burning GC bid into a strong overall result. As the Giro progresses, Mas’s journey will be closely watched by fans and rivals alike, with his resilience and experience in three-week races offering a solid foundation for success. While the race remains wide open, Movistar’s faith in their Spanish leader and his ability to endure the rigours of the Giro could yet see him emerge as a serious contender against the established Grand Tour champions.